Public and Media Relations RFQ 2026

The Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority of Massachusetts is requesting quotes for public and media relations services supporting health insurance enrollment campaigns, with proposals due July 1, 2026 and questions due June 22, 2026.

The scope encompasses coordinated statewide press campaigns across television, radio, print, and digital media with emphasis on community-based, in-person press activities in 28 priority outreach communities (Boston, Brockton, Cape Cod, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Peabody, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Springfield, Taunton, Waltham, and Worcester). Deliverables include message creation, event planning and logistics, media materials (advisories, press releases, videos, photos), media list development, media placement via story pitches and op-ed placements, and public event operations from September through January. The vendor will support three Open Enrollment periods with two optional one-year renewals, requiring active engagement from July through January or early February annually.

The anticipated annual budget is $175,000 to $250,000, subject to annual appropriation. The Health Connector anticipates executing an agreement by August 15, 2026. Evaluation will follow a best-value standard rather than lowest-cost-alone methodology.

The contractor must execute the Health Connector's Terms and Conditions and Data Management and Confidentiality Agreement prior to performance commencement. All materials and data produced become exclusive property of the Health Connector. Required insurance includes comprehensive general liability and professional liability coverage, and evidence of workers' compensation insurance is due by June 30 annually. Records must be retained for ten years following final payment. The Health Connector reserves the right to terminate for convenience with sixty days' notice, for cause with thirty days to cure, or for funding changes with seven business days' notice.

Proposals should include proposed activities, event calendars, budget materials, and examples of previous successful campaigns. Submit electronically to Marissa Woltmann at marissa.woltmann@mass.gov.