THIS IS NOT
AN ORDER
REQUEST FOR BIDS/PROPOSALS COVERSHEET
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Procurement and Contract Services
118 College Drive #5003, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001
Date: May 14, 2026
Name: ____________________________________
Company: _________________________________
Address: __________________________________
City/State/Zip: ______________________________
TERMS - Bidder should state terms of sale. Our terms are 2% ten days, net 45 days.
These terms will apply per Mississippi law.
AWARDING CONTRACT - Cash terms will not be used as a basis for awarding
contracts; however, the University will accept cash discounts when earned.
RFP No. 26-43
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI is considering
purchasing the following item(s). We ask that you submit your bid
and retain one copy for your files. Right is reserved to accept or
reject any part of your bid. Your quotation will be given
consideration if received in Bond Hall, Room 214 on or before:
2:00 p.m. CST
June 3, 2026
Buyer: Deidre Edwards
ITEM
QUANTITY
UNIT PRICE
TOTAL NET PRICE
DESCRIPTION
RFP 26-43
M.M. Roberts Stadium Signage
PROPOSAL MUST BE RETURNED TO THE UNIVERSITY IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS. RFP NUMBER AND
DATE OF BID OPENING MUST BE SHOWN ON THE OUTSIDE OF
THE ENVELOPE IF USING THAT METHOD.
We quote you as above-F.O.B. The University of Southern Mississippi. Shipment can be made in
days from receipt of
order. DATE ______________ TERMS _____________________________________________
Return quotation to Procurement Services at above address.
AA/EOE/ADAI
Signature Required__________________________________________
The University of Southern Mississippi
Request for Proposals (RFP) # 26-43
M.M. Roberts Stadium Signage
1.0 Introduction
The University of Southern Mississippi Athletics Department (“Southern Miss”) is seeking
qualified vendors to provide design, engineering, fabrication, and installation services for
stadium signage associated with a forthcoming long-term naming rights agreement at M.M.
Roberts Stadium.
This project represents a highly visible branding initiative and will serve as the primary physical
expression of the stadium naming partner across multiple premium and broadcast-facing
locations.
2.0 Specifications
Southern Miss is requesting vendor qualifications and conceptual approaches for the following
signage elements:
1. Highway 49 Facing Signage (Primary Exterior Branding)
• Prominent, backlit signage facing U.S. Highway 49
• Must be highly visible at a distance and legible both day and night
• Structural design must account for wind load and stadium integration
• Creative solutions encouraged for scale and impact
2. North End Zone Videoboard (Windscreen Replacement)
• Replacement of existing windscreen material
• Incorporation of co-branded signage (University + Naming Partner)
• Must integrate cleanly with existing videoboard structure
3. South End Zone – Suite Level Ring
• Installation of stadium naming partner signage above suite level
• Includes design, engineering, and backlit fabrication
• Project must incorporate the relocation and integration of the existing Ring of Honor
(currently along east and west sidelines)
• The final design to reflect the arch of the endzone
4. Gate Signage (Primary Entrances)
• New stadium naming signage at:
o Gate 3
o Gate 6
• Consistent branding across both entry points
• Durable materials suitable for high-traffic fan environments
• Will be placed on the brick facade
5. Premium Entry Activation Opportunity (Add Alternate)
• Optional enhanced branding/activation element at south side premium entrances
• Vendors encouraged to propose experiential or sponsor activation concepts
3.0 Vendor Responsibilities
Selected vendor(s) will be expected to provide:
• Creative design concepts and renderings
• Structural engineering and permitting guidance
• Material recommendations (durability, illumination, maintenance)
• Fabrication and production
• Full installation services
• Coordination with the University and third-party partners as needed
• Vendor to provide comprehensive electrical requirements for the project. Property will
be responsible for running the required electrical needs based on the mutually agreed
upon project.
4.0 Key Considerations
• Solutions must align with a Power 4-caliber visual standard
• Emphasis on premium finishes, visibility, and long-term durability
• Ability to integrate with existing stadium infrastructure
• Flexibility to collaborate with naming rights partner
5.0 Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested vendors should submit the following:
• Company overview and relevant experience (stadium/large-scale signage preferred)
• Portfolio of comparable projects
• Conceptual approach for the outlined signage locations
• Preliminary material and illumination recommendations
• Estimated project timelines
• Budgetary ranges by signage element (high-level acceptable at RFQ stage)
• Key personnel and project management structure
6.0 Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
• Relevant experience and past performance
• Creativity and design approach
• Technical expertise and feasibility
• Ability to meet timeline requirements
• Overall value and cost-efficiency
7.0 Additional Notes
• Included with this document are location mockups- for inspiration, not final design
(Exhibit A).
• Southern Miss reserves the right to request additional information or invite select
vendors to participate in a subsequent RFP phase.
• Final scope and branding elements will be refined upon execution of the naming rights
agreement.
8.0 Timeline
• RFP Release: Thursday, May 14, 2026
• Vendor Submissions Due: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
• Vendor Selection (Estimated): Mid-June 2026
• Project Kickoff: Upon execution of the naming rights agreement
• Substantial Completion Deadline:
o All signage must be installed and operational prior to the first home football
game: September 5, 2026, vs. Alcorn State Football
9.0 Point of Contact
For questions, contact the Buyer listed on the Bid Coversheet at:
bids@usm.edu
10.0 Submission Instructions to Bidders
One (1) signed original, two (2) copies, and one (1) portable virus/malware-free electronic
version (USB jump drive) of the sealed bid response (if an electronic copy is not included, USM
reserves the right to request an electronic copy of the exact bid response prior to review of the
bid), subject to the conditions made a part hereof, will be received by 2:00 PM CDT on
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 in the USM Procurement and Contract Services office, as indicated in
the General Terms, Conditions, and Instructions to Bidders described herein. It is the
respondent's responsibility to ensure that the proposal package arrives at the Procurement and
Contract Services Office.
Each bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing on the outside the name “RFP # 26-43
M.M. Roberts Stadium Signage,” the name of the Vendor, and the opening date specified on
the cover sheet.
For regular mail:
The University of Southern Mississippi
Attn: Deidre Edwards, Buyer
118 College Drive, Box 5003
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
RFP 26-43
For FedEx, UPS, or other express couriers:
The University of Southern Mississippi
Attn: Deidre Edwards, Buyer
2609 W. 4th Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
RFP 26-43
Hand-carried responses should be brought to:
The University of Southern Mississippi
Attn: Deidre Edwards, Buyer
214 Bond Hall
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
RFP 26-43
As an alternative to traditional sealed proposals in envelopes, the University of Southern
Mississippi is capable of receiving electronic bid responses. While this option is available, it is
not required, and we ask that all potential respondents keep in mind that with any electronic
system, there could be delays or glitches with the submission process; therefore, the University
highly encourages traditional sealed responses, which are either mailed or submitted in person.
Additionally, the University will not be responsible for issues with attempted submissions of bids
using the electronic method.
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.