RFP-25-004 Publicist for CAC's 50th Anniversary

The California Arts Council (CAC) is seeking a qualified publicist or public relations firm through RFP-25-004 to lead a year-long communications and publicity campaign for its 50th Anniversary in 2026, covering Sacramento County, Sacramento City, and West Sacramento City. The primary objective is to elevate public awareness of CAC's legacy, awardees, grantees, and key initiatives that build a stronger California through arts. Specific deliverables include developing communications for the 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, promoting grantee artistic events tied to America 250 celebration, creating public messaging for Keep Arts in Schools and Arts License Plate programs, and generating broader awareness of CAC's core programs like annual grants, Creative Economy, Cultural Districts, Arts in Corrections, and Arts in Health. The evaluation will be conducted in three phases: administrative compliance (pass/fail), technical proposal scoring (70 points maximum), and cost proposal scoring (30 points maximum). Key dates include a bidders' conference on November 12, 2025, at 1 PM PST, proposal submissions due by November 17, 2025, at 3 PM PST, evaluation period from November 18-20, 2025, and anticipated contract award by December 1, 2025.

The procurement is open to California-based entities including nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, corporations, sole proprietorships, and partnerships, with a 5% Small Business preference available for certified small businesses performing a Commercially Useful Function. While exempt from mandatory Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements, a DVBE incentive of 1-5% is available based on confirmed participation levels. Bidders must maintain professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and workers' compensation as required. The maximum contract award is $75,000, which must cover all labor, materials, travel, subcontractors, and administrative costs, to be paid on a deliverables or milestone basis. Proposals will be evaluated on organizational qualifications, campaign strategy, implementation plan, equity considerations, and cost-effectiveness, with a strong emphasis on the bidder's ability to effectively communicate and promote the California Arts Council's mission and 50th Anniversary celebrations.