SMADC is seeking proposals for creative services that include graphic design, website design and maintenance for existing websites, corporate promotional items and literature, and SMADC’s communications and outreach platforms. Corporate design continuity delivering a consistent image is a priority across all SMADC’s communication platforms including but not limited to printed and digital pieces, advertisements (printed and digital), and other outreach products.
Background:
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland is requesting proposals for a creative services provider to enhance the SMADC brand and programs among farmers and consumers.
SMADC is a visionary and guiding force for agriculture and agri-business in Maryland, helping to steer the existing, natural driving course of agriculture for new and existing farmers in Maryland to be prosperous, viable and sustainable in the new economy. While SMADC’s primary focus is the five southern Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s, many of its initiatives reach statewide.
An innovative and forward-thinking organization, SMADC provides vision, support and research in terms of education, grants, marketing and promotion as it incubates new farm and food industries. As new farm economies are being formed, SMADC helps to streamline regulations and reduce obstacles. SMADC is committed to connecting food, farms and consumers. This means keeping our finger on the pulse of the market demands through research and outreach, educating the public about the benefits of healthy, fresh foods grown locally (and how to find it), and improving access and availability of fresh foods to underserved communities while ensuring the economic sustainability of the region’s farms. SMADC is equally committed to environmental sustainability. By protecting the land from overdevelopment and attendant problems of pollution, strain on natural resources and disintegration of infrastructure for farmers, SMADC encourages a balance between environmental responsibility and the needs of a growing population. SMADC has become the home of farm innovation in Southern Maryland—a place where farmers are working together to maintain a farming future without tobacco.
Scope of Work:
SMADC is seeking a creative services partner with a proven track record for creative excellence in graphic design and execution of projects as described above. The provider’s overall objective will be to maintain and enhance awareness of SMADC brand and programs among farmers, consumers and agricultural related organizations. Approximately $20,000 – $24,000 is spent annually on creative services.
The relationship should be collaborative; leveraging the respective strategic and tactical strengths and resources of the provider and SMADC. Certain core functions should be mutually agreed to by both parties in advance that will help form the foundation of the relationship. Other secondary functions will remain the primary oversight of SMADC and be delegated to the agency on a case-by-case basis. SMADC also reserves the right to bid-out specific creative service projects to other providers above and beyond the Scope of Services as needed. Core activities include, but are not limited to the following:
A. Literature: Design print and digital marketing pieces such as SMADC’s mini guides, brochures, rack cards, and corporate identity pieces (business cards, letterhead, and PowerPoint templates). And assist in the design and development of the SMADC year-end report brochure.
B. Promotional Items and Advertisements: Design promotional items (banners, t-shirts, point of purchase items, etc.) and provide creative services for the development of television, radio, digital and print advertisements inclusive of art direction, copywriting and scripting.
C. Outreach Platforms: Design and update as needed SMADC’s corporate templates including social media accounts and online promotional services templates (MailChimp, Cognito forms, etc.).
D. Websites: Maintain current web presences and update as needed appearance, structure and presentation of content. Provide access and/or analysis of website traffic and data to assist with measuring website performance. Additionally, the Provider will be pro-active in making recommendations on website management/operating systems in order to ensure technology meets the current and future needs of SMADC. SMADC will maintain ultimate editorial control of all website content.
E. Other: Providers are encouraged to propose additional tasks or activities that may enhance their Creative Services Proposal. Examples could include but are not limited to, photography, videography, creative writing projects (press releases, editorials, articles, scripts), and special reports, etc.
Due Date:
4:00pm EST June 5th 2020