Memo - ITN 25-02 Received Responses.pdf

This memorandum from the Florida Prepaid College Board confirms receipt of responses for Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) 25-02 for comprehensive advertising, digital marketing, partnerships, and public relations services. Nine respondents submitted timely proposals by the January 15, 2026, 12:00 PM (ET) deadline: Nexstar Media Group, Incorporated; Merit Mile, LLC; The Zimmerman Agency; Sachs Media; Moore Communications Group; Yes&; St John & Partners Advertising and Public Relations, Incorporated; Refuel Agency, Incorporated; and CCOM Group, Incorporated. The procurement encompasses two primary service components: (1) Advertising and Creative Services, Digital Marketing, and Social Media Services, and (2) Public Relations, Partnerships, and Events. The Board intends to award contracts to up to two firms for an initial three-year term from 2026 through 2029, with potential for three additional one-year extensions. Current contracts expire June 30, 2026.

One response was received after the 12:00 PM deadline and was deemed ineligible for consideration. Respondents were required to demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in the financial services industry, maintain an active Florida business presence, and meet specific financial thresholds of either $15 million in annual billings for advertising services or $5 million for public relations services. Evaluation criteria included organizational and strategic experience (400 points), work examples from January 1, 2022 onward (400 points), and pricing schedules (200 points), with up to five respondents selected for the shortlist. The combined marketing budgets for the Prepaid/Investment, ABLE United, and Foundation programs range from $22.5 million to $28.5 million annually, structured as retainer-based fees for core activities supplemented by additional passthrough or hourly rates for project-based work.