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Ohio has kicked off an RFP search for an agency that can help spread statewide awareness of its 529 plan, CollegeAdvantage, a state-run program that provides higher education savings services to help families send their children to college without incurring large amounts of debt.

529 plans are named after the tax section of the Internal Revenue Code which codifies their use.

The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority wants a full-service advertising and marketing firm that can create and execute ad campaigns and marketing activities that will increase awareness of CollegeAdvantage as well as communicate the benefits of saving for college and reach target audiences to boost new 529 enrollments.

Scope of the work includes ongoing strategic consulting and day-to-day account management, as well as conducting strategy sessions and leading the development of a biennial strategic marketing plan in collaboration with OTTA.

Terms of the contract are slated to run from July 1 through June 30, 2021, with renewal possibilities at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services’ discretion.

OTTA is interested in firms with demonstrated success working with 529 plans or financial products and services firms. Anticipated total budget for the project shouldn't exceed $2.2 million annually. 

Questions concerning the RFP should be directed to the State Procurement web portal, https://www.ohio.gov/procure, and accessing the RFP by selecting “Bid Opportunities Search” from the Quick Links Menu and typing in RFP number: CSP901120.

Proposals are due by 1 p.m. (EST) on May 13 and should be sent to:

Department of Administrative Services
Office of Procurement Services - Bid Desk
4200 Surface Road
Columbus, OH 43228-1395

Technical proposals and cost proposals must be submitted as two separate components in separate sealed envelopes, each clearly marked “CSP901120 RFP – Technical Proposal” or “CSP901120 RFP – Cost Proposal.”

All bidders must submit one original document signed in blue ink, and seven copies, as well as a complete copy of their proposals on a flash drive or CD-ROM in PDF or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, or Project) 2003 or higher format.

Download the RFP (PDF).