The State of Tennessee is seeking proposals for the development, production, and advertising sales of the annual Tennessee Vacation Guide. The publication must be self-sustaining with no state funding, with the awarded respondent retaining revenue from advertising. Key responsibilities include managing all costs for development, production, content, and distribution. A detailed schedule for each phase is required. The previous contract yielded approximately $300,**** in average annual gross revenue to the state. Proposals are due by 2:00 PM CT on September 11, 2026. The evaluation will consider general qualifications, experience, technical approach, and revenue proposal.
The response deadline is September 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT. Ensure the state receives the response by this time and date.
All payments will be made in accordance with the payment terms and conditions of the contract. No payment will be obligated or made until the relevant contract is approved.
The contract will be awarded to the respondent deemed responsive and responsible who offers the best combination of attributes based on evaluation criteria: general qualifications and experience (15 points), technical qualifications, experience, and approach (40 points), oral presentations (15 points), and revenue proposal (30 points).
Respondents must meet mandatory requirements, including providing a signed statement of certifications and assurances, credit references, a current credit rating, and a statement of employing at least two full-time sales representatives based in Tennessee with knowledge of the tourism industry.
A pre-response conference will be held via Microsoft Teams on August 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM CT. Attendance is not mandatory.
The end of the protest period is November 16, 2026. Protests based on objections to the RFP must be brought to the state's attention in writing by the written questions comments deadline of August 13, 2026.
Disqualification may result from unauthorized contact with state employees, failure to meet mandatory requirements, including pricing in the technical response, or submitting alternate contract terms.
