Student Graduation Pictures - Addendum 1 Changes to the Bid Specifications

Northwestern State University's Purchasing Office has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Student Graduation Pictures services, seeking a professional photographer to capture individual student photographs during graduation ceremonies at two specific events: December 17-18, 2025 (Fall) and May 13-14, 2026 (Spring). The contract will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with potential extensions up to 36 months total. The photographer must capture images of students as they leave the stage or interact with the University President, positioned off-stage to minimize ceremony disruption. Required deliverables include high-quality 5x7 inch color photographs, color proofs mailed to graduates' homes at no cost with no purchase obligation, and a comprehensive price list detailing picture quantity options. The vendor must also submit documentation of camera equipment and provide references from at least three schools where similar services were performed in the past 24 months. Evaluation criteria will likely include the vendor's ability to meet technical specifications, provide non-disruptive service, and facilitate direct financial transactions with students. The proposal is due by June 24, 2025, and all contracts remain contingent upon appropriation of funds by the Louisiana state legislature.

The RFQ does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, suggesting the opportunity is open to professional photography vendors meeting the specified requirements. The university will receive a percentage of gross revenue from picture sales, creating a financial partnership with the selected vendor. No incumbent vendors are mentioned in the documentation. The contract requires the photographer to provide services at no cost to the university, with all monetary transactions occurring directly between the photographer and students. While no specific budget range is provided, the revenue-sharing model indicates potential financial opportunity for the selected vendor. The university explicitly states it will not endorse the vendor's services or allow its name to be used in advertising, maintaining a clear professional boundary. Vendors must demonstrate technical capability, professionalism, and the ability to conduct photographic services efficiently and unobtrusively during graduation ceremonies.