Arkansas Economic Development Commission submits RFQs for three marketing contracts

This is the first time that three separate contracts will be awarded. Interested vendors may seek to qualify for one, two, or all three professional services contracts, including:

• AED-16-0015 – Branding and Multi-Channel Marketing

• AED-16-0016 – Digital Marketing

• AED-16-0017 – Public Relations

In years past, the marketing and advertising contract has been awarded to a single, full-service advertising agency to meet the various marketing and communications needs of AEDC. However, the world has changed drastically in recent years, both from a marketing perspective, and as a result of heightened competition among states for business recruitment. This, in turn, increases demand for deeper experience within certain marketing and communications fields. None of which is more vital than the growing need for digital and data-driven marketing solutions.

“I am very excited about this bid selection process and the opportunity to select from the many talented marketing and communications agencies in our state,” said Jeff Moore, AEDC Executive Vice President for Marketing and Communications. “I believe that having separate contracts for branding, digital and PR makes for the best of both worlds. The new structure allows AEDC to maximize efforts and efficiencies within specific channels, as well as provides marketing specialists the opportunity to focus on what they do best.”

The term of the contract will be for one year beginning with Fiscal Year 2017. Upon mutual agreement by the vendor and AEDC, the contract may be renewed by AEDC on a year-to-year basis for up to six additional one-year terms or a portion thereof. Each contract term will not be more than seven years.

Vendors must submit responses to AEDC before 2 p.m., Friday, May 27, 2016. In accordance with Arkansas Procurement Law and Rules, it is the responsibility of vendors to submit responses at the designated location on or before the proposal opening date and time. Responses received after the designated proposal opening date and time shall be considered late and shall be returned to the vendor without further review.

For a Request For Qualification Bid Solicitation Document and Response Packet, please visit www.dfa.arkansas.gov  and select Bid Opportunities from the menu at the bottom of the page. For AED-16-0015 – Branding and Multi-Channel Marketing, click here. For AED-16-0016 – Digital Marketing, click here. For AED-16-0017 – Public Relations, click here.

If you have questions regarding these bids, please contact Kim Davis, Fiscal Division Manager, at 501-682-5997 or [email protected].