TITLE
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH FLOWERS COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC. FOR VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICES FOR THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT’S SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEB CONTENT, PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS, AND VISUALS FOR PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
SPECIFICATION NO. P-25022
BODY
To: The Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District
I. Recommendation
Pursuant to Chapter XI, Section C.3.a. of the Code of the Chicago Park District (the “Code”), the Director of Purchasing and the Director of Communications recommend that the Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District (the “Board”) authorize the General Superintendent or their designee to enter into a contract (the “Agreement”) with Flowers Communications Group, Inc. (the “Awardee”) for video production services to the Chicago Park District. The Awardee was selected pursuant to a publicly advertised Request for Proposals (“RFP”) through a target market search. No work may commence and no payment shall be made prior to the execution of the written Agreement.
II. Award Information
Awardee: Flowers Communications Group, Inc. (FCG)
303 East Wacker Drive, Ste. 1000
Chicago, IL 60601
Company Type: Illinois Business Corporation
Beneficial Interest: As noted in Section VI(4) below, the Contractor has submitted an Economic Disclosure Statement (“EDS”). As required by Chapter I, Section D.1(a)(1) of the Code of the Chicago Park District, Section II(B)(2) of the Contractor’s EDS discloses the following persons or legal entities having a direct or indirect, current or prospective beneficial interest (including ownership) in excess of 7.5% of the Contractor:
D. Michelle Flowers 100%
Contract Period: One-year initial term with three (3) additional one-year extension options. If contract extension options are exercised, funding shall be based upon annual appropriations.
Contract Amount: Not to exceed $275,000 annually.
Compliance
Goals: The Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise participation is in compliance for this proposed contract at 95% MBE and 5% WBE.
Scope of Services: The production of the Chicago Park District’s video projects for web and social media content. The Awardee will produce up to six (6) videos each month that range from twenty seconds to three minutes in length for use on the Chicago Park District’s website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and the District’s YouTube channel. Videos will highlight specific aspects of the Chicago Park District’s programs, events, facilities, and other themes.
Authorization: Authorize the General Counsel to include other relevant terms and conditions in the written Agreement. Authorize the General Superintendent or their designee to execute the Agreement and the Secretary to attest as to the signing of the Agreement and keep an original copy of the Agreement on file.
III. Budget and Financial Information
Budget Classification: Operating
Fiscal Year: 2026
Source of Funds: 001.8150.8150.623130.00001.01.01.00001
IV. Procurement Information
Specification Number: P-25022
Date Issued: February 2, 2026
Date of Presubmittal
Meeting: NONE
Date Proposals Due: February 27, 2026
Number of Proposals Received: Five (5)
This contract was publicly advertised as a Target Market Request for Proposals (“RFP”). A total of five proposals were submitted and were received on the due date and time. The Department of Purchasing (“Purchasing”) reviewed all proposals received and found two (2) proposals to be responsive. The Evaluation Committee (“EC”) was comprised of five (5) total members, all Park District staff voting members. The EC began its evaluation of the proposal at its first meeting on April 27, 2026 where the non-financial proposal and the financial proposal were distributed. It was decided at the conclusion of this meeting to invite respondents to provide oral presentations. The oral presentations were held on May 14, 2026 and the session lasted approximately one hour each. The EC met once following the oral presentations, and at the end of its meeting, the members decided to send a request for a Best and Final Offers to the respondents. Purchasing received the Best and Final Offers on May 18, 2026 and the EC concluded its evaluation by submitting scores to Purchasing in favor of selecting Awardee.
V. Explanation
The Chicago Park District requires video production services for the purpose of documenting and highlighting programs, facilities, events and people in the parks. Video content will be used to promote the Chicago Park District on social media platforms, the District’s website as well as visuals for presentations and other specials projects.
Flowers Communications Group, Inc. is a Chicago based company that has 30 years’ experience in providing a full range of marketing and creative services including video and social media production and strategies. Their clients have included the Illinois Lottery, McDonald’s, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Nielsen, and others. FCG has the resources and experienced staff required to provide the services required to the Chicago Park District including pre-production, production, and post-production for any project. Further, FCG’s, the incumbent, initial proposal reflected a 16.6% savings per video package compared to their previous contract. Additionally, FCG was able to offer additional savings in their best and final offer, reaching total savings of 26.6% per package compared to their previous contract while maintaining the quality of service.
Therefore, it is in the best interest of the Chicago Park District to recommend the award of the contract for Video Production Services to Flowers Communication Group, Inc.
VI. General Conditions
1) Conflicts: No agreement shall be legally binding on the Chicago Park District if entered into in violation of the provisions of the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act, 50 ILCS 105/0.01 et seq.
2) Ethics: The Agreement shall contain a provision requiring compliance with Chapter III of the Code (“Governmental Ethics”).
3) Contingent Liability: Any agreement lawfully entered into for a period of more than one year shall be executory only for the amounts for which the Park District may become liable in succeeding fiscal years pursuant to 70 ILCS 1505/17(i).
4) Economic Disclosure Statement: Awardee has submitted a full and complete EDS prior to submission to the Board.