Strategic Communications & Graphic Design

Long Beach Utilities Department is establishing multiple on-call agreements for strategic communications and graphic design consultation services under RFQ 2023, with a March 16, 2023 submission deadline. The department intends to award contracts to four vendors selected from seven respondents: Circlepoint Inc., HUB Collective Ltd., Arellano Associates, and Nine27 LLC. No set-asides or incumbent preferences apply.

The scope spans five service categories: graphic design for digital, print, and audiovisual marketing materials; branding and marketing support including translation; social media creative content; photography and videography services; and digital platforms support including website content management. Consultants may respond to one or multiple categories but need not respond to all. The services support the consolidation of Long Beach Water Department and the Gas Division of Long Beach Energy Resources Department into a unified Long Beach Utilities Department.

The initial contract term is twelve months with up to three additional one-year renewal options, not to exceed 48 months total. Pricing must be provided with statements of qualifications and remains irrevocable for the contract term and any extensions. Consultants may propose hourly rates, project-based pricing, or both.

All creative content produced becomes the property of Long Beach Utilities Department. Required insurance includes commercial general liability of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in general aggregate, workers' compensation as required by California Labor Code, commercial automobile liability of at least $500,000 combined single limit, and excess liability of at least $4 million per claim and in aggregate. Contractors must obtain a Long Beach business license prior to contract execution.

Statements of qualifications are limited to 15 pages plus up to 10 pages of portfolio examples. References from clients served within the past three years and compliance certifications including W-9 and Equal Benefits Ordinance compliance forms are required. Prospective interviews are scheduled for March/April 2023, with consultant selection in April 2023.