Prequalification Process for New Vendors

New Vendor Request for Qualifications

If you wish to become a prequalified creative services vendor, you must follow the process outlined below, including the link provided (request for qualifications document). This includes receiving approval of submission material and attending a brand training session if you meet the outline of prequalifications. Please allow 15 business days for review of materials. Once prequalified, you become a trusted university partner from which any campus unit can request creative services.

Specific examples of communications materials that you may be asked to develop include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Brochures, booklets, reports and manuals.
  • Direct mail flyers, postcards and specialty print pieces.
  • Event materials (e.g., invitations, programs, award certificates).
  • Posters, banners and vehicle wraps.
  • Print, web-based, social media and outdoor advertisements.
  • Emails, web graphics and other e-marketing materials.
  • Tabletop displays and conference, open house and trade show exhibits.
  • Graphs, charts and other individual graphics and illustrations.
  • Short-form video, animated GIFs and other motion visuals.

Prequalification Criteria

To start the process, please review the request for qualifications and submit all requested materials to bmscibet@buffalo.edu and ucombids@buffalo.edu.

Please follow the outline of the linked form when submitting information to the university; failure to do so may result in disqualification of your application.

Application materials must include three professional references as well as documentation of how you meet the following criteria:

  • Engaged for at least five (5) years providing services in a similar capacity as requested. Include a statement indicating the date the company was founded, how long the vendor has been in business and a link to the vendor website that outlines services provided.   
  • Capacity to perform the majority of the work in-house, indicating when any part of work will be subcontracted as well as which entity will serve as the primary vendor and “subcontractor.”
  • Considerable experience in dealing with complex, stratified organizations such as higher education, healthcare and/or nonprofits. This should be reflected through a client list detailing the length of partnerships.
  • Portfolio of work that aligns with the breadth of projects described above and in the request for qualifications document.
  • Submission of W9 for taxpayer identification information. Please see UB's preferred form. 

Evaluation

The following documents are examples of files that the evaluation committee will use during their review of the vendor materials. These files are for reference purposes to assist in understanding how the review process is conducted.

Mandatory Training

All vendors who meet the qualifications and experience review and score a minimum of 135 points for their portfolio will be invited to attend a brand training session. This is an annual requirement for all vendors who wish to remain on the university’s pre-qualified creative services vendor list.

Training Schedule (subject to change):

  • April
  • September
  • November

Please contact bmscibet@buffalo.edu and ucombids@buffalo.edu to provide prequalification documentation and confirm your attendance.