Cannabis and Substance Misuse

The Minnesota Department of Health is requesting proposals to manage and expand the brand identity for Be Cannabis Aware (BeCannabisAware.org), the state's cannabis education and prevention campaign, and develop and implement a statewide promotional campaign to increase awareness of the campaign's messages and resources, with proposals due September 9, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

The procurement prioritizes diversity and inclusion; Minnesota-based, minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and economically disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to apply and may receive up to 120 preference points if certified under the State's Small Business Procurement Program. Veteran-owned small businesses are eligible for up to a 12% preference on the first $2,000,000 of bids under Minnesota Statute 16C.16, subd. 6a. Contractors exceeding $100,000 must comply with Minnesota Department of Human Rights workforce and equal pay requirements; contracts exceeding $50,000 require E-Verify certification.

The contractor will refine existing campaign messaging, develop culturally responsive creative materials, plan and execute statewide media campaigns across paid, earned, and digital channels, manage the website, conduct community engagement, and provide program evaluation and sustainability training to MDH staff. The target audience is young adults ages 18–25. All media buy costs must be included in the proposal budget along with any stipends for compensating individuals engaged in campaign development.

The contract term runs from October 15, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with an option to extend up to three additional years in increments determined by the State. Total funding available is $800,000 for the initial contract period ($400,000 per fiscal year) and up to $2,000,000 with extensions. All work must be performed within U.S. borders with information storage and processing restricted to U.S. locations.

Evaluation spans three phases: responsiveness screening, point-based scoring (qualifications and experience 200 points, work plan 200 points, case study 100 points, diversity/equity/inclusion 100 points, cost detail 300 points, letters of support 100 points), and finalist selection on best-value basis. Proposals must include qualifications and experience (10-page maximum), work plan (10-page maximum), one to three letters of support from Minnesota community-based organizations, case study, diversity and inclusion statement (3-page maximum), accessibility compliance documentation (VPAT 2.5 INT), and completed cost detail forms. Evaluation completion is anticipated by September 25, 2026. Contact Jade Hipp at jade.hipp@state.mn.us for information.