Blanket Contract for Marketing Services Follow Solicitation

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking proposals from qualified respondents to establish blanket contracts to provide Marketing Services and other support services as needed on a project-by-project basis to assist TPWD in creating and executing marketing and communications efforts that achieve the defined goals of each project.

Marketing Services shall include, but not be limited to, qualitative and quantitative consumer research; planning and execution of results-oriented marketing strategies to include digital, broadcast, print, outdoor and other media planning, buying and placement; creative services including copywriting, design and production; event marketing; sponsorship and partnership development (media, retail, manufacturer, etc.); sales promotions; email marketing; direct mail marketing; and analysis and reporting.

It is TPWD’s intent to identify qualified vendors and award multiple contracts for Marketing Services.

Contractor shall provide strategic Marketing Services, as applicable, in accordance with the following specifications:

Marketing Project Groundwork

• Propose strategies that advance a program’s goals and objectives and align with the program’s stated mission/purpose, audience, and budget parameters.
• Routinely includes quantitative and qualitative research, utilizing data such as media rankers, media trends, informal focus groups, web analytics, prior campaign performance and benchmarks, and existing TPWD research, in developmental and evaluation processes.
• Shall provide detailed project estimates to TPWD for review and ensure costs do not exceed the approved TPWD budget provided on the purchase order for that service period.
• Request, review, evaluate, and recommend sponsorship and partnership marketing opportunities.

Marketing Project Outcomes

• Research, recommend, and execute appropriate marketing, advertising and media strategies for each project and provide the marketing services, as needed, for each program.
• Develop compelling, original messaging and visuals that appeal to the target audience and motivate the desired change in behavior or response.
• Formulate, develop, and execute event marketing strategies and promotions.
• Develop and deliver sales promotions.
• Research, evaluate, negotiate, and place media, including public service announcements (PSA), partnerships, and other added-value opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies for generating earned or unpaid media utilizing public relations and/or social media.

Marketing Project Evaluation

• Provide quantitative and qualitative consumer research (such as surveys, focus groups and stakeholder interviews) in order to evaluate project effectiveness and/or determine target audiences and the most effective media, creative messaging and visuals, events, or partnerships to reach or motivate them.
• Utilize data mining and analysis to develop target audiences for advertising and to evaluate results.

Account Management Services

• Prepare and submit clear, timely reports, recaps, and an evaluation/analysis for each project, according to the individual project schedule. Reports to be provided, at a minimum, monthly throughout each project, with a final report to be provided within 30 calendar days of project completion.
• Provide a comprehensive final report at the end of each project to document the work completed, the results, lessons learned, and recommendations for future projects.

**Contract term:** The contract shall commence on Date of Award and continue through August 31, 2028, unless sooner terminated under the terms of the contract. Contract may be renewed for up to three (3) additional one (1) year periods, provided both parties agree in writing prior to contract expiration date.

After award, TPWD will identify individual projects as they become available by issuing a Scope of Work detailing the work to be performed for each project. TPWD will select a Contractor that is determined to provide the best value to the agency for each project.

**Required:** Respondent must complete, sign, and submit a State of Texas Subcontracting Plan (*Exhibit B*) with their response submission. Failure to complete and submit the State of Texas Subcontracting Plan with the response will result in disqualification from consideration.

**Insurance:** Contractor shall procure and maintain during the entire period of their performance under this contract the following minimum insurance: Workers Compensation (**statutory limits**); Employer's Liability (**$1,000,000**); Commercial General Liability (**$1,000,000** each occurrence, **$2,000,000** aggregate); Automobile Liability (**$1,000,000** combined single limit).

Prior to the commencement of the job and not later than ten (10) business days following award, the Contractor shall furnish to TPWD, for approval, a certificate of insurance as proof that the required insurance is in full force and effect.

TPWD will review, compare, and evaluate responses based on the criteria and weights identified in this RFP.