What the buyer needs
AI summaryProsper Portland requests proposals from qualified individuals, firms, or teams for strategic communications, media relations, thought leadership, and executive visibility services. The selected consultant will develop proactive national and trade media relations, position agency and city leadership as thought leaders, and identify high-value speaking engagements. Proposers must submit a signed PDF proposal through Prosper Portland’s Bid Locker website by December 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM Pacific, and direct all questions to the Solicitation Coordinator by November 20, 2026. The anticipated contract term is one year, beginning January 11, 2027, with offsite performance and onshore USA eligibility. An evaluation committee will score responsive proposals on a 100-point scale covering experience and capabilities, project approach and understanding, business equity, and fee proposal, and may conduct finalist interviews. Prior to contract execution, the selected consultant must obtain a City of Portland business license and provide required insurance certificates.
Scope of work
- Strategic Communications Plan identifying priority audiences, key messages, and tactics
- Annual Communications Calendar covering media, content, speaking, and thought leadership opportunities
- Target Media and Influencer Lists for national, regional, trade, and business contacts
- Media Outreach and Placement for proactive pitching and coverage
- Speaking Opportunity Pipeline identifying relevant conferences and industry gatherings
- Op-Ed and Thought Leadership Program for regional and national contributed content
- Executive Positioning Support including talking points, briefing materials, and media preparation
- Reporting and Recommendations on activities, placements, submissions, and results
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Experience and Capabilities | 30 Points |
| Media Connections | 20 Points |
| Project Approach and Understanding | 30 Points |
| Business Equity | 10 Points |
| Fee Proposal | 10 Points |
Minimum qualifications
- Qualified and experienced individuals, firms, or teams
- Established relationships with relevant national, regional, business, trade, and industry media
- Experience identifying and securing speaking engagements for public-sector or senior leaders
- Demonstrated expertise in economic development, business communications, and executive positioning
- Legal entity authorized to transact business in Oregon (required prior to contract execution)
- City of Portland business license (required prior to contract execution)
Documents to include with your response
- One-page signed Cover Letter
- Experience and Capabilities narrative with three references and personnel profiles or résumés
- Media Connections narrative
- Project Approach and Understanding narrative
- Business Equity narrative
- Fee Proposal with hourly rates and reimbursable expenses
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic via Prosper Portland's Bid Locker website
- Instructions
- Submit a signed copy in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format at https://bidlocker.us/a/prosperportland/BidLocker. Typewritten on 8.5" x 11" paper in at least 11-point typeface, limited to 10 pages excluding title page, cover letter, résumés, and pricing.