Australia New Zealand Public Relations And Marketing Services

The State of Texas Office of the Governor's Economic Development and Tourism Office seeks qualified contractors to provide comprehensive Australia and New Zealand Public Relations and Marketing Services under Solicitation No. 301-26-07406. The scope of services encompasses media relations, social media strategy and management, consumer promotions, travel trade relations, promotional functions, creative services, and crisis management, with the primary market focus on Australia and secondary focus on New Zealand. Successful respondents must maintain a fully operational physical office in the Greater Sydney Area, Australia, and dedicate qualified professional staff including an Account Manager and experienced account team members in public relations, marketing, and social media strategy. Deliverables include monthly response tracking and accounting reports, quarterly performance updates, and annual comprehensive reviews. The evaluation process occurs in three phases: Phase I assesses company information (5%), experience and qualifications (20%), proposal content (20%), Plan of Action (30%), and monthly service fees (25%); Phase II invites top-scoring respondents to present oral presentations in Austin, Texas or via videoconference and evaluates strategy and planning (40%), creative presentation (40%), and oral presentation (20%); and Phase III may involve best and final offers from selected respondents. Proposals must be submitted by June 8, 2026, no later than 2:00 p.m. Central Time to Michael White at the Office of the Governor, Financial Services Division, P.O. Box 12428, Austin, TX 78711-2878, with one original signed hard copy, three evaluation copies, and one searchable PDF digital copy on a USB drive required. The contract term runs from the effective date (anticipated September 1, 2026) through August 31, 2027, with renewal options for up to three additional twelve-month periods through August 31, 2030, and a potential six-month extension through February 28, 2031.

This procurement includes Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting requirements, with statewide HUB goals ranging from 11.2 percent for heavy construction to 32.9 percent for special trade construction, and applicable goals for professional services (23.7%), other services (26.0%), and commodities (21.1%); all respondents, including certified HUB vendors, must complete and submit a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) or face proposal rejection. Bidders claiming applicable preferences under Texas Administrative Code must complete Exhibit C identifying their qualifications as service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, Texas-based providers, or other eligible classifications. Respondents must demonstrate financial responsibility through audited financial statements, unaudited financials, or performance bonds and certify compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, conflict of interest disclosure requirements, and applicable Texas Government Code provisions regarding restrictions on contracting with state executive officers and employees. The maximum contract amount is $400,000 for the initial performance period, covering all monthly service fees and reimbursable expenses. Proposals remain valid for a minimum of 180 calendar days from the submission deadline, and the Office of the Governor reserves the right to reject any or all responses, conduct reference checks, perform site visits, and award contracts to multiple respondents if deemed in the best interest of the State of Texas. No incumbent vendor or existing contractor information was disclosed in the available solicitation documents.