Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Research – This phase would involve: A. An inventory of the organization’s current structure, reporting relationships, categories of communications services provided and funding sources for communications positions. B. A brief “best practices” survey and assessment of peer county organizations – including their equity‐focused communications practices – would also be conducted. C. Key internal stakeholder interviews/focus groups for a total of 40 to 50 participants. 2. Analysis and criteria development – This phase would involve reviewing the research and developing options for improving the organization’s approach to communications over a multi‐ year timeframe. Options and criteria that might indicate success would be formulated through dialogue with stakeholders and project sponsors. Options will be measured against the following criteria: A. Clarity of design – Would a fully phased option be easily understood within the organization with minimum confusion among the players? B. Flexibility – Would an option allow for flexible and scalable operations in order to handle emergent communications challenges or initiatives?
