Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Search Firm

Western Colorado University (WCU) is seeking proposals from professional search firms to assist in the recruitment of a new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs (Provost/VPAA). The solicitation, identified as Bid No. WCU-5497, requires a search firm with extensive experience in higher education executive searches, specifically for academic affairs positions. Mandatory qualifications include having completed at least three successful senior-level searches for higher education clients within the past five years. The search firm will be responsible for comprehensive recruitment tasks, including refining the leadership profile, advertising the position, building a diverse candidate pool, developing screening instruments, coordinating interviews, conducting background checks, and providing ongoing selection process support. Proposals are due on October 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST/MDST, with an anticipated contract term from November 21, 2025, to May 21, 2026, and the ultimate goal of completing the search and making a hiring recommendation by July 1, 2026. Evaluation criteria will focus on proposal completeness, capability and experience with higher education searches, personnel qualifications, timeline adherence, and overall service fees.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The cost proposal must be a firm, fixed-price that incorporates all expenses, including travel, lodging, and communication costs, with the university recommending that general overhead expenses be included in the base fee. The contract is subject to the availability of state and/or federal funding, and WCU reserves the right to terminate the contract if sufficient funds are not secured. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the university seeks a search firm with a proven track record in higher education executive recruitment. The solicitation does not provide a specific budget range or award value, but requires a comprehensive, all-inclusive pricing approach. Potential respondents should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise in conducting complex, high-level academic leadership searches with a focus on identifying and attracting top-tier candidates for the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs position.