Request for Proposal (RFP), entitled SFBC-P-25-11, Agency-Wide Communications Support

The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), a California state agency, issued Request for Proposal SFBC-P-25-11 on May 7, 2026, soliciting comprehensive agency-wide communications support services through September 30, 2029. The procurement seeks a qualified consultant or firm to deliver services across five primary task areas: agency-wide communications support, regulatory communications support, equity communications support, Bay Adapt and Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan communications support, and planning and execution of the Rising Together Annual Summit. Key deliverables include development of a style guide and brand toolkit, media relations training, translation services in six languages, quarterly newsletters, fact sheets, website updates, social media content creation, and event planning and management for three years of summits accommodating 200-300 attendees each. Minimum qualifications require at least five years of public-sector or mission-driven communications experience, demonstrated event management expertise for large gatherings, defined workflow capabilities, three comparable work samples, and three client references preferably from public agencies. The evaluation employs a 100-point scoring scale with potential five-point bonuses for certified small businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with scoring criteria encompassing project approach (15 points), work plan and project understanding (20 points), qualifications description (15 points), cost effectiveness (30 points), and work samples (20 points); a minimum of 60 points is required for responsiveness. The question deadline is May 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM, with proposals due June 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM, bid opening on June 8, 2026, interviews proposed for June 22-26, 2026, and award notification anticipated for July 10, 2026, with contract execution and work commencement on September 1, 2026.

No set-asides are explicitly mandated for this procurement; however, BCDC offers evaluation bonuses of up to five points each for certified small businesses and DVBE designations, allowing a maximum possible score of 110 points. While DVBE participation requirements have been waived for this specific solicitation, proposers are encouraged to pursue these certifications for competitive advantage. Proposers must be qualified to do business in California and submit extensive documentation including a completed Payee Data Record (STD 204), Contractor Certification Clauses form, Proposal/Proposer Certification Sheet, three proposer references for similar services performed within the last five years, and conditionally applicable certifications such as DVBE Declaration and Darfur Contracting Act Certification. All required attachments must be submitted in triplicate with original signatures in a sealed envelope to be considered responsive. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors are identified in the solicitation materials, and no specific integration requirements with existing infrastructure or technology platforms are detailed. The total contract value is $500,000.00, with payment made monthly on a task-completed basis at proposed hourly rates that must include overhead and indirect costs; BCDC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.