25-8420_Authorization_to_Advertise.pdf

This is an Authorization to Advertise document issued by Collier County's Procurement Services Division in Florida for RFP No. 25-8420 seeking an international tourism representation firm. The county is requesting proposals for full-time representation services to promote the Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades destination in the Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and BeNeLux markets. The selected vendor will develop annual marketing plans, manage social media communications, coordinate public relations, participate in trade shows, conduct familiarization trips, and maintain databases of trade and media contacts. Proposals are due November 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST. The contract term is intended to be three years with two potential one-year renewal options. The document was authorized for advertisement on October 23, 2025, with all required signatures obtained from the Design Professional, Project Manager, Division Director, Procurement Strategist, and Procurement Director.

Evaluation will be conducted using a 100-point scoring system across seven criteria: cover letter (5 points), certified woman/minority business status (5 points), business plan (20 points), cost of services (20 points), firm experience and capacity (20 points), team member expertise (20 points), and local vendor preference (10 points). The contract will be structured as a fixed-price professional service agreement with a flat annual fee plus reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses without markup. Historically, the county has spent approximately $180,000 on similar services. Vendors must be E-Verify enrolled, possess appropriate business licenses, maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability and Professional Liability of $1,000,000 each, and comply with conflict of interest guidelines. The county offers preference for certified woman/minority businesses and local vendors with a Collier County business address. No grant funding is associated with this solicitation.