Advertising & promotion (brand strategy, creative & content)

The Pinellas County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), doing business as Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VisitSPC), is seeking a qualified advertising agency to provide comprehensive strategic advertising services for promoting tourism to Pinellas County. The Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks a vendor to develop creative campaigns and content across multiple media channels, including video (TV and streaming), print, audio (radio, streaming and downloaded), digital display, out-of-home advertising, promotions, and marketing partnerships. The contract term is 60 months with a potential 24-month extension, targeting agencies with extensive tourism marketing experience in domestic and select international markets. The evaluation process will distribute 1,000 total points across five key criteria: Qualifications, Experience and Background (300 points), Demonstration of Strategic Thinking and Creative Approach (400 points), Statement of Work (125 points), Compensation (125 points), and No Exceptions to RFP (50 points). The proposal submission deadline is May 1, 2025, at 3:00 pm, with electronic submissions required via OpenGov. The tourism industry's significance is highlighted by its $11.2 billion economic impact in 2024 and over 15.4 million visitors, underscoring the importance of effective marketing strategies.

The RFP includes several compliance requirements for potential contractors, including a Common Carrier Attestation confirming no transportation of unauthorized aliens, a Human Trafficking Affidavit certifying ethical labor practices, and a Foreign Countries of Concern Affidavit ensuring no substantial connections to specified countries like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. The compensation structure involves a monthly flat fee retainer for brand strategy, creative, and content services, exclusive of media placement costs. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the evaluation committee comprises five members: Brian Lowack and Steve Grimes from CVB, an unnamed TDC Member, Beth Bell from The Salvador Dali Museum, and Kerry O'Reilly from the Tampa Bay Times. The RFP emphasizes showcasing St. Pete-Clearwater's unique attributes, including 360 days of sunshine, 35 miles of award-winning beaches, and diverse experiences across 24 municipalities. Although specific budget ranges are not detailed, the comprehensive nature of the contract and the region's significant tourism economic impact suggest a substantial investment in marketing and promotional services.