Promotional Items and Clothing for Henderson State University

Background
Henderson State University is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP #26-02) for promotional items and clothing to support the university's branding and marketing efforts. The goal of this contract is to procure high-quality promotional products that align with the university's mission and values. The selected vendor will provide items that are not manufactured in China, adhering to Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-1-1204, which prohibits state agencies from spending public funds on promotional items made in the People's Republic of China.

Work Details
The vendor will be responsible for providing a variety of promotional items and clothing, including but not limited to: apparel (shirts, hats), accessories (bags, keychains), and other branded merchandise. All items must be sourced from licensed vendors and comply with the specifications outlined in the RFP. Vendors must submit a detailed proposal that includes pricing for each item on the Official Solicitation Price Sheet, along with a narrative describing their experience working with higher education institutions.

Period of Performance
The contract is expected to commence in August/September 2025 and will continue for an initial period of five years, with options for two one-year extensions based on mutual agreement.

Place of Performance
The services will primarily be performed at Henderson State University located in State University, Arkansas. Products will also be delivered to this location as specified in the contract.

Bidder Requirements
Vendors must provide proof of being a licensed vendor for Arkansas State University. They must adhere to Arkansas Act 943 of 2025 regarding prohibited contracts by state agencies. Each vendor is required to submit three references along with their proposal. Additionally, vendors must certify compliance with various restrictions related to minority business policies, illegal immigrant employment, and boycotts against Israel and certain industries.