Request for Proposals Memorandum
To: Prospective Bidders
From: Nicole Spruell, Director of Communications
Date: 6/01/2026
Re: Homecoming T-Shirts and District Spirit Shop
Location : De Soto #73 School District
De Soto #73 School District is requesting competitive quotes from vendors for Homecoming T-Shirts and
District Spirit Shop. Enclosed is a Request for Proposal (RFP), responsive Proposal will comply with
all federal, state and local regulations. Information regarding the services to be provided, information
which must be submitted as part of the Proposal, and related details are included in the accompanying
RFP.
Proposals will be accepted no later than 11:00 a.m., Thursday June, 18 2026. No late submittals will be
accepted. The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals, to waive
any irregularities, and to accept the Proposal that is in the best interest of the District.
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Nicole Spruell, Director of Communications, via phone at (636)
243-2691 or via email at spruell.nicolem@desoto.k12.mo.us
Proposal bid packet and specifications may be obtained by accessing the District Website at
www.desoto.k12.mo.us/administration/request_for_bids
Interested firms are to submit two (2) copies of their response to the RFP. Proposals shall be delivered in sealed
envelopes clearly marked as indicated below.
De Soto #73 School District
Attn: Nicole Spruell
610 Vineland School Road
De Soto, MO 63020
RE: Homecoming T-Shirts and District Spirit Shop
Important Dates
PRE-BID MEETING/SITE VISIT…………Call to Request Site Visit
RETURN DATE and TIME………………… 11:00 a.m., Thursday June, 18 2026 local time
BID OPENING DATE and TIME …………………….Thursday June, 18 2026 at 11:05 a.m. at the
Central Office, 610 Vineland School Road, De Soto, MO 63020
All proposals submitted with RFP Bid Form must be delivered to the Superintendent Office
before 11:00 a.m., Thursday June, 18 2026 to be considered for evaluation. Proposals received after
this time may not be accepted and may be returned to the vendor unopened.
De Soto #73 School District
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
1
Title: Homecoming T-Shirts and District Spirit Shop
Issue Date: 6/01/2026
Contact Person: Nicole Spruell
Phone: (636) 243-2691
Email: spruell.nicolem@desoto.k12.mo.us
RETURN PROPOSAL NO LATER THAN: Thursday June, 18 2026 before 11:00 a.m. CST
RETURN PROPOSAL AND ADDENDA TO:
De Soto #73 School District
ATTN: Nicole Spruell
610 Vineland School Road
De Soto, MO 63020
RE: Homecoming T-Shirts and District Spirit Shop
Location: De Soto #73 School District
Request for Proposal Specifications
The De Soto #73 School District is seeking competitive bids for Homecoming T-Shirts and District Spirit Shop.
Below are the Minimum Specifications:
Specifications
Product Specification:
The De Soto #73 School District is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide design,
production, and delivery services for annual Homecoming T-Shirts and to establish a District Spirit Shop
for students, staff, families, and community members.
The selected vendor will partner with the district to:
● Design and produce Homecoming T-Shirts for district-wide participation
● Develop and manage an online (and optional in-person) Spirit Shop offering branded apparel and
merchandise throughout the school year
● Ensure high-quality products, competitive pricing, and timely delivery aligned with district events
and timelines
This partnership is intended to enhance school spirit, promote district branding, and provide accessible
apparel options for the school community.
Project Description:
1. Homecoming T-Shirts
The vendor shall:
● Collaborate with district representatives to create a custom Homecoming T-Shirt design utilizing a
single-color shirt with a one-color design
● Provide design concepts that align with the one-color requirement and allow for revisions
De Soto #73 School District Homecoming T-Shirts and District Spirit Shop
2
● Provide inclusive sizing (youth through adult, including extended sizes)
● Ensure consistent print quality and durability
● Provide itemized pricing (including bulk pricing tiers)
● Manage order collection and customer service
● Sort all orders by building and individual classes/classrooms prior to delivery to support district
distribution needs
● Deliver all orders within an agreed-upon timeline prior to Homecoming events
● Provide a sample/proof for approval prior to production
2. District Spirit Shop
The vendor shall:
● Develop and maintain an online Spirit Shop platform branded for De Soto #73 School District, as
well as individual online storefronts for each school, including the Early Childhood Center, De
Soto Primary, De Soto Intermediate, De Soto Middle School, and De Soto High School.
● Offer a variety of customizable apparel and merchandise (e.g., shirts, hoodies, hats, accessories)
● Include multiple design options featuring district branding (e.g., logos, colors, mascots)
● Allow for seasonal or event-based product updates
● Provide secure online payment processing
● Offer direct-to-home shipping and/or bulk delivery options
● Ensure user-friendly navigation and accessibility for families and staff
● Provide customer service support for orders, returns, and exchanges
● Collaborate with the district to establish a defined percentage or dollar amount of proceeds that
will be returned to the district as part of a revenue-sharing agreement
3. Branding and Design Requirements
● All designs must align with district branding guidelines
● Use of district logos must be approved prior to production
● Vendors must demonstrate the ability to create engaging, school-appropriate designs
4. Pricing and Revenue Structure
● Provide clear pricing for all items, including bulk discounts
● Outline any profit-sharing or fundraising opportunities for the district or student groups
● Disclose all fees, including shipping and service charges
De Soto #73 School District Homecoming T-Shirts and District Spirit Shop
3
5. Timeline and Delivery
● Vendors must demonstrate the ability to meet strict deadlines, particularly for Homecoming, and
must also organize and separate T-shirt orders by classroom and building to ensure accurate and
efficient distribution.
● Provide estimated turnaround times for both Homecoming apparel and Spirit Shop orders
6. Experience and Qualifications
● Vendors should have prior experience working with school districts or similar organizations
● Provide examples of previous work and references
● Demonstrate capacity to handle large-volume orders
Cost Breakdown Format:
Vendors must provide a clear, detailed cost proposal using the format below. All pricing should be
transparent and inclusive of any applicable fees.
1. Homecoming T-Shirts Pricing (Based on single-color shirt with a one-color design and
approximately 2,500 - 3,000 Shirts)
● Cost per T-Shirt by size:
○ Youth XS–XL: $______/ shirt
○ Adult S–XL: $_______/ shirt
○ Adult 2X: $_______/ shirt
○ Adult 3X: $_______/ shirt
○ Adult 4X: $_______/ shirt
○ Adult 5X: $_______/ shirt
● Design/setup fees (if applicable): $______
● Screen printing/production costs (if applicable): $______/ shirt
● Additional color or design variation costs (optional): $______/ shirt
● Shipping/delivery costs (if applicable): $______
● Rush order fees (if applicable): $______
2. District Spirit Shop Pricing
● Proposed revenue-sharing model (percentage or fixed amount returned to the district): ______
De Soto #73 School District Homecoming T-Shirts and District Spirit Shop
4
3. Discounts and Incentives
● Staff order discounts (if applicable): ______
● Fundraising incentives or bonuses: ______
The De Soto #73 School District reserves the rights to reject and approve individual options without a cost
variance on an individual option.
MATERIALS:
Vendors must clearly specify the materials used for all apparel items and ensure consistency, durability,
and comfort appropriate for student, staff, and community use.
1. Homecoming T-Shirts
● Shirts must be made from high-quality materials suitable for large-scale wear and repeated
washing
● Vendors must specify fabric type and blend (e.g., 100% cotton, cotton/polyester blend, tri-blend,
moisture-wicking performance fabric)
● Shirts must be pre-shrunk or have minimal shrinkage after washing
● Printing method (e.g., screen print, heat transfer, sublimation) must be specified
● Ink quality must ensure durability without excessive fading, cracking, or peeling
● Vendors should indicate available color options and fabric brands (if applicable)
2. District Spirit Shop Apparel
● Vendors must provide a range of material options across all apparel types, including but not limited
to:
○ Cotton and cotton blends
○ Polyester and performance fabrics
○ Fleece and heavyweight materials for outerwear
● Materials should be appropriate for seasonal use (lightweight and heavyweight options)
● All items must meet quality standards for comfort, durability, and long-term wear
● Decoration methods (e.g., embroidery, screen printing, heat press) must be identified for each item
type
3. Quality Assurance
● All materials must be free from defects and consistent across orders
De Soto #73 School District Homecoming T-Shirts and District Spirit Shop
5
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.