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City awards RFP to Ferry Group for crisis communications plan and on‑call support
Summary
Staff reported that an RFP for crisis communications resulted in an award to Ferry Group, which will develop a crisis communications plan and provide on‑call services; staff said the contract period is two years with an optional two‑year extension and that the amount is below the City’s $50,000 threshold for council consent.
Lisa Maher, deputy director in the executive department, told the Finance, Administration and Communication Committee on Jan. 14 that staff completed an RFP for crisis communications and is awarding the contract to Ferry Group, Inc.
Maher said Ferry Group is a local Washington state crisis communications and public relations firm. The firm will develop a crisis communications plan as its first task and then serve as an on‑call consultant for crises over a two‑year period, with an option to extend for an additional two years. Maher described services that include crisis planning, community and media relations, monitoring and reporting, issue management, creative content development, online reputation monitoring and post‑incident critiques and recommendations.
Why it matters: Staff said the plan is intended to provide clear guidance for city leaders and elected officials during fast‑moving incidents, improve accuracy of public information, reduce misinformation and provide a documented process for response and communications.
Council questions and contract terms: Council members asked whether the contract represents only the plan or also includes on‑call services; staff said the memo and contract reflect a specific scope of work for the plan and that on‑call services would be outside that scope if not included. Maher said the on‑call arrangement will be used as needed after the plan is developed.
Staff said the procurement review considered six firms and that Ferry Group scored highest in evaluation. Committee members also noted that the contract amount is below the council consent threshold; Maher characterized the plan cost as market priced and said larger costs could arise if extensive on‑call work is later required.
Ending: Because the contract is under the city’s consent threshold, staff indicated it does not require placement on the council consent agenda and that they will proceed to execute the agreement and develop the crisis plan.
