Marketing, Design and Communications Services for 100% Carbon-Free by 2030

Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) is seeking a comprehensive marketing, design, and communications consulting services contract to support its ambitious goal of achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. The procurement is focused on obtaining professional services that encompass branding, strategic planning, creative design, public relations, media planning, and stakeholder engagement. Specific deliverables include developing an Optimized Strategic Plan, creating outreach materials, designing graphic and website content, producing videos, developing communication strategies, and generating an outreach and content calendar. The contract will require the consultant to work collaboratively with PWP and the City's public information office, ensuring communications that reflect the diversity of Pasadena and effectively showcase the value of carbon-free energy. Evaluation criteria for the proposal include proposed solution (20%), cost proposal (20%), consultant experience and references (30%), proposed schedule and timeline (10%), cost effectiveness (10%), with additional preferences for small/micro-businesses (5%) and local Pasadena businesses (5%). The Request for Proposals (RFP) is due by 3:00 pm on September 5, 2024, with an initial contract term of three years and potential for two additional one-year extensions, subject to City Manager approval.

The solicitation appears to have provisions encouraging participation from small and local businesses, with specific evaluation criteria weighted to provide advantages to Pasadena-based and small/micro-businesses. Proposers must complete numerous mandatory forms, including a Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Disqualification Disclosure, Taxpayer Protection Amendment Disclosure, and a Unique Entity Identifier form. While a specific budget is not explicitly stated, the contract includes provisions for compensation based on satisfactory service completion, with total compensation subject to predetermined limits requiring City Council authorization. The procurement requires comprehensive insurance coverage, compliance with prevailing wage laws, the Pasadena Living Wage Ordinance, and various federal and state regulations. Potential respondents must demonstrate expertise in strategic communications, public relations, and marketing, with a focused ability to develop engagement strategies that effectively communicate complex energy transition goals to diverse community stakeholders. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and will select the vendor that best meets the city's needs based on the weighted evaluation criteria.