RFP FDC-1264

James Madison University's Office of Procurement Services is requesting proposals for collection services on behalf of its student accounts under RFP FDC-1264, with proposals due September 17, 2026 (extended from September 2 via Addendum #2 posted September 8). This is a multi-award contract with an undetermined number of awardees. JMU has established a goal to select vendors that support small business and SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned business) objectives consistent with the Commonwealth's 42 percent small business purchasing target, though bidder location will not influence award decisions.

The scope encompasses collection services for student accounts in two placement categories: First Placement accounts (currently $853,989.48 across 240 accounts, averaging $2,900 per account, ages 4–6 months old) and Second Placement accounts (currently $355,149.51 across 64 accounts, averaging $3,300 per account). Based on 2025 quarterly averages, JMU anticipates placing approximately 67 first placement accounts and 35 second placement accounts monthly or quarterly with selected vendors. Vendors must integrate with JMU's PeopleSoft Student Administration system, provide their own PCI-compliant credit card processing solutions compatible with Illumia's Transact/CashNet product, and support digital communications (SMS and email) with university approval. The current fee structure is 20 percent on all accounts (last year's payments totaled $27,342.54), but JMU is open to alternative fee models; vendors may propose fees specific to first placements, second placements, and third placements.

The anticipated contract go-live date is before January 13, 2027, when current contracts expire. The incumbent vendors are Todd, Bremer and Lawson and Williams & Fudge. Addendum #3, posted September 8, modifies specific terms and conditions, addresses bidder inquiries, and clarifies pricing structures, reporting requirements, and operational procedures; vendors must acknowledge receipt and incorporation of all addenda in their proposals.