By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer

New Orleans Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas has decided to replace his top contractor for communications and chief spokesman, Bob Young.

“Through the reorganization of the police department, the superintendent has decided he wants to go with a different consultant,” Young said.

Young, himself a former police officer, retired from the department in 1995. He was hired in 2001 as an independent communications consultant by former Superintendent Richard Pennington, and he served under Superintendents Eddie Compass and Warren Riley, before Serpas joined the department in May.

Young initially served alongside the department’s public information officer before being designated commander of the office two years ago.

Serpas put out a request for proposals for a new consultant Friday.

“One of the main objectives for this position will be to develop, coordinate and implement a department-wide communications strategy that carries out the overall strategic communication plans of the Superintendent,” the document said.

The successful candidate will begin work in the New Year, with Young stepping down on Dec. 31.

Proposals will be rated for technical competence (50 percent), performance history and responsiveness (30 percent), maintenance of an office in Orleans Parish (5 percent), willingness to promote equal business opportunities in accordance with the city’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (5 percent), and cost (10 percent).

Serpas did not respond to a request for comment, which was placed with Young.