Public Participation Services

The government authority located in Portland, Oregon is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive public participation services. The agency needs to identify existing engagement opportunities and develop strategies to inform, consult, involve, collaborate with, and empower underrepresented communities. The selected contractor will consult on communication tactics, recommend marketing efforts to reach a broad sampling of the local community, and provide feedback on proposed communications. The scope of work covers outreach and engagement services, including assisting other contractors with the translation and interpretation of messaging and collateral pieces. The agency requires the vendor to disseminate information through non-traditional channels and lead innovative practices, potentially utilizing cutting-edge engagement technologies. Additionally, the contractor must organize, recruit, facilitate, record, and summarize comments for hosted or co-hosted outreach events such as focus groups, workshops, open houses, or non-traditional methods. The project also requires research and reporting to gather input on potential programs, policies, and initiatives. The vendor must prepare progress and final reports evaluating the engagement efforts, successes, and challenges, while recommending future strategies and informing participants of how their input was used in agency decision-making. The agency is also requesting capacity building technical assistance and training to support and mentor organizations, businesses, or individuals looking to start or grow an enterprise, initiative, or project. The requested technical assistance and outreach services span several specific agency areas, including annual service plans and budget outreach, Title VI outreach and environmental justice, fare programs, and transit infrastructure projects. The scope also encompasses safety and security, support for minority, women, and small business enterprises, and child care services. Performance of all contracted work will take place offsite. Eligible bidders must be onshore organizations based in the United States. The contract period will span five years. The agency has not disclosed a set budget and is looking for proposals to determine the cost. No specific evaluation criteria or key dates are provided in the procurement details.