Tourism public relations & marketing services in the united kingdom and ireland

The State of Texas, through the Office of the Governor's Financial Services Division, is seeking a tourism public relations and marketing services contractor for the United Kingdom and Ireland under RFP No. 301-25-05242. The procurement targets a comprehensive marketing partner to promote Texas as a premier travel destination, with specific requirements including maintaining a fully operational physical office in Greater London and providing dedicated account staff experienced in public relations, marketing, social media strategy, and travel trade relations. Key deliverables include generating media coverage, developing social media strategies, conducting consumer promotions, managing travel trade relations, and creating cooperative marketing programs. The evaluation criteria are weighted across multiple phases: company information (5%), experience and qualifications (15%), response content (15%), plan of action (30%), and monthly service fees (35%). The solicitation was posted on June 12, 2025, with proposals due on July 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm CT, and an anticipated contract start date of September 1, 2025. The initial contract term will run through August 31, 2026, with options to renew for up to three additional twelve-month periods through August 31, 2029.

The procurement emphasizes Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation, with statewide goals of 23.7% for professional services, requiring contractors to develop a detailed HUB Subcontracting Plan that demonstrates good faith efforts to include Texas certified HUB vendors. Respondents must comply with various state regulations, including conflict of interest disclosures, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) certifications, and compliance with Texas government codes related to cybersecurity and technology accessibility. The contract includes provisions for potential vendor diversity, with specific preference categories for Texas-based businesses, service-disabled veterans, and businesses from economically depressed areas. While a specific budget is not explicitly stated, the solicitation mentions a maximum contract amount to be determined at award, with provisions for monthly service fees and reimbursable expenses. Contractors must provide comprehensive financial documentation, references, and demonstrate the capability to efficiently utilize state funds while meeting the Office of the Governor's service requirements for international tourism marketing.