Public Relations Firm - 25CM000307

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is seeking a professional public relations agency to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for a 12-month contract. The selected agency will be responsible for creating an earned media strategy, securing strategic media placements, and providing executive-level media and presentation training. Qualified firms must have at least five years of operational experience, with demonstrated success in healthcare, biotechnology, or community health sectors. The primary objectives include increasing awareness of CIRM's regenerative medicine programs, positioning leadership as experts, and enhancing executive communication capabilities. Evaluation criteria will encompass relevant experience, responsiveness to project requirements, qualifications of proposed personnel, and overall value of services within the proposed budget. The Request for Proposal (RFP) requires submission by September 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST, with an anticipated contract award date of October 1, 2025, and a contract term expiring on June 30, 2026.

The solicitation shows a preference for California-based agencies and includes provisions for potential two-year contract extensions at CIRM's discretion. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the RFP appears to be open to professional PR agencies meeting the specified qualifications. The total anticipated initial funding for the contract is approximately $100,000, with a budget breakdown covering media strategy development, media outreach and placement, and communication training. Contractors must complete California state-specific documentation, including STD 204 and STD 205 forms for tax and payment reporting purposes. The contract includes comprehensive terms and conditions, with provisions for insurance requirements, including Commercial General Liability, Professional Liability, and Workers' Compensation. Interested agencies should be prepared to provide detailed documentation of firm qualifications, staff experience, comparable projects, client references, proposed timelines, and a comprehensive cost proposal.