Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Communications Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board moves to solicit PR quotes to meet CWMP communications requirements
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a draft RFQ and discussed soliciting at least three (preferably more) public-relations firms to meet CWMP communications requirements; funding likely from the sewer enterprise fund and procurement will follow Massachusetts thresholds.
Commissioners reviewed a draft two-page request for quotes (RFQ) for public-relations consultants to handle communications for the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) and related projects.
A commissioner said the RFQ was circulated to the board and that two firms had been informally interviewed; both firms indicated they could work within the expected budget and had differing billing approaches (hourly vs retainer). The commissioner noted state documents require engaging a public-relations consultant as part of the CWMP process.
Members discussed procurement thresholds under Massachusetts law (Chapter 30B) and agreed that, if the contract were under $50,000, the board can solicit three written proposals directly rather than using the formal state procurement portal. Staff recommended soliciting at least three quotes (several commissioners suggested up to six vetted firms), giving vendors 10 business days to respond. One commissioner suggested using an external listing (O'Dwyer's) to broaden outreach.
Funding for PR work was discussed; commissioners said the enterprise fund or stabilization fund could cover costs, and some members urged getting quotes first before finalizing the funding source. Board members directed staff to finalize and circulate the RFQ to the selected firms and to collect proposals on the proposed timeline.
