Point of Contact: Michael Carrara – michael.carrara@state.co.us
Submit Sealed 303-866-4293
Proposals to : michael.carrara@state.co.us
Proposal Due: April 12, 2024 at 3:00 PM Mountain Time
SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1. GENERAL INFORMATION
On behalf of the State of Colorado, the Colorado State Historical Society, dba History Colorado is
issuing this Request for Proposals for America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission Public Relations
Services.
1.2. BACKGROUND
In 2026 the United States of America and the State of Colorado will mark two important
milestones: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Colorado’s
150th anniversary of statehood. These twin anniversaries present the people of Colorado with an
opportunity to engage more fully with our past and look toward a shared future.
The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission, housed within History Colorado, was created by
Senate Bill 2022-011. The Commission consists of 15 Commissioners who have been directed to
develop and promote plans for commemorative activities between July 1, 2025, and December 31,
2026. History Colorado is the state fiscal agent of the Commission.
1.3. OVERVIEW AND GOALS
The commission will identify, celebrate, and build knowledge around the history of Black
communities, Indigenous communities, communities of color, women, and people with disabilities.
In addition, the commission is required to ensure that the activities planned by the commission
represent the geographic and demographic diversity of the state, are accessible to people with
disabilities, and are accessible to communities throughout the state on an equitable basis.
This commemoration will be marked by a series of events, initiatives, and educational programs
throughout the country, including but not limited to:
● Historical activities
● The creation and publication of historical documents
● Cooperation with agencies responsible for the preservation of historical sites, buildings, art,and artifacts
● Educational opportunities for Colorado youth to understand their historic roots in the United States and Colorado
● The promotion of scholarship and research that illuminates the history of the American West and Colorado within the larger story of the United States
● The arrangement of appropriate public ceremonies
● Commemorative events, supported by a comprehensive marketing and tourism campaign
The Commission seeks the services of a public relations firm in order to create an effective
statewide outreach strategy. A public relations firm will be key in ensuring that citizens throughout
Colorado are informed about 250-150 commemorative events, including statewide, regional, and
local events.
The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to select a public relations firm with the expertise,
experience, creativity, and statewide reach necessary to promote and enhance the public image of
the Commission as well as increase public awareness of the upcoming twin anniversaries in 2026.
The America 250 – Colorado 150 seeks to engage a public relations firm beginning in Q1 2024, and
anticipates the need for public relations work through December 31, 2026.
Fiscal Agent:
History Colorado is the state fiscal agent of the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission, as the
Commission is housed in History Colorado. The successful public relations team will work in
partnership with History Colorado’s Marketing and Communications team on a public relations
strategy.
Program Description–Commission-Led Signature Initiatives:
The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission is thrilled to have endorsed several signature
initiatives, which they will present to the people of Colorado in 2026. Commissioners will work
closely with state agencies, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to create and develop these
initiatives, which are designed to encourage statewide participation in the 2026 commemorations.
Broad public awareness of these efforts and robust public participation with signature initiatives
will be imperative to this project’s success.
The Commission is seeking earned media placements around the key elements listed below. We
look to the the selected public relations firm to focus resources around the promotion, awareness,
and public participation in these signature initiatives, which include but are not limited to:
Creating Memorable Public Experiences
● The sesqui semi-quincentennial commemoration will feature opportunities for communities to come together, celebrate, and experience something new. For example, the Commission will investigate hosting a statewide drone show
● To encourage families and Colorado youth to explore our state, the Commission will embark on a statewide passport program, where visitors to each site will learn about
Colorado’s shared history, diverse communities, and unique geography
● The Commission will provide communities with opportunities to share individual and regional knowledge through a statewide storytelling initiative
● The Commission will seek to mark these anniversaries with the creation of new public art pieces
Commemorating our Shared History
● The Commission will support a variety of museum efforts for the 2026 commemoration. Possibilities include major exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, and digital exhibitions
● The Commission supports the creation of new scholarship and the publication of new books on Colorado’s complete history
● The Commission will support the creation of instructional materials to teach American history by highlighting Colorado history
● The Commission will invest in updating existing and adding new roadside markers throughout the state of Colorado. In addition to roadside markers, the Commission will seek to highlight complete local history through historical signage in parks, trails, and other urban landscapes
● The sesquisemi- quincentennial celebration in Colorado provides an opportunity to increase representation on the Colorado Register of Historic Properties, and the
Commission will support this work.
Supporting Colorado Communities
● The Commission will seek to create grants for commemorations and celebrations hosted by communities throughout Colorado. The details of this are to be determined, but revenue from branded merchandise will provide a major funding source for the grants program.
● The Commission may also consider other programs