Communications Consultant for Urban and Community Forestry Master Plan

The City of New Haven, Connecticut is seeking a communications consultant for the Urban and Community Forestry Master Plan through Request for Proposal #2024-RFP-095, funded by the USFS Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry program. The selected consultant will provide comprehensive communications support, including public engagement, social media outreach, graphic design, event support, website development and management, video production, and printed media creation to support the development of a master plan. The project requires a consultant with expertise in equity-based, culturally competent community engagement strategies and the ability to develop comprehensive communication plans. Proposals are due on October 15, 2024, at 11:00 am, with an evaluation process using a points-based system that equally weights four criteria: cost proposal, qualifications/previous project examples, proposed timeline, and proposed design approach. The contract term is one year with potential for two one-year renewals, entirely at the city's discretion.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the RFP emphasizes culturally competent and equitable engagement strategies. The maximum budget for this project is $100,250.00, sourced from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant Program. Respondents must submit a comprehensive technical proposal, a separate cost proposal, city forms signature sheet, disclosure and certification affidavit, current workforce certificate, and a detailed statement of qualifications. The communications consultant will work closely with City staff and a separate consultant who will be responsible for creating the actual Urban and Community Forest Master Plan. The contract classifies the selected vendor as an independent contractor with no employment contract or fringe benefits, and the City reserves the right to terminate the agreement with 21 days written notice.