Public Outreach and Marketing Services - Don't Pack a Pest Media Campaign

The Texas Department of Agriculture, through its Agriculture and Consumer Protection Division, is seeking qualified vendors to deliver a comprehensive public outreach and marketing campaign to promote the “Don't Pack a Pest!” Program, a federally funded initiative led by the USDA and partnered with California and Florida agriculture departments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The campaign targets international travelers at key entry points in Texas including the Mexico-U.S. border, international airports, cruise ship terminals, and ports of entry, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of transporting restricted agricultural products that could introduce invasive pests and diseases. Contractors are expected to design and execute a multi-channel strategy utilizing digital advertising, social media, radio, billboards, and public service announcements, with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness and measurable public engagement. Proposals must align with strict accessibility standards for electronic resources, define data organization protocols for Texas Department of Agriculture access, and include a detailed marketing plan due within 30 days of contract execution, alongside comprehensive project timelines and performance metrics. The contract, solicited under number 5510000953 with a response deadline of July 23, 2026, will be awarded based on best value, not lowest cost, assessed through a weighted evaluation of proposed service plan (40%), past performance and qualifications (30%), and cost reasonableness (30%). The initial term runs through August 31, 2027, with three optional one-year extensions available at TDA’s discretion upon 30 days’ written notice. Contractors must submit a fully detailed cost proposal via Exhibit C, inclusive of all labor, materials, equipment, and incidental expenses, with no reimbursement permitted for travel, per diem, or office overhead. All responses must include mandatory certifications on debarment, lobbying, data security, insurance, diversity, equity and inclusion, and Texas taxpayer identification, along with supporting documentation such as W-9, Certificate of Existence, and Certificate of Good Standing. Vendors are subject to ongoing audits by the State Auditor’s Office, must comply with Texas Department of Information Resources security protocols, and are strictly prohibited from releasing any campaign-generated data to entities other than TDA. Payment is governed by the Texas Prompt Payment Act via state warrants, requires monthly progress reports submitted with each invoice, and contingent upon a closeout meeting and formal acceptance by TDA’s project manager before final payment is issued.