Communications services provider to support the Communications Office

The City of Philadelphia's Office of Public Safety is soliciting proposals for communications support services, with proposals due October 14, 2026. The contract term runs November 16, 2026 through November 15, 2027, with City options to extend for up to three additional one-year terms. Local Business Entity (LBE) certification under Mayoral Executive Order No. 04-12 and Local Impact Certification are optional but serve as positive evaluation factors; applicants must meet Philadelphia Code Section 17-109(3)(b) criteria including filing Business Income and Receipts Tax returns for the preceding 12 months, maintaining a valid Commercial Activity License for the preceding 18 months, and either locating their principal place of business in Philadelphia or satisfying at least two of three residency or employment thresholds.

The scope encompasses strategic communications frameworks and plans, public engagement and surveys, media relations and advertising, promotional materials and creative services, press conference and event production, photography, videography, digital and web communications support, stakeholder communication kits, and communications tools and procurement, delivered on an as-needed basis. The contractor must designate a single point of contact to coordinate all requests, subcontractors, and third-party vendors and remain responsible for performance quality and timeliness. Third-party purchases or media buys require prior OPS authorization.

The contract ceiling is $80,000 for the initial term. Applicants must provide itemized rate schedules with hourly rates, per-unit rates, and separately identified third-party pass-through costs; all administrative, procurement, handling, delivery, production, and other fees and markups must be clearly identified. Payment is based on approved services performed. Travel costs are reimbursable only when approved and consistent with City policy adopting Federal Government Maximum Per Diem rates.

Contractors must maintain workers' compensation coverage at statutory limits, general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability of $300,000 per occurrence, and professional liability of $500,000 minimum with $10,000 maximum deductible. Contract selection is scheduled for October 19, 2026; contract execution is anticipated November 1, 2026. Addendum No. 1 corrected the contract term end date. Submissions are voluntary for the LGBTQ Data Form and third-party certifications such as LGBTBE, ESMDC, PAUCP, Disability:IN, or WBENC.