1149-1126RFP - Statewide Strategic Communications & Media Relations Consultant Services

Oregon Tourism Commission, doing business as Travel Oregon, is soliciting proposals under RFP 1149-1126 for statewide strategic communications and media relations consultant services, with proposals due November 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM PST. The contractor must be Oregon-based, a local-vendor requirement that narrows the field before capability is considered.

The consultant will develop media strategies that identify priority storylines and target reporters, translate tourism investments into media-ready narratives, pitch statewide, regional, and national outlets, draft pitch notes and fact sheets, track and report coverage outcomes, and maintain a story bank of project results. Services also include monthly meetings with Travel Oregon staff, message strategy and spokesperson preparation, and support for up to two in-market press trips during the term. Required experience covers strategic communications, destination marketing, grant outcome translation, and media logistics coordination, along with existing relationships with Oregon and regional/national media covering tourism, business, and community development. All work must align with Travel Oregon's 10-Year Strategic Vision.

Compensation is a fixed monthly retainer of $7,500, with a maximum allocation of $45,000 through June 30, 2027. The initial term runs from January 4, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with Travel Oregon anticipating options to renew for up to two additional 24-month terms, subject to contractor performance, program results, and available funding. Option-year prices may increase by CPI-U, calculated December to December, not to exceed five percent.

Before contract execution, the contractor must provide general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, workers' compensation insurance, and professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 aggregate. Submissions must go through Euna OpenBids and include Forms A through F, proof of Oregon business registration, W-9 documentation, insurance certificates, and three years of business financial documentation.

Proposals are scored on qualifications and experience (300 points), capability (300 points), project methodology (200 points), and price (200 points), for a total of 1,000 points. Anticipated award is December 11, 2026.