Washington Pulse Crops Commission Issues Marketing RFP

The Wshington Pulse Crops Commission (WAPCC or Commission) is seeking the services of a qualified contractor to provide information and education, marketing, and research services for the Commission. WAPCC intends to award one contract to provide the services described in this RFP.

Background:

The Commission was established July 1, 1965, to provide means for the development of markets, production research, new product development and promotion of pulse crops, i.e. dry peas, chickpeas, lentils, faba beans and lupine grown in Washington. The ten-person board allocates funding for research, domestic and international marketing, government affairs, and education. Under authority of Chapter 15.65 RCW and Chapter 16-536 WAC, the Commission is required to establish programs focused on marketing, research, standardized grading and information and education which enhance the reputation of pulse crops in the state of Washington.

Scope of Work:

The contractor shall provide expertise in the areas of education, marketing, promotion, research, and product development of pulse crops (dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, faba beans and lupine) to public entities and other groups. All services shall be to the highest professional standard, be grammatically and factually correct, and support the development of markets, production research, new product development and promotion of pulse crops through relevant activities as set forth below:

A. Information and Education Services. Contractor must develop and implement an Information and Education Plan that is designed to educate the public, both domestically and internationally. The Information and Education Plan must include, but is not limited to:

i. Programs and materials for maintaining, expanding, and improving pulse crop markets;

ii. Programs and materials for enhancing or developing pulse crops production techniques and processes;

iii. Grower and public education programs.

The Contractor must submit the Information and Education Plan at the first WAPCC meeting following the effective date of the Contract resulting from this RFP (and annually thereafter) for WAPCC review and approval.

B. Marketing Services. Contractor must develop and implement a marketing program for pulse crops. The marketing program must include, but is not limited to:

i. Domestic and international campaigns designed to increase the consumption of pulse crops.

ii. Participation in joint national campaigns with public entities.

iii. Promotion of Washington-grown pulse crops domestically and internationally.

iv. The WAPCC will provide a proposal preference in the amount of five (5)% to a Proposer that is a USDA-FAS third party cooperator with experience developing international markets for Pulse Crops

The Contractor must submit a Marketing Plan at the first WAPCC meeting following the effective date of the Contract resulting from this RFP (and annually thereafter) for WAPCC review and approval.

C. Research Services. 

Contractor must provide research services in, but not limited to, the topics of production and crop improvement, processing and quality development, and distribution and utilization of pulse crops and pulse crop ingredients. Contractor must develop and implement a Research Plan that may include, but is not limited to the following:

i. Research activities by Contractor staff or other researchers;

ii. Proposed areas of joint funding of research by the WAPCC and other public or private organizations engaged in the research of pulse crops;

iii. Development and submission of grant proposals for research, subject to WAPCC approval, or at the direction of the WAPCC.

Due Date:

5:00 p.m., Local Time in Olympia, Washington, May 10, 2021

Address:

RFP Coordinator: Teresa Norman Phone (360) 902-2043 Email: tnorman@agr.wa.govWashington State Department of Agriculture 1111 Washington St SE, PO Box 42560 Olympia WA 98504-2560

Agencies to consider include Prosek Partners and Edelman PR.