Outreach and Advertising Services, RFP # 26CROB-037S

The California Department of Insurance is requesting proposals for outreach and advertising services supporting the California Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program, Patient and Provider Protection Act, and Life and Annuity Consumer Protection Program under RFP 26CROB-037S, with proposals due July 22, 2026. A mandatory Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise set-aside of 3 percent of contract value applies, and certified Small Business entities receive a 5 percent scoring preference.

The scope encompasses integrated marketing and communications campaigns for three programs with distinct deliverables. For the CLCA program, the contractor must develop outreach plans targeting community organizations and certified producers, deliver integrated advertising packages with multi-channel media placements, conduct audience research and analytics, and provide monthly, quarterly, and annual legislative reports. For PPPA and LACPP, deliverables include social media campaign plans and annual comprehensive reports. The contractor must maintain personnel with three years' experience in public relations and outreach, and assign a Project Manager with three years' contract management experience in public information activities. Five years' experience in advertising development and placement is required.

The estimated contract value is $3.68 million for the three-year base term ($1.23 million annually) plus an optional one-year extension at $1.23 million. Agency markups on net media buys are capped at 10 percent; additional actual costs are reimbursed without markup. Direct labor hourly rates must include all labor-related indirect costs. The contractor will use fixed annual hours (1,800 per position) for labor cost calculation, with billing based on direct labor rates and actual expenditures for media buys, direct costs, subcontractor costs, and fixed fees.

The written question deadline is July 1, 2026 at 4:59:59 PM PST. Interviews are scheduled for August 10–14, 2026. Notice of Intent to Award is August 24, 2026, with the anticipated award date of September 15, 2026 and performance commencement no later than September 15, 2026. Proposals must be submitted in searchable PDF format (maximum 100 pages, excluding attachments) with cost proposals in Microsoft Excel via email to BMB_Procurement@insurance.ca.gov. A minimum score of 165 points (70.2 percent) is required to advance to oral interviews.