Marketing/Branding Consultant RFP
Frequently Asked Questions
While I understand that you intentionally did not provide a budget allocation for the project, can you offer a comfortable budget range? Is there a budget range the City has in mind for each fiscal year? Does the City have a separate media budget?
We don't have specific budget allocation for the project. We really are hoping that the RFP responses will educate us on what the range is, depending of course on the level and comprehensiveness of services. I doubt we could do much for less than $50,000 but we probably would be uncomfortable north of $200,000, especially in the first year. Ideally, we'd like to see an a la carte proposal and a range of options and prices so we can tailor services and costs to our needs. The marketing budget would need to be considered and approved each fiscal year, depending on an evaluation of progress to date. The City does not have a separate media budget.
In your RFP, you state a preference for Bay Area firms. Does it really boil down to demonstrated knowledge of San Carlos or, in fact, is the office location of the firm a critical selection factor for you?
Office location is not important, but the level of understanding of San Carlos and our area is obviously a desirable attribute.
Can you elaborate on "Demonstrated success with community participation," as part of your evaluation criteria? My sense is that you are speaking to experience engaging a community in a project of a similar nature, but I don't want to assume.
Yes, community participation means engaging stakeholders in building the brand and the marketing campaign.
Does the City anticipate reaching all the target audiences, with all the tools and tactics outlined in the draft marketing plan within the next two fiscal years?
That is certainly our hope. However, we recognize that the amount of resources that we are able and willing to commit, as well as the level and scope of our efforts, will determine our ability to do all or just a portion of the strategy.
I opened my firm in January 2008, so I only have one federal tax return. The RFP requires proposers to submit two years of federal tax returns. Does this automatically disqualify my firm or put me at a greater disadvantage?
Please indicate your situation when you submit and, if possible, provide any other evidence of financial soundness. This does not automatically disqualify you.
Is there an incumbent firm the City, EDAC or EDP is working with?
The City or Agency is not working with a marketing or branding firm at this time. We do have an economic development consultant, Rosenow Spevacek Group that has been assisting in preparing the draft marketing strategy to date. We would expect the marketing/branding consultant to interface with RSG as we implement the strategy.
It looks like you want to ultimately hire one consultant?
It would be preferable to work with one firm that could do all the desired services. However, we would consider partnerships or subcontractor arrangements that yield a greater combination of skills and services.
I have not been able to find out when the new Transit Village is scheduled to open. Is a date set?
The Transit Village is still in the entitlement and environmental impact review phase. It is our expectation that the project will be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council within the next several months. If approved, construction may take 18 months to complete.
How many postcards went out for this RFP?
As of Tuesday, May 5th, we are aware of approximately 40 firms that have expressed interest in the RFP.
