Committee approves extension for marketing contract, defers First Transit renewal pending additional detail

The Finance and Facilities Committee on Feb. 3 recommended Board of Trustees approval for a change order extending services from Katie Schreiber Associates (KSA), and discussed a proposed two‑year renewal of the campus shuttle contract with First Transit.

Abby Benson, vice president, said the KSA marketing contract is being extended five months with an estimated $500,000 increase, bringing the contract value to approximately $10.72 million (the board had previously approved the contract at $8.52 million and staff later adjusted the purchase order within an allowed 20% increase). The committee approved the KSA extension and authorized university signatories to finalize related documents; the motion passed by voice vote and was recorded as unanimous.

The committee also reviewed a proposed two‑year renewal and change order for the First Transit contract (campus shuttle). Benson said the original procurement had included separate contracts that were later consolidated; staff estimate upcoming annual shuttle contract costs of about $1.7 million in FY 2026 and $1.8 million in FY 2027, noting the contract is time‑and‑usage based with hourly rates and fuel reimbursement. Several committee members asked for additional historical context — initial contract value, how consolidation affected totals, and usage trends — before approving the increase. The committee agreed to defer final action on First Transit until the full board meeting and requested that staff supply the requested line‑item history and usage data.

Ending: The KSA extension was recommended for board approval; First Transit renewal was discussed but tabled in committee pending further financial detail from staff.