ddr5714 RFR 2015-MOTT-01 Japan Destination Marketing and Public Relations Services

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MMP/MOTT), is seeking a travel marketing vendor to develop and implement public relations, trade relations, and consumer marketing campaigns to promote Massachusetts as a tourist destination in Japan. The selected vendor will be responsible for representing Massachusetts at trade and consumer shows, targeting consumer and trade media, and establishing relationships with tour operators, travel agents, and airlines. The initial contract term is from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, with two one-year renewal options, for a maximum term of three years. The estimated contract obligation range is $130,000 to $170,000 for Fiscal Year 2015, $130,000 to $175,000 for Fiscal Year 2016, and $130,000 to $180,000 for Fiscal Year 2017, with a maximum contract obligation of $525,000 over the three-year period. Pricing will be on a monthly cost-reimbursement basis, and the vendor will be responsible for all costs except for MOTT staff travel and accommodations. Bidders must demonstrate their credentials, experience, and ability to work within the Japanese travel industry and media, and their proposed marketing plans and programs will be evaluated based on their potential to increase economic impact and return on investment for Massachusetts.

The contract opportunity includes several set-aside requirements, including partnering with certified Women Owned (WBE), Minority Owned (MBE) or Minority and Woman Owned (M/WBE) Business Enterprises or Woman Nonprofit (WNP) or Minority Nonprofit (MNP) organizations. Bidders must also disclose any existing business or personal relationships with members of MOTT's Procurement Management Team. While the current incumbent is not specified, the Commonwealth requires all contractors to offer prompt payment discounts and comply with various state laws, regulations, and executive orders related to employment, non-discrimination, small business purchasing, and information security.