Memo - ITN 25-02 Received Responses.pdf

This memorandum from the Florida Prepaid College Board documents the receipt of responses for Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) 25-02, which solicits comprehensive advertising, digital marketing, partnerships, and public relations services for the Florida Prepaid College Board, ABLE United, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. The ITN comprises two primary service components: (1) Advertising and Creative Services, Digital Marketing, and Social Media Services, and (2) Public Relations, Partnerships, and Events. Responses were due January 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM (ET). Nine compliant responses were received from 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. One late submission was rejected. The contract term runs from 2026 through 2029 with potential for three additional one-year extensions, with up to two firms expected to be selected for award following evaluation using a 1,000-point system.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in the financial services industry, maintain active Florida business presence, and meet specific financial thresholds of $15 million in annual billings for advertising services or $5 million for public relations services. The combined annual marketing budgets range from $22.5 million to $28.5 million, with compensation structured as retainer-based fees for core activities and additional passthrough or hourly rates for project-based work. Evaluation criteria allocate 400 points each to organizational and strategic experience and work examples, with 200 points assigned to pricing. The ITN contains no explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must provide a designated Contract Manager for quarterly Board meetings, monthly conference calls, and executive leadership engagement, with invoicing subject to monthly Board approval and potential withholding of up to 50 percent for nonperformance. Subcontractors require prior written Board approval, and broadcast media and print production charges must be supported by competitive bids from at least two vendors unless otherwise approved.