Notice of Intent to Award for RFP 260000000351

The State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management, & Budget's Procurement Office issued RFP 260000000351 on January 8, 2026, to procure comprehensive statewide marketing and advertising services. The RFP solicited proposals from qualified contractors capable of developing and executing strategically sound marketing solutions across multiple channels and platforms. The procurement process followed a two-step evaluation methodology: bidders were first assessed on their Statement of Work responses and vendor questionnaires, with a minimum threshold score of 168 points required to advance to the second phase, and seven qualified bidders subsequently participated in oral presentations before a Joint Evaluation Committee lasting no longer than three hours each. Evaluation criteria included the strength of proposed strategy and approach, creative capability, relevant experience, past performance, and acceptance of contract terms. The proposal submission deadline was February 13, 2026, with 16 bidders responding to the solicitation. The contract term spans three years with up to two renewal options available. Initial pricing evaluations revealed blended hourly rates ranging from $118 to $160 per hour, with media placement agency fee commissions varying by spending tier, and six of the seven qualified bidders subsequently submitted revised pricing proposals with reduced rates.

Seven contractors were recommended for award in equal amounts of $3,000,000 each: Brogan & Partners Advertising Consultancy, Inc.; Gud Marketing, Inc.; King Media, Inc.; Lambert Global LLC; Michigan Blueprint Strategies dba Change Media; Nove Communications, Inc. dba LKF Marketing; and Simons-Michaelson-Zieve, Inc. The Notice of Intent to Award was issued on April 30, 2026, pending State Administrative Board approval, with a response deadline of May 14, 2026. The award recommendation was based on best value determinations considering the quality and comprehensiveness of each bidder's proposed approach and strategic recommendations. Unsuccessful bidders were provided the opportunity to schedule debriefing sessions with Solicitation Manager Marissa Gove to receive detailed feedback regarding the State's rationale for non-award. The RFP documentation does not indicate specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises, incumbent contractors, or technology integration requirements specific to existing state infrastructure.