Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Department is seeking proposals to provide communication and public relations services during MRS’s implementation of STARS and the MTP. The awarded Bidder shall develop and deliver a strategic and comprehensive communication and public relations program to inform Maine taxpayers of significant system improvements, while enhancing taxpayer confidence and satisfaction. General Requirements All equipment and/or tools used to perform the services will be supplied by the awarded Bidder. The work may be completed at the awarded Bidder’s facility. Any work developed by the awarded Bidder will be owned by the State. All communication and public relations products developed by the awarded Bidder will be reviewed and approved by the Department. Deliverables Planning and research in preparation of developing a communications and public relations strategy, to include: Researching the approach of other states and tax agencies who have implemented the vendor’s system. More than 25 have deployed fully integrated tax systems. Reviewing agency project plan and timeline. Conducting interviews with key stakeholders (e.g. agency director, project leads, Department communications director). Reviewing already published materials regarding the MTP. Reviewing existing agency communications channels. Create and present a draft communications strategy to the Department within 30 days of contract signing. 3. Incorporate Department feedback from the draft communications strategy and create a final MTP Communications Plan. The MTP Communication Plan should: Leverage internal and external communications channels, Be consistent with the State’s Digital Accessibility Standards, and Include earned and owned media strategies meant to drive adoption and use of the MTP among the following stakeholders: Small businesses with a tax reporting obligation to Maine;
