9280-26-R-IFBD-00049

The University of Southern Mississippi issued Request for Proposals (RFP) 9280-26-R-IFBD-00049 for design, engineering, fabrication, and installation services for comprehensive stadium signage at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Greene County, Mississippi. The procurement encompasses five primary signage elements: Highway 49 facing signage with backlit branding, a North End Zone videoboard windscreen replacement with co-branded signage, South End Zone suite level ring installation with Ring of Honor relocation, gate signage at primary entrances (Gates 3 and 6), and an optional premium entry activation element. Qualified vendors must provide creative design concepts, structural engineering, material recommendations, full fabrication, and complete installation services, with all signage required to be installed and operational prior to the first home football game on September 5, 2026. Sealed proposals must be received by 2:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Bond Hall, Room 214, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Vendors must submit one signed original, two copies, and one electronic version on a virus-free USB drive, including company overview and relevant experience, portfolio of comparable projects, conceptual design approaches, preliminary material and illumination recommendations, estimated project timelines, and budgetary ranges by signage element. Evaluation criteria include relevant experience and past performance, creativity and design approach, technical expertise and feasibility, timeline capability, and overall value and cost-efficiency. Vendor selection is estimated for mid-June 2026, with project kickoff occurring upon execution of the naming rights agreement.

The RFP does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting eligible respondents based on disadvantaged enterprise classifications. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are listed for this new stadium signage project. The University will be responsible for running all required electrical infrastructure based on mutually agreed specifications with the selected vendor, requiring coordination of comprehensive electrical requirements. The University's standard payment terms are 2% discount if paid within ten days or net 45 days, with cash terms not serving as a basis for contract award. Construction bids require submission of either a Certificate of Responsibility or a statement that the bid does not exceed fifty thousand dollars. The RFP does not specify a total project budget or award value; instead, proposals must include budgetary ranges for each of the five signage elements, allowing the University to evaluate cost-efficiency on a line-by-line or all-or-none basis. The University reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals.