Apparel Rights for the Athletics Program: Sports Apparel - Equipment

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is conducting a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) for athletic apparel rights to support its NCAA Division III athletics program. The procurement seeks an exclusive vendor to supply apparel for 19 athletic teams across men's and women's programs, including sports such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, track and field, swimming, diving, wrestling, gymnastics, and golf. Proposers must submit a percentage discount off catalog prices and provide product credits or sponsorship amounts across the five-year contract term. The evaluation committee will award points based on multiple criteria including vendor experience, authorization status, Worker Rights Consortium Code of Conduct compliance, client references, licensing requirements, product catalogs, order process descriptions, and transition plans. Key procurement dates include a November 14, 2017 deadline for written questions, proposal submissions due November 20, 2017 at 3:00 PM CST, estimated vendor presentations the week of November 27, 2017, award notification anticipated on December 13, 2017, and a contract start date of January 2, 2018. The initial contract term is five years, with an option to renew for three additional one-year terms by mutual agreement.

The RFP includes provisions that offer preference to certified Minority Business Enterprises and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses, potentially providing a five percent weighting advantage in the evaluation process. Vendors must maintain $1,000,000 in commercial liability insurance with the University listed as an additional insured. Submission requirements include one original proposal with cost information, five identical copies without cost information, and one digital PDF copy, to be delivered to the UWSP Purchasing Department. The university does not guarantee minimum purchase quantities or dollar amounts, indicating flexibility in the potential contract value. Proposers must comply with specific delivery requirements, including FOB Destination delivery to campus locations Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. While no incumbent vendor is specifically mentioned, the RFP suggests that vendors should be prepared to provide comprehensive apparel solutions with the capability to outfit multiple sports teams across different disciplines.