Water Conservation Messaging

The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is seeking proposals from qualified marketing firms to develop a comprehensive water conservation messaging campaign. The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of existing water conservation communications and create new marketing materials that more effectively engage residential irrigation users across Florida. Specific deliverables will include original, human-generated content with full ownership rights transferring to the DEP, focusing on inspiring behavior change and promoting consistent water conservation messaging. The RFP (No. 41212) requires respondents to develop marketing strategies that can be implemented statewide or within specific geographic regions, with an emphasis on creative and impactful communication approaches. Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on September 17, 2025, with potential oral presentations scheduled for October 6-8, 2025, and a final vendor ranking anticipated on November 12, 2025. The district plans to select a single firm to execute the project, with key evaluation likely centered on the marketing firm's creative capabilities, understanding of water conservation messaging, and proposed strategic approach.

The contract is funded through state appropriations, specifically the Alternative Water Supply program (Line Item 1687), with no matching funds required from the selected vendor. The total project budget is $321,447, with $168,545 allocated for programmatic water conservation activities and $152,902 for cost-share or cost-reimbursement programs. Eligible project types include toilet rebates, sprinkler/irrigation retrofits, smart water monitoring devices, indoor and outdoor water conservation fixtures, public education campaigns, and agricultural cost-share initiatives. The contract will run from execution through September 30, 2026, with a targeted budget of $160,000 for the selected marketing firm. While the RFP does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, it is seeking a marketing firm with demonstrated expertise in developing compelling water conservation communication strategies. The project is specifically focused on Polk County but has potential for statewide implementation, offering a significant opportunity for a marketing firm with strong strategic communication capabilities in the environmental conservation sector.