Full-Service Advertising/PR Services/Marketing Services

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech), in collaboration with Forsyth Technical Community College and Stanley Community College, is seeking a full-service advertising, PR, and marketing services vendor to support the Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Development Grant project. The procurement aims to address the critical shortage of skilled professionals in behavioral healthcare by developing innovative training programs and expanding educational opportunities across North Carolina. Specific deliverables include comprehensive marketing services across three phases: research and message development, creation of collateral and booth assets, and development of a marketing strategy with digital and social media campaigns. The RFP requires vendors to provide SEO research, booth displays, digital marketing strategies, lead generation campaigns, and social media content targeting continuing education programs launching in Fall 2025 and an AAS degree program launching in Fall 2026. Evaluation criteria will focus on technical approach, project organization, vendor qualifications, and cost, with the proposal due on May 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The contract term is 18 months, with a single vendor expected to be awarded the entire project.

The state encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), with a goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as 1st or 2nd tier subcontractors. Payment for the project will be structured in three phases: 10% ($X) for research and message development (due 6/30/2025), 50% ($X) for collateral and booth assets (paid across multiple quarters in 2025-2026), and 40% ($X) for marketing strategy and campaign development (due 6/15/2026). While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the project is funded through a grant focused on addressing workforce development needs in the behavioral healthcare sector. The procurement is positioned to support credential changes anticipated at the state level, with expectations of significant interest in behavioral health programs in North Carolina over the next few years. The collaborative initiative involves three community colleges leveraging their collective expertise and regional networks to create a sustainable pipeline of professional talent in the behavioral healthcare field.