The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is seeking quotes from qualified communications professionals or firms to serve as a Communications Consultant to lead strategic communications planning and implementation in support of BRPC’s programming. Initially, this contract will focus primarily on initiatives related to substance use prevention and response, mental health promotion, and child/ adolescent development, but may also support other BRPC programs and projects as needed.
The selected consultant will work closely with BRPC staff, project partners, and funders to develop and implement communications strategies that are data-informed, evidence-based, and compliant with all applicable grant and federal funding requirements.
Contract Term and Budget
• Contract Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
• Maximum Contract Amount: Not to exceed $49,000
• Payment Structure: Invoiced based on actual hours worked at an agreed-upon hourly rate, or other mutually agreed billing structure, subject to BRPC approval
• Funding: This contract will be funded by a combination of federal, state, and other grant/ funding sources, subject to availability of funds
Scope of Services
The Communications Consultant will be responsible for leading and supporting communications activities across multiple BRPC initiatives. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Communications Planning
• Develop, update, and implement comprehensive strategic communications plans aligned with project goals, timelines, audiences, and funder requirements
• Integrate local data, community feedback, and evidence-based practices into communications strategies
• Adapt strategies over time based on performance data, emerging needs, or changes in project scope
Communications Development and Review
• Review and refine communications materials for clarity, accessibility, and compliance with grant/ funder requirements
• Support or lead the development of materials such as:
o Print and digital outreach materials (e.g., flyers, fact sheets, rack cards)
o Newsletters
o Website content
o Social media content and campaigns
o Press releases and media outreach materials
• Ensure all materials comply with federal, state, and funder rules regarding allowable communications expenses, branding, and acknowledgments
Implementation and Coordination
• Coordinate with BRPC staff, consultants, coalitions, and project partners to ensure consistent and effective messaging
• Participate in regular planning and coordination meetings with BRPC staff and partners
• Assist in timing and dissemination strategies to maximize reach and impact across Berkshire County
Monitoring and Reporting
• Support tracking of communications activities, including outputs and basic performance indicators
• Provide status updates and summaries to BRPC as requested for internal management and/or funder reporting
Required Qualifications
Respondents must demonstrate:
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans for Berkshire-region nonprofit and/or for-profit organizations
• Strong familiarity with health care, substance use prevention, overdose prevention, mental health, and child- and adolescent-development communications
• Demonstrated understanding of federal regulations and allowable communications expenditures
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams, coalitions, and community partners
• Familiarity with Berkshire County communities, stakeholders, and media landscape
• Experience supporting multi-year projects and adapting communications strategies over time
Submission Requirements
Quotes should include the following:
1. Brief overview of qualifications and interest
2. Description of relevant local and public health communications experience
3. Summary of proposed approach to strategic communications planning and implementation for BRPC
4. Description of relevant past work (preferably Berkshire-region projects)
5. Proposed hourly rate and estimated level of effort, or alternate pricing structure
o Confirmation that total costs will not exceed $49,000 for the full contract period
6. Resume(s) or Firm Profile
7. Evaluation Criteria
Quotes will be evaluated based on:
• Relevant experience and qualifications
• Understanding of public health communications
• Understanding of grant-funded workflows
• Ability to comply with grant/funder requirements and deadlines
• Quality and pragmatism of proposed approach
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Berkshire region through similar past projects
• Cost competitiveness and value
BRPC reserves the right to negotiate scope, schedule, and compensation with the selected respondent.
Additional Information
• The selected consultant will be engaged as an independent contractor
• All work products produced under this contract will be considered public property and may not be copyrighted
• Contract award is subject to availability of funds and execution of a mutually acceptable contract
• BRPC is an equal opportunity organization and encourages responses from small businesses and consultants
Please submit responses electronically to:
Andy Ottoson Senior Planner Berkshire Regional Planning Commission aottoson@berkshireplanning.org
Questions regarding this RFQ may be submitted by email no later than August 14, 2026