RFQ 2026-088 Marketing & Community Engagement Services

Agency:	University of Maine
State:	Maine
Type of Government:	State & Local
NAICS Category:	541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services 541613 - Marketing Consulting Services
Posted Date:	Mar 25, 2026
Due Date:	Mar 31, 2026
Solicitation No:	2026-088
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Administered by University of Maine System

Office of Strategic Procurement

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

SUBMISSION FORM PACKAGE

Marketing & Community Engagement Services

RFQ# 2026-088

Issued Date: March 19, 2026

Response Deadline Date/Time: March 24, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST

Response Submission and Inquiry Information:

Submitted electronically to UMSResponses@maine.edu

Email Subject Line - RC: Marketing & Community Engagement Services - RFQ#2026-088

Response Contact Information:

Email: UMSResponses@maine.edu

INSTRUCTIONS

Response Format Instructions

This section contains instructions for Respondents to use in preparing their response. The Respondent's submission must follow the outline used below, including the numbering of section and sub-section headings. Failure to use the outline specified in this section or to respond to all questions and instructions throughout this document may result in the response being disqualified as non-responsive or receiving a reduced score.

The University and its evaluation team for this document have sole discretion to determine whether a variance from the document specifications should result in either disqualification or reduction in scoring of a response.

Re-phrasing of the content provided in this document will, at best, be considered minimally responsive. The University seeks detailed yet succinct responses that demonstrate the Respondent's experience and ability to perform the requirements specified throughout this document.

Section 1 - Response Cover Page

Label this response - Section 1 - UMS Response Cover Page

Insert Appendix A - University of Maine System Response Cover Page

Insert Appendix B - Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification

Section 2 - Response to Questions

Label this response - Section 2 - Organization, Qualifications, Experience and References

Insert Appendix C - Evaluation Question(s) - Organization, Qualifications, Experience and References

Section 3 - Master Agreement

Label this response - Section 3 - Master Agreement

Insert Appendix D1 - Master Agreement

SECTION 1

Appendix A - University of Maine System Response Cover Page

RFQ # 2026-088

Marketing & Community Engagement Services

This pricing structure contained herein will remain firm for a period of 90 days from the date and time of the quote deadline date.

No personnel currently employed by the University or any other University agency participated, either directly or indirectly, in any activities relating to the preparation of the Respondent's response.

No attempt has been made or will be made by the Respondent to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a response.

The undersigned is authorized to enter into contractual obligations on behalf of the above-named organization.

By submitting a response to a Request for Proposal, bid or other offer to do business with the University your entity understands and agrees that:

The Agreement provisions in Section 1.2.1.2 of this document will not be modified and are thereby incorporated into any agreement entered into between University and your entity; that such terms and condition shall control in the event of any conflict with such agreement; and that your entity will not propose or demand any contrary terms;

The above Agreement provisions in Section 1.2.1.2 of this document will govern the interpretation of such agreement notwithstanding the expression of any other term and/or condition to the contrary;

Your entity agrees that the resulting Agreement will be the entire agreement between the University (including University's employees and other End Users) and Respondent and in the event that the Respondent requires terms of use agreements or other agreements, policies or understanding, whether on an order form, invoice, website, electronic, click-through, verbal or in writing, with University's employees or other End Users, such agreements shall be null, void and without effect, and the terms of the Agreement shall apply.

Your entity will identify at the time of submission which, if any, portion or your submitted materials are entitled to ''trade secret" exemption from disclosure under Maine's Freedom of Access Act; that failure to so identify will authorize UMS to conclude that no portions are so exempt; and that your entity will defend, indemnify and hold harmless UMS in any and all legal actions that seek to compel UMS to disclose under Maine's Freedom of Access Act some or all of your submitted materials and/or contract, if any, executed between UMS and your entity.

To the best of my knowledge all information provided in the enclosed response, both programmatic and financial, is complete and accurate at the time of submission.

Date: ______________________________________

__________________________________________ ______________________________________

Name and Title (Printed) Authorized Signature

Appendix B - Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification

University of Maine System

DEBARMENT, PERFORMANCE and NON-COLLUSION CERTIFICATION

RFQ # 2026-088

Marketing & Community Engagement Services

By signing this document, I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the aforementioned organization, its principals and any subcontractors named in this proposal:

Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, and declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from bidding or working on contracts issued by any governmental agency.

Have not within three years of submitting the proposal for this contract been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for:

Fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a federal, state or local government transaction or contract.

Violating Federal or State antitrust statutes or committing embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or Local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (b) of this certification; and

Have not within a three (3) year period preceding this proposal had one or more federal, state or local government transactions terminated for cause or default.

Have not entered into a prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a response for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or services and this proposal is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. The above mentioned entities understand and agree that collusive bidding is a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards.

Failure to provide this certification may result in the disqualification of the Respondent's proposal, at the University's discretion.

Date: ______________________________________

__________________________________________ ______________________________________

Name and Title (Printed) Authorized Signature

SECTION 2

Appendix C - Organization, Qualifications, Experience and References

Respondent's Organization Name: ________________________________________________

INSTRUCTIONS: Respondents shall ensure that all information required herein is submitted with the response. All information provided should be verifiable by documentation requested by the University. Failure to provide all information, inaccuracy or misstatement may be sufficient cause for rejection of the response or rescission of an award.

Submission Sections

Provide a statement describing your company to include name, number of employees, locations, number of years in business, number of years offering/supporting the required services.

Describe your experience offering a solution for the business requirements identified in this document within higher education. Provide a client list that includes any and all higher education clients.

Please identify your capabilities and actual experience and expertise in the following:

The University of Maine System acting on behalf of University of Southern Maine (USM) seeks to engage qualified partners to support the development, activation, and management of strategic brand and community engagement initiative for athletic and professional sport organization(s). The goal of the partnership is to enhance organizational visibility, deepen community connections, and create high-impact experiences for students, stakeholders, and the broader public.

Initiatives may include prominent brand integration across multiple assets, coordinated participation in key launch events, collaborative merchandising opportunities, and access to premium experiential offerings. Additionally, the partnership may create new pathways for hands-on learning in areas such as sports business, media, event operations, marketing, and community outreach, advancing institutional goals related to engagement, experiential education, and public impact.

To maximize the value of this partnership, the selected firm will provide comprehensive support in brand strategy, project coordination, merchandise and retail integration, community engagement, and the development of student and stakeholder experiences. The partner will also deliver structured reporting and evaluation to measure impact, ensure alignment with strategic priorities, and optimize annual return on investment.

Experienced partner capable of delivering the expertise and oversight required to activate a high-visibility collaboration that strengthens institutional pride, enhances recruitment and retention efforts, and aligns the organization with one of the region's most dynamic and culturally resonant sports and entertainment platforms.

INSTRUCTIONS: Provide a minimum of three (3) current professional references who may be contacted for verification of the Respondent's professional qualifications to meet the requirements set forth herein. We strongly prefer references from higher education institutions similar in size and requirements to the University of Maine System.

We request that the references include one long-standing customer (minimum of 3 year engagement) and one new customer (one who has been engaged with Respondent for less than one year).

SECTION 3

Appendix D1 - Evaluation Question(s) - Master Agreement

This portion of the RFP contains special terms and conditions which will govern the resulting agreement, many of which are stated in RFP Section 1.2, with more detail in RFP Appendix D. Please indicate your acceptance for each special term by "X' in the Agree or Disagree column.

Should you take exception to any of these special terms and conditions you are required to note your exception directly below each of the respective terms in question. It should be noted that any exceptions may result in the disqualification of your proposal, lack of providing the required response or indicating terms will be negotiated post award will result in a zero (0) score for the Master Agreement evaluation criteria in RFP Section 2.1.1.

Organization Name:
Chief Executive - Name/Title:
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
Headquarters Street Address:
Headquarters City/State/Zip:
Lead Point of Contact for Quote - Name/Title:
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
Street Address:
City/State/Zip:

REFERENCE #1	REFERENCE #1
Institution/Company Name
Contact Name
Contact Title
Contact Phone Number
Contact eMail Address
Relationship Length

REFERENCE #2	REFERENCE #2
Institution/Company Name
Contact Name
Contact Title
Contact Phone Number
Contact eMail Address
Relationship Length

REFERENCE #3	REFERENCE #3
Institution/Company Name
Contact Name
Contact Title
Contact Phone Number
Contact eMail Address
Relationship Length

REFERENCE #4	REFERENCE #4
Institution/Company Name
Contact Name
Contact Title
Contact Phone Number
Contact eMail Address
Relationship Length

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Section 2 Requirement: Term	Section 2 Requirement: Term	Section 2 Requirement: Term
	Term	This Agreement shall commence on ______________________ and shall terminate on __________________, unless terminated earlier as provided in this Contract with option for additional renewals upon the parties' mutual written agreement.	This Agreement shall commence on ______________________ and shall terminate on __________________, unless terminated earlier as provided in this Contract with option for additional renewals upon the parties' mutual written agreement.	This Agreement shall commence on ______________________ and shall terminate on __________________, unless terminated earlier as provided in this Contract with option for additional renewals upon the parties' mutual written agreement.
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Section 4 Requirement: Termination	Section 4 Requirement: Termination	Section 4 Requirement: Termination
	Termination	The Agreement may be terminated by the University in whole, or in part, whenever for any reason the University shall determine that such termination is in the best interest of the University. Any such termination shall be affected by delivery to the Agreement or of a Notice of Termination specifying the extent to which performance of the Agreement is terminated and the date on which such termination becomes effective. The University shall pay all allowable costs incurred up to the effective date of termination. However, the Agreement or shall not be reimbursed for any costs incurred after the effective date of termination.	The Agreement may be terminated by the University in whole, or in part, whenever for any reason the University shall determine that such termination is in the best interest of the University. Any such termination shall be affected by delivery to the Agreement or of a Notice of Termination specifying the extent to which performance of the Agreement is terminated and the date on which such termination becomes effective. The University shall pay all allowable costs incurred up to the effective date of termination. However, the Agreement or shall not be reimbursed for any costs incurred after the effective date of termination.	The Agreement may be terminated by the University in whole, or in part, whenever for any reason the University shall determine that such termination is in the best interest of the University. Any such termination shall be affected by delivery to the Agreement or of a Notice of Termination specifying the extent to which performance of the Agreement is terminated and the date on which such termination becomes effective. The University shall pay all allowable costs incurred up to the effective date of termination. However, the Agreement or shall not be reimbursed for any costs incurred after the effective date of termination.
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Section 5 Requirement: Obligations Upon Termination	Section 5 Requirement: Obligations Upon Termination	Section 5 Requirement: Obligations Upon Termination
	Obligations Upon Termination	Any materials produced in performance of this agreement are the property of the University and shall be turned over to the University upon request. The University shall pay the Agreement or for all services performed to the effective date of termination subject to offset of sums owed by the Agreement or to the University.	Any materials produced in performance of this agreement are the property of the University and shall be turned over to the University upon request. The University shall pay the Agreement or for all services performed to the effective date of termination subject to offset of sums owed by the Agreement or to the University.	Any materials produced in performance of this agreement are the property of the University and shall be turned over to the University upon request. The University shall pay the Agreement or for all services performed to the effective date of termination subject to offset of sums owed by the Agreement or to the University.
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference (RFP Section 3.0)	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Section 6 Requirement: Agree to termination language that excludes option for termination for reasons of non-appropriation.	Section 6 Requirement: Agree to termination language that excludes option for termination for reasons of non-appropriation.	Section 6 Requirement: Agree to termination language that excludes option for termination for reasons of non-appropriation.
	Non-Appropriation	Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the University is not appropriated sufficient funds to pay for the work to be performed under this Agreement or if funds are de-appropriated, then the University is not obligated to make payment under this Agreement.	Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the University is not appropriated sufficient funds to pay for the work to be performed under this Agreement or if funds are de-appropriated, then the University is not obligated to make payment under this Agreement.	Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the University is not appropriated sufficient funds to pay for the work to be performed under this Agreement or if funds are de-appropriated, then the University is not obligated to make payment under this Agreement.
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Section 8 Requirement: Modification	Section 8 Requirement: Modification	Section 8 Requirement: Modification
	Modification	This Agreement may be modified or amended only in a writing signed by both parties.	This Agreement may be modified or amended only in a writing signed by both parties.	This Agreement may be modified or amended only in a writing signed by both parties.
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Section 10 Requirement: Applicable Law	Section 10 Requirement: Applicable Law	Section 10 Requirement: Applicable Law
	Applicable Law	This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Maine	This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Maine	This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Maine
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Section 13 Requirement: Indemnification	Section 13 Requirement: Indemnification	Section 13 Requirement: Indemnification
	Applicable Law	This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Maine. This includes Maine Tort Claims Act (14 M.R.S.A. '8101, et seq.).	This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Maine. This includes Maine Tort Claims Act (14 M.R.S.A. '8101, et seq.).	This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Maine. This includes Maine Tort Claims Act (14 M.R.S.A. '8101, et seq.).
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Section 17 Requirement: Entire Agreement	Section 17 Requirement: Entire Agreement	Section 17 Requirement: Entire Agreement
	Entire Agreement	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties on the subject matter hereof and replaces and supersedes all prior agreements on the subject, whether oral or written, express or implied. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the University (including University's employees and other End Users) and Contractor. In the event that Contractor enters into terms of use agreements or other agreements, policies or understandings, whether on Contractor's purchase order, website, electronic, click-through, verbal or in writing, with University's employees or other End Users, such agreements shall be null, void and without effect, and the terms of this Contract shall apply. University will not be bound to any other terms and conditions set forth in any documents, agreements or policies posted on Contractor's website unless such terms and conditions are set forth in this Agreement. Contractor may not unilaterally change any term or condition of this Agreement.	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties on the subject matter hereof and replaces and supersedes all prior agreements on the subject, whether oral or written, express or implied. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the University (including University's employees and other End Users) and Contractor. In the event that Contractor enters into terms of use agreements or other agreements, policies or understandings, whether on Contractor's purchase order, website, electronic, click-through, verbal or in writing, with University's employees or other End Users, such agreements shall be null, void and without effect, and the terms of this Contract shall apply. University will not be bound to any other terms and conditions set forth in any documents, agreements or policies posted on Contractor's website unless such terms and conditions are set forth in this Agreement. Contractor may not unilaterally change any term or condition of this Agreement.	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties on the subject matter hereof and replaces and supersedes all prior agreements on the subject, whether oral or written, express or implied. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the University (including University's employees and other End Users) and Contractor. In the event that Contractor enters into terms of use agreements or other agreements, policies or understandings, whether on Contractor's purchase order, website, electronic, click-through, verbal or in writing, with University's employees or other End Users, such agreements shall be null, void and without effect, and the terms of this Contract shall apply. University will not be bound to any other terms and conditions set forth in any documents, agreements or policies posted on Contractor's website unless such terms and conditions are set forth in this Agreement. Contractor may not unilaterally change any term or condition of this Agreement.
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Section 21 Requirement: Confidentiality	Section 21 Requirement: Confidentiality	Section 21 Requirement: Confidentiality
	Confidentiality	The Agreement or shall comply with all laws and regulations relating to confidentiality and privacy including but not limited to any rules or regulations of the University. The University must adhere to the provisions of the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 MRSA 401 et seq. As a condition of agreement, a respondent must accept that, to the extent required by the Maine FOAA, any ensuing contractual documents, are considered public records and therefore are subject to freedom of access requests.	The Agreement or shall comply with all laws and regulations relating to confidentiality and privacy including but not limited to any rules or regulations of the University. The University must adhere to the provisions of the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 MRSA 401 et seq. As a condition of agreement, a respondent must accept that, to the extent required by the Maine FOAA, any ensuing contractual documents, are considered public records and therefore are subject to freedom of access requests.	The Agreement or shall comply with all laws and regulations relating to confidentiality and privacy including but not limited to any rules or regulations of the University. The University must adhere to the provisions of the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 MRSA 401 et seq. As a condition of agreement, a respondent must accept that, to the extent required by the Maine FOAA, any ensuing contractual documents, are considered public records and therefore are subject to freedom of access requests.
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Requirement: Rider B Insurance Requirements	Requirement: Rider B Insurance Requirements	Requirement: Rider B Insurance Requirements
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Requirement: Rider A, Accessibility	Requirement: Rider A, Accessibility	Requirement: Rider A, Accessibility
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

#	Language Reference	Agreement Language / Requirement	Agree	Disagree
Requirement: Rider C, University of Maine System Standards for Safeguarding Information	Requirement: Rider C, University of Maine System Standards for Safeguarding Information	Requirement: Rider C, University of Maine System Standards for Safeguarding Information
Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:	Respondent Exception:

This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.

bid #	due date	due time	commodity	attachments	addenda
2026-088	31-Mar-2026	11:59 pm	RFQ 2026-088 Marketing & Community Engagement Services	RFQ 2026-088 Appendix D- Master Agreement RFQ 2026-088 Submission Form Package	RFQ 2026-088 Addendum 1

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