Manatee County BCC Public Relations Services RFO 26-TA006565AF 2026
Manatee County, Manatee County, FL·County
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- Primary Contact
- Ashley Forrest · (941) 749-3044
- Contract Term
- 1 year
- Scope Location
- Bradenton, FL
- Submission Address
- [email protected]
SUMMARY
Manatee County is soliciting offers for professional public relations services to support the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (BACVB). The scope includes media relations, influencer and content creator management, crisis communications, and strategic planning for markets in the United States and Canada. Specific assets covered include the Powel Crosley Estate, Bradenton Area Convention Center, and the Gulf Islands Ferry service. The contract term is one year with five one-year renewal options. Offers are due by September 16, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. ET via email to Ashley Forrest. A question deadline is set for August 26, 2026. Evaluation will be based on experience, approach, capacity, past projects, and fee schedule.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Experience (25), Approach (25), Capacity (20), Similar Projects (20), Fee Schedule (10)
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
Public relations strategic plan, In-market media missions, Press releases, Media monitoring reports, Influencer partnerships, Crisis messaging
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A (Addenda), Attachment B (Signature Form), Attachment C (Public Contracting Certification), Attachment D (Insurance Statement), Attachment E (Affidavit of No Conflict), Attachment F (Anti-Human Trafficking Affidavit)
REQUIRED STAFFING ROLES
Account lead, project lead, managers, supervisors
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Work in government? Get Civic IQ free →Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this solicitation, answered from the record.
How do I respond to this RFO from Manatee County?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is September 16, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Ashley Forrest.
What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Experience (25), Approach (25), Capacity (20), Similar Projects (20), Fee Schedule (10)" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Manatee County?
All active and historical solicitations from Manatee County are tracked and searchable. As a county agency, Manatee County regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 1 year. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFO?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Attachment A (Addenda), Attachment B (Signature Form), Attachment C (Public Contracting Certification), Attachment D (Insurance Statement), Attachment E (Affidavit of No Conflict), Attachment F (Anti-. Additionally, proposals should address staffing requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Review the full document from Manatee County for the complete list.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFO?
Most government agencies, including Manatee County in FL, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFO submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Ashley Forrest at (941) 749-3044. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Bradenton, FL. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.
What staffing is required for this project?
This solicitation outlines specific staffing requirements. The required roles include: Account lead, project lead, managers, supervisors. Proposers should demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience for each required role.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Public relations strategic plan, In-market media missions, Press releases, Media monitoring reports, Influencer partnerships, Crisis messaging. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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