External Communications & Engagement Plan

The City of Gunnison, Colorado is seeking a consulting firm to develop a comprehensive External Communications & Engagement Plan through RFP No. 25-11. The project aims to create a strategic communications approach for 2025-2030 that enhances public engagement, increases community understanding of city services, and promotes meaningful participation. Deliverables will include an integrated communication strategy spanning multiple city departments, with specific objectives such as developing innovative engagement methods for a rural mountain community and increasing participation among underrepresented groups, including Western Colorado University students. The RFP will be evaluated using a 125-point scoring system, with points allocated across five categories: Letter of Interest (pass/fail), Staff Qualifications (20 points), Project Approach (50 points), Related Project Experience (30 points), and Price Proposal (25 points). Key dates include a proposal submission deadline of July 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM Mountain Daylight Time, with questions due by June 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time. The anticipated Notice of Intent to Award is scheduled for July 17, 2025, with City Council contract award approval expected on July 23, 2025.

The RFP does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract will be structured as a professional services agreement, with monthly invoicing and payments due within 30 business days. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the city currently utilizes a variety of communication tools including a city website, social media platforms, local newspapers, radio stations, open houses, and utility bill inserts, primarily managed by the City Clerk's Department. The consultant will be required to maintain various insurance policies, including worker's compensation, general liability, and automobile liability coverage. The contract will require the selected firm to provide a comprehensive communications plan that centralizes and professionalizes current communication efforts. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the Price Form (Attachment 1) allows vendors to submit a "Not-to-Exceed Price for Scope of Services" that represents the total cost for proposed services. The project is set to be implemented for the 2025-2030 period, with the initial contract award anticipated for August 27, 2025.