Published: Aug 10, 2020
September 14 Update: The Conservancy has announced an intention to award this contract to S. Groner Associates.
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August 24 Update: See below for questions the Conservancy has received and the Conservancy’s answers.
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The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) requests proposals for communications support services.
The Conservancy’s mission is to lead California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin (Basin). The Conservancy’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan identifies its primary program areas and its strategic initiatives. The Conservancy also has a longstanding commitment to the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), which is a capital improvement program designed to implement the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan. EIP program areas cover the same topics as the Conservancy’s strategic plan, with the addition of transportation as related to sustainable recreation infrastructure, and air quality.
Through this Request for Proposals (RFP) The Conservancy seeks four communication support services to further its mission and strategic plan, and the EIP:
- Market Lake Tahoe License Plates
- Identify and Track Legislation, Policy, Budget, and Funding Proposals
- Design and Produce Custom Communication Materials
- Support Special Workshops and Events
Read the full RFP [PDF]
Key Action Dates
- RFP available to prospective proposers August 10, 2020
- Question submittal deadline August 20, 2020
- Responses to questions posted August 24, 2020
- Final Date for Proposal Submission August 31, 2020
Questions regarding CTA 20 007 RFP for Communications Support Services
1. Can you please confirm that the print and internet advertising is a part of the project budget or is there a separate budget for funding advertising?
Print and internet advertising is part of the project budget.
2. In the past, what percent of the project budget has been dedicated to advertising?
Most recently, approximately 40 percent.
3. Are you able to share the history of plate sales data?
Lake Tahoe License Plate Sales Revenue (New plates and renewals)
2016: $1,959,430
2017: $2,127,529
2018: $1,855,216
2019: $1,786,667
Additionally, have specific sales goals been defined for this contract?
Not yet.
4. For the custom print and digital design materials, do you have a library of photos/images or does budget need to be set aside to purchase stock images or to do custom photography?
A library of existing imagery exists, but the Conservancy expects the contractor may need to purchase stock photography or produce custom photography.
5. Are the printing costs of workshop/event materials to be included in the project budget or is there a separate budget for printing?
Printing costs will be included in the cost of the contract.
If not, can you please estimate the type and quantity of print materials typically produced?
COVID-19 is rapidly changing the nature of outreach and education, making it difficult to estimate in advance the quantity and type of printed materials that will be need. The contract budget will need flexibility to accommodate such dynamics.
6. How is the social media strategy and community management presently staffed?
The incumbent agency markets the Lake Tahoe License Plates using social media ads and engages with community partners.
7. Is there an incumbent agency?
Yes.
8. What current public/private partnerships exist related to the license plate promotional program? Can you share a list?
The primary private partners in promoting sales of Lake Tahoe license plates (Tahoe plate) are the nonprofit Tahoe Fund and several the Tahoe-area ski resorts. In collaboration with the Conservancy’s contractor, the Tahoe Fund oversees the successful Plates for Powder Program, through which people purchasing a new Tahoe plate receive a free ski lift ticket to the Tahoe ski resort of their choice. Ski resorts participating in the Plates for Powder in the 2019/2020 included Heavenly Mountain Resort, Homewood Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, and Tahoe Donner.