RFP 26-35-214988 Advertising and Marketing Services

The Alaska Railroad Corporation is requesting proposals for full-service advertising and marketing services under RFP 26-35-214988, with proposals due October 27, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. local time. An Alaska Bidder Preference of 5% applies to offerors holding current Alaska business licenses and maintaining a staffed place of business in Alaska for six months preceding proposal submission.

Offerors must meet minimum qualifications: currently providing similar services to at least five public or quasi-public agencies and having done so for a minimum of five consecutive calendar years. The scope includes strategic marketing counsel, creative development, media planning and placement, research and analytics, document design, promotional materials production, digital advertising and search engine optimization, and ancillary event support. The contract operates on an as-needed basis through individual Task Orders with no guaranteed minimum purchase obligation.

Compensation is based on fully burdened hourly rates for five labor categories: Executive Management/CEO, Account Supervision, Account Management, Digital Marketing and Media Services, and Creative/Production/Specialized Support Services. Rates remain firm for the initial two-year term; optional years three through five allow annual adjustments based on Consumer Price Index changes, subject to ARRC approval, not to exceed 5% annually. Travel and other direct costs are reimbursable only when specifically authorized in writing as part of approved Task Orders. Funding derives from ARRC Internal Funds.

The initial contract term is two years with options to extend for three additional one-year terms, not to exceed five years total. Anticipated contract start is January 4, 2027. The evaluation committee will rank proposals using weighted criteria: Company Qualifications (20%), Key Personnel (25%), Performance (25%), and Fee Schedule (30%). Presentations are optional at ARRC's discretion. Proposals must be submitted electronically via Dropbox and as hard copy to ARRC headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska.