Tourism Public Relations Services

Collier County is seeking a public relations agency to serve as the agency of record for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The solicitation is specifically targeting a national public relations firm with extensive media contacts to manage comprehensive national public relations activities focused on destination marketing and luxury travel. The selected agency will supplement the CVB's in-house public relations team, with primary responsibilities including national and international media relations, supporting crisis communications efforts, and implementing strategic communication initiatives. Proposals will be evaluated across seven criteria totaling 100 points, including cover letter, business certification, business plan, cost of services, firm experience, team member expertise, and local vendor preference. The RFP (Solicitation No. 24-8318) indicates proposals are due on April 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST, with a contract term anticipated to be three years and potential for two one-year renewal options. The evaluation will be conducted by a Selection Committee, which will review submissions and potentially request oral presentations to clarify questions before making a final selection.

The contract does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The historical budget for these services has been approximately $140,000 annually, with additional funds allocated for travel and out-of-pocket reimbursable expenses. Vendors must meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including Worker's Compensation, Employer's Liability ($500,000 per occurrence), Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), and Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per claim). Contractors must ensure compliance with E-Verify program requirements, provide certificates of insurance, and name Collier County as an additional insured on their Commercial General Liability policy. The selected vendor will be required to have a national presence, demonstrate extensive media contacts in destination marketing and luxury travel sectors, and possess the capability to support crisis communications efforts. Vendors must submit evidence of insurability within five days of contract award, with insurance coverage required for a minimum of six months from the award date.