Promotional Products Preferred Vendor

Auburn University is seeking sealed proposals from qualified promotional product suppliers to establish non-exclusive preferred vendor relationships for campus units. The procurement seeks up to fifteen (15) promotional product suppliers who will provide products using Chart A university funds, with an initial three-year contract term and potential for two one-year renewals. Suppliers must be licensed through the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and adhere to Auburn's trademark and licensing policies, carrying a minimum of $1 million in general product liability insurance. Key deliverables include providing quotes for orders, attending business review meetings, and reporting on total dollars spent, supply chain issues, and product costs. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was posted on April 22, 2025, with proposals due by 10:30 AM CDT on May 21, 2025. Selected suppliers will be listed on the university's licensing website and subject to annual performance reviews, with potential contract cancellation if performance is unsatisfactory.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Suppliers will be required to pay an annual licensing rights fee of $3,000, with additional fees for those awarded apparel rights. While no minimum spend is guaranteed, historical spending data indicates that university departments and organizations have spent approximately $12.1 million on promotional products and apparel between July 2021 and February 2025. Successful suppliers must attend an annual vendor fair, participate in licensee training, and submit quarterly and annual review documents to maintain their preferred status. The university currently maintains relationships with approximately 500 licensees producing branded products, and any department ordering promotional items must obtain three quotes from preferred suppliers unless a national cooperative contract exists. The Office of Trademark Management & Licensing will oversee quarterly reporting for all Internal Campus Suppliers (ICS) licensees.