Title
Storm Water Services Media Buying and Creative Services
Action
Action:
A. Approve a unit price contract with AC&M Group, LLC (MBE) for educational campaign media buying services for a term of three years,
B. Approve a unit price contract with Saturday Brand Communications, Inc. dba Saturday Creative (WBE) for educational creative services for a term of three years, and
C. Authorize the City Manager to renew the contracts for up to two, one-year terms with possible price adjustments and to amend the contracts consistent with the purpose for which the contracts were approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Angela Charles, Charlotte Water
Mike Davis, Storm Water Services
Alyssa Dodd, Storm Water Services
Explanation
§ These contracts provide strategic media placement and creative services to educate the public about surface water quality, volunteer opportunities to protect waterways, flood safety, and storm drainage infrastructure.
§ Federal Clean Water Act and Federal Emergency Management Agency programs require public education campaigns to inform residents about surface water pollution and flood risks, and these contracts enable countywide compliance.
§ The contracts are coordinated with Mecklenburg County to reduce costs and streamline advertising efforts. Mecklenburg County will reimburse the city for approximately 35 percent of the contract costs annually.
Action A
§ On January 26, 2026, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP); 12 responses were received.
§ AC&M Group, LLC best meets the city’s needs in terms of qualifications, experience, cost, and responsiveness to RFP requirements.
§ At renewal, potential price adjustments may be considered based on legitimate and justified increases in the cost of doing business. The ability to consider price adjustments also allows the city to accept decreases, if warranted.
§ Annual expenditures are estimated to be $230,000.
Action B
§ On January 26, 2026, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP); 20 responses were received.
§ Saturday Brand Communications, Inc. dba Saturday Creative best meets the city’s needs in terms of qualifications, experience, cost, and responsiveness to RFP requirements.
§ At renewal, potential price adjustments may be considered based on legitimate and justified increases in the cost of doing business. The ability to consider price adjustments also allows the city to accept decreases, if warranted.
§ Annual expenditures are estimated to be $138,000.
Charlotte Business INClusion
Action A
AC&M Group, LLC is a city-certified MBE. Contract goals were not established for this contract because the scope of work or goods does not present viable subcontracting opportunities. AC&M Group, LLC will be responsible 100% of the work or goods, and there are no opportunities to include subcontractors. This assessment was confirmed by CBI and the respective department after reviewing the project’s scope and potential for division into subcontracting opportunities.
Action B
The city negotiates contract participation after the proposal selection process. Saturday Brand Communications, Inc. is a city-certified WBE and has committed 10.00% ($69,000) of the total contract to the following certified firm(s):
§ Goodstuff Creative, LLC (SBE) ($69,000) (photography and videography services)
Fiscal Note
Funding: Storm Water Operating Fund