URGENT Website Frame Design ASAP

Providers, I need a new design frame for my website. My website is UniversitySurplus.com. It is an auction site that allows universities and other institutions to put up their surplus property for sale to the public and other universities, by way of auction. Currently, we have the programming for the auction designed in flex, but we need a new website frame to outline the application. To see what I am talking about, please visit: [login to view URL] This is a version of our website that we build for the state of illinois. As you can see, the interior flex/flash design is really cool, but the outside framework (which remains locked through browsing) is very basic and dull. We tried to re-design these ourselves (in the attached images, but obviously we are graphically challenged. We need a new framework design that is: modern, flows well with the flex auction design, is collegiate inspired (the logo is REQUIRED to have collegiate type font to represent our commitment to universities), not too noisy, simple- yet elegant, and basically visually pleasing. We prefer lighter colors, like light blue, but we leave creative inspiration up to you. We still want it to follow the similar framework as the attached images, but obviously with much updated style and design. *WE HIGHLY recommend you send a MOCK DRAFT with your bid* as this will increase your chances in winning. It does not have to be the final draft, but atleast paint a picture of what your idea is. Successful completition of this project WILL indeed lead to other projects in the very near future: brochure design, logo design, alternate website designs, etc...so try your best, because we are looking for a long term contractor! *NO TEMPLATE DESIGNS* I can't even tell you how much I hate stock photography and boring templates. Be creative and design it to OUR specifications, not something already made. Once again, this is for the design of both our new website frame, and our NEW, unique logo. Make sure your ideas flow with the FLEX auction design on Illinois' ibid site!