FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2009 RFP Media Relations Plan

Introduction

Commuter Club, on behalf of the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to select a contractor to research and implement various outreach and marketing projects in the Cumberland Galleria area. The contractor selected under this RFP will enter into a contract with the CID to research and implement outreach and marketing projects for a one year period. The date of commencement of services under the contract shall be November 1, 2008.

Background Information - CID

The Cumberland Community Improvement District, Georgia's first CID, was formed in 1988 by business leaders interested in improving access to the highways for Atlanta's emerging northwest market, known as Cumberland Galleria.

Soon after its formation, the Cumberland CID's single wish evolved into a master road plan for the area. Over the years, that original plan expanded to include transit, sidewalks, streetscapes and community planning.

Rather than funding new roads, sidewalks, and other transportation projects in their entirety, the CID prefers to leverage its money by funding preliminary engineering and design. When construction money becomes available from the federal government, state, or county, the advanced CID projects are ready to go. This saves the CID and local government time and money and accelerates important community projects.

Thanks to effective public-private partnership with its government partners, to date the CID has already leveraged $575 million in projects that benefit the community every day.

Some of these projects include Kennedy Interchange, Cumberland Boulevard loop road and Windy Ridge Parkway.

By 2012, when the Cumberland CID's life must be considered for renewal again, it will have committed more than $100 million and leveraged that into more than $3 billion in road and infrastructure improvements that are completed, under construction, or earmarked for construction in the near future. That's a return of 50:1 on the investment made by the Cumberland Galleria business community.

The projects created by this $3 billion investment are chosen, designed and constructed with the business community in mind, making the area more accessible and more appealing for businesses, employees, residents and consumers.

Commercial property owners within the Cumberland Galleria area fund the Cumberland CID by paying an additional five mills of property taxes. Cobb County collects the taxes and distributes those funds to the CID to improve the Cumberland Galleria area.

Beyond infrastructure planning and implementation, the Cumberland CID funds Commuter Club, a transportation management association that provides commuter and employer services within the Cumberland Galleria area.

Background Information - Commuter Club

Commuter Club was founded in 1996 as a community service of the Cumberland Community Improvement District to assist and coordinate the efforts of interested parties in designing and implementing programs that support transportation demand management. Commuter Club serves the Cumberland Galleria office market.

Commuter Club currently manages the nation's largest vanpool fleet of its kind. Commuter Club also offers numerous other programs to reduce congestion and improve air quality. These programs include the promotion of carpools, carpool incentives, flat rate vanpool seats, discounted transit passes, discounted safe cycling courses, seasonal campaigns that encourage walking and free consulting services to implement telework and other flex schedule programs.

Description of the Project Area

The Cumberland Galleria office market consists of approximately 5.5 square miles surrounding the I-75/I-285 in Cobb County, Georgia northwest of Atlanta. All work described within this request for proposals will be conducted within these boundaries.

Statement of the Problem and Purpose for the Project

Commuter Club has an aggressive business plan to engage local business members to influence behavioral change from single occupant vehicles to alternative modes of transportation. Through funding secured from the Cumberland CID and state/federal resources, Commuter Club is required to establish successful media relations plan that will engage employers and commuters in the Cumberland Galleria to utilize alternative modes of transportation while raising awareness of Commuter Club programs to key stakeholders.

Project Approach

The selected consultant will work closely with the Director of Commuter Club to develop and implement the media relations plan. Goals will be determined by Commuter Club with insight from selected consultant.

Project Coordination

The selected consultant will be required to provide and meet project timelines approved by Commuter Club staff. The selected consultant will also be responsible to execute all details of projects outlined below effectively and efficiently.

SCOPE of WORK

A scope of work must be established by the selected contractor to accomplish the following goals.

1.  Effectively position Commuter Club

2.  Demonstrate the value of Commuter Club.

3.  Create new energy for core Commuter Club programs.

4.  Increase website traffic, ultimately increasing program activity numbers.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All proposals submitted in response to this request must include a short written summary detailing the proposer's approach to projects, a detailed cost estimate, and documentation of the proposer's qualifications. The summary must also state the company's legal name and address, as well as pertinent contact information for the person to contact with regard to the submitted proposal. The selection criteria considered will be based on consultant quality, availability, capability, demonstrated expertise, and experience, quality of proposal, the best value for CID, what is most advantageous and in the best interest of the CID, and ability to complete each project in a timely fashion meeting stated goals.  The CID reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive formalities, and re-advertise, in its sole discretion.  No proposals are binding on the CID unless first drafted into a contract and approved by the CID Board of Directors and executed by its authorized signatory.

COST PROPOSAL

The cost portion of the proposal should be enclosed with the submission requirements. Please include the estimated number of hours each member of the proposed consultant team will spend on this project. The hourly billing rates for these individuals should also be provided. The estimated direct costs should be provided as well.

CONTRACT

The contract will be between the Cumberland Community Improvement District and the selected firm who will be administratively responsible to the Cumberland Community Improvement District. All work will be managed by Commuter Club. Commuter Club will authorize payments.

SUBMISSION SCHEDULE

Proposals must be sent on or before May 6 2009. Proposals must be time stamped no later than 3:00pm on the due date. Proposals stamped 3:01pm and beyond may be disqualified.  Any proposal sent via postal mail must include the original and 2 copies.

Proposals can be sent via mail or email:

Commuter Club
Jennifer Hammond, Director
PO Box 671868
Marietta, GA 30006
jhammond@commuterclub.com

The successful respondent shall cooperate with Commuter Club in meeting its commitments and objectives with regard to ensuring non-discrimination in the award and administration.