RFP for Strategic Public Relations and Communications Services

The Trust is seeking qualified proposals from public relations firms to assist with press and media relations including, but not limited to, increasing general awareness and brand recognition of Hudson River Park and its initiatives, proactively seeking coverage for research and other environmental initiatives related to the Park’s unique Estuarine Sanctuary, and securing earned media for public programs and other initiatives, as well as providing advice and guidance on incoming and time-sensitive emerging issues and public notifications.

1. The Project: Hudson River Park Trust seeks an experienced full-service public relations firm to assist the Trust with press and media relations, Park positioning and promotion, and communications strategy.
2. The Work Location: While the majority of the work is expected to take place remotely, the selected consultant will need to be available to attend meetings and events in New York City when required with some meetings at the Trust’s offices at Pier 40, 353 West Street, New York, New York 10014, and some at the offices of the selected firm. Attendance at events in the Park and at local community or other meetings will also be required.
3. Type of Services: Press and media relations, Park positioning and promotion, issues management, and development of communication strategies (the “Services”) in the areas set forth above in Section B of the RFP document
4. Minimum Experience Required: Five years of experience in New York City providing press and media services.

Anticipated Contract Date: August 1, 2025

Anticipated Contract Term: Up to five (5) years

1. Electronically to the Trust via Email: PR2025@hrpt.ny.gov due on Submission Deadline of April 11, 2025, by 3:00 pm.
2. Electronic proposals shall be sent in two emails as follows: Email subject line - for the Proposal only: “[PROPOSER’s NAME]
3. Proposal for G7850: HRPT PR Services.” Email subject line - for the Fee and Cost Schedule only: “[PROPOSER’s NAME] Price Proposal for G7850: HRPT PR Services.”
4. Respondent is responsible for ensuring that the proposal is in final form and that the electronic delivery method is appropriate for the size of the document.
5. Please note that only one proposal will be accepted per Respondent.
6. Proposals received after the submission deadline will not be considered.

What to Include:

1. Cover Letter signed by a person within the firm who is authorized to bind the Proposer.
2. Proposal addressing all parts of the Scope of Services.
3. Proposal Certification Form as found in Exhibit 1.
4. Resumes, bios or CVs of staff to work on Trust matters.
5. Fee and Cost Schedule proposal form (see Exhibit 2) to be included in the Price Proposal email.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The Trust is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities among its contractors and consultants. This procurement is conducted in accordance with Article 15-A of the Executive Law and Article 3 of the Veterans’ Services Law. It is the policy of the Trust to maximize opportunities for the participation of MWBE/SDVOBs as bidders, subcontractors, subconsultants, and suppliers on projects.

Although no goals for subcontractor participation in the services by certified MWBE/SDVOBs have been set for this proposal at this time, the Trust encourages proposals from certified MWBE/SDVOBs.

Selection Criteria : The Trust will base its selection upon the following criteria:

25% - Quality of respondent’s proposal, including experience in providing similar services, the quality of respondent’s management, reputation and references including governmental clients, past and/or current client list; favorable history, if any, in contracting or doing business with the Trust; available key staff.

25% - Proposed fee and cost schedule.

15% - Demonstrated history of successful storytelling and placement on related topics and issues across multiple publications in the competitive New York City market.

15% - Demonstrated history of developing and implementing effective media strategies for managing relevant issues and fostering brand awareness; evidence of clear and compelling writing and communications ability.

10% - Demonstrated relationships and success working with New York State or New York City press offices, as well as experience with local media, real estate and environmental issues applicable to Hudson River Park.

10% - M/WBE status.

Submission Deadline of April 11, 2025, by 3:00 pm.