UNSPSC 80171800: Public relations and media relations services

Public relations consultation services relating to media relations and related services. PR and media relations is a strategic communication process that builds relationships between client and their publics.

UNSPSC 80171800 Public relations and media relations services, a Class code, covers strategic communications work that state and local governments buy to manage reputation, engage stakeholders, shape public perception, and navigate legislative and regulatory environments. Recent opportunities show government buyers purchasing two distinct service streams under this code: governmental affairs and legislative advocacy (state lobbying, bill tracking, legislator relationships) and public engagement and outreach (community meetings, stakeholder coordination, media relations, crisis communications, integrated marketing campaigns). The issuing bodies span city governments (Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Waco, Texas; Apopka, Florida), counties (Broward, Henry, Orange County, Florida; Pinellas, Florida), regional transit authorities (Orange County Transportation Authority, California; Great Lakes Water Authority, Michigan), special-purpose districts (Invest Atlanta; Eastern Regional Tourism District; Convention & Visitors Bureaus), state agencies (Oregon Medical Board, Washington Department of Commerce), and colleges and universities (Broward College, Houston City College System, Texas State Technical College). Orange County, California and Broward County, Florida appear as repeat frequent buyers across multiple related procurements.

Geographic concentration appears strongest in California (Orange County Transportation Authority, multiple rail and public outreach initiatives) and Florida (Broward County, Pinellas County, Orange County, Broward College), with activity also visible in Georgia (Atlanta, Columbus, College Park), Texas (Waco, Houston, Austin), the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington), and Connecticut (Eastern Regional Tourism District). Representative recent procurements include the Orange County Transportation Authority's public outreach for the Measure M Environmental Mitigation Program (RFP 250350, $150,000 estimated value, initial three-year term starting October 2026, due July 13, 2026), Pinellas County Visit St. Pete-Clearwater's domestic public relations services (RFP, five-year contract with total value approximately $875,000, due April 23, 2026), the Oregon Medical Board's legislative and governmental affairs services (RFP S8470000017349, $150,000 not-to-exceed, two-year term running December 2026 through November 2028, due July 27, 2026), the Great Lakes Water Authority's marketing and communications services (REQ0009292, three-year contract with optional renewals, due May 22, 2026), and Broward County's public relations services through its Convention & Visitors Bureau (RFP GEN2130519P1, 15 percent County Business Enterprise participation goal, due June 15, 2026). Evaluation commonly weights qualifications and relevant experience heavily, with many procurements reserving the right to negotiate with top-ranked firms, conduct interviews with shortlisted vendors, or award to multiple contractors. Set-asides and local preferences appear in several jurisdictions: Orange County applies OCLSB and DVBE certifications; Henry County establishes DBE benchmarks; Broward County imposes CBE goals; and some municipalities apply local vendor preferences.