Calling Creative Thinkers & Storytellers
Whidbey and Camano Islands have incredible stories waiting to be told. But we need your expertise to help tell them.
To do this, the Whidbey & Camano Islands Tourism Program is building a collaborative team of independent creative experts. Our goal is to partner directly with specialized talent, whether you are a solo creative, a small business, or a boutique team.
If your expertise spans multiple areas, you are welcomeโand highly encouragedโto submit qualifications for more than one RFQ. We want to build an ecosystem of partners who bring different, distinct strengths to the table, and we are excited to see how your skills might fit across our different projects.
If you are interested in working with us, here is how the process works:
- Review the Opportunities: Browse the open RFQs below to see where your specific creative or strategic strengths align. (If you fit more than one role, we encourage you to submit qualifications for multiple RFQs.)
- Download the Requirements: Each RFQ below contains the specific scope of work, desired qualifications, submission requirements, and project timeline.
- Submit Your Qualifications: Send us your proposal following the steps outlined in the document.
Questions & Transparency
To ensure a fair and transparent process for everyone, all questions regarding these RFQs must be submitted in writing using the contact information provided in each document.
To keep the playing field level, we will post all questions, answers, and official addenda publicly on this page so every applicant has access to the exact same information.
If you are excited about creating work that inspires people to discover Whidbey and Camano Islands, we would love to hear from you. Explore the open RFQs below to get started.
Open RFQs:
Q & A:
All questions regarding these RFQs must be submitted in writing by email to:
Lee Ann Mozes
Tourism Program Manager
[email protected]
To ensure a fair and transparent procurement process, all questions received and the corresponding responses will be posted on. Questions will be published without identifying the individual or organization submitting them. It is the responsibility of each proposer to review the posted Questions & Answers prior to submitting a proposal.
The deadline for questions is August 14, 2026
The deadline for responses to all questions is August 18, 2026
General RFQ Questions
Q: What outcomes are most important to the Tourism Program?
A: Our primary goals are to increase overnight stays and visitor spending while encouraging travel across Island County and throughout the year. Each contractor will contribute to those goals in different ways, and weโll work together to make sure our efforts are moving us in the right direction.
Q: How will the five selected contractors work together?
A: The five contractors will work as one collaborative marketing team, with each partner bringing expertise and ownership to their area. The Tourism Program Manager will provide overall strategy and direction, while the team works together to plan campaigns, share ideas and assets, and keep the work moving toward the Programโs goals. Specific workflows and responsibilities will be developed with the selected team.
Q: Will finalist interviews be conducted in person or virtually?
A: Finalist interviews may be conducted either in person or virtually. Additional details will be provided to respondents selected for an interview.
Q: May respondents pursue multiple RFQs, and how should proposals for multiple scopes be submitted?
A: Respondents are welcome to pursue multiple RFQs. Each scope will be evaluated based on the requirements and criteria outlined in its respective RFQ. Respondents should clearly identify the services, qualifications, and pricing associated with each scope and provide enough information for each proposal to be evaluated independently.
Q: May respondents identify potential cost efficiencies if selected for multiple scopes?
A: Yes. Each proposal should include pricing for the individual scope being proposed. Respondents may also identify any potential cost efficiencies that could apply if selected for more than one scope.
Q: Is there a budget range for these RFQs?
A: No. We have intentionally not established a budget range. Respondents should base their proposed pricing on the scope of work, their approach, and the level of service they would provide.
Q: Is there a page limit for proposals?
A: No. There is no page limit. Respondents are encouraged to keep proposals focused and use links within the submitted PDF for portfolios, work samples, or other supporting materials when appropriate.
Q: What is the proposal submission deadline?
A: Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on August 28, 2026, as stated in the RFQ.
Q: Are respondents required to follow the order of the Proposal Requirements listed in the RFQ?
A: No. Respondents may organize their proposal in the way that best presents their qualifications, as long as all information requested in the applicable RFQ is clearly addressed.
Creative Productions Specialist Questions
Q: May respondents use team members or subcontractors to provide the Creative Production services?
A: Yes. Respondents may use team members or subcontractors with different areas of expertise. The respondent will remain the Programโs primary point of contact and will be responsible for delivering the full Scope of Services within their proposed compensation.
Q: How should project-specific production expenses be handled?
A: Routine business expenses necessary to perform the services should be included in the proposed compensation, as outlined in the RFQ. Significant project-specific expenses, such as commercial printing or other approved production costs, would be discussed and approved separately in advance.
Q: Can the Program provide its current brand guide or representative creative materials for proposal development?
A: The Tourism Program has an established brand guide and existing creative materials, but these are not necessary to prepare a response to the RFQ. Respondents should use their own work samples and experience to demonstrate their qualifications.
Q: Are there particular areas of the scope the Tourism Program would like the selected Creative Production Specialist to prioritize during the first year?
A: The RFQ outlines the Tourism Programโs goals and scope of work, and we are looking to respondents to bring their expertise and perspective to identify where the strongest opportunities exist to advance those goals.
Q: Are there any major recurring or already-planned deliverables anticipated during the contract term?
A: No major recurring or specific deliverables have been finalized for the contract term at this time.
Q: Will the Creative Production Specialist be responsible for developing content, or will content and assets be provided by the Tourism Program?
A: Content and assets will generally be developed and provided through the Tourism Program and its content and marketing partners. The Creative Production Specialistโs primary role is to bring that content to life through strong design and creative execution. We also value collaboration, so there may be times when the selected contractor helps identify content or asset needs, recommends improvements, or works with the team to strengthen the final product.
Q: How will project review, revisions, and feedback be managed?
A: Review and revisions will vary depending on the project. The Tourism Program Manager will generally provide direction and help coordinate feedback, while working collaboratively with the selected contractor and other team members as needed. Weโre looking for a creative partner who is comfortable with an iterative process and understands that some projects may require more collaboration and refinement than others.
Q: Is in-person attendance or travel to Whidbey and Camano Islands expected for this role?
A: This role may participate in planning meetings either in person or virtually. While much of the work can be performed remotely, we value opportunities to meet face-to-face and expect a mix of virtual and in-person collaboration depending on the needs of the Program. As outlined in the RFQ, respondents should also demonstrate familiarity with Island County and explain how they will maintain an informed understanding of the destination and collaborate effectively with local partners throughout the contract term.
Q: May respondents include links to online portfolio materials in their submission?
A: Yes. The proposal itself should be submitted as a PDF as outlined in the RFQ. Links to online portfolios or supporting work samples may be included within the proposal.
Q: Is there a current contractor providing these services, and are they eligible to respond to this RFQ?
A: Yes. These services are currently being provided under an existing contract, and the current contractor is welcome to respond to the RFQ. All proposals will be evaluated through the same selection process and criteria outlined in the RFQ.
Q: What is the approximate volume of projects per month and do certain months run heavier than others?
A: Because the Island County Tourism Program continues to grow and evolve, we arenโt able to estimate a typical monthly project volume or predict when demand may be higher. We encourage respondents to base their pricing on the scope of work outlined in the R FQ and describe any assumptions theyโve made in developing their proposed retainer.
Q: Is there an existing brand guide, logo/font library, and organized asset system already in place, or would setting that structure up be part of the early work?
A: Yes. We have an established brand guide, logo and font library, and creative assets to work with. At the same time, weโre building a new Tourism Program, so we expect those resources to continue evolving. We value fresh ideas and are looking for a creative partner who can help us strengthen the brand while maintaining a consistent look and feel.
Q: What turnaround time does the Tourism Program typically expect for projects?
A: We believe good creative work takes thoughtful planning, so whenever possible, projects will be planned with realistic timelines. That said, marketing doesnโt always happen on a predictable schedule. There may be times when opportunities arise that require a quicker turnaround, and we value partners who are flexible and able to respond when those situations occur.
Q: Is this role expected to originate creative direction, or primarily execute direction from the Program Manager and PR agency?
A: We see creativity as a team effort. Story ideas come from many places, our Advisory Committee, local businesses, community members, visitor insights, and the marketing team itself. The Program Manager works to shape those ideas into a clear strategy and shared direction that supports the Tourism Programโs goals. From there, each marketing partner brings their own expertise, creativity, and perspective to the table.
Weโre looking for more than someone who can complete projects. Weโre looking for someone who enjoys collaborating, sharing ideas, and helping make each project stronger. The best work happens when everyone has a seat at the table.
Q: Was the previous contract structured as a monthly retainer, and if so, is there a general range I should be aware of as I put together my pricing?
A: Yes, the previous contract was structured as a monthly retainer. Rather than establish a target budget for this opportunity, weโd like to see each respondentโs proposed approach and pricing. We encourage you to submit a monthly retainer that reflects the level of service you believe is appropriate for the scope outlined in the RFQ.
Digital Services Specialist Questions
Q: Is Washington State or Island County residency required?
A: Washington State or Island County residency is not required; however, local familiarity and the ability to effectively support the Island County Tourism Program are preferred.
Q: Should respondents include SEO and other digital software subscriptions in their proposed monthly retainer?
A: The Tourism Program maintains digital tools and subscriptions to support this work, which are funded separately from the contractorโs monthly retainer. Respondents do not need to include the cost of Program-provided tools in their proposed compensation.
Q: Is paid search advertising, such as Google Ads, part of the Digital Services scope?
A: Yes. The Digital Services Specialist may be asked to manage paid search campaigns as part of the scope. Any approved advertising spend would be funded separately by the Tourism Program and would not be included in the contractorโs monthly retainer.
Q: Does the one-hour response expectation for critical website outages or security incidents apply 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays? What is expected within that initial response period?
A: The one-hour initial response expectation applies during normal business hours and is not intended to require 24/7 monitoring or on-call staffing. For critical issues identified outside normal business hours, we expect reasonable responsiveness based on the severity of the issue. โInitial responseโ means acknowledgment and initial assessment or triage, followed by prompt action to begin addressing the issue. Resolution time will depend on the nature and cause of the problem.
Q: Who is the current hosting provider, and does a staging or development environment currently exist for testing updates before they reach production?
A: The website is currently built on WordPress. The Program does not have all of the technical details of the current hosting and development environment readily available. The selected contractor will be provided with the necessary access and existing technical information during transition and will be expected to assess the current environment, identify opportunities for improvement, and make recommendations based on their expertise.
Q: Is there a page limit or required format for proposals beyond electronic PDF, and what information should be provided for professional references?
A: There is no page limit or additional required format beyond the submission requirements outlined in the RFQ. Professional references should include sufficient contact information for the Program to reach them if needed.
Q: If a respondent recommends a website redesign or rebuild, should that work be priced separately in the proposal?
A: Not at this stage. If you believe a redesign or rebuild would benefit the Program, we would like to understand your recommended approach and why. If the selected contractor and the Program determine that a larger website project makes sense, the scope, timeline, and pricing would be developed separately.
Q: Does the Program require a specific response time for urgent website outages or security incidents?
A: Yes. For critical issues such as a website outage or active security concern, we would expect an initial response within one hour and prompt action to begin addressing the issue. We understand that resolution time will depend on the nature of the problem, but communication and responsiveness are especially important when the website is unavailable or at risk.
Q: How many email campaigns should respondents assume the selected contractor will build and distribute in a typical month?
A: We don’t have a predetermined number of email campaigns per month. Needs will vary based on seasonal priorities, campaigns, and opportunities throughout the year. Respondents should describe the level of email marketing support they would provide within their proposed monthly retainer, including what that support would look like in practice.
Q: Will the Program provide a documented transition from the current digital services provider before the November 1 contract start?
A: We want the transition to be as smooth and collaborative as possible. The timeline between the anticipated Notice of Intent to Award and the November 1 contract start was intentionally designed to allow time for a thoughtful handoff. If a transition is needed, we will use that time to coordinate access, share available documentation, and provide for appropriate overlap with the current provider as needed.
Q: Will the selected contractor be responsible for day-to-day administration of website directory listings and event-calendar records?
A: Yes, this responsibility will fall within the Digital Services scope. That doesn’t necessarily mean managing every entry manually. We are looking for a partner who can evaluate tools, automation, AI, and other technologies that make this work more efficient while keeping information accurate and current. We welcome ideas for improving how these systems work.
Q: Are website analytics and performance tools already configured, or should respondents anticipate initial setup as part of the scope?
A: The website currently has the necessary analytics and performance tools in place. At the same time, we are looking for someone who brings strong digital expertise to the role and can recommend and implement new tools, technologies, and improvements that help the website perform better and continue to evolve.
Q: Will the selected contractor receive administrative access to the Programโs digital platforms?
A: Yes. The selected contractor will have access to the website and digital accounts needed to perform the services outlined in the RFQ. Those accounts are owned by the Tourism Program and will remain under the Program’s control.
Q: What is the anticipated monthly volume of website updates and new pages?
A: Because the Island County Tourism Program continues to grow and evolve, we arenโt able to estimate a typical monthly volume of website updates, new pages, or campaign landing pages. Needs will vary throughout the year based on program priorities and seasonal campaigns. We encourage respondents to base their pricing on the scope of work outlined in the RFQ and describe any assumptions theyโve made in developing their proposed retainer.
Q: Are monthly planning meetings held in person or virtually?
A: This role may participate in planning meetings either in person or virtually. While we value opportunities to meet face-to-face, we recognize that much of this work can be performed remotely. We expect to use a mix of virtual and in-person meetings, depending on the needs of the Program.
Q: Will the selected contractor manage the Program’s existing email marketing platform?
A: Yes. The selected contractor will work within the Tourism Program’s existing email marketing platform and subscriber database. Because the Program continues to grow and evolve, we welcome ideas and recommendations that help strengthen our email marketing efforts and better connect with visitors.
Q: What content management system (CMS) does the Tourism Program website use?
A: The Tourism Program website is built on WordPress.
Q: Is there an existing digital services provider for the Tourism Program?
A: Yes. The Tourism Program currently works with a digital services provider under an existing contract. This RFQ is a competitive solicitation for those services moving forward.
Q: Is this a re-bid of an existing contract, and is the current contractor eligible to submit a proposal?
A: Yes. This RFQ is for services that are currently under contract, and the current contractor is welcome to submit a proposal. As with all respondents, proposals will be evaluated using the criteria outlined in the RFQ.
Q: Can the Program share the current contract value or monthly hours to help respondents determine their proposed retainer?
A: We are not using the current contract value or hours as a benchmark for this RFQ because the scope and needs of the Tourism Program continue to evolve. Rather than asking respondents to price against the existing arrangement, we encourage them to base their proposed retainer on the scope of work outlined in the RFQ, their approach, and the level of service they would provide.
Q: How large is the current website, and is a redesign or rebuild anticipated?
A: The current website has approximately 132 pages. While ongoing management and improvement of the existing website will be an important part of this role, we also expect to explore a website redesign and potentially a rebuild. We’re looking for a partner who can help assess the website, recommend the best path forward, and work collaboratively with the Tourism Program team as the site continues to evolve.
Q: Should larger one-time projects, such as a website redesign or rebuild, be included in the proposed monthly retainer?
A: The proposed monthly retainer should reflect the ongoing scope of work outlined in the RFQ. If respondents believe larger one-time projects, such as a website redesign or rebuild, would be better handled separately, they are welcome to describe that approach in their proposal.
Media & Public Relations Services Questions
Q: Does the Tourism Program have specific target markets it is trying to reach?
A: Identifying and evaluating target markets is part of the strategic expertise we are looking for in this role. The RFQ asks respondents to demonstrate their understanding of destination marketing and their approach to identifying opportunities and audiences. We are interested in seeing the perspective and recommendations respondents bring to that work.
Q: Are there existing brand or story pillars respondents should be aware of?
A: Yes. The Tourism Program has an established brand and strategic direction that will guide the selected contractorโs work. For purposes of this RFQ, we are looking to respondents to demonstrate their own approach to destination storytelling, identifying opportunities, and building meaningful media relationships.
Q: How many hosted media visits should the selected contractor expect to coordinate each year?
A: There is no set number. Hosted media visits will be based on the quality of the opportunity and how well it supports the Tourism Programโs goals. We will look to the selected contractor to help us identify which opportunities are worth pursuing.
Q: Who pays the costs associated with hosting media visits?
A: Hosting costs such as lodging, meals, transportation, and activities are separate from the contractorโs monthly retainer. Depending on the opportunity, those costs may be covered by the Tourism Program, participating tourism partners, or both.
Q: How many influencer partnerships should the selected contractor expect to manage each year?
A: There is no set number. We are interested in thoughtful partnerships that reach the right audiences and support the Tourism Programโs goals. We will look to the selected contractor to help us evaluate opportunities and recommend which partnerships are worth pursuing.
Q: Are influencer fees and hosting costs separate from the contractorโs monthly retainer?
A: Yes. Approved influencer fees and direct hosting costs, such as lodging, meals, transportation, and activities, are separate from the contractorโs monthly retainer.
Q: Is this a re-bid of an existing contract, and is the current contractor eligible to submit a proposal?
A: Yes. This RFQ is for services that are currently under contract, and the current contractor is welcome to submit a proposal. As with all respondents, proposals will be evaluated using the criteria outlined in the RFQ.
Q: Who will the selected PR contractor work with?
A: The selected contractor will be part of a collaborative team that includes specialists in content development, social media, creative production, and digital services. The Tourism Program Manager provides overall strategy and direction, while each contractor brings expertise and ownership to their area and works with the team toward shared goals.
Q: Are there particular areas of the scope the Tourism Program would like the selected PR contractor to prioritize during the first year?
A: The RFQ outlines the Tourism Programโs goals and scope of work, and we are looking to respondents to bring their expertise and perspective to identify where the strongest opportunities exist to advance those goals.
Content Development Services Questions
Q: How are content assignments and story ideas developed?
A: We see creativity as a team effort. Story ideas come from many places, our Advisory Committee, local businesses, community members, visitor insights, and the marketing team itself. The Program Manager works to shape those ideas into a clear strategy and shared direction that supports the Tourism Programโs goals. From there, each marketing partner brings their own expertise, creativity, and perspective to the table.
Q: Are established brand standards and marketing direction in place to guide content development?
A: Yes. The Tourism Program has established brand standards and marketing direction that will help guide content development. At the same time, weโre building a program that will continue to evolve, and we value partners who bring fresh ideas and expertise to that process.
Q: How should costs associated with a specific content assignment, such as admission, tours, activities, meals, or equipment rentals, be handled?
A: We donโt anticipate separately reimbursing routine expenses, such as a cup of coffee or a meal, as part of normal content gathering. However, if we ask a contractor to take on a specific assignment that involves a more significant expense, such as a paid tour, activity, admission, or equipment rental, weโll talk about it in advance and determine the best approach together. That may include Program approval of the expense or coordination with a participating business when appropriate.
Q: How should talent or community participants needed for photography and video assignments be coordinated, and how should paid talent expenses be handled?
A: We expect this to be collaborative. Many of the people featured in our content will naturally come from the communities and businesses whose stories weโre telling, and the Tourism Program can help make connections when needed. If a specific assignment calls for paid models, actors, voiceover talent, or another significant production expense, weโll discuss that together in advance and determine the best approach. Those costs should not automatically be assumed as part of the monthly retainer.
Q: Does this role require being based in Island County or Washington State?
A: Because the Content Development Services role requires frequent on-site presence throughout Island County to capture authentic stories, build relationships, and respond to content opportunities, respondents should be based in, or demonstrate the ability to maintain a regular on-island presence within, Island County. This is not intended to limit who may submit a proposal, but respondents should clearly explain how they will meet the on-site expectations of the role. As outlined in the RFQ, any anticipated travel or mileage costs should be included in the proposed monthly retainer.
Q: Is the work more project or campaign-based with travel as needed?
A: We are looking for someone who will truly connect with the fabric of our community. While seasonal campaigns and planned editorial calendars form the core of the work, many of our best destination stories are discovered organically. The ideal partner will maintain a regular presence across the islandsโbuilding local relationships, attending community events, and capturing authentic moments as they unfold. In your proposal, please outline how you plan to balance planned content production with agile, on-the-ground story gathering within your proposed monthly scope.
Q: How much content do you expect to produce in a typical month?
A: It depends on the area or areas you propose to cover. Someone serving one part of the county will have a different workload than someone serving multiple areas or all of Whidbey and Camano Islands. We also know good storytelling doesnโt always fit neatly into a monthly quota. Some months will be busier than others, and our priorities will shift with the seasons, campaigns, events, and stories happening in our communities. Thatโs why weโre asking you to tell us what you can realistically and consistently produce within your proposed monthly retainer. Weโre interested in quality, reliability, and great storytelling, not simply hitting a certain number of pieces each month.
Q: What is the usual mix between written stories, photography, and video?
A: There isnโt a set formula. The mix will change depending on the story, the season, and what weโre trying to accomplish. Some stories may be best told through writing and photography; others may come to life through video. Weโre looking for someone who can help us make those decisions thoughtfully, not simply produce a predetermined mix of content each month.
Q: Is there an anticipated monthly or annual budget range for this work?
A: We have intentionally not established a budget range for this RFQ because we’re interested in seeing how each respondent approaches the opportunity. We encourage you to propose a monthly retainer that reflects the value you would bring, the area or areas you propose to serve, and the level of service you believe is needed to do the work well. As outlined in the RFQ, cost is one of several factors that will be considered when evaluating proposals.
Q: Can the selected contractor retain copyright to the content they create?
A: As outlined in the RFQ, the Tourism Program expects content created under this contract to become the property of the Program upon payment. This ensures the Program can continue using and building upon its content over time, regardless of future contractor relationships. Any exceptions would need to be agreed to in writing and would be considered only in limited circumstances.
Q: What types of creative campaigns is the Tourism Program looking to develop?
A: The Island County Tourism Program is built on the idea that every community has its own story to tell. We’re looking to create campaigns that reflect the unique character, people, and experiences of each community; not one-size-fits-all marketing. Guided by community input, our goal is to inspire the right visitors to experience each place as it’s meant to be experienced, encourage exploration across Island County in every season, and create authentic, transformational travel experiences along the way.
Q: What type of team is the Tourism Program looking to work with?
A: We intentionally designed this RFQ to be flexible. We’re open to working with individuals, teams, or firms, and respondents may propose services for one geographic area, multiple geographic areas, or countywide coverage. What matters most is that your proposal clearly demonstrates how you’ll deliver the services outlined in the RFQ.
Social Media Management Services Questions
Q: Does the Tourism Program have an anticipated publishing frequency or monthly volume for social media?
A: No. Publishing frequency will vary based on seasonal priorities, campaigns, content opportunities, and platform needs. As outlined in the RFQ, we are looking to the selected contractor to develop a monthly posting schedule and recommend the frequency and approach they believe will be most effective.
Q: Are the social media advertising accounts and payment methods owned by the Tourism Program or the contractor?
A: The Tourism Program owns and maintains the advertising accounts and associated payment methods. The selected contractor will be provided appropriate access to manage paid social media campaigns on the Programโs behalf.
Q: Should respondents include necessary social media management software and subscriptions in their proposed compensation?
A: Yes. As outlined in the RFQ, respondents should include the software and tools they would need to successfully provide these services in their proposed compensation. We recognize that different social media professionals use different tools and workflows, and we welcome those recommendations. Respondents are encouraged to tell us what they would use and, more importantly, how those tools would support collaboration, analytics, reporting, and overall social media performance.
Q: Will the Program consider proposals for a subset of the Scope of Services, or must respondents propose on the full scope?
A: Respondents should propose on the full Scope of Services. We are building a collaborative team of specialists, with each contractor taking ownership of their area while working closely with the larger team. For social media, we are looking for one contractor who can lead the full scope while being a flexible, collaborative partner.
Q: Are respondents permitted to subcontract portions of the work?
A: Yes. Respondents are welcome to build a team that brings different strengths and expertise to the work. The respondent will remain the Programโs primary point of contact and will be responsible for delivering the full Scope of Services within their proposed compensation.
Q: Does the Program have an estimated number of monthly hours for this scope of work?
A: We have intentionally not prescribed a set number of monthly hours. As outlined in the RFQ, respondents should describe the level of monthly availability and anticipated response times they can provide within their proposed compensation. We want to understand what each respondentโs approach looks like in practice and the level of service their proposed retainer provides.
Q: Which social media channels does the Program currently operate, and will historical performance data be available to the selected contractor?
A: The Tourism Program currently maintains active accounts on Instagram and Facebook, along with a YouTube channel that has not been actively developed in recent years. Historical analytics and performance data will be available to the selected contractor.
We also don’t see our current platforms as the finish line. Part of what we’re looking for in a social media partner is someone who can help us evaluate where we should be, identify new opportunities, and thoughtfully grow our presence as platforms and audience behaviors evolve.
Q: Is Washington State or Island County residency required?
A: Washington State or Island County residency is not required; however, local familiarity and the ability to effectively support the Island County Tourism Program are preferred.
Q: Is remote work acceptable?
A: Yes. Remote work is absolutely acceptable. We do, however, value opportunities to connect in person, so we ask that the selected contractor be available for occasional meetings or other program-related activities as needed.
Q: How often will the selected contractor be expected to be on-site?
A: We donโt have a predetermined schedule for on-site visits. Some months may require more in-person collaboration than others, depending on projects, meetings, and program needs.
Q: Should travel expenses be included in the proposed monthly retainer or billed separately?
A: Please include any anticipated travel or mileage costs in your proposed monthly retainer, as those expenses will not be reimbursed separately.
Q: Are planning meetings required to be in person, or can they be conducted virtually?
A: While virtual options exist for routine check-ins, core planning meetings will generally be held in person in Island County (typically monthly or quarterly) to foster strong collaborative strategy. Please factor local travel for these regular meetings into your proposed retainer.
Q: Is the paid media budget separate from the contractorโs monthly retainer, or should it be included in the proposed compensation?
A: Paid advertising is separate from the contractorโs monthly retainer. Your proposal should include your professional services only. The Tourism Program will fund approved advertising and media purchases separately.
Q: Is there an existing editorial calendar system or scheduling platform currently in use, or should respondents propose their own?
A: Yes. We use an editorial calendar to plan and communicate stories with the marketing team. Youโre welcome to use whatever scheduling or project management tools work best for your own workflow, as long as they support collaboration with the team.
Q: Will the contractor receive admin access to existing social accounts, and is historical performance data available for reference?
A: Yes. The selected contractor will be provided the appropriate level of access necessary to perform the contracted services, including access to existing social media accounts and available historical performance data.
Q: What are expectations for after-hours or weekend community engagement and monitoring?
A: We donโt expect anyone to be monitoring social media around the clock. At the same time, tourism doesnโt always happen during regular business hours. We value partners who are willing to be flexible and jump in when needed, whether thatโs during a campaign, a special event, or another time-sensitive opportunity.
Q: Is this a re-bid of an existing contract, and if so, is the current contractor eligible to reapply?
A: Yes. This RFQ is for services that are currently under contract, and the current contractor is welcome to submit a proposal. As with all respondents, proposals will be evaluated using the criteria outlined in the RFQ.
Q: Is there an anticipated budget range for the monthly retainer that respondents should use to calibrate scope to fee?
A: We have intentionally not established a budget range for this RFQ. We encourage respondents to propose a monthly retainer that reflects their approach, experience, and the level of service they would provide. As outlined in the RFQ, cost is one of several factors that will be considered when evaluating proposals.
