1149-1126RFP - Statewide Strategic Communications & Media Relations Consultant Services

Oregon Tourism Commission ("OTC"), acting by and through Travel Oregon ("Agency"), is issuing this Request for Proposal (this "RFP") under the provisions of ORS 279B.060.

OTC invites any qualified Offeror to submit a proposal. Offerors responding to this request must be responsible, regularly and practically engaged in providing the services requested in this RFP and possess ample resources for doing this work.

Travel Oregon is seeking a qualified, Oregon-based strategic communications consultant to help translate the results of this work into compelling, accurate and newsworthy stories for statewide and regional media audiences.

The goal of this contract is to build public understanding of the value of tourism investments in Oregon by securing earned media coverage that illustrates real outcomes from Travel Oregon-funded projects and annual tourism industry tentpole moments, including National Travel & Tourism Week and the release of the Economic Impact of Tourism in Oregon report, as well as supporting in-market press trips that give media, local elected officials and partners a firsthand look at those outcomes.

The contractor's scope is organized into two tasks. Task 1 is the core, fee-based scope of work. Task 2 describes how the contractor's work under Task 1 connects to Travel Oregon's in-market press trip program. Press trip logistics and costs are managed directly by Travel Oregon staff and are not part of the contractor's fee.

Strategic Communications and Media Relations

The contractor will develop and execute a proactive statewide and regional media relations strategy focused on Travel Oregon's investments in Oregon's communities and overall economic value of tourism in Oregon. Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop a media strategy identifying priority storylines, target reporters and outlets (statewide and regional) and a pitching cadence that creates a drumbeat of value of tourism stories throughout the year, in alignment with Travel Oregon's investment cycles.
• Translate tourism investments into clear, media-ready narratives and story angles that illustrate the economic and community value of tourism.
• Proactively pitch stories to statewide and regional print, broadcast, digital and trade media, including tentpole PR moments such as release of the annual economic impact report, announcement of competitive grants and other major agency or industry announcements.
• Draft supporting materials as needed, including pitch notes, fact sheets, briefing documents and talking points for Travel Oregon spokespeople.
• Track and report media coverage and outcomes, including reach, sentiment and key message pickup.
• Maintain a running story bank of vetted, pitch-ready project results the contractor and Travel Oregon staff can draw on throughout the year.
• Meet regularly (at minimum monthly) with Travel Oregon staff to align priorities, upcoming funding announcements and grantee/sponsorship recipient availability for interviews.
• Advise Travel Oregon staff on message strategy and spokesperson preparation for media opportunities arising from this work.

In Market Press Trip Support

Travel Oregon anticipates supporting up to 2 in-market press trips during the contract term, statewide and/or regionally, subject to available program budget and project readiness. Specific responsibilities include:

• Draft media-facing materials for press trips (invitations, briefing materials, press kits) in coordination with Travel Oregon staff.
• When needed, provide input on framing for invitations to local elected officials and partners for each press trip based on the contractor's media relationships and knowledge of outcomes.
• Develop the story angle and narrative arc for each press trip, in coordination with Travel Oregon staff.
• Follow up with attending media post-trip to support placement of resulting coverage.
• Support Travel Oregon staff in evaluating press trip outcomes and incorporating results into monthly coverage reports.

Reporting and Contract Administration

• Monthly status reports (written or verbal) summarizing pitching activity, coverage secured and upcoming opportunities.
• A cumulative results report at the end of the 12-month term summarizing coverage, reach and outcomes against the media strategy.

Offerors must submit an electronic copy of their proposal to the issuing office utilizing the e-bidding feature in Euna OpenBids. Documents should be submitted in PDF form unless otherwise noted. Proposal received by any other method will not be accepted.

All Offerors must be registered in Euna OpenBids to respond to this RFP.

OTC has allocated $45,000 for this work through June 30, 2027, at a monthly retainer of $7,500. The maximum retainer budget is $7,500.00 per month.

The initial contract term will run from January 4, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Pricing shall remain fixed at $7,500 per month throughout the initial term. Travel Oregon anticipates the option to renew the contract for up to two additional 24-month terms, subject to contractor performance, program results, and available funding.

Evaluation Criteria (maximum points)

| Criteria | Points |
| --- | --- |
| Qualifications and Experience | 300 |
| Capability | 300 |
| Project Methodology | 200 |
| Price | 200 |
| Total Score | 1000 |

The Contractor must provide proof of current insurance coverage before contract execution and maintain all required coverage for the duration of the contract. Standard insurance requirements are listed in *Exhibit A*.