Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations

The University of South Dakota (USD) invites proposals from qualified marketing and communications agencies interested in serving as a strategic partner to the university.
USD is seeking an agency partner that can help advance the university's enrollment, reputation, engagement and advancement goals using an integrated approach to marketing, communications and public relations. The selected agency will work closely with USD's Marketing & University Relations team to provide strategic counsel, market expertise, creative thinking and execution support that strengthens the university's visibility and impact.
The university is looking for a partner with expertise in higher education marketing, public relations, media strategy and integrated communications. Services will include strategic communications planning, media relations, media planning and buying, brand positioning, audience research, campaign development, performance measurement and other related activities that support university priorities.
The selected agency will collaborate with university leadership and campus partners to identify opportunities, develop strategic communications initiatives and deliver measurable results that support the university's mission and long-term goals.
USD intends to award a contract to the respondent whose proposal provides the best overall value to the university, considering qualifications, experience, strategic approach, demonstrated results and cost effectiveness.
Please see section 3.0 for a complete scope of services regarding this RFP.
The University of South Dakota is the flagship university of the State of South Dakota. Founded in 1862 in Vermillion, SD, USD enrolls around 10,000 students a year and maintains a satellite campus in Sioux Falls, SD. USD is an NCAA Division 1 school and is a member of the Summit League and Missouri Valley Football Conference. More information about the University is available here.
During the RFP process, from publication to final award, vendors are not permitted to contact any USD staff or faculty regarding this RFP, aside from the designated person of contact on the title page of this RFP, unless at the request of the USD designated contact, or to fulfill pre-existing contractual obligations. Violation of these conditions may constitute immediate disqualification.
Any reference to the University of South Dakota, USD, University, State, Agency, or State of South Dakota used in this RFP shall all mean the same.
Offerors may email inquiries concerning this RFP to obtain clarification of requirements. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities. Inquiries must be emailed to Chris Phillips at chris.phillips@usd.edu with the subject line "RFP # USD09082026".
The State will to respond to offeror's inquiries (if required) via e-mail. In addition, all inquiries and the State's response will be posted on the state's e-procurement system. Offerors may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFP. Offerors will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFP.