IDFPR Cannabis Media Campaign RFP

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is requesting proposals for a multi-year, statewide cannabis media campaign under RFP 26-440DFPR-SECRE-B-53922, with proposals due November 16, 2026. The Commitment to Diversity (C2D) evaluation framework constitutes 20 percent of the technical score, and vendors must submit a completed Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Utilization Plan demonstrating how they will achieve supplier diversity goals through use of certified minority-owned, women-owned, and disability-owned businesses.

The scope encompasses comprehensive full-service media planning and buying across broadcast, print, out-of-home, collateral, social, digital, and new media channels. Vendors must provide in-house or established partnerships for digital services including website design and maintenance, database creation and management, online and social marketing, e-Newsletter development, and search functionality. The campaign must be data-informed and evidence-based, targeting multiple audience segments including adult cannabis consumers, individuals considering use, healthcare providers, parents and caregivers, and youth ages 13–17. Proposals must include a creative portfolio with five television spots, five online/web executions, five social media examples, and five print pieces produced within the last three years, all documented with client names and production years. Vendors must demonstrate senior-level account management with a minimum five years of experience in multi-year, statewide, data-informed strategic communications campaigns and provide at least one non-English language media campaign example. Current client lists from the past five years with budget ranges, client names, acquisition dates, campaign descriptions, and entity type are required.

Written responses must not exceed 50 one-sided pages using narrow margins and 9-point font minimum, with supplemental documentation and creative portfolios submitted separately. Vendors must submit the Vendor Disclosure form (or the IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure if already registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway), the C2D Vendor Answer Sheet with supporting documentation as a single attachment labeled "Commitment to Diversity," and a completed BEP Utilization Plan. Vendors without active State of Illinois Vendor Registration Numbers must submit the standard Vendor Disclosure form.