RFP, BSFA, 2027-0029 CSF Marketing Services

The Colorado Department of Agriculture on behalf of the Colorado State Fair Authority is requesting proposals for year-round marketing services for the Colorado State Fair under RFP BSFA 2027-0029, with proposals due October 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time. The procurement is exempt from the Colorado Procurement Code pursuant to statute 35-65-401(1), C.R.S. A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) goal of at least 3% of all contracts by dollar value applies; SDVOSB offerors must submit U.S. Small Business Administration certification documentation.

The Authority seeks a full-service or partial-service marketing agency to develop and execute comprehensive marketing campaigns including market research, brand strategy, marketing plan development, media planning and buying, creative development, production services, graphic design, social media management (4–6 posts monthly outside Fair season), public relations, multicultural outreach with Spanish-language translation services, and on-site event support. On-site presence is required for 12 days during the Fair, encompassing 12–16 hours daily for media interviews, events, and evening programming. Offerors may utilize approved subcontractors with a consistent agency point of contact maintained. Colorado office locations are preferred but not mandatory; consideration will be given to Colorado-based subcontractors or teaming partners.

The estimated annual budget for agency service fees is $100,000 to $160,000, separate from media spend. Approximately $300,000 is allocated for placed media, with comparable investment expected for 2027. All travel, lodging, mileage, and on-site expenses must be included within the proposed annual budget. The selected contractor will front media costs and be reimbursed within 45 days. Production costs are billed as hard costs only without hourly markup; internal staff labor for creative services may be billed at hourly rates. Proposals should include 1–3 work samples (under 25 MB total). The contract runs January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with options for four additional one-year renewal periods at the Authority's sole discretion, for a maximum five-year term. Selected offerors may be invited for virtual demonstrations during November 2–6, 2026, with an anticipated Intent to Award date of November 18, 2026. A public bid opening is scheduled October 16, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.