Affinity Debit Card Partnership

George Mason University is seeking proposals for an Affinity Debit Card Partnership through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The solicitation aims to establish a contract with a qualified banking institution to provide comprehensive financial services including checking accounts, debit cards, credit cards, and transaction services for the university's community. The target audience includes 40,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and 200,000 alumni, with a preference for a customizable card solution co-branded with George Mason University Marks. Proposals are due on September 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, with questions accepted through Mason's Bonfire Portal until August 11, 2025. The initial contract term is one year with four potential one-year renewals. Evaluation criteria will be based on a 100-point system, with the highest weight (35 points) given to proposed revenue, followed by qualifications and experience (20 points), specific methodology (20 points), product quality (15 points), and Small, Minority, and Women-owned Business (SWaM) certification (10 points).

The RFP includes provisions for small business participation, with a specific focus on subcontracting opportunities for DSBSD-certified small businesses, including women-owned, minority-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Vendors must complete a Small Business Subcontracting Plan detailing their intentions for utilizing certified small businesses. The university requires the selected vendor to comply with PCI Data Security Standards and provide full-color card designs. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the RFP emphasizes the expectation of a revenue source through royalty payments, signing bonuses, or sponsorships/scholarships. The procurement process is open to various banking institutions, with no explicit restrictions beyond the standard non-discrimination clauses protecting faith-based organizations and ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. Proposers must submit all documentation electronically through the Bonfire Portal, with the option to either fully accept Mason's standard contract or propose modifications.