Memo ITN 25-02 Validation Summary – Shortlist.pdf

This memorandum from the Florida Prepaid College Board, dated March 24, 2026, documents the validation summary and shortlist results for Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) 25-02, a comprehensive procurement for advertising, digital marketing, partnerships, and public relations services. The ITN, issued by Leon County, Florida, through the Florida Prepaid College Board, seeks services covering the Florida Prepaid College Board, ABLE United, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation across two primary components: (1) Advertising and Creative Services, Digital Marketing, and Social Media Services, and (2) Public Relations, Partnerships, and Events. Following the validation phase, seven firms have been shortlisted to advance to the next negotiation phase: St John, CCOM Group, Zimmerman Agency, Refuel Public Relations, Moore, and Sachs Media. The full responses were originally due January 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM (ET). The Board intends to award contracts to up to two firms with an initial three-year term from 2026 through 2029, with the potential for three additional one-year extensions.

Respondents must 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 $15 million in annual billings for advertising services or $5 million for public relations services. Evaluation was conducted using a 1,000-point system across organizational and strategic experience (400 points), work examples (400 points), and pricing schedule (200 points). The combined marketing budgets for the programs range from $22.5 million to $28.5 million annually, with services structured as retainer-based fees for core activities and additional passthrough or hourly rates for project-based work. The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must provide a designated Contract Manager who will attend quarterly Board meetings, participate in monthly conference calls, and meet with executive leadership, with monthly invoicing subject to Board approval and potential withholding of up to 50 percent of invoices for nonperformance.