Marketing, Communications, and Outreach

The County of San Mateo Environmental Health Services (EHS) is seeking proposals for a marketing, communications, and outreach services contract to support its Pollution Prevention Program. The procurement targets qualified organizations capable of delivering social and digital marketing, media buying, communications, and community outreach services across multiple environmental initiatives, including Household Hazardous Waste, Used Oil and Filter Recycling, Cigarette Butt Litter Reduction, Coastal Cleanup Day, Healthy Nail Salons, Fish Smart, School Share Tables, and ReFuel Your Fun programs. Proposers must demonstrate the ability to effectively reach target populations, increase program participation, and deliver measurable improvements in public awareness and environmental outcomes. Minimum qualifications require four years of similar service experience within the last seven years and an account manager with two years of experience in the past five years. The evaluation criteria will assess project approach (30%), firm qualifications (25%), team qualifications (20%), and pricing (25%). Proposals must be submitted electronically via the eProcurement portal by January 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., with a question submission deadline of January 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and responses due by January 13, 2026. The anticipated contract award date is August 1, 2026, with an initial three-year term and an optional two-year extension.

The County has implemented procurement preferences that provide additional points for local businesses and non-profits, offering a five percent preferential point allocation for local organizations, with potential total preference points reaching ten percent for micro non-profits. Proposers must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and provide a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number. The contract includes comprehensive compliance requirements covering intellectual property rights, Section 504 disability accessibility, HIPAA regulations, and specific procurement standards such as paper product sustainability under SB 1383. Contractors will be required to comply with various regulatory standards, including workers' compensation insurance with $1,000,000 coverage limits and adherence to non-discrimination provisions. The estimated contract value exceeds $200,000, with hourly rates to be submitted for positions including principal, creative director, graphic designer, media planner, project manager, and outreach coordinator. The agreement allows for an initial three-year term with a potential two-year extension, exercisable at the County's discretion with thirty days' written notice.