Sponsorship Facilitation

The City of Olathe in Johnson County, Kansas is seeking a professional services firm to facilitate sponsorship opportunities primarily for Parks and Recreation events, festivals, programs, and facilities through Request for Proposal (RFP) Number RFP-25-0107. The selected consultant will be responsible for assessing current city initiatives, developing strategic sponsorship plans, and creating mutually beneficial partnerships with potential sponsors whose values align with the city's objectives. Key deliverables include a comprehensive strategic plan with attractive sponsorship packages, targeted outreach to potential sponsors, detailed proposal development, and engaging promotional materials. The evaluation criteria will focus on Project Approach (35 points), Firm Personnel (35 points), Quality of Similar Work (20 points), and Fee Proposal (10 points). Proposals are due on December 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST through the Bonfire online platform, with City Council approval anticipated in February 2026. The contract is expected to be a one-year agreement with potential renewal options, and the city may conduct oral presentations or select finalists based on written submissions.

The procurement opportunity includes provisions favoring local businesses, with potential preference given to local vendors if their bid is within 2% of the lowest responsible bid. Respondents must comply with Kansas anti-discrimination laws and provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including professional liability and cyber insurance. The RFP requires a detailed proposal package containing a cover letter, company background, team organization, personnel resumes, proposed service plan, timeline, and a separate fee proposal. An accompanying affidavit mandates transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest, requiring firms to disclose any direct or indirect financial interests of City of Olathe officers or employees in the contract. While a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the sponsorship facilitation services suggests a meaningful engagement that would require significant strategic and consulting expertise. The city seeks a skilled firm capable of bringing innovative ideas to expand outreach and improve sponsorship strategies while maintaining alignment with municipal priorities.