25-8419_Authorization_to_Advertise.pdf

This is an Authorization to Advertise document issued by Collier County's Procurement Services Division in Florida for a Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation numbered 25-8419. The solicitation seeks a qualified firm to provide tourism international representation services targeting the UK and Ireland markets to promote the Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades destination. The RFP requires proposers to develop annual marketing plans, coordinate public relations, manage social media communications, maintain trade and media databases, conduct familiarization trips, and support tourism promotion activities. The proposal submission deadline is November 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST, with an anticipated contract term of three years and potential for two optional one-year renewals. The authorization document was signed on October 23, 2025, by key stakeholders including the Project Manager, Division Director, Procurement Strategist, and Procurement Director, confirming that the solicitation approach, scope, and specifications are acceptable and that budgetary resources have been identified to fund the resulting award.

The county has historically spent approximately $200,000 on these services, though this may not be indicative of future expenditure levels. Proposals will be evaluated using a 100-point scoring system across seven criteria including cover letter, business enterprise certification, business plan, cost of services, firm experience, team expertise, and local vendor preference. A local vendor preference option is available for Collier County-based businesses, though no explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are specified. Vendors must provide comprehensive documentation including proof of E-Verify enrollment, business licenses, and various certifications, and must maintain specified insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability, Business Auto Liability, Workers' Compensation, and potentially Professional Liability and Cyber Liability coverage. The contract will involve a flat annual fee plus reimbursable expenses for travel, registration, and events, with compensation subject to performance evaluations and potential extension to other governmental entities.