Voluntary Public Access & Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) Marketing Plan

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a contractor to develop a marketing and implementation plan for the Voluntary Public Access & Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP), funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The primary objective is to create a comprehensive marketing strategy promoting VPA-HIP to both traditional and historically underserved landowner and user groups across 52 eligible Wisconsin counties. Key deliverables include a detailed marketing plan focusing on recruiting and educating beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged groups, limited resource farmers, and women about wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities on private lands. The RFP requires proposers to demonstrate experience marketing to the farming community and underserved populations, with a total contract budget of $30,000. Proposals were due by 11:00 AM CST on August 16, 2017, with an anticipated contract period from September 1, 2017, through August 1, 2018. Evaluation criteria include organization capabilities (10%), specific experience (30%), staff qualifications (10%), project approach (35%), and cost proposal (15%), with potential additional preference for Certified Minority Business Enterprises.

The solicitation allows for broad participation, including foreign companies from countries such as India and Canada, with work potentially performed outside the United States. Certified Minority Business Enterprises may receive up to a 5% preference weighting during evaluation. The contract employs a flexible payment structure, allowing the contractor to invoice monthly for up to 40% of the total contract amount during performance, with the remaining 60% paid upon DNR approval of the final plan. Implementation responsibilities will be shared between the selected vendor and DNR, with existing resources including three regional DNR staff members and potential for an additional staff person to assist with landowner engagement. The DNR retains the right to terminate the contract with 30 days written notice, limiting contractor liability to pro-rata costs of services performed. Contractor participation in meetings is required, with video conference options like Skype acceptable as an alternative to in-person attendance. Program enrollment will operate on a rolling basis through August 31, 2018, with the potential for future expansion or continued marketing efforts.