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Sullivan County staff recommend Los Angeles firm BC Design Haus after RFQ; commissioners question $300,000 budget
Summary
Purchasing staff recommended BC Design Haus as the top firm in a two-phase RFQ for county tourism marketing. The county said it could fund up to $300,000 for a one-year initial contract; some commissioners asked to see the firm's presentation and questioned hiring an out-of-state vendor.
Sullivan County officials recommended BC Design Haus of Los Angeles as the top-ranked firm to lead an initial one-year tourism marketing contract after a two-phase request-for-qualifications process, the county's purchasing agent told the commission on April 16.
Purchasing agent Chris Davis said the RFQ drew 12 proposals and that an evaluation committee narrowed those to three finalists. "At this point in the process, we have completed both phases, and the top firm is BC Design Haus from Los Angeles, California," Davis said, adding that the firm offered a tailored strategic plan, a performance dashboard for county staff and an implementation approach combining county research and local partnerships.
The mayor and staff said the county could budget "up to $300,000" to move forward with the initiative. Davis told commissioners the evaluation process kept committee member identities confidential, described the scoring and said the committee found the firm's portfolio and proposed dashboard promising.
Several commissioners thanked staff for the work but asked for more information before authorizing funding. "Is there any way we would be able to take a look at that presentation before we make a decision? Could you email that to us?" Commissioner Carr asked. Commissioner Glover said he opposed sending $300,000 to a California firm. "Why are we wanting to hire somebody from LA? Why are we wanting to pay $300,000 to invest in a company in LA when we got it?" he asked.
Commissioner Eaker and others noted BC Design Haus maintains regional coverage and has staff serving Tennessee, and Commissioner Eaker confirmed the firm has local representation near the Tri-Cities Airport. Commissioners asked staff to circulate the finalists' presentation materials before any formal funding decision.
What happens next: staff said approval of funding would come by resolution if the commission chooses to proceed. Several commissioners requested the presentation be emailed to the full board prior to any vote.
Speakers quoted: Chris Davis, purchasing agent; Mayor Audrey Blevins; Commissioner Carr; Commissioner Glover.
Context and significance: The RFQ marks the county's effort to centralize and modernize tourism promotion. Commissioners expressed support for effective marketing but divided views on contracting outside the region and on the $300,000 budget request.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 661; topfinish SEG 836.
