Professional Marketing and Communications Services

The Vendor is required to provide to engage a full-service marketing and public relations firm that can supplement agency internal resources by providing specialized expertise in areas such as general marketing, public relations, digital communications, community engagement, event planning, and crisis communications.
- The services are aimed at promoting agency services, engaging with the community, and enhancing the public's perception and use of public transit in the agency area.
- Be prepared to assist in disciplines such as strategic and targeted marketing, graphic design, website design and/or management, photography, social media, public relations and affairs, crisis communications, copywriting, script development for radio or television promotional commercials, media placement, branding, printing, and/or special events.
- Specific objectives include:
• Promote ridership growth through creative campaigns.
• Enhance brand visibility and trust in agency.
• Support outreach efforts to keep the public informed and involved.
• Deliver consistent, transparent communications.
• Track, measure, and optimize campaign impact.
• Expand internal and external communication efforts.
• Foster business partnerships in untapped markets.
• Enhanced understanding of bran perception and customer satisfaction
• Earlier and ongoing detection of public sentiment shifts, emerging issues and crises.
- Services include:
1. Strategic Marketing and Advertising
• Develop and implement integrated marketing campaigns across print, digital, social, direct mail, events, and broadcast.
• Create paid media strategies including planning, buying, placement, and performance tracking.
• Produce creative assets (examples: graphics, copy, videos, and radio/TV scripts).
2. Targeted Marketing
• Design and execute targeted marketing campaigns for key audiences:
• Employers
• Uptown workers
• Students (college and secondary)
• Commuters
• People with disabilities
• Low-income families
• Tourists and special event attendees
• Riders of specific agency services
3. Strategic Communications
• Executive and internal communications
• Agency-wide key message development, dissemination, discipline, & coordination
• Employee engagement campaigns
• Newsletters and stakeholder updates
• Communication for foundational and organizational initiatives
4. Community Outreach
• Develop and execute outreach strategies and presentations.
• Assist in the creation of presentations for public hearings, job fairs, trade shows, events, and stakeholder meetings.
• Produce outreach materials including flyers, presentations, and signage.
• Solicit and incorporate community feedback on projects and services.
• Recommend outreach approaches for service changes or expansions.
5. Public Relations
• Develop and execute public relations strategies for media engagement for crisis events and natural disasters.
• Write and distribute press releases.
• Identify and secure speaking opportunities and appearances.
• Manage media relations during emergencies and planned events.
• Organize and execute press conferences.
• Experience with IAP2 standards.
6. Digital and Social Media Management
• Create and manage content for agency website, social media, and newsletters.
• Support website development and maintenance.
• Implement SEO and SEM strategies to increase digital visibility.
• Monitor engagement metrics and optimize accordingly.
7. Crisis Communications and Issues Management
• Develop and maintain crisis communication plans.
• Provide real-time support during emergencies and high-profile incidents.
• Coordinate clear messaging during service disruptions or disasters.
8. Research, Analysis, and Reporting
• Conduct market research, surveys, and focus groups.
• Analyze ridership and public sentiment data utilizing advanced analytical tools for efficiencies, e.g. AI.
• Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual campaign performance reports, ROI analytics, and KPI’s.
9. Website Design and Content Creation Services
• Create new website or enhancements to existing website.
• Web content (Images, graphic buttons, interactive transit maps and timetables).
- Contract Period/Term: 3 years
- A Non-Mandatory Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference Date: July 17, 2025
- Written Questions Prior to Pre-Proposal Conference Date: July 15, 2025
- Intent to Bid Due Date: August 7th 2025
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: July 24, 2025