RFP 27-06 Hawaii Tourism Consulting Svcs for Cruise Industry

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is requesting proposals for an experienced cruise industry consultant under RFP 27-06, with proposals due August 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time. No set-asides or preferences apply.

The consultant will provide strategic guidance on Hawaii's cruise market, serve as liaison among international, national, and local cruise stakeholders, and support efforts to enhance visitor experiences, address industry and legislative issues, improve resident sentiment, and strengthen coordination between cruise lines, local tour operators, and community partners. Key deliverables include monitoring cruise industry trends, maintaining cruise-line relationships, promoting regenerative tourism and Hawaiian culture, reviewing marketing campaigns, providing media relations and crisis communication support, organizing familiarization trips, promoting local product sourcing, and submitting monthly progress reports. Offerors must establish and report against Hawaii Tourism Authority-required key performance indicators with targets subject to HTA approval prior to contract finalization.

The fixed-price contract maximum is $260,000 across three 12-month periods: September 2026–August 2027 ($60,000), September 2027–August 2028 ($100,000), and September 2028–August 2029 ($100,000). All labor, materials, equipment, travel, administrative costs, overhead, and taxes must be included within the fixed price. The contract is subject to legislative appropriation and fund availability for each fiscal year.

Evaluation criteria are weighted: Overall Capabilities of Firm and Qualifications of Personnel (35%), Work Plan (35%), Familiarity with Hawaii Brand and Product (15%), Cost Points Conversion (6%), and Price Reasonableness and Realism (9%). Offerors must provide at least three references from previous clients for whom the applicant served as Prime Contractor on similar work. Prior to award, the contractor must obtain a Certificate of Vendor Compliance demonstrating compliance with Hawaii tax, employment security, worker's compensation, temporary disability insurance, and prepaid health care requirements. Commercial general liability insurance of $3,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, and errors and omissions insurance of $3,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 annual aggregate are required. A mandatory transaction fee of 0.75% (not to exceed $5,000) will be charged based on the award amount. Oral presentations and best and final offers may occur the week of August 17, 2026, with contract award estimated for August 24 and performance commencing September 1, 2026.