RFP, BSFA, 2027-0029 CSF Marketing Services

The Colorado Department of Agriculture on behalf of the Colorado State Fair Authority is requesting proposals for comprehensive year-round marketing services for the annual Colorado State Fair and Industrial Exposition, with proposals due October 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time via Box.com and a public virtual bid opening immediately following at 11:00 a.m. The RFP is exempt from the Colorado Procurement Code. Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration may qualify for set-asides under a statewide goal of at least 3% of contracts by dollar value.

The scope requires a full-service marketing partner with event industry experience and a mandatory office location within Colorado. Deliverables include marketing plan development, market research, brand strategy, advertising production across TV, radio, print, outdoor, digital, and social media channels, graphic design, media planning and buying, public relations, multicultural outreach, and post-fair analysis. The awarded offeror must maintain a dedicated account representative as primary point of contact, provide specialized personnel as campaign requirements dictate, and provide on-site support during the eleven-day fair in late August. All artwork, music, media, and video footage produced become property of the Authority.

The initial contract term runs January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with potential renewal for four additional one-year periods at the Authority's sole discretion, not to exceed five years total. Cost proposals must reflect media investment comparable to approximately $300,000 in placed media in 2025 or less, include hourly rates for applicable services and per-project costs, with all media commissions and rebates netted to the Authority and no markup permitted on production costs. Proposed pricing must remain firm during the initial contract term, with estimated pricing for years two through five required.

Written inquiries are due September 22, 2026 at noon Mountain Time. The Notice of Intent to Award is estimated for November 18, 2026. The awarded offeror must obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Colorado Secretary of State and execute the contract within 30 calendar days of award. Selected offerors may be invited for demonstrations during the first week of November.