About nine months ahead of the upcoming Democratic National Convention, the Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee has issued its first two requests for proposal.
The nonprofit organization is seeking vendors to provide volunteer management and digital services for the four-day major political event that will bring 50,000 visitors and $200 million in economic impact to the area.
Both RFPs were listed earlier this week on The Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee website.
Its digital services vendor will be contracted to “fully manage and execute a robust digital program,” according to the RFP. Tasks include buildout of a full-scale email network and calendar, copywriting, social media, website hosting and development, among others.
The RFP includes several deadlines for the selection process. Companies intending to propose are asked to notify the host committee by Oct. 21, with proposals due by 5 p.m. on Oct. 25. One or more contracts will be awarded on Nov. 4.
A second RFP was issued for the development of a software system that will be used to manage the minimum of 15,000 convention volunteers the host committee is currently working to recruit.
The software will allow communication between volunteers and leadership, provide a platform for training and education and keep track of ongoing tasks. The VMS vendor will also create a portal and database where new and existing volunteers can register and create profiles, and the host committee could group and cluster select volunteers.
The system would be equipped with security to protect personal information and documents.
VMS vendor proposals intents are due Oct. 18, with proposal due date set for Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. Contracts will be awarded on Nov. 18.
Unlike selection of a digital services provider, the host committee will collaborate with the Democratic National Convention Committee in its search for a VMS vendor.
Among a number of requirements listed in both RFPs, bidders are asked to discuss their efforts surrounding diversity, inclusion and corporate social responsibility.Â
Host committee members in recent months have publicly discussed plans to contract diverse-owned, local businesses and run programming focused on citywide diversity and inclusion efforts.
During her keynote speech at the Greater Milwaukee Committee’s monthly member meeting early this week, Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee president Liz Gilbert referred to the upcoming convention as the “most accessible and intentionally inclusive DNC of our lifetime.”
She also announced the committee’s plans to hold a series of summits in the months leading up to the convention. The first is set to take place next month, with a focus on hiring diverse-owned contractors.
“Our hope is that by stressing importance of diverse partners and intentionally engaging diverse communities, we will create more opportunities for businesses owned and operated by many different people to not just be subcontractors, but also be contract leads,” Gilbert said.
The host committee said additional RFPs will be issued on a rolling basis.
