MDC/FWOI Communications Coordination

Request for Proposal
Project Summary

Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Workers Opportunities (MDC/FWOI), a minority-founded and -run non- profit in Clarksdale, MS, will lead the Delta Regional Food Business Center to deliver Grow Delta, Feed Delta, Buy Delta. Serving disadvantaged, minority producers, processors, and intermediaries, we will increase agricultural business knowledge, success, and resilience – from farm gate through retail– serving 5 states – Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Eastern Texas. We will organize producers and processors into ~25 clusters of 4-6 counties each while engaging intermediaries to access urban markets from St. Louis to New Orleans and from Dallas to Atlanta.

 

We will use the tools provided by the Delta Regional Food Business Center — Coordination, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building – to build the qualities of a resilient Southern food system through implementing Connectivity, Local Self-organization, Physical Infrastructure, Recruitment, Diversity, Innovation, Climate Smart Integration, and Leader Development. We will improve food traceability and safety, strengthen infrastructure, connect growers with buyers, and drive pricing that works for producers.

 

The project will be guided by the Delta RFBC Partnership Board that will include a member from each of our collaborating partner organizations. These organizations will be a critical component of value chain coordination as well as ensuring success of the Business Builder
awards throughout the targeted value chains.

 

The project will work collaboratively with the International Fresh Produce Association to create and market Delta Regional Food Business Center UPCs and PLUs that will identify a product with a variety of characteristics, for example: small scale producer, regional producer, limited resource producer, woman producer, historically underserved producer or from a producer implementing climate smart practices.

 

The Delta Regional Food Business Center will implement the business builder awards throughout the targeted value chains to facilitate producers’ ability to use the identifying UPC and PLUs and getting those UPCs and PLUs into the value chain and tracking them from farm gate to the end consumer.

 

The targeted service area currently imports 2.7 billion kilograms of food; our goal is to convert 2% of those imports to locally produced food, increasing regional annual income by more than $100 million. (Approximately $20 million per targeted state.) 

Scope of Work

MDC/FWOI seeks to contract with a communications firm or individual to coordinate, monitor, and execute ongoing communications projects, for approximately 40 hours per week on average (depending on agency needs and hourly costs). The services will be accessed by all departments within MDC/FWOI. Communication outreach services are needed for projects such as website building, social media profiles, digital and print newsletters and brochures, and online content. Bidder shall be versatile in using graphic design tools for both print and digital media. 

Deliverables

MDC/FWOI is seeking a qualified Contractor to plan, monitor, and execute the following deliverables and skills on behalf of the Delta RFBC:

  1. Create and manage websites, social media profiles, and online content to establish a robust regional and national online presence.
  2. Monitor digital analytics and prepare reports to evaluate the success of communications campaigns and recommend improvements, including increasing social media views, likes and particularly comments.
  3. Develop and implement comprehensive digital strategies to inform the public about, promote, and disseminate information regarding Biz Builder and TA Awards programs. 
  4. Produce high-quality and engaging content for:
    1. Various digital platforms, including websites, social media, newsletters, and press releases. 
    2. Rural communities who may have limited access to internet.
  5. Craft and execute communication strategies to promote our organization’s programs and projects, raising awareness of our mission, and ensuring a consistent brand presence across all channels. Work with the USDA communications team, DRFBC partners and leadership to develop and execute communication strategies aligned with MDCFWOI and USDA Delta RFBC objectives. 
  6. Respond to media inquiries, build, and maintain relationships with journalists, and coordinate press conferences and promotional events. 
  7. Contribute to the development and expansion of MDCFWOI and the Delta USDA RFBC brand identity. 
  8. Plan, execute and/or participate in promotional events, both regionally and nationally, including all event materials and presentation supplies, coordinating volunteers, support staff, vendors, and other resources as needed. 
  9. Reach out and work with press outlets, magazines, influencers, and other strategic partners to expand brand recognition and reach.
Bidder Qualifications and Requirements

The Bidder shall meet the following qualifications and requirements:

  1. Seven years equivalent experience in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field
  2. Professional writing experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or fundraising.
  3. Familiarity with social media platforms and experience with analytics, trends, and algorithms.
  4. Up-to-date on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to enhance communication strategies.
  5. Knowledge of 508 assessments to maximize web presence and accessibility.
  6. Ability to adapt quickly to new digital spaces and technologies.
  7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  8. Strong organizational and project management abilities.
  9. Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
  10. Proficiency in graphic design and video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.
Submission of Proposal
Anticipated Selection Schedule

MDC/FWOI anticipates the following selection schedule:

  • Request for RFP Issued: October 16, 2024
  • Deadline for Bids: October 31, 2024
  • Selection of Bidder: November 2024
Selection Criteria and Process

MDC/FWOI will review submitted proposals and select Bidder(s) based on:

  • Cost.
  • Quality of work as demonstrated in the portfolio.
  • Expertise and experience.
  • Range of services offered.

Proposals must be submitted to MDC/FWOI and the Delta RFBC over email with “Communications Outreach Proposal” in the subject line by 4:00 p.m. on October 31, 2024. Receipt of proposal will be acknowledged by e-mail. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. The consultant/firm that offers the proposal acknowledges the right of MDC/FWOI to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive any informality in any proposal received.
Deadline: By 4:00 p.m. on October 31, 2024
E-Mail to: admin@deltarfbc.org
Subject: Communications Outreach Proposal

Required Materials

The Bidder must include the following information in the Proposal:

  1. Resume or corporate profile clearly reflecting qualifications and experiences.
  2. Samples of website development projects as well as communication and media materials.
  3. Proposed budget based on a full year of activities, including project, hourly or retainer cost; travel costs (e.g., mileage, hotel, per diam); and operations costs (e.g., printing services, online services fees).
  4. Billing Practices, such as invoicing practices, payment terms and schedule. All programs must have specific details for what is being billed to them for grant reporting and audit requirements, (i.e., number of posts to social media sites, details for billing each program.)
  5. How Bidder Works, such as remotely, in the client’s office and office hours.
  6. Any other terms and/or conditions required or preferred by the Bidder for the consulting arrangement to be feasible and/or desirable

Bidder must certify the proposal and pricing will remain in effect for 365 calendar days after the proposal submission date.

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