Tourism economic impact

The Office of the Governor (OOG) of Texas is soliciting proposals for a Tourism Economic Impact data services contract through RFP No. 301-25-05244, seeking one or more qualified firms to provide comprehensive economic datasets about tourism in Texas. The primary objective is to support Travel Texas's marketing efforts by generating detailed economic data on non-Texan travel. Required deliverables include total traveler spending information, visitor spending details, tourism's impact on Gross State Product, employment and earnings data, tax generation insights, and maintenance of a public-facing interactive website. The contractor must produce an annual report by April 1 and participate in monthly status meetings. The proposal evaluation will be based on a weighted scoring system: 5% for company information/financial responsibility, 20% for experience/qualifications/references, 45% for proposal content and responsiveness, and 30% for monthly service fees. The contract will run from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, with options to renew for three additional twelve-month periods through August 31, 2029. Responses are due by August 12, 2025, at 2:00 pm CT, with an anticipated contract start date of September 1, 2025.

The solicitation emphasizes Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation, with statewide HUB goals ranging from 21.1% to 32.9% depending on contract type, and requires respondents to submit a comprehensive HUB Subcontracting Plan. Potential subcontracting opportunities exist in library, research, and economic development service categories. Bidders can claim various preferences, including those for Texas-based businesses, service-disabled veterans, and businesses with specific characteristics. The contract will have a maximum liability amount determined at award, with a budget not to exceed $125,000 for monthly service fees. Respondents must provide one original signed hard copy, three evaluation team copies, and one digital searchable PDF copy of their proposal. The Office of the Governor reserves the right to reject any or all responses and potentially award multiple contracts. Financial responsibility will be rigorously assessed, with requirements for audited financial statements, financial ratings, and disclosure of any substantial changes in financial condition. Evaluation will include reference checks, vendor performance tracking, and potential investigations of the respondent's historical performance.