RFP-PW-Communications and Marketing Services/TAP

The City of Minneapolis is requesting proposals for communications and marketing services to implement Transportation Action Plan (TAP) mode shift behavior change campaigns for 2027 and 2028, with proposals due October 13, 2026 by 2:00 p.m. This contract exceeds $175,000 and is subject to the Minneapolis Small & Underutilized Business Program (SUBP), Living Wage Ordinance, and Equal Benefits Ordinance.

The scope spans strategy development and execution of two distinct annual campaigns: a 2027 transit-focused campaign and a 2028 multimodal brand-building campaign designed to achieve the TAP's mode shift goal of 60% of trips by sustainable, non-driving modes by 2030. Deliverables include campaign strategy, strategic messaging and creative content development, paid and earned media placement execution, coordination with Metro Transit and partner agencies, and campaign analysis and evaluation. Optional secondary services include university-targeted initiatives, community events, and infrastructure celebration programs.

Proposals must specify hourly rates, cost breakdowns by employee classification and year, direct costs, third-party vendor expenses, and payment billing schedules. The City does not commit to accepting the lowest cost proposal and reserves rejection rights. Required insurance includes workers compensation, commercial general liability at $2 million, professional liability at $2 million, and cyber liability at $1 million. Contractors must comply with federal and state regulations including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI, Section 504, prevailing wage provisions, and Minnesota data practices requirements. Intellectual property ownership vests with the City.

The initial contract term is two years with an option for the City to extend for three additional one-year periods through December 31, 2029. Service commencement is anticipated in December 2026 with consultant selection occurring in October 2026. Questions on the RFP were due by 4:00 p.m. on September 28, 2026, with responses posted by October 1, 2026.