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New Jersey Highlands Council Marketing Campaign Implementation RFP 2026

Highlands Council | State of New Jersey logoHighlands Council | State of New Jersey
Due
Oct 16, 2026
Deadline passed
Posted
Aug 28, 2026
Contract term
1 year
Primary contact
Gabrielle Gallagher

The 30-second brief

What they're buying

The New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council is soliciting proposals to implement a marketing campaign for the 'You Never Knew Jersey' brand. The project aims to increase tourism for agricultural operations, local products, recreational resources, and historical offerings across seven counties: Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren. Scope of services includes a digital awareness campaign (paid media, influencer/UGC, blog/newsletter content), a media relations program, a media blitz targeting travel and lifestyle outlets, and the development of a tourism performance benchmark database. The contract is for an initial one-year term with two optional one-year extensions. Proposals must include a Statement of Qualifications, Technical Proposal, and a separate Rate Schedule & Budget. Submissions are due via email by October 16, 2026.

What you must deliver

Project Management and Coordination, Digital Awareness Campaign Material, Media Relations Materials, Media Blitz Plan, Tourism Performance Benchmarks

How it's scored

Background and qualifications, expertise in tourism sector, technical approach, capacity to meet timeframe, rate or price, prior experience with Council, familiarity with Council systems, references, interviews, geographical location, familiarity with laws

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Summary

The New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council is soliciting proposals to implement a marketing campaign for the 'You Never Knew Jersey' brand.

The project aims to increase tourism for agricultural operations, local products, recreational resources, and historical offerings across seven counties: Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren. Scope of services includes a digital awareness campaign (paid media, influencer/UGC, blog/newsletter content), a media relations program, a media blitz targeting travel and lifestyle outlets, and the development of a tourism performance benchmark database. The contract is for an initial one-year term with two optional one-year extensions. Proposals must include a Statement of Qualifications, Technical Proposal, and a separate Rate Schedule & Budget. Submissions are due via email by October 16, 2026.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

11
  • Background and qualifications
  • Expertise in tourism sector
  • Technical approach
  • Capacity to meet timeframe
  • Rate or price
  • Prior experience with Council
  • Familiarity with Council systems
  • References
  • Interviews
  • Geographical location
  • Familiarity with laws

REQUIRED DELIVERABLES

5
  • Project Management and Coordination
  • Digital Awareness Campaign Material
  • Media Relations Materials
  • Media Blitz Plan
  • Tourism Performance Benchmarks

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

11
  • Statement of Qualifications
  • Technical Proposal
  • Rate Schedule & Budget
  • N.J. Business Registration Certificate
  • Ownership Disclosure
  • MacBride Principles
  • Confidentiality and Commitment to Defend
  • Equal Employment Opportunity
  • Political Contribution Disclosure
  • Source Disclosure
  • Subcontractor Utilization

REQUIRED STAFFING

3
Creative LeadDigital Marketing ManagerSocial Media/Content Manager
Duration
36 months
Scope location
Chester, NJ
Reported agency
New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council

Questions about this RFP

How do I respond to this RFP from Highlands Council | State of New Jersey?

Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 16, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Gabrielle Gallagher.

Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?

Most government agencies, including Highlands Council | State of New Jersey in NJ, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.

What happens after the RFP submission deadline?

After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.

Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?

Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Gabrielle Gallagher. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.

What staffing is required for this project?

This solicitation outlines specific staffing requirements. The required roles include: Creative Lead, Digital Marketing Manager, Social Media/Content Manager. Proposers should demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience for each required role.

What are the key deliverables?

The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Project Management and Coordination, Digital Awareness Campaign Material, Media Relations Materials, Media Blitz Plan, Tourism Performance Benchmarks. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.

Show 5 more questions

What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?

This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Background and qualifications, expertise in tourism sector, technical approach, capacity to meet timeframe, rate or price, prior experience with Council, familiarity with Council systems, references,..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.

Where can I find more RFPs from Highlands Council | State of New Jersey?

All active and historical solicitations from Highlands Council | State of New Jersey are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Highlands Council | State of New Jersey regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.

What is the contract term for this solicitation?

The anticipated contract term is 1 year. Contract terms may include renewal options.

What documents are required to bid on this RFP?

Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Statement of Qualifications, Technical Proposal, Rate Schedule & Budget, N.J. Business Registration Certificate, Ownership Disclosure, MacBride Principles, Confidentiality and Commitment to Defend, Eq. Additionally, proposals should address staffing requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Review the full document from Highlands Council | State of New Jersey for the complete list.

What is the scope of this project?

This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Chester, NJ. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.

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