Capital Campaign

Texas Southern University (TSU) is seeking professional services for a comprehensive Capital Campaign Fundraising Initiative through Request for Proposals (RFP #717-25-716). The procurement aims to secure a consulting firm to support a $250 million fundraising campaign with specific objectives including campaign planning, donor identification, communications strategy, leadership engagement, and donor stewardship services. Key deliverables include identifying 500 potential major gift prospects, achieving 20% digital engagement rates within six months, and generating at least $1 million through alumni peer-to-peer fundraising. The RFP evaluation criteria will assess vendors across five weighted categories: Experience (15%), Qualifications (25%), Management of Security Staff (25%), Price List (30%), and References (5%). Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. Central Time on March 6, 2025, with an initial two-year contract term and potential annual renewals. The university's long-term strategic goals include growing student enrollment to 10,000, reaching a $125 million endowment, securing $50 million in research awards by 2025, and expanding to three branch campuses by 2032.

The solicitation includes a mandatory Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting goal of 22% participation, which suggests a strong commitment to diversity in vendor selection. While specific incumbent vendors are not mentioned, the RFP indicates preferences for Texas-produced supplies, agricultural products, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and recycled/energy-efficient products. The procurement aligns with Section 2.38 of the State of Texas Procurement Manual, which provides guidelines for various business preference categories. Although a precise budget range is not explicitly stated, the $250 million campaign target suggests significant potential contract value for the selected consulting firm. The university's terms and conditions include standard government contract provisions such as tax-exempt status, net 30-day payment terms, and requirements for bid pricing to remain firm for 90 days from the bid opening date. Potential respondents should carefully review the comprehensive terms and conditions document to ensure full compliance with TSU's procurement requirements.