REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS
Joint Marketing Program: Custom
Storytelling and Photography
DEV26TOU15
RFP Number: SRC0000035906
The Ohio Department of Development, Office of TourismOhio, is requesting proposals for:
TourismOhio
RFP Issued:
Inquiry Period Begins:
Inquiry Period Ends:
Proposals Due:
December 16, 2026
December 16, 2026
January 13, 2026 @ 1:00pm
January 20, 2026 @ 1:00pm
Joint Marketing Program: Custom Storytelling and Photography | TourismOhio
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................... 4
SUBMISSION ........................................................................................................................................ 5
COMMODITY CODE.............................................................................................................................. 7
SPECIAL PROVISIONS ........................................................................................................................... 7
OFFEROR REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................... 9
SCOPE OF WORK ................................................................................................................................ 10
DELIVERABLES.................................................................................................................................... 13
SCORING OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................... 13
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL SCORING ........................................................................................................ 13
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION .................................................................................................. 15
COST PROPOSAL SCORING ................................................................................................................. 16
PREFERENCES..................................................................................................................................... 16
COST PROPOSAL ................................................................................................................................ 18
EXHIBIT ONE ...................................................................................................................................... 19
EXHIBIT TWO ..................................................................................................................................... 21
EXHIBIT THREE ................................................................................................................................... 22
Joint Marketing Program: Custom Storytelling and Photography | TourismOhio
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Objective
TourismOhio is seeking a contractor to provide custom content creation for tourism industry partners
who participate in the stateʼs Joint Marketing Program. Offerings include custom storytelling written
content brought to life through a branded, engaging, custom landing page on the partnerʼs website,
and custom photography engaging, inspirational images of partner destinations. The awarded
Contractor must have in-depth knowledge of Ohio, its destinations, attractions, charming towns, and
vibrant cities, and be familiar with the attributes that make Ohio an amazing place to visit and live. The
contractor must be invested in helping position Ohio for greatness and have a genuine curiosity to
uncover Ohio's gems and tell its stories through the written word and visually captivating images.
Term of Contract
Once awarded, the term of the Contract will be from the effective date stated in the Contract through
06/30/2027. The State may solely renew this Contract at its discretion for a period of one month. Any
further renewals will be by mutual agreement between the Contractor and the State. The cumulative
time of all mutual renewals may not exceed two years and each renewal is subject to and contingent
upon the discretionary decision of the Ohio General Assembly to appropriate funds for this Contract in
each new biennium. The State may renew all or part of this Contract subject to the satisfactory
performance of the Contractor and the needs of the Agency.
What Ohio Offers
For Visitors
Ohio is home to stunning natural attractions including 76 free state parks, Cuyahoga Valley National
Park and Wayne National Forest. Visitors also enjoy world-class dining, a vibrant arts scene,
amusement parks, major sporting events, and a selection of local breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
For Workers and Students
Ohioʼs economy is stronger and more diversified than ever before, making Ohio a major competitor in
the global market. Ohio invests in business expansion and development and is focused on growing its
skilled workforce through targeted investments and programs. This has resulted in numerous
companies choosing to locate and expand here including over 20 Fortune 500 companies. Ohio is a
leader in research and technology as is evident by the work of companies like Battelle and the work of
our universities and colleges.
For Residents
Ohio offers affordability and a rich array of outdoor activities, catering to diverse lifestyles in urban,
suburban, and rural settings. Our stateʼs cultural diversity and community values make it a great place
to make a life.
About TourismOhio
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TourismOhio tells the story of distinctive and unforgettable Ohio experiences. It provides support to
Ohio tourism destinations as they share their stories through public relations, marketing, advertising,
and the development of strategic content. Tourism is a key economic driver for Ohio, and TourismOhio
works to promote the state as a premier destination, focusing on the people, places and spaces that
make Ohio great. TourismOhio works to market Ohio as the best place to explore, to start and raise a
family, to pursue an education, to do business, and the place where you can live your best life.
Vision
To be the state where all can follow their hearts, realize their dreams, and experience unparalleled
opportunity.
Mission
To showcase all that Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for
you.
TourismOhio Objectives
• Increase market share among Ohioʼs competitive set (Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia,
Kentucky, Indiana).
• Encourage more people to explore, to start and raise a family, to pursue an education, and to do
business in the great state of Ohio.
• Continue to deliver a positive return on Ohioʼs advertising investment.
• Increase the economic impact of tourism on Ohioʼs economy.
• Grow partnerships with local destinations and businesses that help Ohio communities succeed.
Economic Impact
Tourism is a major economic driver for the state. In 2024, Ohio's tourism industry captured a record
$57 billion in visitor spending and welcomed 242 million visitors from Ohio and other states. The
industry also supported 443,000 seasonal, part-time, and full-time jobs. These are solid increases over
2023's numbers, when Ohio's tourism industry generated $56 billion in visitor spending, welcomed 238
million visitors, and supported 436,000 seasonal, part-time, and full-time jobs.
Submission
Proposals and supporting documentation must be submitted via OhioBuys for consideration. Any
documentation submitted after 1:00 pm on the closure date listed in Ohio Buys will not be accepted.
Please include a completed copy of the Offeror acknowledgements and current agreements disclosure
form in the final submission.
OhioBuys training materials can be located at Supplier Resources
To participate or submit an inquiry for this solicitation, prospective Offerors must be registered via the
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.