SCOPE OF REQUIRED SERVICES

The required public communication and outreach Scope of Services shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. Image Development and Strategy

Enhance the District’s public identity, including its name, standard logo and basic message. Develop a long-term outreach strategy in consultation with the District’s Community Outreach Staff.

2. Counseling

Provide guidance and fresh ideas on the delivery of the District’s message capable of reaching diverse audiences. Work with Management Staff to develop a public relations effort that is flexible and adaptable over time.

Advise Trustees and Management Staff on responses to high-profile media inquiries and issues.

3. Message

Ensure the District’s message and positioning is balanced, direct, and identifies the District as a public health agency which deals with vectors and not a pest control service. Ensure that the District’s message is carefully executed to ensure that the District’s mission is not compromised.

4. Collateral Materials

Craft communication materials from brochures to press kits, web content to formal presentations that are strong, factual, straightforward, and polished. Design collateral material which is simply written, low cost, easy and quick to produce and appropriate for the targeted audience.

5. Training

Prepare District Trustees and Management Staff to speak using proper message delivery techniques, tools for maintaining the leadership position on vector-borne diseases with the press and public, and provide customized and continuous guidance on overcoming individual hurdles to successful District representation.

Work with District Staff to develop customer service techniques and telephone etiquette procedures for interacting with members of the public and other agencies, i.e., phone calls received by administrative clerks, field supervisors and technicians, management staff, or personal contact by field supervisors and technicians.

6. Media Relations

Generate not only a steady stream of press coverage, but coverage that is on message, positions the District as a public health agency using multi-media outlets. Place District guests on TV and radio talk shows. Plan and carry out press conferences and special events to announce District programs. Plan and carry out advertising campaigns. Pitch potential stories to news organizations.

Assist with the writing of press releases for the announcement of newsworthy information, letters-to-the-editor, op-eds, press statements, talking points and fact sheets.

Follow up with editors, producers, and reporters on the District’s behalf to keep its name at the forefront of their minds as the source for information on vector-borne diseases, their control and prevention.

Assist in negotiating the best rates for all radio, television, print and web ads.

7. Community Involvement

Develop a plan for greater involvement with local business and community organizations which will cultivate a positive standing with those organizations. Mentor Trustees and Management Staff on techniques that will enable them to contribute to the organization as well as delivering the District’s message on its role in the community.

8. Events

Evaluate and recommend District involvement in community events to determine the effectiveness of the participation, how it enhances the District’s image, relates to the District’s mission, and advances the District as a public health agency directed toward control of vector-borne diseases.

9. Website

Develop a website that ensures maximum usability, providing multiple paths to the same content and that is intuitive. Incorporate current website design techniques for faster streaming and easier navigation. Propose ideas to update the look of the site and its design. Establish the site as an additional resource for residents with questions or problems to get answers and assistance. Suggest interactive tools that are likely to serve the District’s residents, incorporating a survey feature to learn more about user needs. Using a holistic approach, effectively combine graphics, layout, organization, navigation, and functionality. Using standard design conventions, create a unique design with quick links or search tools, make page layouts consistent, incorporate global navigation elements, such as breadcrumbs, that allow users to always know their location. Develop the site so that each page has the same overlying structure, navigation, and design elements. The website should strike a balance between graphics and loading time. It should be accessible to persons with disabilities. Staff should be able to update the information in order to keep the information timely so the update process should not be complicated or burdensome.

10. School Outreach

Work with the Community Outreach Staff to keep this program fresh and exciting for area students. Assist in the development of additional programs that address problems with flies, Red Imported Fire Ants, and other District target disease carriers.

11. Measurements

Design and implement systems that will monitor and measure the success of the Program’s elements.