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
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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
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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
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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
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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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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.