Strategic Communications & Marketing and Communications Organizational Support

Fort Lewis College (FLC) in La Plata County, Colorado, is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for strategic communications and marketing services with two primary objectives. The first component involves a comprehensive organizational assessment of the college's marketing and communications team to identify improvement opportunities and potential efficiencies. The second component requires strategic communications support for the incoming President, Dr. Heather Shotton, including media coaching, messaging strategy, executive communications, and issues management. Potential vendors must provide detailed proposals demonstrating expertise in higher education strategic communications, particularly supporting leadership transitions. The RFP evaluation criteria will include conformance to proposal format, demonstrated experience, proposed approach, team qualifications, cost, and client references. Key dates include a proposal submission deadline of June 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM Mountain Standard Time, an evaluation period from June 17-20, potential virtual interviews from June 23-27, and an anticipated contract award notification on June 30, 2025.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor types, suggesting the opportunity is open to a broad range of marketing and communications firms. The college is flexible about vendor configuration, indicating they are open to either a single vendor handling both project components or splitting the work between two partners. While specific budget details are not disclosed, the contract is anticipated to last approximately one year, with the organizational review expected to be completed within six months. FLC currently utilizes various communication platforms including Slate, EMMA, Omnilerts, and Meltwater, which may require vendor integration or compatibility. The college has recently adopted a five-year strategic plan and is seeking vendors who can help expand community advocates, build a donor base, and position the institution nationally. Fort Lewis College reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and select the most advantageous submission based on the outlined evaluation criteria.