Youth Social Media Engagement Initiative

The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking responses for the Youth Social Media Engagement Initiative, a program designed to involve youth aged 13-18 in creating digital content about COVID-19 and other public health topics to effectively communicate prevention messages and promote public health careers. The contract, with an estimated value of approximately $1.07 million, will span from November 2025 through June 2026, with potential extensions up to four additional years. Respondents must submit a comprehensive technical proposal, including a detailed work plan, youth engagement strategies, training materials, amplification plans, and evaluation metrics, along with a separate detailed cost proposal. The initiative emphasizes accessibility standards, data privacy, and security, requiring contractors to meet supply chain security standards and maintain certifications or complete security forms if not certified. Evaluation of responses will occur in three phases: initial responsiveness and mandatory criteria, scoring based on project approach, qualifications, and cost, and final selection based on best value, considering technical merit and price. The process prioritizes clear objectives, experience, and detailed cost breakdowns, with proposals evaluated on a point system. Contract administration details specify that all deliverables, including program plans, youth training, and content amplification, must be completed within the contract period, with the State responsible for acceptance based on satisfaction and compliance. Submission must be made electronically via the SWIFT Supplier Portal by September 29, 2025, with questions directed to designated agency contacts before September 18, and all proposal components including certifications, declarations, and attachments are mandatory for consideration.