99--Advertising with the Minnesota Wild Hockey Team at the XCEL Energy Center.

The government intends to place an order with The Minnesota Wild for advertising at the Xcel Energy Center during the 2011-2012 NHL season under Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This contract, valued at $275,000, focuses on securing various advertising assets primarily at home games of the Minnesota Wild. The package includes prominent exposure opportunities such as two dasherboard signs throughout the regular season, 25 vinyl pillar wraps on the lower-level concourse, sponsorship of a high school girls hockey clinic, attachment to the season ticket book delivery day, and the role of presenting partner at three predetermined regular season games. The justification for direct award to The Minnesota Wild is based on the exclusive nature of the vendor, as other potential bidders would need to coordinate through this vendor to achieve the same objectives. The contract falls under the Federal Supply Classification Code R701 and NAICS code 541850, related to advertising services. The Department of Defense’s W7NG Uspfo Activity Mn Arng office, located in Little Falls, Minnesota, is responsible for this acquisition. The effort aims to leverage targeted advertising opportunities for brand visibility during the NHL season using the facilities and fan base of the Minnesota Wild.