1-GJ27-125 Marketing Advertising Services.docx

Request for Proposals for Marketing & Advertising Services for Utah Inland Port Authority Posted: October 30, 2026 Deadline for Questions: November 12, 2026 4pm MT All questions must be submitted through U3P/Bonfire during the question-and-answer period.

Proposal Due Date: November 19, 2026 5pm MT Proposals must be submitted electronically through U3PBonfire by the Proposal Due Date above.

If needed, Anticipated Interview Presentation: December 9, 2026

Table of Contents

Background/Purpose Statement The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA or the Authority) was established by the Utah Legislature in 2018 to support long-term economic benefits through the development of project areas and logistics infrastructure. UIPA partners with communities, businesses and other stakeholders to support investment, strengthen connections to markets and advance responsible development throughout Utah.

UIPA is issuing this Request for Proposals to obtain professional services that supplement its internal Marketing and Communications team. Services will support UIPA, its regional project areas, PortSLC and related initiatives.

This solicitation includes two service categories:

1. Category 1: Advertising Strategy, Media Buying and Campaign Management.

2. Category 2: Creative and Graphic Design Services.

Offerors may propose on either or both categories. Each category will be evaluated and awarded independently under the methodology described in this RFP. UIPA anticipates one award per category. The same offeror may receive both categories, or different offerors may receive each category.

UIPA will conduct this procurement under its applicable procurement requirements and BP-07 Procurement Policy.

Communications and Question Answer Period Offerors are prohibited from communications regarding this RFP with the Procurement Unit staff, evaluation committee members, or other associated individuals EXCEPT the procurement officer overseeing this RFP.

The Question and Answer period closes on the date and time specified above. All questions must be submitted as described above during the Question and Answer period. Questions may include notifying the Procurement Unit of any ambiguity, inconsistency, scope exception, excessively restrictive requirement, or other errors in this RFP. Questions are encouraged.

Answers from the Procurement Unit will be posted on U3P/Bonfire. Questions may be answered individually or may be compiled into one document.

Questions may also be answered via an addendum. An answered question or an addendum may modify the specification or requirements of this RFP. It is the responsibility of the Offerors to submit their proposals as required by this RFP, including any requirements contained in an answered question and/or addenda.

Instructions to Offeror The RFP is not intended to limit a proposal's content or exclude any relevant or essential data. Offerors are at liberty and are encouraged to expand upon the specifications to evidence service capability.

Utah Inland Port Authority reserves the right and may reopen this solicitation or create a new solicitation if it determines there may be more competition for the procurement item than when the original solicitation was posted.

If it is determined to be in the best interest of the Utah Inland Port Authority, interviews and presentations may be held at the option of the Utah Inland Port Authority. The Utah Inland Port Authority shall establish a date and time for the interviews or presentations and shall notify eligible Offerors of the procedures. Offerors invited to interviews or presentations shall be limited to those Offerors meeting the minimum requirements and minimum technical score threshold specified in the RFP. Representations made by an Offeror during interviews or presentations shall become an addendum to the Offeror's proposal and shall be documented. Representations must be consistent with the Offeror's original proposal and may only be used for purposes of clarifying or filling in gaps in the Offeror's proposal. Interviews and presentations will be at the Offeror's expense.

Scope of Work UIPA seeks qualified firms to supplement its internal Marketing and Communications team through advertising and creative services. Objectives include increasing awareness of Utah’s industrial and logistics advantages, supporting business recruitment, promoting project areas and communicating UIPA initiatives.

A primary focus is PortSLC, the brand for Salt Lake City’s Northwest Quadrant. Services will help communicate the area’s transportation connections, workforce, industrial opportunities and access to domestic and international markets, particularly for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defense, and logistics-related industries.

Services may also support other UIPA project areas, infrastructure initiatives, sustainability programs, public information efforts and stakeholder communications.

UIPA will establish overall priorities, approve messaging and budgets, and retain final approval of deliverables and media placements. Work will be authorized through written scopes identifying deliverables, schedules, pricing and responsibilities.

Category 1: Advertising Strategy, Media Buying and Campaign Management

The awarded firm will provide:

· Audience research and segmentation, including approaches for reaching business executives, site selectors, real estate professionals and industry decisionmakers.

· Campaign strategy, messaging recommendations and creative briefs.

· Media research, planning, negotiation and buying across appropriate digital, print, broadcast, outdoor and industry-specific channels.

· Paid search, paid social, display, video, email advertising and other approved advertising services.

· Campaign setup, trafficking, testing, monitoring and optimization.

· Campaign landing-page recommendations and coordination of conversion tracking.

· Monthly reporting on spending, delivery, audience engagement, inquiries and other approved performance measures.

· Recommendations for improving campaign effectiveness and allocating media spending.

Expected deliverables include campaign plans, audience recommendations, media schedules, creative specifications, tracking plans, monthly performance reports and campaign summaries.

Category 2: Creative and Graphic Design Services The awarded firm will provide:

· Creative concepts and visual approaches for campaigns and communications.

· Implementation and extension of UIPA, PortSLC and other approved brand standards.

· Print and digital collateral, including one-sheets, brochures, reports, infographics and presentations.

· Advertising assets developed to approved media specifications.

· Social media graphics, email graphics and website visual assets.

· Trade show, event, signage and display materials.

· Video editing, motion graphics and animation; original filming or specialized production will be separately scoped and approved.

· Website and landing-page visual design

· Accessible design practices appropriate to the deliverable.

· Delivery of final production files, editable source files and reusable templates, subject to disclosed third-party licensing restrictions.

Expected deliverables include creative concepts, production-ready assets, editable files, templates and supporting documentation.

Coordination and Scope Boundaries The Category 1 contractor will coordinate with UIPA’s communications director on audience strategy, media planning, advertising execution and campaign measurement. The Category 2 contractor will coordinate with UIPA’s communications director on visual concepts, design and creative production.

Both contractors will coordinate directly with UIPA and with one another as authorized. Contractors may not duplicate services, incur costs on behalf of another contractor or expand an assignment without UIPA’s prior written approval.

UIPA will retain responsibility for public relations, media relations and overall communications direction. Earned media services, technical website development and ongoing website maintenance are outside the base scope unless expressly included in an authorized assignment within the awarded contract’s scope.

Mandatory Minimum Requirements Offerors must demonstrate the ability to meet or exceed the mandatory minimum requirements outlined below by providing a narrative point by point response, in the order listed, to each requirement.

The following mandatory minimum requirements must be met in order for a proposal to be considered responsive:

1. 10 Years Experience: Firm and/or individual working on the project must have ten years of professional experience providing services substantially similar to those described in each category proposed.

2. Service Category Capability: The offeror must demonstrate the ability to provide the services within each proposed category, identifying any subcontractors and their responsibilities. Offerors are not required to provide services in a category for which they are not proposing.

3. Separate Cost Proposal: Offerors proposing on both categories must provide independent pricing for each and follow the instructions in Appendix C.

4. Independent Category Pricing: The rate for each category proposed must remain valid.

5. Timely Submission: Ensure that proposals are submitted before the RFP closes in U3P/Bonfire.

Proposals which do not satisfy ALL minimum mandatory qualifications requirements will be excluded from this bid.

Offerors should note that only those submissions which meet all of the minimum mandatory criteria will be eligible for inclusion in the award process.

Preferred Experience Preference will be given in the evaluation process to offerors with proven experience developing and executing marketing and advertising campaigns in Utah or promoting Utah to external audiences, particularly campaigns focused on economic development, business recruitment, or industry attraction.

Offerors should provide relevant project examples describing their role, campaign objectives, target audiences, and measurable results. This experience is a preferred qualification and is not a mandatory minimum requirement.

The contract will be awarded from the qualifying proposals based on the highest scoring responsible Offeror, meeting the stated RFP requirements:

· Meeting all minimum mandatory requirements

· Ability to meet the technical requirements

· Interview Presentation (Optional)

· Cost

Technical Criteria For ease of evaluation, the proposals must provide a point-by-point response, addressing in detail each area of the evaluation criteria, including addressing how the point-by-point response addresses the issues discussed in this RFP.

Offerors must provide a point-by-point response to the criteria for each category proposed. Proposals for both categories must contain clearly separated category responses.

Each category will be evaluated independently.

Category 1: Advertising Strategy, Media Buying and Campaign Management

1. Experience and Qualifications — 200 points Relevant firm and assigned-team experience; comparable clients and assignments; relevant Utah experience; and demonstrated understanding of business recruitment, industry audiences or public-sector communications.

2. Campaign Strategy and Audience Targeting — 200 points Understanding of UIPA and PortSLC objectives; audience segmentation; channel selection; messaging approach; and ability to reach specialized business audiences.

3. Media Planning, Buying and Management — 200 points Media research, negotiation, placement, campaign execution, quality control and optimization approach.

4. Case Studies, Measurement and Reporting — 150 points Provide several relevant case studies identifying objectives, the offeror’s role, spending context, results and measurement methods; proposed reporting; and ability to distinguish awareness, engagement and qualified inquiries.

5. Implementation, Capacity and Coordination — 50 points Assigned personnel, availability, onboarding, project management, turnaround, revision management and coordination with UIPA and its advertising contractor.

Total Technical Points: 800 Minimum Technical Score to Advance: 560 Category 2: Creative and Graphic Design Services

1. Experience and Qualifications — 150 points Relevant firm and assigned-team experience; comparable clients and assignments; relevant Utah experience; and ability to support institutional communications and business promotion.

2. Portfolio Quality and Relevance — 250 points Quality, clarity, consistency and effectiveness of submitted work. Provide up to six examples, including a coordinated campaign, a presentation or report, print collateral and digital advertising assets. Identify the proposed team’s role in each example.

3. Creative Approach and Brand Implementation — 200 points Understanding of UIPA and PortSLC objectives; approach to extending established brands; concept development; visual communication; and accessible design practices.

4. Production Capabilities and File Delivery — 100 points Print and digital production, quality assurance, motion or video capabilities, source-file delivery, templates and management of third-party licenses.

5. Implementation, Capacity and Coordination — 100 points Assigned personnel, availability, onboarding, project management, turnaround, revision management and coordination with UIPA and its advertising contractor.

Total Technical Points: 800 Minimum Technical Score to Advance: 560

Cost Submission/Price Guarantee The cost proposal will be evaluated independently from the technical proposal; and as such, must be submitted separately from the technical proposal via Appendix C. Offerors must not include costs or pricing data in their responses to the mandatory minimum requirements and the technical response. In addition to the fees proposed in Appendix C, the proposal should state the firm's policy for reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses. UIPA's policy is to reimburse for reasonable and necessary expenses (such as travel, printing, and filing fees) at actual cost, without administrative markup. All such expenses must be pre-approved by UIPA and be accompanied by detailed receipts.

Offeror must include a complete cost proposal. If an Offeror fails to include a complete cost proposal, then its proposal will be considered non-responsive and the proposal will be rejected.

Failure to submit cost or pricing data separately will result in Offeror’s proposal being judged as non-responsive and ineligible for contract award.

Price Guarantee Offeror must guarantee its pricing for two years for a contract term of two years.

If allowable under this RFP, a request for price adjustment must be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date. A request for price adjustment must include sufficient documentation (market analysis) supporting the request. Any price adjustment will not be effective unless approved by the Utah Inland Port Authority. A price adjustment will be guaranteed for the same length of time as the original price guarantee. The Utah Inland Port Authority will be given the immediate benefit of any decrease in the market, or allowable discount.

Evaluation Process Only Responses that meet minimum mandatory requirements will be evaluated.

Stage 1: Initial Review In the initial phase of the evaluation process, the Utah Inland Port Authority will review all proposals timely received. Non-responsive proposals not conforming to RFP requirements or unable to meet the mandatory minimum requirements will be eliminated from further consideration.

Stage 2: Technical Proposal Evaluation Responsive proposals will then be evaluated by an evaluation committee appointed by the Utah Inland Port Authority against the proposal technical criteria noted in this RFP. Proposals will be evaluated against the technical criteria as follows:

Responses that achieve a minimum score threshold of 560 points will proceed to the Interview Presentation/Cost Proposal Evaluation. Responses with a score of less than the minimum technical points will be eliminated and will not move to the interview presentation.

The evaluation committee, for this RFP, will tally the final scores for criteria other than cost to arrive at a consensus score by the following method: an average of the individual scores.

Stage 3: Optional Interview Presentation If necessary, responsive proposals that meet the minimum score threshold from Stage 2 will move on to the Interview Presentation for the applicable service category:

· Category 1: Advertising Strategy, Media Buying and Campaign Management.

· Category 2: Creative and Graphic Design Services.

Offerors proposing on both categories will be evaluated and scored separately for each category. Qualification for an interview in one category does not automatically qualify an offeror for an interview in the other.

A total of 400 demonstration points is possible per category. Offerors will be given a maximum of 30 minutes per category to demonstrate their response to the Technical Proposal for the evaluation committee. The committee will evaluate how well the offeror would execute and perform the services and scope of work for that category published in this RFP. An offeror that meets the minimum score threshold for both categories will be scheduled for one interview presentation only.

If it is determined that the interview presentations are needed, a qualified offeror that declines or cannot attend an interview will be excluded from moving to the final stage.

UIPA plans to hold these demonstrations in person at our office located at 60 E. South Temple, Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. We have listed the anticipated date but will let all Offerors know who qualifies for the exact date and time.

If an in-person demonstration will not work, we will set up technology to present virtually if needed.

Final Stage: Cost Proposal Evaluation Vendors meeting the minimum score threshold of 560 for the technical proposal evaluation and completing the interview presentation (if needed) will move to the contract cost evaluation. The Response with the lowest total blended hourly rate will receive 150 points (100% of the total cost points available).

The Offeror with the lowest total blended hourly rate will receive the maximum points of 150 Points.

Points assigned to each Offeror’s cost proposal will be based on the lowest proposal price.

All other Offerors will receive a portion of the total cost points based on what ratio higher their Proposed Price is than the Lowest Proposed Price.

The formula to compute points is: Cost Points x (Lowest Proposed Price/Propose Price). The cost point calculation will be made separately by category.

Each Cost Proposal must use the template provided in Appendix C.

Protected Information Offerors may request that part of its proposal be protected by submitting a Company Request for Protected Record Status.

Pricing may not be classified as confidential or protected and will be considered public information.

Process for Requesting Non-Disclosure: To protect information under a Claim of Business Confidentiality, an Offeror must complete the Company Request for Protected Record Status form, at the time the proposal is submitted, with the following information:

· Include a concise statement of reasons supporting the claim of business confidentiality (Subsection 63G-2-309(1)).

· Submit an electronic “redacted” (excluding protected information) copy of the proposal. Copy must clearly be marked “Redacted Version.”

The Claim of Business Confidentiality form may be accessed in Appendix B.

An entire proposal cannot be identified as “PROTECTED”, “CONFIDENTIAL” or “PROPRIETARY”.

Redacted Copy: If an Offeror submits a proposal that contains information claimed to be confidential or protected, the Offeror MUST submit two separate proposals: one redacted version for public release, with all protected business confidential information either blacked-out or removed, clearly marked as "Redacted Version"; and one non-redacted version for evaluation purposes clearly marked as "Protected Business Confidential."

All materials submitted become the property of the Utah Inland Port Authority. Materials may be evaluated by anyone designated by the Utah Inland Port Authority as part of the evaluation committee. Materials submitted may be returned only at the Utah Inland Port Authority's option.

Award To determine which proposal provides the best value to the Utah Inland Port Authority, the evaluation committee shall evaluate each responsive and responsible proposal that has not been disqualified from consideration.

It is anticipated that this RFP will result in a single award per category to the responsive and responsible Offeror with the highest score.

After the evaluation and final scoring of proposals is completed, the Utah Inland Port Authority shall award the contract as soon as practicable.

Terms & Conditions Any contract resulting from this RFP will include but not be limited to the Standard Terms and Conditions. The Standard Terms and Conditions have been attached in the Files section of U3P/Bonfire (See UIPA Standard Terms & Conditions).

Exceptions and/or additions to the Standard Terms and Conditions are strongly discouraged. However, Offerors requesting exceptions and/or additions to the Standard Terms and Conditions must be submitted with the proposal. Exceptions and/or additions submitted after the date and time for receipt of proposals will not be considered. Offerors may not submit requests for exceptions and/or additions by reference to a vendor's website or URL. URLs provided with a proposal may result in that proposal being rejected as non-responsive. Offerors may submit questions during the Question and Answer period regarding the Standard Terms and Conditions.

UIPA may refuse to negotiate exceptions and/or additions that are determined to be excessive; that are inconsistent with similar contracts of the Utah Inland Port Authority; to warranties, insurance, or indemnification provisions that are necessary to protect the Utah Inland Port Authority after consultation with the applicable legal counsel; where the solicitation specifically prohibits exceptions and/or additions; or that are not in the best interest of the Utah Inland Port Authority.

For any proposed change(s), Offeror must provide the Standard Terms and Conditions for this solicitation in Microsoft Word format with redline edits. Additional terms or documents must be submitted in separate Microsoft Word documents. Offeror must also provide the name, contact information, and access to the person(s) that will be directly involved in legal negotiations.

Any mandatory required acceptance of an Offeror’s terms and conditions may result in the proposal being determined to be non-responsive.

An award resulting from this RFP is subject to successful contract terms and conditions negotiation (if required). UIPA may reject a proposal if the offeror who submitted the proposal fails to sign a contract within 90 days after the contract award.

Appendix A: Response Questionnaire Identify the category or categories for which you are submitting a proposal:

· Category 1: Advertising Strategy, Media Buying and Campaign Management

· Category 2: Creative and Graphic Design Services Offerors may propose on either or both categories. Each category will be evaluated independently, and proposals must clearly identify the qualifications, approach and personnel applicable to each category proposed.

Mandatory Minimum Requirements Please answer Yes or No to each question and identify where supporting information appears in your proposal.

1. Yes / No Relevant Experience: Does your firm or proposed project lead have at least ten years of professional experience providing services substantially similar to those described in each category proposed?

2. Yes / No Service Capability: Can your firm provide the services described in each category proposed through the personnel and subcontractors identified in your proposal?

3. Yes / No Separate Cost Proposal: Have you submitted a complete Appendix C, separately from your technical proposal, with a blended hourly rate for each category proposed?

4. Yes / No Independent Category Pricing: Will your proposed rate for each category remain valid if your firm is awarded only in that category?

Technical Criteria Provide a point-by-point response to the published technical criteria for each category proposed. Address each criterion in the order listed and clearly identify the applicable category.

Category 1: Advertising Strategy, Media Buying and Campaign Management

· Experience and Qualifications Relevant firm and assigned-team experience; comparable clients and assignments; relevant Utah experience; and demonstrated understanding of business recruitment, industry audiences or public-sector communications.

· Campaign Strategy and Audience Targeting Understanding of UIPA and PortSLC objectives; audience segmentation; channel selection; messaging approach; and ability to reach specialized business audiences.

· Media Planning, Buying and Management Media research, negotiation, placement, campaign execution, quality control and optimization approach.

· Case Studies, Measurement and Reporting Provide several relevant case studies identifying objectives, the offeror’s role, spending context, results and measurement methods; proposed reporting; and ability to distinguish awareness, engagement and qualified inquiries.

· Implementation, Capacity and Coordination Assigned personnel, availability, onboarding, project management, turnaround, revision management and coordination with UIPA and its advertising contractor.

Category 2: Creative and Graphic Design Services

· Experience and Qualifications Relevant firm and assigned-team experience; comparable clients and assignments; relevant Utah experience; and ability to support institutional communications and business promotion.

· Portfolio Quality and Relevance Quality, clarity, consistency and effectiveness of submitted work. Provide up to six examples, including a coordinated campaign, a presentation or report, print collateral and digital advertising assets. Identify the proposed team’s role in each example.

· Creative Approach and Brand Implementation Understanding of UIPA and PortSLC objectives; approach to extending established brands; concept development; visual communication; and accessible design practices.

· Production Capabilities and File Delivery Print and digital production, quality assurance, motion or video capabilities, source-file delivery, templates and management of third-party licenses.

· Implementation, Capacity and Coordination Assigned personnel, availability, onboarding, project management, turnaround, revision management and coordination with UIPA and its advertising contractor.

Appendix B: Claim of Business Confidentiality

COMPANY REQUEST FOR PROTECTED RECORD STATUS

Name and Address of entity (“Company”) making this confidentiality claim (please print or type):

Pursuant to the Government Records Access and Management Act, Utah Code § 63G-2-309, Company submits this written claim for business confidentiality. Company claims that the records attached to this form and/or listed below and provided to the Utah Inland Port Authority (“UIPA”), or its programs, are protected records and should be considered confidential and classified as protected records.

DESCRIPTION of the record(s) covered by this confidentiality claim and which Company believes qualifies for protected status:

· APPLICATION, PLUS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.

· [COMPANY TO LIST ADDITIONAL RECORDS]

The following reasons are Company’s concise claim in support this claim of business confidentiality (check (✔) all that apply):

NOTE: Company will be notified if a record claimed to be protected is classified as public or if the determination is made that the record should be disclosed to the public because the interest favoring access outweigh the interest favoring restriction of access. Records claimed to be protected under this business confidentiality claim may not be disclosed to the public by UIPA until the period in which to bring an appeal expires or the end of the appeals process, including judicial appeal (unless the claimant, after notice, has waived the claim by not appealing or intervening before the record committee). (Utah Code § 63G-2-309)

BY: DATE:

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE NAME AND TITLE

COMPANY STATEMENT

The following is a concise written statement supporting a business confidentiality claim is required, U.C.A. 63G-2-309(1)(a)). Please attach additional sheets if necessary.

The attached information (records provided to UIPA) is related to _[explain purpose of company’s interaction with UIPA, for example, vendor submitting a bid/offer through procurement process for a state contract for goods/services] to a project that the Company is pursuing.

The Company makes its claim of confidentiality, protected, or private status of records for the following reasons:

[the company should explain here the reasons why the records should be classified as confidential, private, or protected]

NOTE: Claimant shall be notified if a record claimed to be protected is classified public or if the determination is made that the record should be disclosed because the interest favoring access outweigh the interest favoring restriction of access. Records claimed to be protected under this business confidentiality claim may not be disclosed until the period in which to bring an appeal expires or the end of the appeals process, including judicial appeal (unless the claimant, after notice has waived the claim by not appealing or intervening before the record committee). (U.C.A. 63G-2-309)

COMPANY:

By: Date:

Name (printed):

Title:

Appendix C: Cost Proposal Offerors must provide a separate blended hourly rate for each service category proposed. Offerors may propose one or both categories. Enter “Not Proposed” for any category not included in the proposal.

Each rate must remain valid if the offeror is awarded only that category.

Category 1: Advertising Strategy, Media Buying and Campaign Management The blended hourly rate must cover contractor labor for the following services:

· Market research, audience research and market surveys.

· Advertising strategy and campaign planning.

· Media research, recommendations, planning and buying.

· Television, radio, print, outdoor and digital advertising management.

· Digital marketing, including paid search and paid social media.

· Campaign management, monitoring and optimization.

· Email advertising.

· Advertising messaging recommendations and creative briefs.

· Campaign tracking, data analytics and performance reporting.

· Account management, strategic planning and coordination with UIPA and its creative services contractor.

Category 2: Creative and Graphic Design Services The blended hourly rate must cover contractor labor for the following services:

· Graphic design.

· Branding, brand planning and creative research.

· Campaign concepts and creative development.

· Print and digital collateral.

· Presentations, reports and infographics.

· Social media and email graphics.

· Advertising copywriting and creative assets.

· Trade show, event, signage and display materials.

· Website and landing-page visual design.

· Video production and editing.

· Post-production animation and motion graphics.

· Preparation and delivery of production-ready files, editable source files and reusable templates.

· Account management and coordination with UIPA and its advertising contractor.

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