Marketing RFP Issued By State of Illinois Public Institutions of Higher Education
The University of Illinois System is seeking proposals from qualified state relations firms with a presence in Illinois, to provide representation to our state government, on behalf of the University, for the period beginning with the contract commencement date (December 15, 2021 or upon last signature date of signed contract) through June 30, 2026 with one proposed renewal option of four (4) years (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2030).
Awarded respondents maybe required to provide services to any unit within the University of Illinois System. The preferred firms must have expertise relating to, and substantial experience in working with, institutions of higher education and with state agencies that sponsor academic research. The University will rely on the awardees to support efforts to engage with state policymakers to advocate for a robust state agenda. To be considered, Proposers must respond to each of the requirements listed in this solicitation (including all appendices and attachments if available) and per the Submittal Instructions. Responses should be formatted to correspond numerically to the requirements listed in in this solicitation, along with all attachments.
Scope of Work:
The University of Illinois (“The University”) seeks proposals from firms with a physical presence within the State of Illinois for government relations representation and marketing services. The Respondent must have substantial experience and expertise in working with higher education institutions, State of Illinois elected or appointed government officials and their staff, along with other State of Illinois agencies and their representatives.
It is imperative that awarded vendors meet with legislators in Springfield and throughout the state to foster strong relationships and promote the University and its endeavors to the offices and Staff of the Governor and the State Executive Branch. The State Executive Branch includes elected officials and their staff in the offices of the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Office of the Comptroller, and the Office of the State Treasurer.
The University is searching for experience firms who know the Illinois Legislative Process, have the ability to seek out legislative matters, identify, analyze, and interpret those matters, and to communicate with the University to strategize next steps for those legislative matters which may have an impact on the University. Awardees must understand the University and know its historical legislative agenda to exercise its best efforts to protect and defend against legislation opposed by the University which may be harmful to our future as a world class University.
The University requests government relations representation to advocate for and promote the University businesses, products, reputation, and interests. The provided service needs to enhance both the knowledge and expertise of University faculty, staff, and administrators with respect to various state programs and policy areas, and their competitiveness in obtaining crucial state support.
Due Date: Due Date: December 7,2021
Address:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only electronic proposals will be accepted. Respondents must hold an active registration on the Illinois Procurement Gateway and must submit their proposal through the ebidding portal on the Bulletin: http://www.procure.stateuniv.state.il.us
Solicitation Contact: Sarah Chronister Phone: 217-244-9921 University Name: University of Illinois SystemEmail: schronis@uillinois.edu
Relevant agencies to consider include Magrino PR and MWW PR.
