Project Information

Bid Title

COMPREHENSIVE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR BUS ADVERTISING SERVICES

Issuing Agency

City of Charlottesville

Location

Virginia

Published Date

Jul 15, 2025

Closing Date

Aug 11, 2025

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

RFP 26-03

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Project ID: RFP 26-03

Title: COMPREHENSIVE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR BUS ADVERTISING SERVICES

Addenda: 0

Release Date: 7/15/2025

Due Date: 8/11/2025

Post Information

Posted At:Tue, Jul 15, 2025 10:41 AMSealed Bid Process:Yes (Bids Sealed / Pricing Sealed)Private Bid:No

Overview

Summary

Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) is seeking proposals from experienced advertising service providers to manage and grow its interior and exterior transit advertising program. The selected contractor will be responsible for all aspects of the program, including marketing and selling advertising space, managing client relationships, printing and installing ad materials, maintaining ad quality, handling finances, and delivering detailed monthly reporting.

This program will include advertising opportunities on the interior and exterior of eligible CAT buses and on designated CAT bus shelters throughout the Charlottesville area. CAT is committed to maintaining a high standard of quality and professionalism in all ad placements while generating consistent, reliable revenue from advertising sales. The selected vendor will be expected to cover all operating costs and provide a minimum of 65 percent of gross advertising revenue to CAT.

Background

Charlottesville Area Transit serves the City of Charlottesville and parts of Albemarle County with a fare-free fixed-route system and complementary services. Like many public transit agencies, CAT is seeking creative ways to diversify its revenue streams while continuing to deliver high-quality service to the community.

CAT previously offered interior and exterior advertising but paused the program during restructuring. With new leadership and a growing fleet including 35-foot and 29-foot buses, trolleys, and future expansions, CAT is ready to relaunch a robust advertising program. The right vendor will not only bring in new revenue but also handle all aspects of advertising operations with minimal oversight from city staff. A true home run would be a vendor who can exceed 60 percent ad coverage within the first year, manage financial risk, and act as a long-term partner in building a strong, community-minded advertising program.

Timeline

Request for Proposal Release Date:

July 15, 2025

Pre-Proposal Conference (Non-Mandatory):

July 29, 2025, 2:30pm

1545 Avon Street Extended, Charlottesville, VA, 22902. Main Conference room

Proposal Submission Deadline:

August 11, 2025, 2:00pm

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 238320Painting and Wall Covering Contractors
• NAICS 541810Advertising Agencies
• NAICS 541890Other Services Related to Advertising

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