Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback, technical insights, vendor qualifications, and preliminary cost structures from qualified event production suppliers. GVSU is exploring options for a potential five-year contract for comprehensive event management, technical production, and live event coordination services for university commencement ceremonies. This RFI is strictly for information-gathering and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation for bids, a commitment to issue an RFP, or an obligation to award a contract. Introduction Grand Valley State University, established in 1960, is a four-year public university. It attracts more than 22,000 students with its high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley provides a fully accredited undergraduate and graduate liberal education and has campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids, and Holland and centers in Muskegon, Traverse City, Battle Creek, and Detroit. Grand Valley is the comprehensive regional university for the state's second largest metropolitan area and offers 100 undergraduate and 45 graduate degree programs. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships. This combination of educational offerings helps Grand Valley to fulfill its mission to empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose. As a model for sustainable development, Grand Valley State University fosters responsible economic growth. First-rate faculty and staff, who are attracted to the university’s rich academic culture, liberal education, and state-of-the-art facilities, share their expertise, their time, and their knowledge with students. The university’s outstanding students learn critical thinking skills and are transformed into enterprising individuals who are well prepared to take leadership roles in their professions and in their communities. The university community comes together to make Grand Valley a significant force on the area’s economy. Grand Valley represents top performance and top value. Named one of the county's most environmentally responsible colleges for the 14th year in a row by The Princeton Review. One of the greenest universities in the nation, according to the Sierra Club, Grand Valley has completed 24 LEED-certified projects and for the past decade has earned gold status from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Named one of 2023’s “Best College for Your Money” by Money Magazine. Grand Valley is, according to The Princeton Review, one of the "Best Colleges in the Midwest" for 2024. Grand Valley is also included in Forbes' 2023 list of "America's Top Colleges". Grand Valley's athletic teams have celebrated 29 NCAA Division II national championship wins, with 21 of them coming from our women's teams. In recognition of offering the best NCAA Division II athletic program in the nation, Grand Valley was awarded the 2022-2023 Learfield Directors’ Cup. This honor has gone to GVSU 15 times over the past 20 years. Grand Valley State University was named a 2023 “Best for Vets” college by the national news outlet Military Times and was awarded Military/Veteran Friendly gold status for the 2022-2023 school year from MilitaryFriendly.com. This combination of educational offerings and top value helps Grand Valley to fulfill its mission to empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose while enriching society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, advancement of equity, and public service. Instructions to Bidders Grand Valley State University’s sales tax-exempt number is 38-1684280. Michigan Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption attached below. All product deliveries shall be FOB delivered to Grand Valley State University with exact location to be determined when purchase order is released. Grand Valley State University reserves the right to award bids / proposals in the manner that will best suit the University. At Grand Valley State University, socially responsible procurement is important and is defined as buying goods and services in a way that considers the social, environmental, and ethical impacts of those products. These ideals are fundamental to our academic, research, and athletic excellence. Grand Valley State University supports supplier participation that reflects the breadth of the business community and is committed to environmentally sustainable and socially responsible procurement practices. Grand Valley State University endeavors to buy products made in the United States of America whenever an American made* product is available that meets or exceeds the specifications requested and the price is equal to or lower than a foreign made product. Vendors are requested to bid American-made products and/or services whenever available. Vendors may bid foreign made products or services when: They are specified They are identified as an alternate by the vendor as long as they are technically acceptable. More than 50% of the manufactured or assembled in the United States. GVSU reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals not withdrawn before the opening date and to waive any irregularity or informality in the Proposal process. The University reserves the right to conduct discussions, request additional information and accept revisions of Proposals from any or all bidders. The University reserves the right to negotiate with the bidder whose proposal is deemed most favorable. GVSU will not be held responsible for any delays in the submission of bids. All bids must be submitted through Workday Strategic Sourcing, and it is the responsibility of the bidder to ensure that their supplier profile is created and up to date in Workday Strategic Sourcing prior to submission. Late submissions, including those due to technical issues, system errors, or failure to meet the submission deadline, will not be considered. All questions from potential bidders must be submitted through Workday Strategic Sourcing. All responses to bidder questions will be provided exclusively through Workday Strategic Sourcing. This process ensures that all potential bidders have equal access to the questions submitted and the corresponding responses. If your company is awarded product from this request for proposal (RFP), you will be required to provide a copy of your U.S. Customs Entry documentation upon request.
