Promotional Items, Marketing Signage and Screen Printing

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is soliciting proposals for a comprehensive contract to provide promotional items, marketing signage, and screen printing services for university-wide use. The Request for Proposal (RFP) covers three primary categories: promotional items (including apparel, drinkware, tech accessories, and event giveaways), marketing signage (banners, flags, yard signs), and screen printing services. Vendors must be licensed by the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and adhere to UTD's specific branding guidelines, with a focus on producing high-quality, custom-branded merchandise. The contract will be effective for three years from the award date, with potential mutual consent renewals for up to two additional one-year terms. Key evaluation criteria include a 40-point cost proposal, 15 points for experience and qualifications, 10 points for proposal comprehensiveness, and 35 points for departmental needs related to turnaround time and product range. The solicitation was posted on September 10, 2025, with a question period running through September 17, 2025, and a final submission deadline of October 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM CDT. Proposals must be submitted through the Bonfire digital portal (https://utdallas.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/195117).

The RFP encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) and allows for potential extension to other University of Texas System institutions and government agencies through various Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), including TXMAS, BUYBOARD, E&I, DIR, and UT Alliance. Vendors can propose for one or multiple service categories, with the university seeking to establish a pool of qualified vendors. The solicitation includes provisions for small businesses and those certified under the Small Business Administration's Government-wide Procurement Preference Goaling Program. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the RFP suggests a significant potential contract value, with vendors expected to provide detailed pricing through a provided Excel spreadsheet including unit prices, setup costs, and catalog discounts. The university emphasizes the importance of competitive pricing, comprehensive product catalogs, and the ability to meet specific branding requirements, particularly focusing on UTD's specific color palette (UTD Green PMS 3435 and UTD Orange PMS 158). Vendors must demonstrate experience in higher education procurement, strong customer service, and the capability to provide a wide range of custom-branded promotional products.