HomeMy WebLinkAbout10. 22-342AUGUST 10, 2022 22-342 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED___6-0_____LOST________LAID OVER________WITHDRAWN________)
PURPOSE: APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RED
SHOES INC. FOR MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
SERVICES FOR GO TRANSIT ($99,000.00)
INITIATED BY: PURCHASING DIVISION
WHEREAS, GO Transit previously entered into an agreement with a marketing
and public relations firm under emergency procurement guidelines to assist with
pandemic and other communication services; and
WHEREAS, these services have been beneficial and GO Transit sees a continued
need for them, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued to solicit proposals from firms to
provide another three years of these services; and
WHEREAS, staff reviewed these proposals and concluded the specialized nature
is pursuant to the professional services exception under Section 12-16 of our Municipal
Code which allows for the waiving of formal competitive bidding.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh that the proper City officials are hereby authorized to enter into and take those
steps necessary to implement an appropriate professional services agreement with Red
Shoes Inc. for Marketing and Public Relations Services for GO Transit in the amount of
ninety-nine thousand dollars ($99,000.00).
Acct. No. 05111728-6417 Transit Third Party Contracted Services
City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Jon G. Urben, General Services Manager
DATE: August 1, 2022
RE: Approve Professional Services Agreement with Red Shoes Inc. for Marketing and
Public Relations Services for GO Transit ($99,000)
BACKGROUND
In 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began and federal as well as local policies/guidelines were
mandated and evolving, GO Transit struggled to quickly and effectively communicate updates
with their riders and the public. GO Transit learned other transit agencies had successfully used
an outside agency to help with communications including social media management,
marketing, and public relations. As a result, GO Transit entered into an agreement with a
marketing and public relations firm under emergency procurement guidelines to assist with
pandemic and other communication services. The services were well received and helped
tremendously. As we exited the pandemic stage of COVID-19, and as these services have been
beneficial and GO Transit sees a continued need for them, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was
issued to solicit proposals from firms to provide another three years of these services with the
option for two, additional one year terms.
ANALYSIS
The RFP was issued on May 25, 2022 and due on June 30, 2022. The RFP was posted on
DemandStar. Two firms submitted proposals. A cross-functional evaluation team of City staff
evaluated the proposals against the stated criteria within the RFP which included media
campaign samples, public transit experience, references, value-added capabilities,
recommended timelines, federal certifications submittals and more. Based on this review, it was
determined that the proposal from Red Shoes, Inc. best met or exceeded all the criteria identified
in the RFP. Specifically, staff felt Red Shoes’ strong marketing/public relations experience in
public transit for other Wisconsin communities as well as their innovative transit media
campaigns and program samples was superior to the other proposal. Staff also felt Red Shoes’
prior experience as the current consultant for GO Transit for these services positioned them well
above the other proposal from a standpoint of expertise, local knowledge and effectiveness. GO
Transit staff confirmed a very high level of satisfaction, professionalism, and completeness with
Red Shoes’ work to date. Red Shoes’ is also a registered Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
(DBE) which helps GO Transit fulfill its DBE goal.
FISCAL IMPACT
Red Shoes has proposed an annual fee of $33,000 per year to provide marketing and public
relations services for GO Transit. The total fiscal impact for the first three year term for their
services will be $99,000. Costs for these services will be charged to A/N#: 05111728-6417 Transit
Third Party Contracted Services as part of the Transit operating budget. There are sufficient
funds in this account for these services.
RECOMMENDATION
Chapter 12 of the Municipal Code of the City of Oshkosh provides that professional services of
a specialized nature, including these services, may be procured without the use of competitive
bidding or quotation process. In accordance with Section 12-16, Purchasing recommends that
the Common Council approve the proposal submitted by Red Shoes Inc., 2000 S. Memorial
Drive, Suite 313, Appleton, WI 54915 for a three-year terms for marketing and public relations
services for GO Transit for $99,000. If you have any questions on this purchase please contact
Transportation Director Jim Collins.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved:
Jon G. Urben, General Services Manager Mark A. Rohloff, City Manager