Request For Proposals

Marketing and Communications Strategists for Technical Communication Certification Program

The STC Certification Commission has issued this request for proposals (RFP) for the Certified Technical Communicator Program in order to perform an equitable and simultaneous comparison of certification marketing vendors.

Certification Marketing and Communications RFP

Statement of Need

The Certification Commission requests proposals for expert guidance specifically in the areas of marketing and communications for a new certification program. Assistance is needed in communicating with and influencing targeted stakeholders, and with building and implementing a certification marketing and communications plan. Certification provides value to practitioners, clients, and the profession of technical communication. The Commission needs to spread the word about certification to prospective applicants and employers.

Background

The Certification Commission is made up of members of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), which is a professional association dedicated to the advancement of technical communication. Technical communicators research and create information about technical processes or products directed to a targeted audience through various forms of media.

The Certification Commission was established to oversee a groundbreaking certification program, which launched in May 2011, awarding certification upon evaluation of performance-based portfolios against six broad areas of practice: user/task/experience analysis, information product design, project management, information product creation, delivery, and quality assurance. The Certification Commission expects to attract a broad audience of certification candidates as the program gains traction. The target audience will be technical communication practitioners, related industry professionals, and employers of technical writers and communicators.

Qualifications

Prospective vendors should meet the following qualifications:

• Marketing and communications experience
• Social media experience
• Knowledge of certification programs and/or accreditation

Information Requested

Interested vendors should submit proposals that include the following information:

• Relevant certification program expertise
• Relevant marketing and communication expertise
• A marketing and communications plan proposal
• Project management description/implementation plan
• Member/stakeholder development plan for target and drivers
• Staff description and proposed services/scope of work
• Professional references from clients (at least 3)
• Estimated budget (Proposals should also include estimated hours for any clerical support deemed necessary.)

Selection of Expert

The Certification Commissioners will use the following criteria to evaluate vendor quality:

• Staff qualifications and experiencemdash;Vendors will be evaluated on their marketing, communications, project planning (required), and any certification experience (not required but preferred).
• Vendor qualitymdash;As evidenced in samples of work, track record, and strength of references and/or testimonials.
• Project Plan and Deliverablesmdash;Evaluated based on the quality of the proposed methodology and deliverables, the creative use of media, and the vendorrsquo;s understanding of the Certified Technical Communicator Program and needs.
• Budget: Pricing will be evaluated on how favorably a proposed budget compares to the skill level and work to be performed as described herein and with past relevant experience.

Time for Response

Proposals are due by 1 September 2011. For questions about the certification program, visit http://www.stc.org/education/1232-applicationprocess or email Steve Jong, STC Certification Commission Chairman, at stevefjong@comcast.net. Please send proposals via email to Liz Pohland at liz.pohland@stc.org. A vendor selection will be made within 30 days. Vendors would start service by 15 September 2011 (or earlier, if possible).