South Coast Air Quality Management District
South Coast Air Quality Management District
BOARD MEETING DATE: December 15, 2000 AGENDA NO. 8
Issue RFP for Media Relations/Public Relations Services
SYNOPSIS:
At a time of heightened AQMD rulemaking, compliance and mobile source program activity, the Media Communications Office is seeking to solicit bids from qualified media relations/public relations firms to assist with media outreach programs. A firm is needed to assist the office, which handles day-to-day media communications services and programs, with proactive media outreach activities, including press conferences, media campaigns and special publicity for AQMD programs. This RFP will cover a one-year period for an amount not to exceed $120,000.
COMMITTEE:
Administrative, December 8, 2000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item. Those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the issuance of RFP #P2001-27 for Media Relations/Public Relations Services for a period of one year in an amount not to exceed $120,000, with an option to renew for an additional year in an amount not to exceed $120,000.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
AQMD’s Media Communications Office handles all media contacts with AQMD, advertising, publications, graphics, presentations, web site content and management, and other duties. In light of the increased rulemaking and mobile source program activity, as well as increased emphasis on environmental justice and public outreach, AQMD needs outside assistance in handling proactive news conferences and media campaigns, while the Media Communications Office staff handles ongoing and day-to-day activities.
Proposal
It is proposed that AQMD hire a media relations/public relations consulting firm to assist with special projects that are proactive, such as press conferences, publicity for special events and media campaigns. The firm would be fully capable of advising AQMD on proactive media outreach opportunities and organizing and executing these projects under direction of the Media Communications Manager in consultation with the Deputy Executive Officer for Public Affairs and Transportation and the Executive Officer. The proposed contract would run for one calendar year. Based on discussion in the Administrative Committee meeting on December 8, 2000, the Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence to have the Administrative Committee interview the top two finalists prior to selection.
Outreach
In accordance with AQMD's consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting proposals will be published in the following publications:
Bid Evaluation
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by a diverse, technically qualified panel in accordance with criteria contained in the attached RFP.
Consultant Selection Process
Staff recommends that a consultant be selected through an open bidding process, according to the AQMD’s Consultant Selection Policy and Procedure, Section I (B): Due to the nature of the work to be performed or the staffing level required, it may, from time to time, be necessary to utilize the services of outside contractors/consultants who are not employees of AQMD.
Proposed Budget
The total funding from the AQMD for this RFP will not exceed $120,000.
Resource Impacts
Funding for these services is not included in AQMD's budget and, therefore, will require an appropriation from the Undesignated Fund Balance.
RFP #P2001-27
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