Oregon Cultural Trust Strategic Communications & Marketing Contractor

The Oregon Business Development Department, on behalf of the Oregon Cultural Trust, is soliciting proposals for a strategic communications and marketing contractor to support the Trust’s 25th anniversary communications, fundraising initiatives, and ongoing efforts to enhance arts, culture, heritage, and humanities statewide. This is an intermediate Request for Proposal (RFP) under solicitation number S-12300-00016768, with proposals due May 21, 2026. The contract scope, as outlined in the Statement of Work placeholder, will be finalized through negotiation to encompass a range of communications services tailored to elevate the Trust’s mission. While specific deliverables and timelines are to be negotiated, the performance location is Salem, Oregon, where the Oregon Business Development Department is based. Proposers must submit electronic proposals via OregonBuys and include several attachments such as proposer certifications, disclosure affidavits, reference checks, COBID certification or outreach plans if applicable, and responsibility inquiries. Evaluation will prioritize a comprehensive project implementation plan and qualifications, each weighted at 45 points, alongside a pricing narrative weighted at 10 points. The selection process emphasizes technical merit, creativity, innovation, and relevant experience over cost, using a trade-off approach rather than lowest-price-only criteria. Special contractual requirements include no travel expense reimbursement, restrictions on subcontracting without prior approval, strict compliance with Oregon state laws and policies—including nondiscrimination, conflict of interest prohibitions, confidentiality, insurance, and sanctions compliance—and a prohibition on inappropriate conduct under Oregon False Claims Act provisions. Invoices must be submitted monthly and approved by the designated contract administrator. The contract mandates adherence to federal and state standards such as FAR cost principles, workers’ compensation regulations, civil rights statutes, and Oregon-specific statutes governing procurement ethics and workforce practices. The contract documents do not specify a contract type or estimated value and require full compliance with all terms once executed. This solicitation reflects a state-specific procurement process without the inclusion of federal FAR clauses, focusing instead on Oregon’s regulatory framework and cultural priorities.