Specifications include, but are not limited to: 3.1 PURPOSE: The Authority is seeking an innovative and creative marketing, public education and communications firm to assist in developing a coordinated approach to keeping its publications and websites updated and producing its quarterly newsletter. 3.2 SERVICES (Rates and charges to be submitted on Attachment A) – please add any known, potential rates that may not have been specifically requested: A. WasteWatch - The Authority needs assistance with the publication of its quarterly newsletter, WasteWatch. This work entails developing layouts for a four-to-eight-page quarterly newsletter, including graphic designs (see sample newsletter - Attachment G); and 1) editing copy; 2) writing some articles from material provided by the Authority; 3) writing headlines; 4) selecting pullouts; 5) writing photo and graphic captions; and 6) layout and other editorial stylistic elements. A draft production schedule is attached. Please comment on the draft schedule (Attachment E) in your proposal. B. Printers - Please provide contact information for three printing companies, who you would be able to get estimates from for any printing projects, which may be needed (Attachment H). C. Authority Brochure - The current brochure is attached for your review (Attachment F). This brochure is printed in small quantities by the Authority as needed using the Authority’s digital color copier. The brochure is edited by Authority staff (i.e., changing photographs and updating text). Complicated changes may require Contractor’s assistance. The software used is Microsoft Office 365. D. Websites: nmwda.org - The Authority’s website; swana-midatl.org - The Solid Waste Association of North America’s Mid-Atlantic chapter’s website; recyclmoreoften – Anne Arundel County’s Department of Public Works website; and mdrecycles.org - This is the cornerstone of the commercial recycling program. Contractor will be required to coordinate efforts with the Authority’s information technology provider, as needed. 1) Contractor must be experienced in the program currently used and be able to handle complicated updates to the above websites. The Authority currently uses WordPress to make edits to the sites. 2) Contractor should have experience developing websites that are mobile friendly. 3) Authority may want to be able to monitor outside use without obvious counters on the sites. E. Development of new ads when requested. Assisting with the placement of ads may also be needed. The Authority is considering a multi-year approach to providing information about commercial recycling to businesses within the Authority’s Member Jurisdictions. On a separate sheet, outline how the Authority could effectively reach businesses, i.e., types of media assuming a potential budget of $50,000-$60,000. This would be a public education campaign to reach businesses and provide measurable results over a two and one-half year period. F. Development of educational/informational flyers. G. Assistance with the development of an advanced social media training seminar. See Attachment N for a description of the social media presentation sponsored by the Authority. Note: The initial presentation lasted 1-1/2 hours. H. As other assistance such as developing and conducting telephone surveys, focus group research, branding, logo design, direct marketing, email marketing services and production of short videos suitable for social media may be needed, please provide your hourly rates on Attachment A.
