California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) is seeking Media Relations proposals to provide public relations strategy and media support. This Request for Proposal presents an organizational background, scope of work needs, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, reporting requirements, and explanation of pricing for the agency contracted. If your organization wishes to be considered, CCOF is requesting proposals in Microsoft Power Point or PDF that addresses the points and needs detailed in this Media Relations RFP no later than May 1, 2025.
About CCOF
CCOF is a nonprofit organization that advances organic agriculture for a healthy world through organic certification, education, advocacy, and promotion. CCOF is governed by an elected board of certified organic producers and represents nearly 4,500 diverse organic operations across North America, with almost 3,000 of those operations based in California, and has been a respected leader in the organic movement for over 50 years.
In 2024, CCOF received a USDA marketing grant to support underserved organic producers through creating modern marketing toolkits and providing training, developing an organic product sourcing directory, producing several mini-documentaries featuring underserved organic producers, and promoting the USDA organic label via streaming TV and digital advertising over a 3-year period.
Scope of Work
CCOF is seeking a Media Relations agency partner with a proven track record of excellence in strategic media engagement, and public relations within the agriculture, food, and organic industries. The selected agency’s goal will be to drive national media coverage and public awareness of CCOF and our work including efforts to promote the USDA organic label among consumers, retailers, institutions, and prospective donors. Core needs include but are not limited to the following:
- Media Outreach & Engagement for CCOF’s USDA Marketing Grant Efforts
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- Including consumer education advertising campaign; producer marketing toolkit
- Proactive Media Pitching Strategy and Target Media List Building to Amplify the Benefits of Organic to Consumers
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- Including proactive strategies for paid and earned media placement in consumer-facing news and media outlets; guidelines for evaluating and responding to media opportunities and inquiries.
Eligibility Requirements
The selected agency must exhibit proven expertise in media and public relations training, strategy development, and engagement with media outlets across the organic, food, and agriculture industries in the United States.
Selection Criteria
CCOF will choose an agency based on its qualifications, experience, approach, and philosophy, as well as the location of the office where the work will be conducted, staff qualifications, client base depth, and pricing. Agencies offering services included in or supplementary to the scope of work at pro bono rates or as in-kind donations will receive particular consideration.
Reporting Requirements
The Agency selected must have the ability to meet federal reporting requirements to be defined by an agreed upon scope of work.
Explanation for Pricing and Cost Basis
CCOF requires pricing details and explanations based on previous work, industry pricing studies, federal per diem, or GSA rates. The total cost of the proposal should be no more than $20,000.
Submission and Contact Information
Please submit your organization’s proposal and any questions to:
Michael Recco
Marketing Director
CCOF, Inc.
mrecco@ccof.org
CCOF strives to support small businesses, veteran’s-owned, and women-owned business enterprises as well as business owned and/or led by historically excluded groups. If applicable, we encourage proposals to speak to their ownership and leadership structure.
No employee, officer, or agent may participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a Federal, State, or local award if they have a real or apparent conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of their immediate family, their partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in or a tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for a contract.
