MiLEAP - OHE Marketing Solicitation

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), Office of Higher Education, is soliciting integrated marketing and advertising services under Direct Solicitation, with proposals due August 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time and questions due July 28, 2026. The contract carries consideration for qualified disabled veterans/service-disabled veteran-owned business (QDV/SDVOB) status and overall economic impact to Michigan, including principal place of performance and Michigan job creation.

The scope encompasses research, strategy, integrated communications planning, media planning and placement, creative and content development, stakeholder engagement, public relations, analytics, and portfolio management supporting OHE's fiscal year 2027 marketing initiatives, with potential continuation through fiscal year 2031. The initial project runs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

The anticipated budget for fiscal year 2027 is $8,000,000. Pricing is structured as a variable blended hourly rate for professional services (creative design, production, communications, marketing, research, implementation, and additional services) and tiered media placement agency commission percentages for media spend of $0–$500,000, $500,000.01–$1,000,000, and $1,000,000.01 and above. The contractor must pass on all cost reductions and is responsible for all subcontractor payments without waiting for State reimbursement. Travel, lodging, meal expenses, overtime, holiday pay, and other out-of-pocket expenses are not reimbursable. Event pricing must be proposed separately with no markup.

Technical evaluation is weighted at 100 points across nine criteria, with proposals scoring 80 or more points eligible for price evaluation. The State reserves the right to conduct facility tours, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks, and may negotiate on price, terms, and deliverables. A kick-off meeting must occur within 14 calendar days of award. Contracts of $250,000 or greater require State Administrative Board approval.