1201-26-R-RFPR-00001-V03

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), Office of Child Nutrition, is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a media campaign supporting the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for fiscal year 2026. The solicitation seeks a qualified vendor to develop and implement a comprehensive media strategy aimed at increasing parental awareness of summer feeding sites for children aged 18 and under in low-income areas during the school summer break. Key deliverables include a preliminary media coverage plan incorporating at least two media types such as radio/television spots, mobile advertising, social media, or digital billboards, along with a detailed targeting analysis of high-need counties using NSLP and SFSP data. The proposal must include media saturation planning, performance measurement reporting by September 1, and a breakdown of staff services versus media buy expenses. The RFP requires submission by Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time, with an anticipated contract effective date of March 6, 2026. Evaluation will follow a two-phase process: a compliance review of mandatory requirements, followed by scoring on Plan of Action (35%), Management (25%), and Price (40%).

The contract will be awarded for five consecutive years, with annual performance reviews determining continuation. Minimum qualifications include registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State, demonstrable technology and marketing experience, social media management capabilities, and design program proficiency. Vendors must provide at least three client references, including government entities, and must operate within the United States with verified non-debarred status for federal fund recipients. The total annual budget is capped at $48,000.00, covering both advertisement costs and staff services, with a requirement for a fixed fee for planning and strategy execution. A performance bond of 100% of the annual contract amount is mandatory within ten days of contract execution. Vendors must comply with Mississippi Standard Terms and Conditions, equal opportunity employment policies, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The final award is contingent upon approval by the State Board of Education and the Public Procurement Review Board, subject to state and federal appropriations.