Methamphetamine Prevention and Public Education Campaign
Vendor Questions with Responses

Budget
The original RFP was wrong in Attachment B. The correct Budget amount is
$1,375,000. An amended version of Attachment B has been uploaded to
https://dss.sd.gov/keyresources/rfp.aspx

1) Is the incumbent included in this review? - No
2) Is there a preference for the incumbent? - No
3) Is this RFP the result of a contract term expiring or a mandated review process? –
Neither.
a. If yes, is the incumbent agency participating? – No
b. If not, why are you looking for a new agency partner now? - Meth use as well
as arrest rates continue to be a concern in South Dakota. With the increased
funding, there is an opportunity to do a much more comprehensive public
awareness campaign than originally funded.
4) South Dakota ‘Preference’ Based Questions:
a. Will preference be given to South Dakota-based agencies? - No, preference
will be given to offeror who best describes the familiarity and understanding of
the demographics and geographical changes of the State of South Dakota
related to this campaign.
b. Do we need to be located in South Dakota in order to be awarded this
contract? -No
5) International Based Questions:
a. Whether companies from Outside USA can apply for this? (like,from India or
Canada) - Yes, companies from outside the U.S. are able to submit a
proposal for this project.
b. Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA? (like, from India or
Canada) - Yes
c. Whether we need to come over there for meetings? - Meetings can be
conducted via conference calls and video conferencing, but offerors should
be able to attend on-site consultations or discussions if necessary.

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 d. Can we submit the proposals via email? - No, review section 1.5 for proposal
submission requirements.
6) Contract Length Questions:
a. What is the life of the contract? One year or multiple years? – It is expected to
run at minimum through May 2020; however, proposals may include
recommendations for the lifespan of the campaign.
b. Is it anticipated that the campaign will be sustained after the initial contract
ending May 2020? - Yes
7) How long will you run this campaign? – It is expected to run at minimum through
May 2020; however, proposals may include recommendations for the lifespan of the
campaign.
8) The RFP references a past campaign called Meth Changes Everything. Could we
have access to those marketing materials for reference? - You can view the previous
campaign, “Meth Changes Everything”, content here:
http://methchangeseverything.com/
9) Our team reviewed the RFP today and wanted to discuss some of the prerequisites
prior to submission. Unfortunately, our agency is not South Dakota based. It sounds
like this is an important qualification for the awarded agency. In addition, while we
have extensive experience in healthcare and pro-bono work, we do not have a
portfolio of PSA work to share.
a. Can you give us an idea of how important these two factors are in
determining who is award your business? - Offerors do not need to be located
in South Dakota to be awarded the bid. Preference will be given to offerors
who best describes the familiarity and understanding of the demographics
and geographical changes of the State of South Dakota related to this
campaign. Section 4.5.1 allows for the submission of a comprehensive case
study of a statewide campaign, or a government, pro bono or public service
campaign.
10) In light of the many and varied tactics listed in this request, are you considering
multiple firms to fulfill your needs? - The ideal proposal will fulfill all needs identified
in the RFP.
a. If yes, would you consider having a firm’s response identify only those areas
where they believe themselves best suited? – Partial proposals are allowed;
however, missing elements will be scored as missing during the evaluation
process.

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 11) Can you provide a detailed budget that identifies investments in each of your tactic
areas? - Proposals should outline investments in each tactic area to achieve
maximum campaign impact.
a. If not, might you share the budget numbers from the past year for review? Previous budget can be found by viewing the contract of the previous
campaign. https://open.sd.gov/contracts/08/19-0800-136.pdf
12) For distribution of press releases, what is the expectation for distribution of these
pieces? - Press releases will be coordinated by the offeror and the Department of
Social Services (DSS).
a. Will the offeror be responsible for distribution to local and regional
publications? -The offeror may be responsible for distribution to local and
regional publications.
13) What is the call to action for the campaign? Are we driving people to the website for
more information? - The call to action for this campaign is to increase awareness of
the negative impacts of methamphetamine use and to promote resources for
prevention, treatment, and recovery. The State is open to proposals identifying the
best method to ensure the call to action reaches South Dakotans.
14) Are there additional educational materials available, needed or wanted to be added
to this campaign? After reviewing the current website I didn't see much on
prevention tools, warning signs, what to do if you know someone on meth, business
aspect of what to do if you work in an environment where you come in contact with
Meth paraphernalia. Just a deeper dive into how to handle an encounter with Meth
on any level. - The State is open to educational materials being developed as part of
the campaign.
15) Is there existing research that shows areas in South Dakota that are more prone to
Meth use? See the Crime in South Dakota Report:
https://atg.sd.gov/docs/SAC2018CSD%20black%20and%20white.pdf
16) Measure Success of Campaign:
a. How will you measure success of the campaign? – Past measures of success
included web analytics and pre/post-test data from townhall and school
presentations. Proposals may include how campaign success will be
measured based on the tactics proposed.
i. Web analytics?
ii. Arrest numbers?
iii. Deaths?
iv. Patient numbers at treatment facilities?
b. Defining Success
i. What does success look like in a year from now? Three years from
now? – Proposals may include how the proposed campaign will be

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 measured for success. This may include but is not limited to increased
knowledge in the number individuals recognizing the harms/dangers of
meth use, a reduction in the number of meth related arrests, a
reduction in the number of children being removed from homes
because of meth/drug use.
ii. What do you see as the biggest challenge(s) for the agency to
overcome or tackle in this work? - Providing culturally relevant
materials, especially for the tribal communities within the state as well
as addressing the stigma of substance use disorder and combating the
“it’s not going to happen to me/my family” mentality.
iii. Why are you looking for a new agency? –The funding available for this
campaign provides for a much more comprehensive approach than
was able to be supported in the original campaign.
c. Do you have any metrics or key performance indicators by which you’ve
measured past success or efficacy of meth awareness campaigns? – Past
metrics monitored were web analytics and the number of adults and youth
attending community town hall meetings and school presentations.
d. How will you measure success of the new statewide marketing campaign
(problem awareness, less meth related crimes, etc.)? – See response to
question 16bi.
e. How will you measure success? – See response to question 16bi.
17) Are you interested in a benchmark research study before and after the campaign to
gauge shifts in overall methamphetamine awareness? - Yes
18) Has the state identified a measurement and/or goal to reduce meth use? – See
response to question 16b i.

19) Could you share the evaluation results from the existing campaign, Meth Changes
Everything? Did the evaluation assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and
behavior related to meth use? – Please see the Meth Final Campaign Overview
report document.
20) What would you change about your recent campaign/was it successful? - The
campaign was developed based on the amount of funding available at that time.
With increased funding, we would expect impact to be much larger than what was
capable with the original campaign. Please see question #19 for evaluation results.
21) Project Restraint Questions:

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 a. Are you able to provide more detail about the “special project constraints”
called out in section 4.14 so that we can provide a thorough response? (The
offeror must detail examples that document their ability and proven history in
handling special project constraints.) –This section provides the offeror an
opportunity to explain how they will be able to be responsive and supportive
of any unforeseen changes to the project. In addition, offerors who have
experience or familiarity with project constraints can share how they
responded.
b. On page 8 the RFP mentions familiarity with working within special project
constraints. Can you elaborate on what the special constraints for this RFP
might be? – See response to 21a.
c. What do you mean by “Special Project Constraints”? Please define. – It is not
possible to predict what special project constraints may arise, however, the
state wants to ensure the selected entity has successful experience in
working through projects that have experienced challenges or constraints.
d. Section 4.0 #4.15 - can you clarify what is meant by “special project
constraints”? Please provide examples. – See response to 21c.
22) Target Audience
a. Who is your target audience? – Methamphetamine use can affect anyone, so
campaign messaging should reach broad demographics, including but not
limited to American Indians and rural South Dakotans. The campaign will
need to develop tactics specific to target audiences across all ages and
demographics. The techniques used to message to adolescents ages 13-17
may differ from the messaging used to reach young adults ages 18-26 as well
as taking into consideration the different impacted socioeconomic factors
within the targeted populations and adjust the messaging accordingly.
b. Do you have data or research to share on your target audience (behaviors,
perceptions, attitudinal, etc.) – This will vary based on the audience, but data
to review includes the following: Crime in South Dakota Reports
https://atg.sd.gov/docs/SAC2018CSD%20black%20and%20white.pdf;
National Survey on Drug Use and Health https://www.samhsa.gov/data/datawe-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health, Treatment Episode Data
Set (TES) https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/TEDS2017.pdf, and/or the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/data.htm#2017,
c. Have any specific audiences seemed particularly receptive to the
campaign? Refer to the Meth Final Campaign Overview report document.

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 23) Are there certain age groups and geographic pockets in South Dakota where meth
use is more prevalent? – According to the most recent 2017 National Survey on
Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 18 to 26 (1.62%) year old have the highest
percentage of individuals who reported using methamphetamine in the last year
compared to those who were under 18 and older than 26. Please see
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2016-2017-nsduh-state-specific-tables
24) We know the target audience is statewide, but do you have any other specific
information you can share with us? – See response to question 22a.
25) Do you have any existing research on the current methamphetamine issues in South
Dakota, including top counties, success of current/past efforts, etc.? –Data
resources to review include the following: Crime in South Dakota Reports
https://atg.sd.gov/docs/SAC2018CSD%20black%20and%20white.pdf; National
Survey on Drug Use and Health https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduhnational-survey-drug-use-and-health, Treatment Episode Data Set (TES)
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/TEDS-2017.pdf, and/or the
Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/data.htm#2017
26) If multi-language development is needed, do you have internal translation
resources? – Internal resources are available.
27) Current Campaign
a. How do you believe “Meth Changes Everything” has been received by the
target audience? - The “Meth Changes Everything” campaign created an
initial awareness to Methamphetamine in South Dakota. Refer to the Meth
Final Campaign Overview report document for more information.
b. What worked/is working well? - The campaign has primarily been driven
through social media, which has increased awareness to target youth.
c. What didn’t work as well? - The campaign being primarily driven through
social media, also limits audience members.
d. How long does the current media plan run through? - The most recent flight of
the “Meth Changes Everything” campaign ran from January 1, 2019- May 31,
2019.
e. Do you have any partnerships in place that we should be aware? - No
f. Are you looking to extend the current campaign via the RFP? Or are you
anticipating an entirely new campaign? - With the new funding amount being
much larger than the original campaign, proposals should include

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 recommendations on how best to maximize the impact which can include
original material, but it is not required.
g. If you are anticipating a new campaign, why did you choose to end “Meth
Changes Everything?” - Meth use as well as arrest rates continue to be a
concern in South Dakota. With the increased funding, there is an opportunity
to do a much more comprehensive public awareness campaign than originally
funded.
h. Are there any elements that you would like incorporated into the new
campaign, or continued concurrently with a new campaign? – See response
to 27f.
i.

Are there any other drug prevention campaigns you’ve seen that you
particularly like? - No

j.

Don’t like? – The funding must support best practices in raising awareness.

k. Why? – See response to 27j.
l.

Is there an anticipated in-market launch date for this campaign? – A fall 2019
launch date is expected.

m. *How have you approached your media relations efforts in the past? – The
past campaign was primarily a social media campaign, and focused efforts on
press releases and a Governor’s column.
n. *Do you see any potential opportunity to build upon or connect with the other
SDDSS campaign “Avoid Opiods” https://www.avoidopioidsd.com/ as part of
these efforts? -The State is open to building upon or connecting with existing
campaigns.
28) What are your existing digital properties (websites, social media platforms, etc.) for
South Dakota methamphetamine awareness? – Existing digital properties include
Methchangeseverything.com, Meth Changes Everything Facebook and Instagram
accounts, as well as Snapchat and Spotify advertising materials.
29) Do you have any insight into how methamphetamine usage may differ in South
Dakota versus other states in the Midwest? – According the most recent 2017
National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report, South Dakota has the
second highest percentage of individuals 12 and older who used methamphetamine
in the past year compared to surrounding states. Please see
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2016-2017-nsduh-state-specific-tables

Methamphetamine is the primary factor contributing to the rising number of children
requiring Child Protection Services intervention in over 50% of the cases.

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 30) Section 4.3 states “The offeror May be required to submit a copy of their most recent
independently audited financial statements.” Is this a requirement for this RFP? This is not a requirement of the RFP at this time. Entities may be asked to submit
copies of financial statements later.
31) Why do you want/need a new campaign? – Meth use as well as arrest rates
continue to be a concern in South Dakota. With the increased funding, there is an
opportunity to do a much more comprehensive public awareness campaign than
originally funded.
32) Can you tell us who created the existing campaign? – The previous campaign was
created by Epicosity.
33) Who is on your team? – South Dakota’s team will consist of a variety of agencies
spanning from Department of Tribal Relations to the Governor’s Office.
34) What resources do you have? – State resources are available to support this
campaign. A state point of contact will be assigned to this campaign to assist with
coordination of efforts.
35) Have you seen prevention and recovery campaigns running in tandem? Or apart? –
Yes, the current Avoid Opioid SD campaign is running prevention and recovery
campaign concurrently.
36) Do you want to continue with the current “Meth Changes Everything” idea? -The
State is not requiring proposals to utilize the current “Meth Changes Everything”
campaign and is open to new campaign ideas. With the new funding amount being
much larger than the original campaign, proposals should include recommendations
on how best to maximize the impact which can include original material, but it is not
required.
37) What learnings can you share about your recent partnership with advertising
agencies; for example, what has worked really well and what areas have been more
challenging? - We do not have anything to share.
38) Specifically, what are the qualities you are looking for in an agency partner? – At
minimum, knowledge of effective awareness campaign strategies, flexibility and able
to work within department timelines and processes.
39) How would you define what is most important to you in the process—creative,
strategy, cultural fit, category experience, overall experience? – All of these
elements are important, we see the overall experience and success of the campaign
being heavily important.

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 40) With whom would the agency work with on a day-to-day basis? Who is on the
primary client team, and what are their roles? – The team will consist of
representatives from the Governor’s Office, Department of Public Safety,
Department of Tribal Relations, Department of Education, and Department of Social
Services. Subject matter experts from each Department as well as policy and
communications staff will be utilized to support the project.
41) How is the marketing team at the Department of Social Services, Division of
Behavioral Health structured? How does this team collaborate with the Governor’s
communications team? –The Department of Social Services utilizes a
Communications Director to assist with communications. In addition, they will work
closely with the Governor’s communication team.
42) How would you describe the State’s current communications/PR work on this
program? - The current work is being done under the Meth Changes Everything
campaign.
a. Will the agency be responsible for continuing school and community
presentations that were part of Meth Changes Everything? -No
43) Are you able to share with us who will be on the agency evaluation committee? –
The committee is currently being assigned.
44) Are there creative briefs or a creative strategy document we are able to review as
part of developing our RFP response? – No
45) What does the current creative process look like? What turnaround times are there
for new assets if needed? - A proposed time table should be included in the
proposal.
46) How extensive is your asset library and what do you feel needs to be added? Are we
able to review the current asset library? - Proposals should include
recommendations on what should be maintained in an asset library. Currently, it is
limited to the Meth Changes Everything campaign materials.
47) Are reach and engagement the primary success metrics? If so are there benchmark
metrics you can share? – See response to question 16 b i.
48) Has there been previous media/digital reporting and, if so, can the Stare share
them? – Previous media/digital reporting is based on data analytics from social
media sites and website metrics. Refer to the Meth Final Campaign Overview report
document for more information.
49) What platforms have been used for reporting and how regularly? – Platforms include
Facebook, Instagram, Spotify Advertisements, Snapchat Advertisements, and

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 website. Metrics were shared monthly.
50) Is there a current web development partner providing site maintenance and
updates? – Yes
51) Does the State intend to retain the www.nomethever.com site? – This site is
monitored and maintained by the Office of the Attorney General and is unrelated to
this RFP.
52) How will this effort work in concert with the Office of Attorney General and other law
enforcement agencies efforts to curb methamphetamine use? - Proposals may
include recommendations on how these efforts could work in concert with each
other. Please see response to question #40 for additional agencies involved.
53) Does the stare currently employ community manager monitoring social profiles? - No
54) Are paid search (SEM) and community management of your social platforms
(outside of paid social media) components of this scope? - Yes
55) Can you share any performance of the Meth Changes Everything campaign? Refer
to the Meth Final Campaign Overview report document for more information.
56) How much emphasis in regard to budget allocation and messaging have you put
toward prevention, treatment and/or recovery messaging? – The Meth Changes
Everything campaign was focused on prevention and awareness with a total budget
of $151,000.
57) Will we be required to use CDC or other existing creative? – There is no requirement
to use existing CDC or other creatives, but recommendations from the CDC should
be considered.
58) Do educators receive materials to identify and address the hazards of meth use? Information is available to educators including the materials produced as part of the
Meth Changes Everything campaign.
59) Because of the contract length (9 months) has the state identified seasonal trends
with meth use? – No
60) Is it expected that the vendor will utilize any existing concepts or materials from the
prior campaign, Meth Changes Everything? Or is the vendor expected to develop a
new campaign? - The State is not requiring proposals to utilize the current “Meth
Changes Everything” campaign and is open to new campaign ideas. With the new
funding amount being much larger than the original campaign, proposals should
include recommendations on how best to maximize the impact which can include

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 original material, but it is not required.
61) When is it anticipated that the campaign will launch? – Fall 2019
62) Is there a percentage of the budget that is expected to be allocated to media
purchasing? – No budget allocation has been set.
63) What is included in the “clerical support” task listed under Additional Charges in
Attachment B? – Clerical support may include office staff who handle administrative
work such as answering phones, running errands, etc. related to the campaign.
64) Should budget information be submitted in Section 4.12 Fee Schedule or in
Attachment B? How does the fee schedule differ from Attachment B? – Total budget
information should be submitted in Attachment B. The Fee Schedule may include
the cost per hour for designated personnel.
65) Can you clarify section 4.0 #4.3 regarding independently audited financial
statements? In what scenario would the offeror be required to submit this
information? – Audited financial statements may be used as part of the selection
process, if needed. Currently, financial statements are not a requirement of the RFP.
Entities may be asked to submit copies of financial statements at a later time.

66) Section 4.0 #4.7 requires submission of a creative portfolio. Is a portfolio website
acceptable? - No, portfolio only websites are not permitted. A physical portfolio must
be submitted but may provide weblinks to online examples.
67) Section 4.0 #4.5 - Can you clarify if you would like three previous AND three current
contracts listed? Or if three total contracts is sufficient? Will these clients be
contacted to provide references during the evaluation process? – Three total
contracts must be provided. Identified clients may be contacted as part of the
evaluation process.
68) Section 4.0 #4.5 - Can you clarify the parameters on listing service/contracts
terminated, expired, or not renewed? We are a large organization with hundreds of
contracts for a broad range of services and listing all expired contracts would be
cumbersome. Would it be sufficient to list only expired contracts relevant to this
SOW (i.e. marketing projects)? – Only three current or previous contracts are
required to be submitted.
69) Is there a desire for the offeror to engage the community in disseminating the
campaign materials, through training or other mechanisms? –Offerors can propose
strategies to achieve maximum campaign impact.

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 70) Some sections have specific page limits while others do not. Is there a total page
limit? – There is no total page limit.
71) Are there potential dates for the oral presentations? – Not at this time.
72) Should resumes for key staff be included in Section 4.4.1 or can they be included as
an appendix? – Key staff must be listed in section 4.4.1. Resumes or additional
documents related to key staff identified in the proposal may be included as an
appendix.
73) What resources or services for prevention, treatment, and recovery will the
campaign refer to? – Please see the https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/community/ for
resources.
a. Will the offeror have access to program staff to inform the campaign? - Yes
74) To what extent, if any, would the offeror be expected to coordinate with other
existing substance use campaigns in the state? – The offeror may be expected to
coordinate media messaging and/or activities related to the project with existing
substance use campaigns.
75) Would the state be able to connect us to service providers and community-based

organizations to assist with recruitment for formative research? - Yes

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