Request for Proposal: Branding
- Stearns CD
- Feb 1, 2024
- 3 min read
The Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is seeking proposals for the development of a logo, branding kit, and a website template to create a modern, unique, and identifiable look for our organization. All final proposals are due to Stearns County SWCD at info@StearnsCountySWCD.net by 10:00AM on March 11, 2024. Subject line: ‘Proposal for Rebranding Project’.
The deadline for submitting questions has passed. Please refer to the Question & Answer PDF for all questions and answers received. Any additional information should be included in the RFP submission.
Project Background
The SWCD’s current logo was created in 2010 and consisted of one logo and no established branding kit. Currently, the logo does not have branding standards and has been adapted by numerous surrounding SWCDs. After 13 years of use, the SWCD logo has served its purpose, and it's time for a more modern, fresh, and vibrant logo and identity that aligns with the SWCD mission and establishes the SWCD as a recognizable, trusted source of information to its diverse audiences.
Name: As part of the rebranding process, the Stearns County SWCD has undergone a name evaluation process and will move ahead with ‘Stearns Conservation District’ which will be used with the new logo and website.
Mission: An updated mission statement will also be included in the rebranding material: ‘Support voluntary conservation actions to preserve and enhance Stearns County’s natural resources.’
Audience: The SWCD works with a variety of audiences, which include: agricultural producers, rural residents, private landowners, communities and cities, urban residents, community organizations, elected officials, non-profit, local, state, and federal units of government
Guidelines: This is an open and competitive process for all qualified graphic designers, marketing firms, or similar agencies and individuals. Proposals will be evaluated by the SWCD Board of Supervisors. The SWCD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or any portion of the proposal. Any applicant may withdraw their proposal at any time prior to the deadline established in this RFP. Those wishing to withdraw a proposal must provide a written authorization and/or acknowledgement that the proposal is being withdrawn prior to the deadline.
Scope of Work
The scope of work will extend from concept to completion and will include:
Meetings:
Meet and facilitate on-site discussions in Waite Park, MN with SWCD staff and stakeholders
Logo:
Minimum of five (5) preliminary options and two (2) rounds of edits
Full-color, grayscale, outline, and black and white versions of approved logo
Branding Kit:
One (1) round of revisions based on approved logo
Color Palette
Fonts
Sizing guidelines for logo
Other agreed upon kit items
Website Template:
Minimum of three (3) preliminary options and two (2) rounds of edits
Website template (main page, sub-pages, and content pages) that is cohesive and consistent with the SWCD's branding
Utilize a content management service such as WIX
No hosting fees: SWCD will host website and pay yearly fees
A user-friendly website that improves user experience on both desktop and mobile
Accessibility (Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
Deadlines
RFP Solicitation Release: February 1, 2024
Questions Due: February 16, 2024, at 10:00AM
Question Responses Released: February 22, 2024, at 10:00AM
Proposals Due : March 11, 2024, at 10:00AM
Selection: March 19, 2024
Contract Begins: March 25, 2024
Facilitating Branding Discussion: April 2024
Preliminary Logos: May 10, 2024
Final Logo: August 9, 2024
Branding Kit Final: September 1, 2024
Website Template(s) Final: September 1, 2024
Contract Ends: September 30, 2024
About
The Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is an independent, local unit of government established on October 28, 1949. When first established, SWCDs primarily focused on working with agricultural landowners to alter their farming techniques. Today, the SWCD works in both urban and rural settings with landowners and other units of government to carry out programs for the conservation, use, and development of soil, water, and related resources. More recently and increasingly, SWCDs continue to expand their work to not only include private landowners, but also other units of government, and other types of projects, including urban areas.
