VDH programs and LHDs are encouraged to collaborate with approved communications vendors on public health campaigns. These vendors were selected based on various criteria, including their experience with previous campaigns for the agency.
Groups using one of these vendors are not required to undergo a request for proposal (RFP) or quick quote process for each project. This approach helps streamline the process and potentially saves time.
Vendors develop campaigns that include some or all of the following:
TV advertisements
Digital and social media marketing
Radio spots
Billboards
Print materials
Videos
Market research
The benefits of using an approved vendor:
One vendor to handle everything for you (the creation and the launch of your campaign)
Vendors can negotiate media buys - resulting in cost savings
Uses market research to make sure your campaign reaches your target audience
Familiar with VDH Brand Guidelines
Provides reports on how your campaign performs
See this page for more VDH campaign examples with budgets and timelines.
The vendors were vetted through a request for proposal process. A panel of VDH judges scored and negotiated vendor submissions, resulting in contracts with the top four agencies.
Please do not reach out to the vendors directly. Complete the steps in the Getting Started section to be connected to a vendor.
Waivers allow certain projects to use a non-pre-approved vendor. Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis based on funding, scope of the project, and other factors. Project timing is not a factor for consideration in determining if a waiver will be issued. To request a waiver, fill out the Marketing Vendor Request Form mentioned in the Getting Started section.
We recommend following the steps below to start your campaign. Once you have received your cost code and campaign budget totals from the business office and funds are available, you can meet with your vendor before finalizing campaign plans. Submitting a RAP to ensure you invest in the best strategies to meet your goals is necessary.
Complete the Marketing Vendor Request Form
The Communications Team will help determine which vendor is most appropriate for your project. They will follow up within 1-2 weeks of your submission.
Depending on the scale of the project, a formal request to all vendors may be recommended.
Once the vendor is selected, you will recieve a formal vendor assignment form to use for your RAP/PO requests.
Once you are assigned to a vendor:
Determine with vendor what strategies will best meet the goals of your project. Such as:
How can we best reach out target audience?
Is a billboard the best use of funds vs. more social media?
What is our end goal?
Agree on the scope of work and timeline for project.
Get a quote from you vendor.
Once you receive your vendor quote, complete the RAP process.
Be sure to attach the vendor quote when you submit the RAP.
Work with your business manager to submit a purchase order (PO).
PO in eVA (for LHDs) or F&A (VDH Offices).
You must attach a copy of COMO’s vendor assignment confirmation, the approved RAP, and the vendor quote.
The PO should be submitted to the vendor prior to the start of the project.
Most likely, the vendor will be paid via invoice. Connect with your business manager or admin/fiscal team for questions on this process.
The length of any project depends on the scope of work, purchase order timing, approval process, translations, and where it falls on the calendar. It is important to outline the campaign vision before engaging a vendor to maximize outcomes. Below are some examples of timelines to consider. Times may vary based on campaign needs, direction, and decisions.
Please remember that the RAP/PO process can take several weeks.
High-Level Projects (8-12 months)
Full campaign launch (this may include introduction of new guidelines, branding shifts, rebranding efforts, social network analysis, multi-step procedures, etc.)
Smaller Projects (up to 6-7 months)
Small social media campaign
Waiting room video
Radio ad
Website testing
Info sheets/brochures, bus plaques, gas pump tents, fans, and other print messaging
See this page for more VDH campaign examples with budgets and timelines.
Contact your assigned PIO or Katie Stephens.