University Marketing and Communications Services

The University of South Dakota is seeking a strategic marketing and communications agency to provide integrated higher education marketing, public relations, media planning and buying, campaign development, and performance measurement services.

University of South Dakota


General
Open
26RFP-USD09082026
Oct 16, 2026 12:00 PM
Sep 08, 2026 01:50 PM
$100,000.00
2 years base + 1 × 1 year option
Request for Proposal (RFP)
State
Ask AI about this solicitation
Original Solicitation Links
Contact
chris.phillips@usd.edu
414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD, USA
Submission Instructions
Email
Description

The University of South Dakota is seeking a strategic agency partner to support enrollment, reputation, engagement, advancement, and institutional visibility through integrated marketing, communications, and public relations services. The scope includes communications strategy, strategic messaging, audience research, brand positioning, public relations and media relations, media monitoring, media planning and buying, advertising campaign optimization, content strategy, performance analysis, reporting, and related consulting services. Project-based creative and content support may also include copywriting, graphic design, video production, photography, and content creation. The anticipated annual agency retainer is approximately $100,000, with separate annual paid-media spending expected to range from $250,000 to $350,000. The selected agency must demonstrate comparable work, measurable results, higher education marketing experience, qualified personnel, and the ability to collaborate with the university's in-house team. The contract is for two years with an option for a one-year extension. Proposals must include the completed RFP form, an executive summary, a detailed response, and a cost proposal, and must address at least three comparable prior or current contracts.

Classification Codes
NAICS541820Public Relations Agencies
PSCR701Advertising Services
Smart Codes
public relations servicesmedia planning and buyinghigher education marketing
Specifications
Service Only
Timeline
Sep 4, 2026-RFP Publication
Sep 18, 2026-Offeror Questions Due
Sep 26, 2026-Responses to Offeror Questions
Oct 16, 2026-Proposal Submission Deadline
Oct 30, 2026-Anticipated Award Decision/Contract Negotiation
Requirements
Required
  • Commercial General Liability — $1,000,000.00
  • Professional Liability — $1,000,000.00
  • Business Automobile Liability — $1,000,000.00
  • Workers' Compensation
Scored
  • Minimum 3 references
  • Client point of contact required for each reference
No
Documents
TitleDate Posted
Marketing Communications and Public Relations RFPSep 08, 2026 01:48 PM
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