Notice of Intent to Award RFP 200000002444

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Grants and Purchasing issued RFP 200000002444 for fundraising and auction event management services on behalf of the Children's Trust Fund (CTF). The procurement sought a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive fundraising services and manage signature auction events for the organization. The RFP was posted on September 30, 2020, with proposals due on October 21, 2020. The contract term specified is three years with up to two one-year renewal options. Evaluation of the two responsive proposals was conducted by a committee of four voting members, including the CTF Director and Board Chair, using a 100-point technical scoring rubric that weighted product quality at 40 points, service capabilities at 20 points, vendor questions at 15 points, and prior experience at 25 points. Bidders were assessed based on their demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality fundraising products and services, manage complex auction events, and provide relevant experience in similar engagements.

Capitol Fundraising Associates was selected as the award recipient with a total technical score of 93 points and a proposed price of $6,000 per month, resulting in a total contract value of $216,000 over the three-year initial term. The competing bidder, Prues Hecker LLC, scored 83 points and proposed $10,500 per month for a total of $378,000, demonstrating Capitol Fundraising Associates' competitive advantage in both technical merit and cost-effectiveness. Both bidders met responsive and responsible vendor requirements; however, Capitol Fundraising Associates demonstrated superior technical performance, particularly in service capabilities and prior experience with similar work. The award recommendation was approved by the BGP Manager on November 21, 2020, and electronically signed by Suzanne Greenberg on December 2, 2020, with the award pending final State Administrative Board approval. Unsuccessful bidders were encouraged to schedule debriefing sessions with Solicitation Manager Mike Roesner to understand the State's evaluation methodology and scoring decisions. No specific set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendor information were detailed in the procurement documents.