EUPD91324 - Online and Printed Advertisement Services

The California State Controller's Office issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB EUPD91324) for Online and Printed Advertisement Services, specifically seeking a contractor to publish annual notices to unclaimed property owners. The procurement requires publishing advertisements in both print and online formats across various publications from March 1 to May 31 each year. The contractor must produce advertisements in two distinct categories: 20 ethnic/minority publications and 20 non-ethnic/minority publications, with specific requirements for online impressions and print placements. Initially, bids were due on December 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. PT, with bid evaluations scheduled for December 9-11, 2024, and a cost opening on December 13, 2024. The contract was originally structured for a three-year term with potential amendments for additional funds or service modifications, targeting publication of unclaimed property notices in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure section 1531. The primary objective is to notify property owners through diverse media channels, ensuring broad communication across different demographic groups.

The solicitation included specific set-aside designations and preferences, mandating a minimum 25% Small Business (SB) participation requirement. Bidders could qualify for a Small Business preference of 5% and a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive of up to 5%, with combined preferences capped at 15% of bid amount or $100,000, whichever is less. The contract anticipated approximately 2,900,000 non-ethnic/minority online impressions and 500,000 ethnic/minority impressions over the three-year period. However, an important development occurred with Addendum 2, which unexpectedly cancelled the entire solicitation on November 27, 2024, with plans to re-release the opportunity through Cal eProcure California State Contracts Register at an unspecified future date. The procurement was specifically targeted at Los Angeles County (FIPS Code 06037) and other California jurisdictions, indicating a statewide scope for the advertisement services. While specific award values were not definitively stated, the complexity and breadth of the required services suggest a significant contract opportunity for qualified advertising service providers.