Montana State University - Wraps, Visual Aesthetics and Signage

Montana State University (MSU) is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP) numbered MSU-RFP-25-13 to procure comprehensive wrap design, fabrication, and installation services for various campus surfaces including vehicles, walls, windows, equipment, stairs, elevators, and mesh fences. The solicitation seeks a contractor capable of producing innovative visual aesthetics and signage that adheres to MSU's branding guidelines, with specific project scenarios including wrapping a campus shuttle bus, a Strand Union Building window, a fabric banner, and coffee urns. The evaluation process will allocate 1,000 total points, with 300 points for project scope, 400 points for offeror qualifications, and 300 points for cost proposal, plus potential bonus points for Equal Pay for Montana Women compliance. The RFP is open from April 22, 2025, at 8:00 AM MDT to May 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM MDT, during which time potential vendors must submit detailed proposals demonstrating design capabilities, operational strategies, and marketing approaches. Bidders are required to provide references, work plans, financial stability documentation, specialized certifications, an online portfolio, and itemized quotes for each project scenario, with evaluations considering management strategies, creativity, and understanding of university objectives.

The contract will be a non-exclusive agreement with an initial term through May 31, 2028, potentially renewable up to seven total years. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP emphasizes a commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. The vendor must maintain $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate commercial general liability insurance. Pricing requirements include detailed hourly rates for installation and design work, minimum design fees, potential rush charges, and removal fees, with the expectation that the awarded vendor will handle the majority of campus wrap and signage services. The solicitation does not specify a precise budget range or total contract value, but requires comprehensive pricing breakdowns for design, production, and installation across multiple project scenarios. Invoicing will be processed through SmartBuyMSU's online platform, with specific requirements for purchase order referencing and invoice submission. The university prioritizes a vendor that can provide environmentally conscious solutions, maintain responsive customer support, and demonstrate the ability to create durable installations capable of withstanding high student traffic and extreme weather conditions.