Talent Acquisition, Entertainment Programming, and Event Support Servi
| Location: | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Jun 23, 2026 |
| Due: | Jul 14, 2026 |
| Agency: | State Government of Louisiana |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
|
| Solicitation No: | 50018-260035 |
| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
| Bid Number | Description | Date Issued | Bid Open Date/Time |
| 50018-260035 |
Talent Acquisition, Entertainment Programming, and Event Support Servi Request for Qualifications- Inquiries by June 30, 2026 Original: 50018-260035 |
06/23/2026 |
07/14/2026
2:05:00 PM CT
|
|
Contact Information for Bid # 50018-260035
|
| Department | ++ University - Grambling State University |
| Section | Purchasing Office |
| Dept Code | 50018 |
| Contact | Erin Walker |
| Address |
403 Main Street Grambling, LA 71245 |
| Phone | 318-274-3280 |
| Fax | 318-274-3290 |
| walkere@gram.edu |
Attachment Preview
Request for Qualifications
Bid Number: 50018-260035
DATE: JUNE 23, 2026
TITLE: Talent Acquisition, Entertainment Programming, and Event
Support Services
SUBMIT BID TO: Grambling State
University
Purchasing Department
purchasingbids@gram.edu
To maintain the integrity of the bid
process, please do not cc any other
University email address when
submitting your bid.
Purchasing Department Contacts: Erin
Walker (318-274-3280)
walkere@gram.edu
RFQ Release Date: June 23, 2026
Deadline for Written Inquiries: June 30, 2026, by 2:00 PM CST
Responses to Written Inquiries Issued: July 3, 2026
Statement of Qualifications Due Date and Time (Electronic Submission Only):
July 14, 2026, by 2:00 PM CST
1. Grambling State University reserves the right to reject any or all Statements of Qualifications, waive informalities,
request clarifications, and accept the response deemed to be in the best interest of the University.
2. Hard-copy submissions will not be accepted. All Statements of Qualifications must be received electronically by the
date and time specified in this RFQ to be considered.
3. Statements of Qualifications for furnishing the services specified herein are hereby solicited and shall be received
electronically at the "Submit Response To" email address listed in this RFQ no later than the specified submission
deadline. The Respondent is solely responsible for ensuring timely delivery of its submission. The Purchasing Office is
not responsible for transmission delays, failed deliveries, spam filtering, or other electronic delivery issues. A
response will be considered late if it is not received at the designated email address by the stated deadline.
4. The maximum email attachment size accepted is 125 MB. If a response exceeds this limit, the Respondent shall
submit the response in multiple emails. Each email shall be clearly labeled. Example:
• RFQ 50018-26XXXX – Talent Management Services – Submission 1 of 3
• RFQ 50018-26XXXX – Talent Management Services – Submission 2 of 3
• RFQ 50018-26XXXX – Talent Management Services – Submission 3 of 3
Only documents received by the submission deadline will be considered. Late submissions will not be accepted.
5. Responses must be signed by a person authorized to bind the Respondent. In accordance with La. R.S. 39:1594, the
person signing the response must meet the applicable statutory requirements regarding signature authority.
6. When submitted by email, the subject line must clearly identify the RFQ number and title. Responses must be
received by the submission deadline.
7. Respondents are responsible for reviewing the entire RFQ, including all instructions, terms, conditions, attachments,
specifications, and addenda.
8. All information submitted must be complete and accurate. Any corrections or revisions made to submitted
documents should be clearly identified and initialed by the Respondent's authorized representative.
9. Any fees, commissions, reimbursements, or other compensation proposed by the Respondent shall include all costs
associated with the performance of services unless otherwise stated in the response.
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10. Payment terms shall be Net 30 after receipt of a properly executed invoice and acceptance of services by the
University.
11. By submitting a response, the Respondent certifies compliance with all instructions, terms, conditions, and
requirements contained in this RFQ and further certifies that the submission is made without collusion, fraud, or
other improper conduct.
12. The University's requirements for services, events, and programming activities are estimates only and are not
guaranteed. Grambling State University reserves the right to increase, decrease, modify, or discontinue services
based upon institutional needs, available funding, and other operational considerations.
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SECTION I: ADMINISTRATIVE & GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Grambling State University
Grambling State University is a public, comprehensive, historically Black university in Grambling, Louisiana, and a
member of the University of Louisiana System. Founded on November 1, 1901, as the Colored Industrial and
Agricultural School, the University grew from the vision of the North Louisiana Colored Agriculture Relief Association,
organized in 1896 by Black farmers seeking to expand educational opportunity in their communities. At the
Association’s request, Booker T. Washington sent Charles P. Adams of Tuskegee Institute to help establish the school;
Adams became its founding president.
For more than a century, that founding commitment has guided Grambling State’s growth and service. The institution
moved to its present location in 1905 and evolved through successive stages as the North Louisiana Agricultural and
Industrial School, the Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute, and Grambling College. Following the
expansion of graduate education, the institution became Grambling State University in 1974. The University is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Through its academic colleges and Office of Graduate Studies, Grambling State offers a broad range of
undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. In 2024, the University opened the Digital Library and Learning
Commons, the first digital library at a historically Black college or university in the United States and the only facility
of its kind in Louisiana. This landmark investment strengthens learning, research, and collaboration. Building on this
momentum, the University continues to invest in learning environments, technology, and services that expand
opportunity and support achievement.
Grounded in a legacy of access, excellence, and service, Grambling State University advances social and economic
mobility by preparing graduates to lead with purpose, serve their communities, and make a meaningful impact. The
University remains true to its enduring motto: “Where Everybody is Somebody.”
1.2 Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
You are invited to submit a proposal to provide Talent Acquisition, Entertainment Consulting, and Event Programming
Services for Grambling State University in accordance with the Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1595: The Scope of work
is provided in Section II of this document.
1.3 Goal
The goal of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to identify and establish a contractual relationship with a qualified
firm capable of providing talent management, entertainment programming support, booking assistance, and event
consulting services that enhance student engagement and support the mission of Grambling State University.
The University seeks a strategic partner that can assist in the planning, development, coordination, and execution of
high-quality programming and signature events while promoting student involvement, leadership development,
campus engagement, and a positive student experience.
1.4 Objectives
The selected firm shall assist the University in achieving the following objectives:
1. Provide access to a diverse network of entertainers, speakers, performers, influencers, and other talent suitable
for University-sponsored events and programs.
2. Support the planning and execution of student-focused programming, including Homecoming, Spring Fest, Yard
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Fest, Speaker Series, Welcome Week activities, and other campus events.
3. Assist in developing balanced and engaging event lineups that align with student interests, event goals, and
available budgets.
4. Provide strategic guidance regarding entertainment trends, audience engagement, cultural programming, and
emerging opportunities within higher education and HBCU environments.
5. Assist the University with talent negotiations, contract coordination, logistical planning, and event support
services.
6. Ensure transparency, professionalism, accountability, and fiscal responsibility throughout the talent acquisition
and event planning process.
7. Support programming that reflects and respects the University's mission, values, traditions, and the cultural
significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
8. Assist the University in identifying programming opportunities that contribute positively to student success,
leadership development, community engagement, and institutional advancement.
9. Provide recommendations and services that comply with applicable University policies, State of Louisiana
procurement requirements, and all contractual and vendor registration procedures.
10. Enhance the overall student experience by providing high-quality, engaging, and memorable campus
programming opportunities.
1.5 Right to Investigate
The University reserves the right to investigate the qualifications of all firms under consideration and to confirm any
part of the information furnished by a Contractor or to require other evidence of managerial, financial, or technical
capabilities that are considered necessary for the successful performance of a contract.
1.6 Definitions
A. Agency - Any department, commission, council, board, office, bureau, committee, institution,
agency, government, corporation, or other establishment of the executive branch of this State
authorized to participate in any contract resulting from this solicitation.
B. Artist – Any musician, band, performer, entertainer, spoken-word artist, comedian, DJ, or other
individual or group engaged to provide entertainment services.
C. Booking Assistance – Services provided by the Contractor to identify, recommend, coordinate,
negotiate, and facilitate the engagement of talent on behalf of the University.
D. Contractor – Any person having a contract with a governmental body. For sections of this RFP
outlining required actions of a Contractor, the Contractor should be understood to refer to the
successful Proposer responding to this RFP.
E. Discussions- For the purposes of this RFP, a formal, structured means of conducting written or oral
communications/presentations with responsible Proposers who submit proposals in response to this
RFP.
F. DOA – Division of Administration
G. Entertainment Programming – Activities, performances, appearances, presentations, and events
designed to engage students and enhance campus life.
H. Event Support Services – Professional services related to the planning, coordination, scheduling,
logistics, and execution of University-sponsored events.
I. GSU – Grambling State University Purchasing Office
J. HBCU – Historically Black College or University.
K. Key Personnel – Individuals identified by the Respondent who will be primarily responsible for
providing services under the resulting contract.
L. May - The term “may” denotes an advisory or permissible action.
M. Must - The term “must” denotes mandatory requirements.
N. Programming Strategy – Recommendations and planning efforts designed to enhance student
engagement through talent selection, event development, and audience participation.
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O. Proposal or Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) – The complete response submitted by a
Respondent in response to this RFQ.
P. Respondent – Any firm, agency, organization, or individual submitting a Statement of Qualifications
in response to this RFQ.
Q. RFQ– Request for Qualifications
R. Shall – The term “shall” denotes mandatory requirements per La. R.S. 39:1556 (52).
S. Speaker – Any lecturer, presenter, author, motivational speaker, public figure, influencer, educator,
or guest invited to participate in a University event.
T. Student Programming – Activities, events, workshops, performances, lectures, and initiatives
designed to support student engagement, leadership development, educational enrichment, and
campus involvement.
U. Talent – Artists, performers, speakers, influencers, entertainers, hosts, public figures, and other
individuals or groups recommended or secured by the Contractor for University events.
V. Should – The term “should” denotes a desirable action.
W. State- Grambling State University.
X. University or GSU- Grambling State University
Y. University Marks – The University's name, logos, trademarks, service marks, athletic marks,
mascot, trade dress, insignia, and other intellectual property owned or controlled by Grambling
State University.
Z. Vendor Registration – The process by which an individual or entity completes all required
documentation necessary to conduct business with Grambling State University and receive
payment through the University's financial system.
1.7 Contract Administration
The Contract Administrator shall be responsible for monitoring the performance of the resulting contract,
reviewing deliverables, coordinating services, and serving as the primary point of contact between Grambling State
University and the Contractor.
The Contract Administrator for this solicitation shall be:
Division of Campus Life & Holistic Development
Grambling State University
403 Main Street
Grambling, Louisiana 71245
The University reserves the right to designate another representative to administer the contract at any time during
the term of the agreement.
The Contract Administrator shall have the authority to:
• Coordinate services under the contract;
• Review and approve deliverables;
• Monitor contractor performance;
• Request status updates and reports;
• Coordinate event-related activities;
• Serve as the primary communication liaison between the University and the Contractor.
The Contract Administrator does not have authority to amend the contract, authorize additional compensation,
modify contract terms, or otherwise obligate the University beyond the scope of the executed agreement.
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