30-270021-OOC Creative Services and Media Buying

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Office of Communications is requesting proposals for full-service marketing, communications, and advertising services, including media planning and buying, on an as-needed basis over a three-year initial contract term, with proposals due October 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET under RFP 30-270021-OOC.

The vendor will develop and execute integrated, multi-faceted marketing campaigns across NCDHHS's 16 programmatic divisions and offices, targeting diverse populations including rural communities, teens and young adults, and people with limited English proficiency. Scope includes research, conceptualization, creative development, media buying, and campaign evaluation addressing public health messaging, behavioral health services, workforce recruitment, crisis communications, social services awareness, and emergency preparedness. Services are billed hourly and include account management, strategic planning, broadcast production, digital media services, creative services, media buying, special event planning, public relations, and research services. The case scenario requires vendors to propose a six-month direct care worker recruitment awareness campaign with an $800,000 budget and geographic focus on Cumberland, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg, and Wake counties.

Up to two vendors may be awarded; the State reserves the right to make separate awards for specific line items or cancel the RFP. Evaluation follows best-value procurement methodology prioritized as: vendor qualifications and experience (minimum 10 years relevant experience and three public or private sector client references), case scenario and cost proposal, technical approach, oral presentations if applicable, and pricing. Vendors must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State and eVP prior to contract award and must certify financial stability, E-Verify compliance, non-debarment status, and fair employment practices. No portion of work may be subcontracted without prior written State consent. Invoices for agency and creative services are paid net 30 days from NCDHHS approval; media prepayments require detailed timelines and final reconciliation within 60 days of campaign completion. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET. Written questions are due October 2, 2026, with responses provided by October 9, 2026. Contract award is anticipated May 22, 2027.