Advertising, Digital Marketing, Partnerships and Public Relations Services

Leon County, Florida, through the Florida Prepaid College Board, is issuing Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) 25-02 for comprehensive advertising, digital marketing, partnerships, and public relations services covering the Florida Prepaid College Board, ABLE United, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. The procurement is divided into two primary components: (1) Advertising and Creative Services, Digital Marketing, and Social Media Services, and (2) Public Relations, Partnerships, and Events. Respondents must possess a minimum of five years of experience in the financial services industry, maintain an active Florida business presence, and meet specific financial thresholds: $15 million in annual billings for advertising services or $5 million for public relations services. The solicitation requires detailed work examples from January 1, 2022 onward, encompassing advertising campaigns, digital marketing projects, social media initiatives, public relations efforts, strategic partnerships, and community engagement programs. Evaluation will be conducted using a 1,000-point system across organizational and strategic experience (400 points), work examples (400 points), and pricing schedule (200 points), with up to five respondents selected for the shortlist. Key deadlines include a written request for clarification due by December 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM (ET), and full responses due January 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM (ET).

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The combined marketing budgets for the Prepaid/Investment, ABLE United, and Foundation 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 Board intends to award contracts to up to two firms, with an initial three-year contract term from 2026 through 2029, and the potential for three additional one-year extensions. Contractors must provide a designated Contract Manager who will attend quarterly Board meetings, participate in monthly conference calls, and meet with executive leadership. The contract includes provisions for monthly invoicing, Board approval for expense incurrals, and potential withholding of up to 50 percent of invoices for nonperformance. Subcontractors will require prior written Board approval, and broadcast media and print production charges must be supported by competitive bids from at least two companies unless otherwise approved.