Project Information

Bid Title

RFP - MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA OUTREACH, EVENT MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED SERVICES

Issuing Agency

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Location

Alabama

Published Date

May 6, 2026

Closing Date

May 28, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Inquiries

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

RFP - MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA OUTREACH, EVENT MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED SERVICES **** PROPOSAL DEADLINE FOR THIS RFP IS 2 P.M. CST ON MAY 28, 2026.

Attachment Preview

Kay Ivey

GOVERNOR

Christopher M. Blankenship

COMMISSIONER

Charlanna W. Skaggs

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

STATE OF ALABAMA

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND

NATURAL RESOURCES

P.O. BOX 301452

64 NORTH UNION STREET

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36130-1452

Matthew W. Capps

DIRECTOR

Chadmon L. Davis

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

PUBLIC NOTICE – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Marketing, Communications, Media Outreach, Event Management, and Related Services

Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: May 28, 2026 2:00PM Central Time

OFFERORS must submit three (3) signed original hardcopy Proposals AND one (1) electronic copy on a USB flash drive

in a sealed package to:

Attn: Sarah Wood

PARKS Communications - RFP Number: DCNR-ASP-4-26

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

64 North Union Street, Room 538

Montgomery, AL 36130

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1:

Section 2:

Section 3:

Section 4:

Section 5:

Section 6:

Section 7:

Section 8:

Section 9:

Section 10:

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY OF SERVICES

SCOPE OF SERVICES

CONTRACT TERM

PROPOSAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

QUESTIONS

SUBMISSION FORMAT

EVALUATION CRITERIA

RESERVATIONS

MISCELLANEOUS

Alabama State Parks – Request for Proposals – Marketing, Communications, and Related Services

Page 2 of 9

SECTION 1: PURPOSE AND SUMMARY OF SERVICES

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) – State Parks Division – (PARKS) requests

submissions of sealed proposals from qualified marketing and communications firms to provide the services outlined

herein as requested by PARKS.

PARKS seeks to implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that promotes public awareness and

engagement, organizes special events, increases visitation, and enhances the overall brand identity of Alabama State

Parks, with the goal of increasing attendance and bolstering their economic impact to the State of Alabama.

This RFP contains a scope of services and deliverables for a fully-integrated marketing and communications firm(s)

(“Offeror”) to assist PARKS in creating and implementing a large-scale and cost-effective program that will engage and

inform the general public, stakeholder professionals and organizations, the media, and others. The firm(s) must be

registered in the State of Alabama and work closely with PARKS to successfully provide these services statewide.

SECTION 2: SCOPE OF SERVICES

In particular, the selected Offeror(s) will be responsible for the following:

A. Deliverable 1: News Media and Communications

The Offeror should have general knowledge of the activities of the Alabama State Parks, including familiarity with its

facilities and particularities.

The Offeror must possess the documented ability to perform the following:

• Research and analyze public opinion to assist with the development and assessment of communication

strategies and messaging;

• Conduct photography, videography, and production of TV/radio content;

• Conduct graphic design;

• Develop content for, as well as management and continuous update of, relevant websites;

• Manage and monitor social media channels;

• Implement targeted media campaigns to increase public awareness;

• Produce and edit content for internal and external publications;

• Conduct media training for senior leadership and field personnel who interact with the public or media

• Advise and/or assist in generating earned news media through strategic planning, messaging development,

and communication support for PARKS projects and activities. This component shall include:

o Develop a strategic communication plan for projects or issues facing PARKS.

o Draft, review, and disseminate statements, press releases, and guest columns as needed to highlight

or explain PARKS’ work or to address issues.

• Advise and/or assist with crisis communications. This shall include:

o Develop, maintain, and properly implement crisis communication plans in response to emergencies

and other crises.

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Alabama State Parks – Request for Proposals – Marketing, Communications, and Related Services

Page 3 of 9

o Assist personnel during crisis situations, including, but not limited to, planning, issues analysis, and

development of key messaging and strategies to inform the media and public.

• Assist with planning and executing communication functions, including, but not limited to:

o News conferences or informal briefings regarding events or issues

o Public meetings

o Media interviews

o Monitoring the media

o Project specific websites

• Provide support, planning and on-site assistance with other special events, such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies

and holiday events. This work shall include, but is not limited to:

o Manage communication functions and site logistics, such as guest lists, invitations, seating, equipment

needs, and site selections

o Write speeches

o Draft and disseminate event-related materials

o Coordinate with local officials and acquire needed permits, licenses, and permissions as applicable

o Manage and engage on-site media

o Conduct photography and videography services

Deliverable 2: Community Relations

The Offeror(s) will advise and/or assist with, in close coordination with PARKS communications personnel, the

development and execution of public information and community relations efforts through print, broadcast,

digital/online earned media and/or advertising; outdoor signage; and other communication strategies to support in

educating and informing the public of the unique qualities and benefits of Alabama’s State Parks system.

The Offeror must possess the documented ability to perform the following:

• Assist in planning and implementing fact-based public information activities in support of the public

involvement process associated with the work of Parks;

• Provide recommendations regarding communication with the public;

• Provide support for special projects, programs, and initiatives;

• Work with PARKS to create outreach and education materials that facilitate broad engagement and provide

relevant and meaningful information to the public;

• Help leverage a variety of communications media, including but not limited to:

o Advertisements, op-ed pieces, and public service announcements using print, digital, and other

distribution platforms

o Informational materials such as fact sheets, brochures, signage, and mailings

o Content for website and social media

o Press events

o Utilize community anchor institutions and partner organizations to help promote and distribute

outreach and education materials

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Alabama State Parks – Request for Proposals – Marketing, Communications, and Related Services

Page 4 of 9

Deliverable 3: Special Public Events

The Offeror must possess the documented ability to perform the following:

• Conceptualize, plan, schedule, coordinate, execute, and manage special public events, including securing

artists and entertainers for holiday celebrations, music festivals, and educational and cultural programs. The

Offeror shall fully assist with all aspects of event logistics and support overall event execution.

SECTION 3: CONTRACT TERM

Length of Contract. DCNR anticipates entering into a contract(s) with the selected Offeror(s) for up to a two-year (2) year

period. Such contract(s) may be renewed or extended for up to an additional two-year period, and a final year, for a total

of 5 years as allowed by law and upon written agreement of parties. ADCNR may terminate or modify a contract(s) at its

discretion upon the provision of advance written notice to Offeror. Contract(s) must be reviewed and approved by the

Chief Procurement Officer, the Contract Review Committee, and the Governor.

SECTION 4: CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

In order to be considered complete, a proposal must contain the following:

1. A Cover Letter expressing interest.

2. A general plan for the administration of a statewide Communications

support/marketing/communications/community engagement services addressing the scope of services/deliverables

identified herein.

3. A detailed description of strategies and methodology, including any relevant best practices or examples.

4. The expected timeline and tasks involved in its general plan over a 24-month period.

5. Documented experience to undertake the work expressed herein. Examples should include the following details:

a. Identify successful coordination of communication projects.

b. Show at least three (3) years of experience with executing communication campaigns using a variety of

communication media and covering diverse communities.

c. Letters of reference from three (3) previous customers or clients within the last five years knowledgeable

of the Offeror’s performance in providing services similar to the services described in this RFP with a

contact person (telephone and email address) for each reference.

d. A description of any experience working with government entities, community organizations/anchor

institutions, or other relevant clients.

6. A statement of expected cost to execute the general plan within the proposed initial award term of 24 months, broken

down in two periods of 12 months each. Specifically, outline what level of service would be provided and the cost

associated both monthly and annually.

7. Supporting documentation. A Proposer must provide the following forms with its Proposal:

a. Vendor Disclosure Statement - AL_Vendor_Disclosure_Statement.pdf

b. Certificate of Compliance - Certificate_of_Compliance.pdf

c. E-Verify MOU (all pages needed) - Enrolling in E-Verify | E-Verify

d. W-9 (current)

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Alabama State Parks – Request for Proposals – Marketing, Communications, and Related Services

Page 5 of 9

SECTION 5: ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The following RFP Schedule of Events represents PARKS best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. PARKS reserves

the right, at its discretion, to adjust this schedule as necessary. Notification of any adjustment to the Schedule of Events will

be provided via t to the STAARS website: https://procurement.staars.alabama.gov.

EVENT

DATE

Deadline for Submitting Written Questions by 12:00 PM (NOON) Central Time May 13, 2026

DCNR’s Responses to Questions (posted on STAARS website)

May 21, 2026

Deadline for Submitting Proposals to DCNR by 2:00 PM Central Time

May 28, 2026

SECTION 6: QUESTIONS

The RFP Coordinator is the designated contact to receive questions and inquiries via e-mail by 12:00 PM (NOON) Central

Time, May 13, 2026. The RFP Coordinator will review the questions with PARKS staff and provide an official written answer

to all questions received, which will be posted to the STAARS website: https://procurement.staars.alabama.gov.

Communications that result in a significant change to the RFP may be listed as an amendment. Questions or inquiries

regarding the RFP will be considered only when submitted as directed by the provisions of this RFP. All communications

must conducted via e-mail to the RFP Coordinator at the e-mail address noted below. The RFP Coordinator is:

Sarah Wood at Sarah.Wood@DCNR.Alabama.gov

Subject Line: PARKS Communications RFP

Questions and answers will be posted to the STAARS website at https://procurement.staars.alabama.gov. The deadline

for submitting written questions/inquiries is by 12:00 PM (NOON) Central Time, May 13, 2026. This RFP and all notices,

amendments, questions/answers, and public communications regarding this RFP will be posted on the following website:

https://procurement.staars.alabama.gov. It is the responsibility of the interested party to regularly check the website

for information and updates.

SECTION 7: SUBMISSION FORMAT

Interested parties must submit a SEALED PROPOSAL no later than May 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM CST. OFFERORS

must submit three (3) signed original hardcopy proposals AND one (1) electronic copy USB flash drive of the entire

Proposal to the RFP Coordinator, Sarah Wood, in a sealed package. Proposals are to be submitted by U.S. Mail,

Overnight Courier, or in person to:

Attn: Sarah Wood

PARKS Communications - RFP Number: DCNR-ASP-4-26

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

64 North Union Street, Room 538

Montgomery, AL 36130

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Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
• NAICS 541613Marketing Consulting Services
• NAICS 541810Advertising Agencies
• NAICS 541820Public Relations Agencies

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