Assistance in Developing an Outreach Strategy for the CBP

The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP), a partnership focused on restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, is seeking proposals for developing an outreach and engagement strategy. This effort is intended to expand the program's outreach capabilities by documenting current needs, prioritizing them, and providing strategic guidance to enhance awareness and participation in CBP activities. The initiative will support the CBP Communications Office, which manages outreach across the 64,000-square-mile watershed, aiming to leverage collective action and partnerships to maximize impact. Proposals should address the development of a comprehensive outreach strategy, including short- and long-term recommendations for engaging key organizations and stakeholders. The selected contractor will work closely with the Outreach Specialist and provide guidance on drafting meeting agendas, interview questions, and synthesizing feedback from the CBP’s Goal Implementation Teams, workgroups, and advisory committees. The strategy should align with the existing CBP Communications Office plan and focus on network-building techniques, relationship development, and effective outreach methodologies. Deliverables include a project work plan, regular updates, a draft outreach strategy, and a final version, with a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the strategy for internal stakeholders. The first draft of the strategy is expected by February 15, 2025, and final materials by March 31, 2025. The budget for this project is capped at $20,000, and proposals must be submitted by November 17, 2024. Evaluation criteria will consider the proposal’s alignment with project goals, the organization’s experience with outreach strategies, familiarity with the Chesapeake Bay region, and adherence to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.