Rhode Island Commerce Corporation - Business Attraction and PR Agency - RFP-2617 (2026)
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation | State of Rhode IslandState · Providence, RI- Due
- Oct 30, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Contract term
- 1 year
The 30-second brief
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide public relations, advertising, social media, analytics, and event management and production services to support statewide business attraction initiatives. The selected agency will develop a comprehensive business attraction marketing plan, handle strategic communications, execute media relations, manage advertising campaigns, and coordinate events and tradeshows. The contract term is twelve months with a not-to-exceed budget of $800,000. Proposals are due by October 30, 2026, at 11:59 pm, with questions due by October 12, 2026. Evaluation criteria emphasize company experience, familiarity with Rhode Island economic drivers, personnel qualifications, planning and innovation, event management, strategic approach, oral presentations, and budget effectiveness, with additional points for ISBE/MBE/WBE participation.
Strategic planning for media relations activities, Creative story development, Partnership identification, Coordination and execution of media events, Content creation and distribution, Social media strategy and execution, Analytics framework implementation, Advertising campaign development, Media planning and buying, Event management and production, Copywriting and copyediting, Creative design
Overall Experience of Company & Demonstrated Results (20), Familiarity with Rhode Island and the State's Economic Drivers (15), Qualifications of Personnel (10), Planning & Innovation (10), Event Management and Production (10), Strategic Thinking/Planning Approach (10), Oral Presentation (10), Budget Approach/Cost Effectiveness (15), MBE/WBE/DisBE Participation (6 pts)
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Summary
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide public relations, advertising, social media, analytics, and event management and production services to support statewide business attraction initiatives.
The selected agency will develop a comprehensive business attraction marketing plan, handle strategic communications, execute media relations, manage advertising campaigns, and coordinate events and tradeshows. The contract term is twelve months with a not-to-exceed budget of $800,000. Proposals are due by October 30, 2026, at 11:59 pm, with questions due by October 12, 2026. Evaluation criteria emphasize company experience, familiarity with Rhode Island economic drivers, personnel qualifications, planning and innovation, event management, strategic approach, oral presentations, and budget effectiveness, with additional points for ISBE/MBE/WBE participation.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
12- Strategic planning for media relations activities
- Creative story development
- Partnership identification
- Coordination and execution of media events
- Content creation and distribution
- Social media strategy and execution
- Analytics framework implementation
- Advertising campaign development
- Media planning and buying
- Event management and production
- Copywriting and copyediting
- Creative design
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
5- W-9
- RFP Response Certification Cover Form
- MBE
- WBE
- And/or Disability Business Enterprise Participation Plan form
REQUIRED STAFFING
job title, billing rate
- Submit to
- [email protected]
- Scope location
- Providence, RI
- Reported agency
- Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Rhode Island Commerce Corporation | State of Rhode Island?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 30, 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].
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Rhode Island Commerce Corporation | State of Rhode Island in RI, 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 RFP 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.
What staffing is required for this project?
This solicitation outlines specific staffing requirements. The required roles include: job title, billing rate. Proposers should demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience for each required role.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Strategic planning for media relations activities, Creative story development, Partnership identification, Coordination and execution of media events, Content creation and distribution, Social media strategy and execution, Analytics framework implementation, Advertising campaign development, Media p. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Overall Experience of Company & Demonstrated Results (20), Familiarity with Rhode Island and the State's Economic Drivers (15), Qualifications of Personnel (10), Planning & Innovation (10), Event Mana..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Rhode Island Commerce Corporation | State of Rhode Island?
All active and historical solicitations from Rhode Island Commerce Corporation | State of Rhode Island are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation | State of Rhode Island 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 RFP?
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: W-9, RFP Response Certification Cover Form, MBE, WBE, and/or Disability Business Enterprise Participation Plan form. Additionally, proposals should address staffing requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Review the full document from Rhode Island Commerce Corporation | State of Rhode Island for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Providence, RI. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.