Outreach Innovation

This state and local contract opportunity is a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Florida Department of Education to engage communications, outreach, and public relations firms to provide strategic, tailored, and customer-focused collaborative outreach, recruitment, and public information services. The purpose is to enhance public awareness and facilitate increased enrollment into various programs designed to improve the educational, employment, and independent living opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. The requested services include integrated communications planning, program-specific outreach, video and printed materials, advertising/media buying, event coordination, and website enhancement. The initial contract term is 3 years with the option for up to three 1-year renewals. Proposals are due by August 22, 2024, with the anticipated contract start date of July 1, 2024. The Department will evaluate and rank responsive proposals based on criteria including the proposer's qualifications and experience, technical plan, management plan, and price proposal.

The RFP indicates the Department does not have an incumbent agency and is open to vendors across the State of Florida, with the primary jurisdictions being Leon County and Tampa City. Minority, women, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises are encouraged to participate. The Department has historical records available through the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System that proposers can reference when developing their cost proposals, and the pricing information may be used for future contract amendments and negotiations.