Indianola Tourism Commission's Request for Proposal for Advertising Agency Services:

• About Indianola Tourism Commission:

  • Funded by an allocation from the City of Indianola.

  • Receives funds from a 2% restaurant/hotel tax within Indianola city limits.

• Objective of the RFP:

  • Seeking qualified firms with knowledge in the tourism industry.

  • Firms should demonstrate experience in producing messaging, design, and media placement strategy for leisure travel market.

  • The Commission may terminate negotiations if unable to reach agreement on scope of work and cost.

• Background Information:

  • Indianola Tourism Commission is a destination management organization.

  • Located on Highway 82 in the Mississippi Delta.

  • Home to the B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center.

  • Aims to attract a three to four hour drive-in market.

  • Focuses on day/weekend trippers seeking unique small-town experiences and a world-class museum.

• Scope of Services:

  • Development and execution of a 24-month integrated marketing, advertising, and PR strategy.

  • Focus on content, digital marketing, social media strategies, traditional print, and broadcast media.

• Timeline:

  • RFP availability: January 12, 2024.

  • Last day for questions: January 19, 2024.

  • Notice of Intent to Bid due: January 24, 2024, by 5:00 pm CT.

  • Answers to questions: January 26, 2024.

  • Proposal submission deadline: February 2, 2024, by 5:00 pm CT.

  • Proposal evaluation: February 5, 2024.

  • Possible virtual interviews: February 6 – 7, 2024.

  • Agency selection and contract negotiations: February 12, 2024.

  • Work commencement: February 15, 2024.

• Response to RFP Format:

  • Statement of Qualifications.

  • Tourism Experience.

  • Organization, Ownership and Management details.

  • Organization’s Structure and Experience.

  • Client Information.

  • Account Gain and Loss.

• Selection Process:

  • Step 1: Evaluation based on tourism industry experience, qualifications, and past work.

  • Step 2: Presentation evaluation based on diverse strategies, ROI illustration, and addressing traveler sentiment.

• Questions:

  • Directed to Malika Polk-Lee, Secretary – Indianola Tourism Commission.

• Submission Address:

  • Deliver to 400 Second Street, Indianola, MS 38751, attn. Malika Polk-Lee or email.

• Supplementary Terms and Conditions:

  • Includes Equal Opportunity Clause, compliance with various federal laws and executive orders like the Copeland Anti–Kickback Act, Environmental Compliance, Debarment and Suspension, Anti–Lobbying Amendment, Procurement of Recovered Materials, and others.