About this opportunity
AI summaryThe City of Colorado Springs requests firm fixed price proposals for a public relations consultant to provide funding research and strategic engagement services offsite. The selected contractor will deliver integrated implementation, financial, governance, public opinion research, facilitation, and strategic communications services. Scope requirements include evaluating communications channels, developing audience messaging strategies, crafting operational and funding alignment scenarios, and creating preliminary cost-recovery guidance. Eligibility is limited to onshore United States organizations. Offerors must hold a pre-proposal conference on November 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM MT, submit questions by November 13, 2026, and deliver proposals exclusively through the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing BidNet Direct platform. Evaluation scoring awards up to 100 total points based on expertise and qualifications (30 points), proposed methodology (25 points), creativity and innovation (15 points), cost proposal (15 points), and proposal presentation (15 points). Cost proposals must include an all-inclusive price breakdown and an hourly rate sheet.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- The City of Colorado Springs
- Solicitation No.
- R26-095SL
Scope of work
- Assess current communications channels, audiences, messages, reach, accessibility, and workflows across divisions
- Develop audience map, message architecture, channel strategy, and accessible multilingual communication guidance
- Evaluate and model sustainable funding options, organizing near-term, voter-approved, earned-revenue, and partnership tools
- Evaluate governance and delivery options for Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
- Develop practical scenarios aligning service levels, funding capacity, capital investment, staffing, and governance
- Develop subsidy, pricing, fee, and cost-recovery guidance balancing sustainability with affordability and access
- Identify responsibilities the City should retain versus services supported by partners or volunteers
- Conduct targeted research addressing barriers to use, safety perceptions, and community expectations
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Expertise and Qualifications | 30 Points |
| Proposed Methodology | 25 Points |
| Creativity and Innovation | 15 Points |
| Cost Proposal | 15 Points |
| Proposal Presentation | 15 Points |
Minimum qualifications
- Experience and expertise in advising park agencies on planning, outreach, and development
- Demonstrated experience in integrated implementation, financial, service-delivery, governance, public opinion research, facilitation, and strategic communications
- Provide at least three relevant past performance references or contracts
- Appropriate certifications and licenses for key personnel
- Qualify for and obtain any required licenses prior to commencement of work
Documents to include with your response
- Cover letter signed by an authorized principal, partner, or officer (maximum 3 pages)
- Written proposal (maximum 25 pages)
- Exhibit 1 Solicitation Qualifications Document
- Appendix A Cost Proposal / Cost Volume
- Hourly rate sheet for assigned personnel
- Detailed breakdown of price for each activity
- Resumes for all key personnel including subcontractors
- Project schedule/timeline
- Organization chart and plan of operation summary
- Anti-collusion affidavit (if separately required and provided)
Key dates
- Issue Request for Proposal
- October 30, 2026
- Pre-Proposal Conference
- November 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM MT
- Cut Off Date for Questions
- November 13, 2026 at 1:00 PM MT
- Proposal Due Date
- December 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM MT
- Interviews (if applicable)
- Tentatively December 2026
- Award of Contract
- Tentatively December 2026
- Notice to Proceed
- Tentatively January 2027
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic via BidNet Direct portal
- Instructions
- Submit one (1) electronic copy via www.bidnetdirect.com. Proposal must be limited to no more than 25 pages, single-sided, 8-1/2 x 11 inches, 1-inch margins, minimum Times New Roman 10 font (schedule allowed on 11 x 17 inches).
Contract details
- Term
- January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028, with optional extension not to exceed 6 months
- Insurance and bonding
- Minimum insurance requirements per Appendix E including Property, Liability, Professional Errors and Omissions, and Worker's Compensation. The City of Colorado Springs must be reflected as an additional insured on Property and Liability policies.