Marketing, Public Relations and Graphic Arts

The City of New Haven is requesting qualifications from individuals or firms for marketing, public relations, and graphic arts services under RFQ, with responses due August 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and questions due July 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Cost is not an evaluation factor at this stage; the City will negotiate pricing separately following selection and may award up to two agreements for portions of the defined scope.

The scope spans five primary areas: strategic planning and brand development, public relations and media relations, content development and stakeholder communications, event marketing, and graphic arts and design. All contractors must demonstrate proven experience supporting municipal and public-sector economic development organizations. The initial contract term is one year with renewals at the City's sole discretion. Respondents must carry minimum professional liability insurance of $1 million, maintain general liability coverage with the City named as additional insured, and comply with the City of New Haven Living Wage Ordinance for contracts exceeding $25,000 annually.

Evaluation is based on work quality and relevance (40 points), experience in urban economic development (40 points), and organizational capacity (20 points). Pricing will be negotiated on a retainer basis with supplemental fees for specific work assignments following selection.

Responses must be submitted electronically through the City's OpenGov eProcurement Portal and must include notarized disclosure forms, employee demographic information, detailed statements of qualifications, and acceptance of all contract terms. The contract incorporates ARPA compliance requirements if federal funds are used, including quarterly reporting, maintenance of records through December 31, 2031, and indirect cost caps at 10 percent of awarded funds. The City reserves the right to terminate for convenience with twenty-one days' notice. All work must comply with Connecticut law, Executive Order 11246, and the City's Equal Opportunities Ordinance.