RFP-730-UofH-3075 Public Art Publicist Serch FY26

The University of Houston is seeking a professional art publicist or firm to develop and execute a comprehensive global marketing and communications strategy for a new public art piece commissioned to commemorate the university's 2027 centennial. This Request for Proposal (RFP-730-UofH-3075) is for a public art publicist search for fiscal year 2026, targeting an experienced vendor capable of creating a strategic communication approach. The RFP was posted on November 5, 2025, with proposals due by November 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST, and a required pre-proposal meeting is part of the solicitation process. The Q&A period for potential bidders closes on November 14, 2025 at 12:00 AM CST. The project will be managed by Lisa Holdeman from the University Marketing & Communications Division, with the expectation that the selected vendor will provide comprehensive marketing services specifically tailored to promoting the new public art installation. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the document, the procurement will use a sealed bid process with confidential pricing and does not include automatic scoring.

The RFP does not explicitly indicate any set-aside designations for disadvantaged businesses or specific restrictions on respondent types. The contract term is three years with potential renewal extension options, and the estimated total contract value is under $1 million, which does not require Board of Regents approval. Funding will come from local sources, and no federal funds are involved in the procurement. The project uses business unit UH-730 with expense account code 53857 and cost center 2064/H0039/F3738/NA. A current contract for similar services exists, though specific details about the incumbent vendor are not provided. The university's project manager will conduct vendor reference checks as part of the selection process. Interested vendors can obtain additional information by contacting Lisa Holdeman at lkholdem@Central.UH.EDU.