The Humboldt County cannabis industry for many decades has been a significant economic driver locally, and as cannabis emerges as a statewide industry the county is looking at ways to maintain a competitive advantage to preserve and strengthen the regional brand. To achieve this goal, the county has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified local non-profits to work with staff on developing a marketing strategy for a distinct national and industry “branding initiative” for Humboldt County-grown cannabis along with local cannabis-related products and services. The deadline for the RFP has been extended to Friday, July 30.
The firm that is ultimately selected will serve as the county’s lead contracted agency for cannabis marketing initiatives and will provide a broad range of professional marketing services, including promoting Humboldt County cannabis as a unique, high-quality product. The successful applicant will utilize and employ specific recommendations and findings of the Humboldt County Marketing Assessment. This marketing RFP and the services that will be provided are one of three programs of the county’s Project Trellis, a broad-reaching initiative aimed at supporting the local cannabis industry.
Qualifications:
Proposers must be Humboldt County-based non-profit entities or coalitions of non-profit entities, in which each of the members meet the definition of non-profit entity set forth in the Definitions section of the RFP.
Required format for proposal:
While each proposal needs to contain the sections outlined below, proposers are encouraged to take creative license in their format and presentation.
A. RFP Signature Affidavit
B. Proposal Table of Contents
C. Corporate/Company/Agency Profile
D. Description of Services
E. Technical Capabilities
F. Disaster Recovery Plan
G. Implementation Timeline
H. Training Plan
J. Cost Proposal
K. Documentation
L. References
M. Evidence of Insurability/Business Licenses
N. Exceptions, Objections and Requested Changes
O. Identification and Description of Potential Conflicts of Interest
Please review RFP for additional details and requirements.
How to apply:
Applications should be submitted electronically by using the application form. If an applicant is unable to use the online application, a PDF download of the application is available and can be emailed to ProjectTrellis@co.humboldt.ca.us. A hard copy can be requested by contacting Peggy Murphy at 707-599-0125. Hard copies can be mailed or delivered to the County of Humboldt CAO’s Office of Economic Development, Attn: Peggy Murphy, 520 E Street, Eureka, CA 95501. Applications must be received or postmarked no later than 1:30 p.m. on July 30.
Applications may be subject to public disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act.
About Project Trellis:
Project Trellis is a three-tiered program that was developed to support cannabis businesses and individuals involved in Humboldt County’s cannabis industry. The program’s three levels of support include a Cannabis Business Micro-grant program, a Local Equity Program and a Humboldt County Cannabis Marketing and Promotion Program. The Micro-grant program provides cannabis businesses an opportunity to apply for funding to cover business related expenditures. The Local Equity program provides resources to local communities and individuals who have been impacted by the War on Drugs. The Marketing and Promotion component is designed to promote and maintain Humboldt grown cannabis as a national and industry brand.
For more information, visit the Project Trellis Marketing Program.
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