dev — mockupHarbor Point News, Northwind Briefing and Pinegrove Wire are invented to show a 5-vendor run. Their answers and quotes are made up, and their amounts are placeholders. Info Guys and Gongwer are from the real run. The 2-vendor version is in final-procurement-review.html.
xpecfy Comparisons / Statewide Electronic Newswire Services / Result
you@vendor-ops.com ·

Needs attention

03.1
Needs attention, grouped
ReqRequirementVendorsYou askedStated
Differs from what you asked · 14answers in 8 requirements
R01Daily news delivery
  • Info Guys
  • Gongwer
  • Northwind Briefing
Delivery by 7:00 a.m. Eastern, each business day
  • Info Guys, Gongwer, Northwind Briefing: 8 a.m.
R02Archive
  • Gongwer
  • Pinegrove Wire
Searchable archive, at least 10 years
  • Gongwer: at least five years
  • Pinegrove Wire: seven years
R03Access
  • Gongwer
  • Harbor Point News
Unlimited named users across all executive branch agencies
  • Gongwer: full-time state employees; contractors with michigan.gov email addresses
  • Harbor Point News: up to 500 named users
R04Mobile web interface
  • Northwind Briefing
Mobile web interface, no dedicated native app
  • Northwind Briefing: iOS and Android apps
R05Alerts
  • Gongwer
Custom alerts by email and RSS
  • Gongwer: email; RSS not mentioned
R06Account manager and support
  • Northwind Briefing
A named account manager; same-business-day support response
  • Northwind Briefing: within one business day
R10Pricing
  • Info Guys
  • Harbor Point News
  • Northwind Briefing
Firm, fixed annual pricing
  • Info Guys: may request a midpoint revision based on CPI data
  • Harbor Point News: statewide access for up to 500 named users
  • Northwind Briefing: annual increases of up to 3% a year
R12References (Doc 5)
  • Info Guys
At least three references from comparable clients
  • Info Guys: survey responses from comparable state clients; no number stated
Missing · 5not found in the vendor’s files. that isn’t the same as a no
R02Archive
  • Northwind Briefing
Searchable archive, at least 10 yearsNot found
R04Mobile web interface
  • Info Guys
Mobile web interface, no dedicated native appNot found
R12Doc 5: references
  • Gongwer
  • Northwind Briefing
At least three references from comparable clientsNot found
R13Doc 6: mobile responsiveness attestation
  • Info Guys
Doc 6: mobile responsiveness attestationNot found
Conflicting or unclear · 2
R06Account manager and support
  • Info Guys
  • Gongwer
A named account manager; same-business-day support response
  • Info Guys: unclear about a named manager and same-day response
  • Gongwer: two statements disagree on the support response time
Reading problems · 3files hard to read or not fully searched
—Files hard to read or not fully searched
  • Info Guys
  • Gongwer
  • Pinegrove Wire
—3 files · 7 answers · not fully searched: Pinegrove Wire for R16 and Gongwer for R08 See sources

Prices as stated

Price sheets →

As stated · not sorted, totalled or converted

Info GuysOne statewide price
$169,086 a year · 5-year total stated $845,430 · plus $50,000 a year if a coded ad-removal solution is not satisfactory
GongwerYearly prices in two options; insurance terms differ
Option 1: $180,000 in 2026–27 up to $200,000 in 2030–31 · Option 2: $280,000 in 2026–27, $285,000 in 2027–28; later years omitted from this mockup
Harbor Point NewsPriced by user tier, up to 500 users
amount
Northwind BriefingOne statewide price, rising by up to 3% a year
amount in year 1
Pinegrove WireOne statewide price
amount · text-message alerts extra

Conditions · 12

All conditions →

Touches counts · an item can touch more than one topic

Pricing9
Liability or insurance3
Payment terms1
Scope of access1
Publication timing1

5 requirements with nothing to flag · 2 with a reading note · Draft questions ready for each vendor →

Documents submitted

03.2
DocumentInfo GuysGongwerHarbor Point NewsNorthwind BriefingPinegrove Wire
R07Complete proposal packageIncluded by all 5IncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Stated

Says all required documents are enclosed.

“ QuoteHide quote
“The bidder has enclosed all required documents listed in the RFP.”

Doc. 1 - (Public) Cover Letter 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

Says each required attachment is included.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer’s proposal package includes each attachment required by the RFP.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

Says all required documents are enclosed.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Harbor Point has enclosed every document the RFP requires.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Says each required document is included.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind’s package includes each required document.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

Says all required documents are enclosed.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Pinegrove Wire encloses all documents listed in the RFP.”

Pinegrove_Cover_Letter.pdf Open original ↗

R08Doc 1: Cover letter, signed by a person authorised to bind the companyIncluded by 4 of 5IncludedNot checkedReading note appliesIncludedIncludedIncluded
Stated

Cover letter included.

Signed by an authorised person: not mentioned

“ QuoteHide quote
“Also uploaded with this letter are the completed sections of the RFP worksheet and Schedule B Pricing for Infoguys, Inc. dba Michigan Information & Research Service, Inc. (MIRS.news), Michigan SIGMA Vendor Code CV0039595.”

Doc. 1 - (Public) Cover Letter 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

Not checked. Xpecfy didn’t finish searching Gongwer’s files for this, so there is no answer either way. Open the originals to check.

Open Gongwer’s files

Cover letter included, signed by an officer.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Respectfully submitted for Harbor Point News by its Chief Executive Officer.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Cover letter included, signed by an officer.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Signed for Northwind Briefing by its President.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

Cover letter included, signed by an officer.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Signed for Pinegrove Wire by its Vice President, who is authorised to bind the company.”

Pinegrove_Cover_Letter.pdf Open original ↗

R09Doc 2: Completed vendor worksheetIncluded by all 5IncludedReading note appliesIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Stated

Completed worksheet included.

Read from a scanned page, and one passage citing this file was left out because its quote couldn’t be matched. What’s shown may be incomplete; check the original.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Also uploaded with this letter are the completed sections of the RFP worksheet and Schedule B Pricing for Infoguys, Inc. dba Michigan Information & Research Service, Inc. (MIRS.news), Michigan SIGMA Vendor Code CV0039595.”

Doc. 2 - (Public) Completed Worksheet 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

Says each worksheet point is answered in its proposal.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer’s responses to each worksheet point are set out in this proposal.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

Completed worksheet included.

“ QuoteHide quote
“The completed vendor worksheet is part of this technical proposal.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Completed worksheet included.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind’s completed worksheet follows the proposal narrative.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

Completed worksheet included.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Our completed worksheet answers each point in the order the RFP lists them.”

Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

R10Doc 3: Schedule B pricingIncluded by all 5IncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Stated

Schedule B included. Prices are under Pricing.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Pricing Option – Statewide Annual Price … $169,086”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

Schedule B included. Prices are under Pricing.

“ QuoteHide quote
“2026-27 pricing under Option 1 … Amount: 180000”

Schedule B - Pricing Attachment.pdf Open original ↗

Schedule B included. Prices are under Pricing.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Schedule B – Pricing is enclosed as a separate workbook.”

HarborPoint_Schedule_B.xlsx Open original ↗

Schedule B included. Prices are under Pricing.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind’s Schedule B – Pricing is enclosed as a separate file.”

Northwind_Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

Schedule B included. Prices are under Pricing.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Schedule B – Pricing is enclosed as our Price Schedule.”

Pinegrove_Price_Schedule.pdf Open original ↗

R11Doc 4: Staffing and support plan with named rolesIncluded by all 5IncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Stated

Names Emily McDermott as the contact for this contract.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Emily McDermott is the contact for this contract.”

Doc. 4 - MIRS Employee directory.pdf Open original ↗

Says a dedicated account manager is assigned.

Named person: not mentioned

“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer assigns a dedicated account manager who responds to subscriber support requests the same business day.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

Names Dana Whitfield as the account manager.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Dana Whitfield is the named account manager for this contract.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Account manager role described.

Named person: not mentioned

“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind assigns an account manager who oversees the subscription and handles support requests.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

Names Luis Ortega as the account manager.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Luis Ortega will serve as the account manager for this contract.”

Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

R12Doc 5: At least three references from comparable clientsIncluded by 2 of 5DiffersNot foundIncludedNot foundIncluded
Stated

Survey responses from comparable state clients

Differs from what you asked

You asked for at least three references.

Number of references: not mentioned

“ QuoteHide quote
“Survey responses from comparable state clients are enclosed as Doc. 5.”

Doc. 5 - Insider Ranking Survey.pdf Open original ↗

Not found in Gongwer’s 4 files

Three references.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Three references from comparable state agencies are included.”

HarborPoint_References.pdf Open original ↗

Not found in Northwind Briefing’s 3 files

Four references.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Four references from comparable clients are provided.”

Pinegrove_Attestations.pdf Open original ↗

R13Doc 6: Mobile responsiveness attestationIncluded by 4 of 5Not foundIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Stated

Not found in Info Guys’ 5 files

Mobile responsiveness document included.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer’s news service website is fully responsive and works on phones and tablets through the browser; no app download is required.”

Gongwer News Service-Mobile Responsiveness.pdf Open original ↗

Mobile responsiveness document included.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Harbor Point attests that its website is responsive on phones and tablets.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Mobile responsiveness document included.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind attests that its mobile access is delivered through its iOS and Android apps.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

Mobile responsiveness document included.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Pinegrove Wire attests that its website is mobile-friendly and needs no app.”

Pinegrove_Attestations.pdf Open original ↗

R14Doc 7: Exceptions to standard contract termsIncluded by all 5IncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Stated

Lists two: declines quick payment terms, and may request a contract revision at the midpoint based on CPI data.

See conditions

“ QuoteHide quote
“The vendor explicitly declines quick payment terms and reserves the right to request a contract revision at the midpoint based on CPI data.”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

Filed as a separate attachment.

See conditions

“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer lists its exceptions to the standard contract terms in a separate attachment.”

Hybrid Contract Terms Exceptions.pdf Open original ↗

None listed.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Harbor Point takes no exceptions to the standard contract terms.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Lists one: limits liability to 12 months of fees.

Touches liability. See conditions

“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind’s liability under the contract is limited to 12 months of fees.”

Northwind_Exceptions.pdf Open original ↗

None listed.

“ QuoteHide quote
“Pinegrove Wire lists no exceptions to the standard contract terms.”

Pinegrove_Attestations.pdf Open original ↗

Requirements

03.3
Requirements: what you asked and what each vendor states, in run order
R01Daily news deliveryDaily electronic news coverage of state legislative and regulatory activity must be delivered no later than 7:00 a.m. Eastern on each business day.
VendorDelivery timeDays
You askedNo later than 7:00 a.m. EasternEach business day
Info Guys
“ QuoteHide quote
“Regarding the Monday through Friday by 8 a.m. requirement, on all days but state Holidays we have followed this requirement throughout the last 30 years the current management team has worked with the state and will continue to do so.”

Doc. 2 - (Public) Completed Worksheet 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

By 8 a.m.
Differs from what you asked
Monday to Friday, except state holidays

Read from a scanned page. Check the quote against the original.

Gongwer
“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer provides daily weekday news coverage by 8:00 a.m. the next business day, as well as news and information on weekends and holidays as needed.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

By 8:00 a.m.
Differs from what you asked
Next business day; weekends and holidays as needed

1 caveat: publication timing

Harbor Point News
“ QuoteHide quote
“Harbor Point delivers its coverage no later than 7:00 a.m. Eastern each business day.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

No later than 7:00 a.m. EasternEach business day
Northwind Briefing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind delivers its briefing by 8 a.m., Monday to Friday.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

By 8 a.m.
Differs from what you asked
Monday to Friday
Pinegrove Wire
“ QuoteHide quote
“Pinegrove Wire delivers daily coverage by 7:00 a.m. Eastern each business day.”

Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

By 7:00 a.m. EasternEach business day
R02ArchiveThe service must include a searchable online archive of prior coverage spanning at least 10 years.
VendorArchive depthSearch
You askedAt least 10 yearsSearchable online
Info Guys
“ QuoteHide quote
“MIRS provides two places to conduct searches of our data sets. Our quick search bar and a Search page. Our archived Capitol Capsule articles as well as legislative text go back to 1997. MIRS’ archive of press releases goes back to 2009 (presently, we have over 130,000 press releases in our archives). Searchable archives also include legislative journals and committee hearing transcripts (archiving of transcripts and journals began in late 2024).”

Doc. 2 - (Public) Completed Worksheet 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

Articles and legislative text since 1997; press releases since 2009; journals and hearing transcripts since late 2024A quick search bar and a Search page

Read from a scanned page. Check the quote against the original.

Gongwer
“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer provides an extensive searchable archive dating back at least five years.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

At least five years
Differs from what you asked
Searchable archive
Harbor Point News
“ QuoteHide quote
“Our archive of prior coverage runs from 2012 to today and supports full-text search.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Since 2012Full-text search
Northwind Briefing
Not found in Northwind Briefing’s 3 files

That isn’t the same as a no.

Open Northwind Briefing’s files

Pinegrove Wire
“ QuoteHide quote
“Pinegrove Wire maintains seven years of coverage, searchable by keyword.”

Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

Seven years of coverage
Differs from what you asked
Keyword search
R03AccessAccess must be unlimited and by named user across all executive branch agencies.
VendorWhoLimit
You askedNamed users across all executive branch agenciesUnlimited
Info Guys
“ QuoteHide quote
“Subscription includes unlimited named-user access for all executive branch agencies of the State of Michigan.”

Doc. 2 - (Public) Completed Worksheet 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

Named users in all executive branch agenciesUnlimited
Gongwer
“ QuoteHide quote
“Access is included for full-time state employees and is expanded to contractors with michigan.gov email addresses.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

Full-time state employees; contractors with michigan.gov email addresses
Differs from what you asked
not mentioned
Harbor Point News
“ QuoteHide quote
“Access is for named users across all executive branch agencies, up to 500 named users.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Named users across all executive branch agenciesUp to 500 named users
Differs from what you asked
Northwind Briefing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind provides unlimited named-user access in every executive branch agency.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

Named users in every executive branch agencyUnlimited
Pinegrove Wire
“ QuoteHide quote
“All executive branch staff receive a named login, with no user cap.”

Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

All executive branch staff, by named loginNo user cap
R04Mobile web interfaceThe solution must feature a mobile-responsive web interface usable on tablets and phones without requiring a dedicated native app.
VendorMobile use
You askedMobile-responsive web on tablets and phones, no native app
Info Guys
Not found in Info Guys’ 5 files

That isn’t the same as a no.

Open Info Guys’ files

Gongwer
“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer’s news service website is fully responsive and works on phones and tablets through the browser; no app download is required.”

Gongwer News Service-Mobile Responsiveness.pdf Open original ↗

Responsive website on phones and tablets; no app download
Harbor Point News
“ QuoteHide quote
“Harbor Point’s website is responsive and works on phones and tablets.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Responsive website on phones and tablets
Northwind Briefing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind provides iOS and Android apps for mobile access.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

iOS and Android apps
Differs from what you asked
Pinegrove Wire
“ QuoteHide quote
“Our mobile-friendly website works on phones and tablets and needs no app.”

Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

Mobile-friendly website; no app required
R05AlertsCustom topic and bill-tracking alerts must be available by email and RSS.
VendorAlert typesDelivered by
You askedCustom topic and bill-trackingEmail and RSS
Info Guys
“ QuoteHide quote
“Users can create custom topic and bill-tracking alerts delivered by email and through an RSS feed.”

Doc. 2 - (Public) Completed Worksheet 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

Custom topic and bill-trackingEmail and an RSS feed
Gongwer
“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer offers customizable topic and bill-tracking alerts delivered by email.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

Custom topic and bill-trackingEmail
Differs from what you asked

RSS not mentioned

Harbor Point News
“ QuoteHide quote
“Users can set custom topic and bill-tracking alerts, delivered by email and RSS.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Custom topic and bill-trackingEmail and RSS
Northwind Briefing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Custom topic and bill-tracking alerts are delivered by email and RSS.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

Custom topic and bill-trackingEmail and RSS
Pinegrove Wire
“ QuoteHide quote
“Alerts cover topics, bills and committees, and are sent by email, RSS and text message. Text-message alerts are billed separately.”

Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

Topic, bill and committee alertsEmail, RSS and text message

1 caveat: text-message alerts billed separately

R06Account manager and supportThe vendor must provide a named account manager and same-business-day support response.
VendorAccount managerSupport response
You askedA named account managerSame business day
Info Guys
“ QuoteHide quote
“Our staff is available to assist subscribers during regular business hours, and Emily McDermott is the contact for this contract.”

Doc. 4 - MIRS Employee directory.pdf Open original ↗

Emily McDermott, contact for this contractDuring regular business hours

Unclear answer

Xpecfy couldn’t tell for sure what this statement commits to. Read the quote.

Gongwer
“ Quotes (2)Hide quotes

Statement 1

“Gongwer assigns a dedicated account manager who responds to subscriber support requests the same business day.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

Statement 2

“Support requests received after 3:00 p.m. Eastern are answered on the next business day.”

Hybrid Contract Terms Exceptions.pdf Open original ↗

A dedicated account manager (statement 1)Statement 1: same business day. Statement 2: next business day for requests after 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

Conflicting statements

The two statements disagree. Xpecfy hasn’t resolved this; read both quotes.

Harbor Point News
“ QuoteHide quote
“Dana Whitfield is your named account manager, and support requests are answered the same business day.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

A named account manager, Dana WhitfieldSame business day
Northwind Briefing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind assigns an account manager and responds to support requests within one business day.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

A named account managerWithin one business day
Differs from what you asked
Pinegrove Wire
“ QuoteHide quote
“Each agency has a named account manager, and support requests are answered within four business hours.”

Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

A named account managerWithin four business hours
R15Proposal submissionProposals must be submitted electronically through the State’s procurement portal no later than the proposal deadline specified in the Cover Page.
VendorChannelDeadline
You askedElectronically through the State’s procurement portalThe deadline on the Cover Page
Info Guys
“ QuoteHide quote
“Electronic – The bidder must submit its proposal, all attachments, and any modifications or withdrawals electronically through www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS.”

Doc. 2 - (Public) Completed Worksheet 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

Electronically through SIGMA VSS (michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS)not mentioned
Gongwer
“ QuoteHide quote
“Proposals must be submitted electronically through SIGMA VSS prior to the October 9, 2025 deadline.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

Electronically through SIGMA VSSBefore October 9, 2025

Part of this answer may be missing: one passage citing this file was left out because its quote couldn’t be matched. Check the original.

Harbor Point News
“ QuoteHide quote
“Harbor Point will submit this proposal electronically through SIGMA VSS.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Electronically through SIGMA VSSnot mentioned
Northwind Briefing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind submits this proposal electronically through SIGMA VSS before the October 9, 2025 deadline.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

Electronically through SIGMA VSSBefore October 9, 2025
Pinegrove Wire
“ QuoteHide quote
“This response is submitted electronically through SIGMA VSS before October 9, 2025.”

Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

Electronically through SIGMA VSSBefore October 9, 2025
R16Questions about the RFPQuestions regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing to the Solicitation Manager by the deadline specified in the RFP Timeline.
VendorChannelDeadline
You askedIn writing to the Solicitation ManagerThe deadline in the RFP Timeline
Info Guys
“ QuoteHide quote
“Bidder questions about this RFP must be emailed to the Solicitation Manager no later than the time and date specified on the Cover Page.”

Doc. 2 - (Public) Completed Worksheet 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

By email to the Solicitation ManagerThe time and date on the Cover Page
Gongwer
“ QuoteHide quote
“Bidder questions regarding the RFP must be emailed to the Solicitation Manager by the September 11, 2025 deadline.”

RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdf Open original ↗

By email to the Solicitation ManagerBy September 11, 2025

Part of this answer may be missing: one passage citing this file was left out because its quote couldn’t be matched. Check the original.

Harbor Point News
“ QuoteHide quote
“Harbor Point sent its questions by email to the Solicitation Manager by September 11, 2025.”

HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

By email to the Solicitation ManagerBy September 11, 2025
Northwind Briefing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind’s questions were emailed to the Solicitation Manager by September 11, 2025.”

Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdf Open original ↗

By email to the Solicitation ManagerBy September 11, 2025
Pinegrove Wire

Not checked. Xpecfy didn’t finish searching Pinegrove Wire’s files for this, so there is no answer either way. Open the originals to check.

Open Pinegrove Wire’s files

—Also offered, not asked forStatements a vendor volunteered. They don’t add requirements for the other proposals.
Info Guys
  • As the only Michigan owned and operated Capitol News Service, MIRS is proud to continue providing the state’s professional staff with comprehensive state government news as well as a complete set of online public policy tracking and analysis tools.

    “ QuoteHide quote
    “As the only Michigan owned and operated Capitol News Service, MIRS is proud to continue providing the state’s professional staff with comprehensive state government news as well as a complete set of online public policy tracking and analysis tools.”

    Doc. 1 - (Public) Cover Letter 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

  • Our RFP response includes embedded links to brief YouTube training videos (2–3 minutes each) and to our MIRS.news website.

    “ QuoteHide quote
    “Our RFP response includes embedded links to brief YouTube training videos (2–3 minutes each) and to our MIRS.news website.”

    Doc. 1 - (Public) Cover Letter 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

Gongwer

None found in Gongwer’s files.

Harbor Point News
  • Quarterly briefing calls with agency staff

    “ QuoteHide quote
    “Harbor Point hosts quarterly briefing calls with agency staff.”

    HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdf Open original ↗

Northwind Briefing

None found in Northwind Briefing’s files.

Pinegrove Wire
  • Free onboarding webinar for each agency

    “ QuoteHide quote
    “Pinegrove Wire offers a free onboarding webinar for each agency.”

    Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdf Open original ↗

Pricing

03.4
Pricing (R10): what you asked and what each vendor states
R10PricingBidders must submit Doc 3 (Schedule B – Pricing), providing firm, fixed annual pricing for statewide access, itemized by user tier if applicable.
VendorPrice typeItemized byCoverage
You askedFirm, fixed, annualUser tier, if applicableStatewide
Info GuysAnnual; may request a contract revision at the midpoint based on CPI data
Differs from what you asked
One statewide priceStatewide
GongwerStated per contract year, 2026–27 to 2030–31Contract year, in two optionsFull-time state employees; contractors with michigan.gov email addresses
Harbor Point NewsFirm, fixed, annualThree user tiersStatewide, up to 500 named users
Differs from what you asked
Northwind BriefingAnnual, with increases of up to 3% a year
Differs from what you asked
One statewide priceStatewide
Pinegrove WireFirm, fixed, annualOne statewide priceStatewide

Quotes for each price are on the price sheets below.

Headline figures

In run order · not sorted, totalled or converted
Headline figures by vendor, in run order
VendorPrice basisStated figuresConditional or extra chargesCheck
Info GuysOne statewide price$169,086 a year; 5-year total stated: $845,430$50,000 a year if a coded ad-removal solution is not satisfactory; contractor expenses stated as 10% of bid costs
Check this figure

Contractor expenses, 10% of bid costs

GongwerYearly prices in two options, which differ by insurance termsOption 1: $180,000 in 2026–27 up to $200,000 in 2030–31. Option 2: $280,000 in 2026–27, $285,000 in 2027–28; later years omitted from this mockupNone found
Check this figure

Option 2, 2027–28

Harbor Point NewsPriced by user tier, up to 500 named usersTier 1 (up to 100 users): amount; Tier 2 (101–250): amount; Tier 3 (251–500): amount; each annualUsers above 500 are billed at the next tierNone flagged
Northwind BriefingOne statewide price, rising by up to 3% a yearYear 1: amount. Later years: up to 3% a year above the year beforeNone foundNone flagged
Pinegrove WireOne statewide priceStatewide annual price: amountText-message alerts, additional: amount. Basis not mentionedNone flagged

Price sheets

Info GuysOne statewide price, plus conditional extras.

Applies to every Info Guys line

  • May request a contract revision at the midpoint based on CPI data. Differs from what you asked: firm, fixed
  • Pricing reflects inflation adjustments from 2023 through 2028.
  • Declines quick payment terms. See conditions
Info Guys price lines
Price lineAmount
Statewide annual priceAnnual · Statewide
“ QuoteHide quote
“Pricing Option – Statewide Annual Price … $169,086”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

$169,086
Statewide 5-year grand total5 years · Statewide · total as stated by the vendor
“ QuoteHide quote
“Pricing Option – Statewide 5-Year Grand Total … $845,430”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

$845,430
If a coded ad-removal solution is not satisfactory
Additional annual costAnnual
“ QuoteHide quote
“Additional annual cost if a coded solution for advertising removal is not satisfactory … $50,000”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

$50,000
Additional cost to the 5-year grand total5 years
“ QuoteHide quote
“Additional cost to 5-year grand total if a coded solution … $250,000”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

$250,000
Contractor expensesStated in the cover letter as a share of bid costs
“ QuoteHide quote
“contractor expenses represent 10% of bid costs quoted to state in Document 3 – Schedule B Pricing.”

Doc. 1 - (Public) Cover Letter 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

10% of bid costs
Check this figure

Amounts are shown as each vendor stated them. Xpecfy doesn’t add, convert or compare prices across vendors. “Check this figure” means the number was read with less certainty; compare it with the original.

Conditions and caveats

03.5

As the vendor wrote them · whether any of them matters is your call

Conditions and caveats by topic
VendorConditionTouchesFromQuote
Pricing · 9
Info GuysReserves the right to request a contract revision at the midpoint based on CPI data.

Also listed in its contract exceptions (Doc 7)

Differs from what you asked: firm, fixed pricing
pricingR10Pricing
“ QuoteHide quote
“The vendor reserves the right to request a contract revision at the midpoint based on CPI data.”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

Info GuysPricing reflects cumulative and projected inflation adjustments from 2023 through 2028.pricingR10Pricing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Pricing reflects cumulative and projected inflation adjustments from 2023 through 2028.”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

Info GuysCharges an additional $50,000 a year ($250,000 over five years) if a coded ad-removal solution is not satisfactory.pricingR10Pricing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Additional annual cost if a coded solution for advertising removal is not satisfactory … $50,000”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

Info GuysStates contractor expenses as 10% of the bid costs quoted in Schedule B.
Check this figure
pricingR10Pricing
“ QuoteHide quote
“contractor expenses represent 10% of bid costs quoted to state in Document 3 – Schedule B Pricing.”

Doc. 1 - (Public) Cover Letter 250000002614.pdf Open original ↗

GongwerOffers two price options that differ by insurance terms: Option 1 retains the insurance requirements of current contract MA071B6600088C; Option 2 includes the insurance requirements described in this RFP.pricing and insuranceAlso under Liability or insuranceR10Pricing
“ Quotes (2)Hide quotes

Option 1 · Retaining insurance requirements under contract MA071B6600088C

“Retaining insurance requirements under contract MA071B6600088C”

Schedule B - Pricing Attachment.pdf Open original ↗

Option 2 · Including insurance requirements described under RFP 250000002614

“Including insurance requirements described under RFP 250000002614”

Schedule B - Pricing Attachment.pdf Open original ↗

GongwerScope stated on every price line: access for full-time state employees, expanded to contractors with michigan.gov email addresses.pricing and accessAlso under Scope of accessR03Access
R10Pricing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Includes access for full-time state employees. This proposal expands access to contractors with michigan.gov email addresses, a significant expansion of users from contract MA071B6600088C.”

Schedule B - Pricing Attachment.pdf Open original ↗

Harbor Point NewsUsers above 500 are billed at the next tier.pricingR10Pricing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Users above 500 named users are billed at the next tier.”

HarborPoint_Schedule_B.xlsx Open original ↗

Northwind BriefingAnnual price may rise by up to 3% each contract year.
Differs from what you asked: firm, fixed pricing
pricingR10Pricing
“ QuoteHide quote
“The annual price may increase by up to 3% at the start of each contract year.”

Northwind_Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

Pinegrove WireText-message alerts are billed separately.pricingR05Alerts
“ QuoteHide quote
“Text-message alerts are billed separately from the annual subscription.”

Pinegrove_Price_Schedule.pdf Open original ↗

Liability or insurance · 3
GongwerReserves the right to determine publication timing under First Amendment protections, and will not pay damages if forces beyond its control prevent publication.delivery and liabilityAlso under Publication timingR01Daily news delivery
“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer reserves the right to determine publication timing under First Amendment protections and will not pay damages if forces beyond control prevent publication.”

Hybrid Contract Terms Exceptions.pdf Open original ↗

GongwerOffers two price options that differ by insurance terms: Option 1 retains the insurance requirements of current contract MA071B6600088C; Option 2 includes the insurance requirements described in this RFP.pricing and insuranceAlso under PricingR10Pricing
“ Quotes (2)Hide quotes

Option 1 · Retaining insurance requirements under contract MA071B6600088C

“Retaining insurance requirements under contract MA071B6600088C”

Schedule B - Pricing Attachment.pdf Open original ↗

Option 2 · Including insurance requirements described under RFP 250000002614

“Including insurance requirements described under RFP 250000002614”

Schedule B - Pricing Attachment.pdf Open original ↗

Northwind BriefingLiability limited to 12 months of fees.

Also listed in its contract exceptions (Doc 7)

liabilityR14Exceptions (Doc 7)
“ QuoteHide quote
“Northwind’s liability under the contract is limited to 12 months of fees.”

Northwind_Exceptions.pdf Open original ↗

Payment terms · 1
Info GuysDeclines quick payment terms.

Also listed in its contract exceptions (Doc 7)

payment termsR10Pricing
“ QuoteHide quote
“The vendor explicitly declines quick payment terms.”

Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdf Open original ↗

Scope of access · 1
GongwerScope stated on every price line: access for full-time state employees, expanded to contractors with michigan.gov email addresses.pricing and accessAlso under PricingR03Access
R10Pricing
“ QuoteHide quote
“Includes access for full-time state employees. This proposal expands access to contractors with michigan.gov email addresses, a significant expansion of users from contract MA071B6600088C.”

Schedule B - Pricing Attachment.pdf Open original ↗

Publication timing · 1
GongwerReserves the right to determine publication timing under First Amendment protections, and will not pay damages if forces beyond its control prevent publication.delivery and liabilityAlso under Liability or insuranceR01Daily news delivery
“ QuoteHide quote
“Gongwer reserves the right to determine publication timing under First Amendment protections and will not pay damages if forces beyond control prevent publication.”

Hybrid Contract Terms Exceptions.pdf Open original ↗

Questions for vendors

03.6

Drafts built from differences, missing answers and conflicts · edit before you send · reading problems aren’t here

6 draft questions
  1. Differs from what you asked · Daily news delivery

    The RFP asks for daily coverage delivered no later than 7:00 a.m. Eastern on each business day. Your proposal states delivery by 8 a.m. Please confirm the time by which you will deliver coverage each business day.
  2. Differs from what you asked · Pricing

    The RFP asks for firm, fixed annual pricing. Your Schedule B reserves the right to request a contract revision at the midpoint based on CPI data. Please confirm whether your prices are firm and fixed for the full contract term.
  3. Differs from what you asked · References (Doc 5)

    The RFP asks for at least three references from comparable clients. Your proposal encloses survey responses from comparable state clients. Please identify the references you are submitting and how many there are.
  4. Missing · Mobile web interface

    We could not find where your proposal addresses a mobile-responsive web interface usable on tablets and phones without a native app. Please tell us where it is covered, or describe what you offer.
  5. Missing · Doc 6: mobile responsiveness attestation

    We could not find Doc 6, the mobile responsiveness attestation. Please tell us where it is, or provide it.
  6. Unclear · Account manager and support

    Your proposal names Emily McDermott as the contact for this contract and says staff are available during regular business hours. Please confirm whether she is your named account manager, and whether support requests receive a response the same business day.

When you’re readySummary, documents, requirements, prices, conditions and questions · draft label on every page

Export for committee

Sources

03.7

20 files · open any of them to check a quote in context

Source files by vendor
VendorFileNotes
Your RFP1 file
RFP 250000002614 - Statewide Electronic Newswire Services - Solicitation.pdfOpen original ↗
Info Guys5 files
Doc. 5 - Insider Ranking Survey.pdfOpen original ↗
Info Guys
Doc. 4 - MIRS Employee directory.pdfOpen original ↗
Info Guys
Doc. 3 - PDF - Schedule B Pricing.pdfOpen original ↗
Info Guys
Doc. 2 - (Public) Completed Worksheet 250000002614.pdfOpen original ↗

Some pages are scanned images, so quotes from them were matched to a transcription. Check these against the original: Daily news delivery, Archive, Doc 2 worksheet. One quote couldn’t be found in the file, so the part of the Doc 2 worksheet answer that cited it was left out.

Info Guys
Doc. 1 - (Public) Cover Letter 250000002614.pdfOpen original ↗
Gongwer4 files
Schedule B - Pricing Attachment.pdfOpen original ↗
Gongwer
RFP 250000002614 - SW Electronic Newswire Services PUBLIC COPY.pdfOpen original ↗

One quote couldn’t be found in the file, so content citing it was left out of Proposal submission and Questions about the RFP. Xpecfy also didn’t finish searching this file for Doc 1, the cover letter.

Gongwer
Hybrid Contract Terms Exceptions.pdfOpen original ↗
Gongwer
Gongwer News Service-Mobile Responsiveness.pdfOpen original ↗
Harbor Point News3 files
HarborPoint_Technical_Proposal.pdfOpen original ↗
Harbor Point News
HarborPoint_Schedule_B.xlsxOpen original ↗
Harbor Point News
HarborPoint_References.pdfOpen original ↗
Northwind Briefing3 files
Northwind_Proposal_2025.pdfOpen original ↗
Northwind Briefing
Northwind_Pricing.pdfOpen original ↗
Northwind Briefing
Northwind_Exceptions.pdfOpen original ↗
Pinegrove Wire4 files
Pinegrove_RFP_Response.pdfOpen original ↗

Xpecfy didn’t finish searching this file for R16, Questions about the RFP.

Pinegrove Wire
Pinegrove_Price_Schedule.pdfOpen original ↗
Pinegrove Wire
Pinegrove_Attestations.pdfOpen original ↗
Pinegrove Wire
Pinegrove_Cover_Letter.pdfOpen original ↗