RFI_72052320RFI00001-_Strategic_Communications_Services.pdf

Date: October 29, 2019

SPECIAL NOTICE: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Request for Information Number: 720-523-20-RFI-00001 Notice Type: Special Notice - Sources - Sought Subject: Strategic Communications Services

Issuance Date: October 29, 2019 Closing Date: November 27, 2019 Closing Time: 9:00 AM Local Time (Mexico City)

I. Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input from companies, organizations, or institutions with expertise in Strategic Communications in Mexico.

USAID/Mexico is specifically looking for responses from local, Mexican firms and U.S.

Small Businesses.

This RFI will be used by USAID/Mexico to conduct market research and solicit feedback to determine how to best source Strategic Communications services to support and build capacity among USAID’s Mexican implementing partners (IPs).

II. Background

A recent review of USAID/Mexico activities suggests substantial opportunity for improved communications capacity among many local IPs, with some notable exceptions.

At this time, USAID does not have, and cannot support, a long-term staffing presence dedicated to advising IPs and to build in-house communications capacity.

Therefore, the Mission is in the process of determining how to best support its local IPs in documenting, analyzing, and communicating their initiatives and results; general public outreach to target audiences (e.g., general public, media, private sector, government and other decision-makers); and improving their long-term strategic communications capacity .

III. Requirements and Solutions

In the absence of in-house expertise, USAID/Mexico requires outside professional services that can efficiently and effectively provide tailored communications and outreach support and capacity development.

Given this, USAID/Mexico is using this Request for Information in order to better understand the market, identify professionals with the relevant strategic https://www.usaid.gov/mexico communications and public outreach expertise and experience in Mexico, and improve our understanding of target audiences.

USAID/Mexico seeks to retain local, Mexican firms and/or U.S. small businesses to provide on-demand, hands-on consultation and support to our local, Mexican IPs on communications strategy and public outreach, and ultimately improving local partner capacity to inform and, where relevant, motivate target audiences on key public policy issues.

Illustrative solutions might include, but are not limited to:

● Support a range of communications and outreach activities, including content development, event planning, public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and digital and social media, taking into consideration USAID branding and marking guidelines.

● Build IP capacity to effectively manage proactive and reactive media relations, including but not limited to fielding media inquiries and preparing briefing materials.

● Develop and execute, for specific IP, communications and outreach strategies, and coordinate implementation across internal and external stakeholders. These strategies will be informed by an initial audience assessment to understand target audiences, their behavior and preferences.

● Develop key messages based on reports, analyses, and research products to be used and adapted for IPs in public engagement and written materials, including digital and social media. Key messages must be developed with a view to informing and/or motivating target audiences.

● Advise IP leadership on communications and outreach, engagement in public events and high-level engagements with internal and external stakeholders. Coach partners for media interviews, as needed.

● Document and refine planning, tracking and evaluation processes for communications and outreach projects.

IV. Submittal Instructions

All services would be required to be provided in Spanish and, as needed, in English.

The expectation is that the proposed consultant(s) would have a “native” level fluency in both written and spoken Spanish and working knowledge of English.

Interested parties that consider themselves qualified to provide the services mentioned above are strongly encouraged to submit a response to this inquiry.

All submissions must be emailed to mexicoaa@usaid.gov, no later than November 27, 2019 - 9:00AM (Mexico City, Mexico local time), and should be in the following format:

Email Subject Line: 72052320RFI00001 - Organization Name File Attachment Name: 72052320RFI00001_Organization Name

Submitted documents and correspondence may be in English or Spanish. Phone calls or hard copy delivery of information will not be accepted.

Interested organizations should submit a response of no more than 5 pages in length, excluding the cover page and table of contents.

Responses to this RFI should include the following:

1) A Cover Page with the following information:

a. Organization name and physical address

b. Organization point of contact name, telephone number and email address

c. Organization business size and status (e.g. small business, 8(a), HUBZone, etc.), the number of years in business, and affiliate information

d. The organization’s GSA Schedule contract number, if applicable

2) A Statement of Capabilities / Qualifications containing responses to the following:

a. Outline the various strategic communications services your firm is able to provide solutions that address the requirements and capabilities sought by USAID/Mexico (described in section III of this RFI);

b. Describe how your organization can deliver these services and how they may be provided. Also explain how your organization works with clients.

c. List and describe available expertise or partnerships, including the organization’s previous work (supporting documents such as work/project portfolio, links, etc.

should be included in an annex; no more than 5 pages), that demonstrates its capability and proven track record in the following areas:

● Designing and implementing successful communications strategies for not-for-profit organizations and/or private sector in Mexico, including public policy communications and outreach to specific audiences.

● Ability to organize and implement communications and outreach activities, including event planning and coordination.

● Writing, editing, and compelling content development for specific audiences.

● Working with national and local media organizations in Mexico (print and online).

● Measuring impact and results of communications activities. Analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations that improve communications and outreach.

● Organizing work and projects to increase effectiveness and efficiency, identifying potential allies for cooperation based on shared goals.

● Using digital technologies for communications and outreach to specific audiences.

● Sound judgment about the newsworthiness and appropriateness of communications.

● Knowledge of local context, USAID/Mexico issues areas (including but not limited to governance, human rights, anti-corruption, rule of law, violence prevention) and sensitivities to these issues.

● Experience in social and behavioral change communications

3) Additional considerations

a. Respondent may suggest specific solutions, and/or describe how they could develop solutions that respond to USAID/Mexico’s needs for strategic communication solutions in the local context.

b. USAID/Mexico is also interested in genuine feedback on the feasibility and challenges that USAID/Mexico may face in trying to support and build strategic communications capabilities (as described in sections II and III).

c. Respondent may highlight important considerations for USAID/Mexico to enable optimum impact and success regarding strategic communication services.

All services would be required to be provided in Spanish and, as needed, in English.

Therefore, the proposed consultant(s) would have a “native” level fluency in both written and spoken Spanish and working knowledge of English.

IV. Additional Notes / Instructions

This Request for Information is issued solely for planning purposes and is published in accordance with FAR Part 10 and FAR 15.201(e). This is not a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Applications (RFA) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government to issue any solicitation or Notice of Funding Opportunity, or ultimately award a contract or assistance agreement on the basis of this RFI. USAID posts its competitive business opportunities on www.fbo.gov or www.grants.gov. It is the potential offeror's/applicant's responsibility to monitor these sites for announcement of new opportunities. Any proposals submitted in response to this request will not be considered.

Responses to this notice must be received no later than the due date and time stated in this notice. Responses will be kept confidential. All information provided will become the property of USAID and will not be returned. USAID reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for its purposes. Proprietary information must not be sent.

USAID will not pay for information submitted nor will it reimburse for costs incurred by an organization that elects to respond to this request. All costs associated with responding to this request will be solely at the respondent's expense. USAID is in no way obligated to utilize submitted information or issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract as a result of this request. USAID is not obligated to procure any of the services described herein, nor should the release of this request be construed as such a commitment on the part of USAID.

The issuance of this request will not restrict the Government's ultimate approach, if any.

Respondents are advised that USAID is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information, answer questions or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Any information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary. It should be noted that responding to this RFI will not give any advantage to any organization. Not responding to this request does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if any is issued.

Kerry West Regional Contracting Officer U.S. Agency for International Development Mexico City, Mexico