Project Overview Minnesota State seeks proposals from qualified vendors to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study of the Minnesota State system. The selected vendor will analyze the system’s contribution to Minnesota’s economy using six core measures of economic impact. The project includes development of one statewide economic impact report and up to 33 individual college and university reports. The resulting reports must be methodologically sound, easily updatable for up to five years, and accessible to audiences such as policymakers, institutional leaders, community stakeholders, and the general public. Minnesota State is committed to transparency and broad distribution of these findings; therefore, selected vendors must permit full public release of the final reports and acknowledge the use of their name in communications related to this work. Technical/Functional Requirements The Respondent will conduct research and provide analysis based on the following measures: Operational Spending. Direct and indirect economic impact of systemwide operational spending, including payroll, purchasing, contracting, and institutional services. Capital Investment. Direct and indirect impact of capital projects, including materials, contracted services, and associated payroll activities. Student Spending. Economic contribution resulting from student spending in Minnesota communities. Workforce and Graduate Outcomes. Impacts on labor force productivity, lifetime earnings of graduates, and, where feasible, economic mobility indicators. Public Sector Cost Impacts Estimated effects on public systems such as: Law enforcement and incarceration Health care utilization Need for public assistance programs State Fiscal Impacts Analysis of Minnesota’s net fiscal outlays and related cash flow associated with supporting the Minnesota State system. This includes one-time or temporary federal or state funds (e.g., pandemic-related institutional support). Vendors may propose a methodology and include estimated cost assumptions. Deliverables: The Respondent will provide the following deliverables by September 15, 2026: Statewide Economic Impact Report A comprehensive, machine-readable and digitally accessible statewide report Designed for straightforward updates for up to five years Written in clear, accessible language suitable for legislators and the general public Includes methodology, data sources, assumptions, and key findings College and University Reports Up to 33 individual economic impact reports Each aligned with the statewide methodology Also machine-readable and digitally accessible and designed for easy periodic updates Presented in formats accessible to non-technical audiences Permissions and Release Written confirmation that: Minnesota State may publicly release all final reports Minnesota State may reference the vendor’s name in public communications related to the study Optional Enhancements (Vendor-Driven) Vendors may propose additional value-added components, such as: Interactive data dashboards Regional breakout analyses Predictive modeling or scenario testing Communications tools (infographics, data briefs, presentations) Longitudinal analyses or trend comparisons These enhancements are optional and intended to encourage innovation without restricting vendor approaches. Budget The budget for this contract is anticipated to be $300,000. Selection Process The selection process includes Chief Marketing Officer and Associate Director of Reserach and other administrators. This group will evaluate the proposals and make the final decision. Evaluation Factors The following factors and their identified weight will be used to evaluate the responses: Topic Factor Weight Adherence to Minnesota State Terms and Conditions. A statement of the objectives, goals, and tasks to show or demonstrate its view and understanding of the nature of the contract 5 Work Plan. A description of the deliverables to be provided by the Responder along with a detailed work plan that identifies the major tasks to be accomplished and be used as a scheduling and managing tool, as well as the basis for invoicing. 30 Cost/Value. Identify the level of the participation of Minnesota State in the contract, as well as any other services to be provided by Minnesota State, and details of cost allowances for this participation 30 Qualifications of Respondent and its personnel. An outline of the Responder’s background and experience with examples of similar work complete by the Responder and a list of personnel who will conduct the project, detailing their training, and work experience. Resumes or other information about project personnel should not, if possible, contain personal telephone numbers, home addresses or home email addresses. If it is necessary to include personal contact information, please clearly indicate in the proposal that personal contact information is being provided. 30 Completeness, thoroughness and detail of the response Completeness, thoroughness and detail of the response as reflected by the proposal's discussions and coverage of all elements of work listed above 5 Total: 100 Minnesota State reserves the right to name a date which all responding Respondents will be invited to present demonstrations or participate in an interview. Minnesota State does not agree to reach a decision by any certain date although it is hoped the evaluation and selection will be completed by the contract terms date identified. Contract Terms Minnesota State desires to enter into a contract with the successful Respondent(s) effective March 27, 2026 or on the date the last recognized signature is obtained, whichever occurs later. The length of such contract(s) will be nine (9) months. If Minnesota State and Respondent are unable to negotiate and sign a contract by June 1, 2026, then Minnesota State reserves the right to seek an alternative Respondent(s). Inquiries and Submission Instructions Minnesota State accepts all questions and bid submissions exclusively through Minnesota State's e-procurement system. Hard copy submissions, emails, or submissions through any other medium will not be considered. Each Respondent is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its questions and bids by the RFx date and time deadlines. Failure to meet the deadlines shall be grounds for rejection.
