Monthly_Theme_PR_SOW_(021814_FINAL).docx

SCOPE OF WORK

USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina Public Relations Assistance

I. INTRODUCTION

The USAID mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is soliciting proposals from organizations or individuals with experience providing professional public relations services to help the Mission develop and implement a series of monthly public awareness campaign for nine* months, beginning with April 2014, and related services.

II. USAID/BiH BACKGROUND

USAID/BiH manages a complex and strategically important assistance portfolio, focused on creating a more stable country closer to Euro-Atlantic integration through two mutually reinforcing development objectives – democracy and governance, and economic growth. In FY 2013, the Mission's operating year budget was $34 million. The USAID development program comprises 34 active assistance awards with a total multi-year portfolio value of $140 million.

USAID’s democracy programs strengthen BiH’s democratic institutions while increasing citizen engagement in governance, focusing primarily on the areas of rule of law, good governance, and civil society. USAID economic growth programs improve economic opportunities and promote a business-friendly environment by supporting BiH efforts to increase competitiveness and productivity, attract investment, and reform economic policy.

III. NATURE OF SERVICES REQUIRED

A. Project Background and Approach:

In FY2014 USAID/BiH created a strategic public awareness campaign plan on issues related to USAID/BiH Mission development objectives. These campaigns highlight one theme per month, maximizing attention to the challenges facing BiH to promote action and change as well as highlighting USAID’s contribution to helping BiH overcome these challenges. For example, the theme of November was youth entrepreneurship, December was reconciliation, and January was corporate social responsibility.

B. Scope of Work to be Performed:

The Mission asks that bidders propose an innovative plan in which to achieve maximum public awareness and propensity for public action around the thematic issues suggested below. Each month’s campaign should leverage USAID/BiH’s current programming wherever possible to maximize impact and coordination. (Program details available on USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina web site and Facebook page.)

Photography and videography services for a broad range of Mission activities, including events occurring around the country, is also needed. Bidders should propose hourly fees for these services as well as travel rates for in-country travel. Advance notice of events will generally be given to the successful bidder at least four business days in advance.

A plan to measure (through, for example, an online/telephone survey instrument) the impact of USAID’s campaigns on citizen awareness and action will also be required. The methodology should be briefly explained in the written proposal.

IV. SCHEDULE

Written proposals, not to exceed 10 pages in length, should be submitted by March 3, 2014. Bidders should be prepared to provide an oral presentation, ‘pitching’ their proposed approaches to the selection committee by March 7. (Technology needs for the pitch should be included in the written proposal.)

The successful bidder will be chosen by March 10. Preparation for April’s Monthly Theme will begin immediately after contract agreement. The successful bidder will be responsible for designing events for each month’s theme from April to December 2014.

Monthly Themes:

These are the Monthly Themes determined by USAID/BiH. (USAID/BiH is open to hear creative and innovative ideas for amending these themes, if necessary.)

April – Promoting BiH Natural Resources and Tourism May – Cultural Diversity and LGBT Rights June – State of BiH Culture (incl. cultural institutions) July/August – Fair Play, Fair Childhood: How sports have the power to unite our youth September – Getting Voters to Vote October – Assess and promote priorities of citizens from throughout BiH for newly elected government November – Youth entrepreneurship opportunities December – Compassion

V. OVERSIGHT AND SUPPORT

USAID/BiH will appoint a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to supervise and guide the public relations consultants throughout the public relations campaigns. The COR will be responsible for reviewing, vetting, and approving all deliverables in a timely manner in collaboration with the USAID Monthly Theme Committees. The COR will provide final approval and/or comments within two days of delivery by the Consultant(s) of each of the deliverables outlined below. USAID staff will assist with the logistics of posting success stories and media material on the USAID website. The Consultant(s) must arrange its own transportation to and from the USAID offices and pay directly for all campaign materials.

VI. LEVEL OF EFFORT

Bidders must propose a level of effort to accomplish the tasks specified above. Physical materials required for each month’s campaign should be identified to the extent possible. The budget for each month’s campaign should include at least: PR and related labor costs; material costs; photo/videography costs; and costs associated with measuring impact.

Budget should include a line item setting aside $45,000 in order to rent a local venue to support a children's event. Contractor will be responsible for negotiating and procuring this venue, under the direction of USAID.

The total budget of all activities should not exceed $125,000, exclusive of VAT.

VII. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

The successful proposal must demonstrate the best effort at reasonable cost emphasizing the following qualities:

· Expert understanding and proven knowledge of designing, planning, and implementing public relations campaigns;

· Excellent interviewing and writing skills necessary for writing USAID success stories;

· An outstanding track record in planning and implementing public relations events; and

· Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English and Bosnian;

· Demonstrated experience working with non-governmental organizations to publish professional materials.

· Prior experience working with USAID will be advantageous.

VIII. DELIVERABLES

1. Draft work plan for each month’s Monthly Theme public relations campaign.

2. In-brief meeting with the Mission Director, senior staff and the COR on the first day of field work.

3. Photographs and video of a quality and quantity acceptable to the COR, as needed. (All video and photography stills will become the property of USAID.)

4. Written success story (at least one per month) on USAID contribution in each of these areas (for external and internal use).

5. Monthly report (eight* reports in total) assessing the impact of USAID’s campaigns on public awareness and behavior.

6. Public relations tasks, as needed.

IX. TECHNICAL SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Degree of creativity and innovation in the proposed approach to achieving the stated objectives of the CSR campaign (50%).

2. The breadth and relevance of prior experience of the organization or consultant (30%).

3. Oral presentation (20%).

*July and August will be combined to promote a single campaign.