Request for Proposals (RFP) for AccessPoint Content Development and Production

Date: January 2025
Issued by: District Bridges
Contact: Sara Rockefeller 

Email: info@districtbridges.org

Project Overview

District Bridges is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide comprehensive Content Development and Production for its platform, AccessPoint DC. The platform serves as a critical tool for small business owners and entrepreneurs in Washington, DC, helping them navigate the challenges of compliance, training, and business growth. The final content will be delivered in multiple formats, including video, written materials, and digital marketing assets, with the goal of providing actionable solutions to the unique challenges faced by small business owners, particularly those from underserved communities (e.g., BIPOC and women-owned businesses).

Scope of Work

The proposed contract should cover the vendor’s process for the following key areas:

Research & Discovery:
  • Conduct research into the key issues faced by small businesses in D.C., particularly those in underserved communities.
  • Engage stakeholders, including business owners, local organizations, and AccessPoint DC users, to identify pain points and challenges.
  • Review existing AccessPoint DC materials and resources to ensure new content is complementary and fills gaps in current offerings.

Content Creation:
  • Develop video content that provides practical advice on key issues, such as:
  • Navigating local regulations and licensing requirements.
    • Financial management, including budgeting and accessing funding.
    • Marketing strategies for small businesses, including digital marketing.
    • Overcoming barriers to business growth, such as limited access to resources.
    • Human resources challenges, including hiring and managing staff.
    • Addressing legal concerns and contracts.
  • Each lesson and course should be clear, engaging, and actionable for business owners, particularly those with limited experience or knowledge in the subject matter.
  • Develop written resources (e.g., guides, articles, blog posts) on similar topics that can be used alongside videos, offering in-depth information, step-by-step instructions, and downloadable templates or worksheets.
  • Develop case studies and success stories showcasing local entrepreneurs who have overcome common small business challenges, illustrating how they leveraged resources or strategies to overcome obstacles.

Outline and Script Development:
  • Create outlines and scripts for the video and written content. The scripts should be clear, accessible, and tailored to the needs of the target audience, which includes non-native English speakers and differently-abled individuals.
  • The content should be structured in a way that makes complex topics easy to understand and apply.

Production:
  • Produce high-quality video content for each identified small business challenge.
  • Manage all aspects of production, including video shoot (if applicable), editing, sound design, and graphics integration.
  • Ensure that videos are optimized for various platforms (e.g., website, social media, email).

Post-Production:
  • Edit videos to ensure they are polished, clear, and professional, with relevant captions, graphics, and animation to enhance understanding.
  • Provide all final edited video content in a format suitable for digital distribution.
  • Prepare written content, case studies, and articles in final format for publication on AccessPoint DC.

Marketing & Outreach Materials:
  • Create promotional materials to amplify the reach of the content, including:
    • Short-form video clips for social media.
    • Infographics or shareable graphics highlighting key points from the content.
    • Email marketing templates and landing page copy.
    • Flyers, brochures, or digital handouts for community outreach.

Proposal Requirements

Interested contractors must submit the following as part of their proposal:

  1. Cover Letter: Briefly introduce your company and your experience in creating content for small businesses, community development, or similar initiatives.
  2. Company Profile: Overview of your company, including your experience with content creation and production, particularly for small business issues.
  3. Portfolio/Work Samples: Examples of similar work (video content, written materials, case studies) that demonstrate your ability to create high-quality, engaging content for small businesses or non-profits.
  4. Proposed Approach: A detailed outline of your approach to content creation, including your process for researching small business challenges, developing outlines and scripts, production, and post-production. Provide a timeline for the entire project.
  5. Cost Estimate: A detailed breakdown of all costs, including production, post-production, and the development of marketing materials.
  6. References: At least two client references or testimonials from similar projects, particularly those that involved small business or community-focused content.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevant Experience: Experience in creating content for small businesses or community development, particularly in areas related to business management, legal issues, financial literacy, and marketing.
  • Creativity and Clarity: Ability to present complex small business challenges in an accessible, engaging, and educational way.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Alignment of budget with proposed scope of work and value provided.
  • Timeline: Ability to meet deadlines and deliver content in a timely manner.
  • References and Portfolio: Proven track record of producing high-quality content, with strong client feedback.

Proposal Submission

All proposals must be submitted by 2/21/2025, and should be sent to: Sara Rockefeller sara@districtbridges.org