Adult Opioid Overdose Prevention and Recovery Social Media Initiative

The system allows for online vendor registration and maintenance, electronic receipt of purchase orders, online
retrieval and submittal of quotes, bids and proposals for our vendor-clients and online requisitioning and receiving
for our county departments. In order for the County to maximize its investment and minimize the cost associated
with office operations we need your help. When doing business with Knox County please go to our website at
www.knoxcounty.org/procurement, register as a vendor in our online Procurement system, "KnoxBuys," if you have
not done so and whenever possible to conduct your business with the County through this site. If you have any
questions, please contact the Procurement Division Representative listed in subsection 1.1 of this document.
1.12 INCURRED COSTS: Knox County will not be responsible for any costs incurred by the proposer in the preparation of their
proposal.
1.13 MULTIPLE PROPOSALS: Knox County will consider multiple proposals that meet specifications.
1.14 NON-COLLUSION: Proposers, by submitting a signed proposal, certify that the accompanying proposal is not the
result of, or affected by, any unlawful act of collusion with any other person or company engaged in the same line
of business or commerce, or any other fraudulent act punishable under Tennessee or United States law.
1.15 PAYMENT METHOD: Knox County utilizes two (2) methods of placing orders for products. The first is the use of
Purchase Orders. These Purchase Orders will be issued from Knox County Procurement Division via email. The
Purchase Order will detail the quantity, specific item(s) and the contracted price for each item.
The second method is the use of the Knox County E-Commerce Card (VISA). Orders placed with the credit card
will list the same information as the Purchase Order. Vendors will be given the card information and approval to
process the transactions by the requesting department. Vendors must indicate in their proposal if the vendor will
accept the Knox County E-Commerce Card (VISA) as a form of payment. Proposers are prohibited to charge Knox
County any type of merchant fee from their financial institution to accept this type of payment.
1.16 POSSESSION OF WEAPONS: All vendors, their employees and their agents are prohibited from possessing any
weapons on Knox County property without prior written consent from the County. In the case of a vendor whose
Contract requires possession of firearms or other weapons to successfully complete their Contract, vendor must
provide personnel who are bonded to bear said weaponry.
1.17 PROCESSING TIME FOR PAYMENT: Vendors are advised that a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days is required
to process invoices for payment.
1.18 PROOF OF FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CAPABILITY: Vendors must, upon request, furnish satisfactory evidence of
their ability to furnish products or services in accordance with the terms and conditions of these specifications. Knox
County will make the final determination as to the vendor's ability.
1.19 PROPOSAL DELIVERY: Knox County requires proposers, when hand delivering proposals, to time and date stamp
the envelope before depositing it in the bid box. Knox County will not be responsible for any lost or misdirected mail
sent by common carrier, nor will Knox County be responsible for proposals delivered to addresses or suites other
than the delivery address and suite specified at the top of this solicitation. The time clock in the Procurement Division
shall serve as the official record of time. Knox County shall not be responsible for technical difficulties experienced
by vendors trying to register less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the proposal closing time.
Submittals must be in a sealed envelope/box prior to entering the Procurement Division office. Procurement
Division personnel are not allowed to see the submittal nor assist in placing documents in an envelope/box.
Additionally, the Procurement Division is not responsible for providing materials (e.g. envelopes, boxes,
tape) for submittals.
1.20 RECYCLING: Knox County, in its continuing efforts to lessen the amount of landfill waste and to further recycling efforts,
requests that proposals being submitted on paper shall:
* Be submitted on recycled paper.
* Not include pages of unnecessary advertising.
* Be made on both sides of each sheet of paper.
1.21 RESTRICTIVE OR AMBIGUOUS SPECIFICATIONS: It is the responsibility of the prospective proposer to review the
entire Request for Proposals packet and to notify the Procurement Division if the specifications are formulated in a
manner that would unnecessarily restrict competition. Any such protest or question regarding the specifications or
proposing procedures must be received in the Procurement Division by 4:30 P.M. local time on September 10,
2026. These requirements also apply to specifications that are ambiguous.
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1.22 SIGNING OF PROPOSALS: In order to be considered, all proposals must be signed. Please sign the original in
blue ink. By signing the proposal document, the vendor acknowledges and accepts the terms and conditions
stated in the proposal document.
1.23 TAXES: Knox County purchases are not subject to taxation. Tax exemption certificates will be provided upon request.
1.24 TITLE VI OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT AND TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATIONAL AMENDMENT OF 1972:
"Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs"-"No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race,
color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination
under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." 42 U.S.C. Section 2000. It is the policy of
Knox County Government that all its services and activities be administered in conformance with the requirements
of Title VI and Title IX.
1.25 UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES: During periods of closure due to unforeseen circumstances in Knox County
or closures at the direction of the Knox County Mayor, the Procurement Division will enact the following procedures in
regard to solicitations and closures:
* If the Mayor closes the administrative offices prior to the time set for solicitation opening of any business day, all
solicitations due that same day will be moved to the next operational business day.
* Other unforeseen circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the Procurement Director.
* Knox County shall not be liable for any commercial carrier's decision regarding deliveries during any unforeseen
circumstances.
1.26 USE OF PROPOSAL FORMS: Vendors must complete the proposal forms contained in the proposal package. Failure to
complete the proposal forms may result in proposal rejection.
1.27 VENDOR DEFAULT: Knox County reserves the right, in case of vendor default, to procure the articles or services
from other sources and hold the defaulting vendor responsible for any excess costs occasioned thereby. Should
vendor default be due to a failure to perform or because of a request for a price increase, Knox County reserves
the right to remove the vendor from the County's bidder's list for twenty-four (24) months.
1.28 VENDOR REGISTRATION: Prior to the closing of this proposal, ALL PROPOSERS must be registered with the
Procurement Division. Please register online at our website at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement and click on
"Online Vendor Registration." Vendors must be registered with the Procurement Division prior to submitting their
proposal. Knox County shall not be responsible for technical difficulties experienced by vendors trying to register
electronically less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the proposal closing time.
1.29 WAIVING OF INFORMALITIES: Knox County reserves the right to waive minor informalities or technicalities when it is in
the best interest of Knox County.
SECTION II OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES
These terms and conditions shall be part of the Contract. Knox County reserves the right to negotiate other terms
and conditions it deems appropriate and necessary under the circumstances to protect the public's trust.
2.1 ALTERATIONS OR AMENDMENTS: No alterations, amendments, changes, modifications, or additions to this Contract
shall be binding on Knox County without the prior written approval of the County.
2.2 APPROPRIATION: In the event no funds are appropriated by Knox County for the goods or services in any fiscal
year, or insufficient funds exist to purchase the goods or services, then the Contract shall expire upon the
expenditure of previously appropriated funds or the end of the current fiscal year, whichever occurs first, with no
further obligations owed to or by either party.
2.3 ASSIGNMENT: Contractor shall not assign or subcontract this agreement, its obligations, or rights hereunder to
any party, company, partnership, incorporation, or person without the prior written specific consent of Knox County.
2.4 BOOKS AND RECORDS: Vendor shall maintain all books, documents, accounting records and other evidence
pertaining to the goods and services provided under this Contract and make such materials available at its offices
at all reasonable times during the Contract period and for five (5) years from the date of the final payment under
this agreement for inspection by County or by any other governmental entity or agency participating in the funding
of this agreement, or any authorized agents thereof; copies of said records to be furnished if requested.
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Such records shall not include those books, documents and accounting records that represent the Vendor's costs
of manufacturing, acquiring, or delivering the products and services governed by this agreement.
2.5 CHILD LABOR: Contractor agrees that no products or services will be provided or performed under this Contract
that have been manufactured or assembled by child labor.
2.6 COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS: Contractor is assumed to be familiar with and agrees to observe and comply
with all Federal, State, and Local laws, statutes, ordinances, and regulations in any manner affecting the provision
of goods and/or services, and all instructions and prohibitive orders issued regarding this work and shall obtain all
necessary permits.
2.7 DEFAULT: If Contractor fails to perform or comply with any provision of this Contract or the terms or conditions of
any documents referenced and made a part hereof, Knox County may terminate this Contract, in whole or in part,
and may consider such failure or noncompliance a breach of Contract. Knox County expressly retains all its rights
and remedies provided by law in case of such breach, and no action by Knox County shall constitute a waiver of
any such rights or remedies. In the event of termination for default, Knox County reserves the right to purchase its
requirements elsewhere, with or without competitive solicitation.
2.8 GOVERNING LAW/VENUE: This agreement shall be exclusively construed, governed, and controlled by the Laws
of the State of Tennessee without regard to principles of law, including conflicts of law, of any other jurisdiction, territory,
country, and/or province. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement shall exclusively be brought in the
Chancery Court or the Circuit Court of Knox County, Tennessee. Each party consents to personal jurisdiction thereto
and waives any defenses based on personal jurisdiction, venue, and inconvenient forum.
2.9 INCORPORATION: All specifications, drawings, technical information, Request for Proposals, Proposal, Award,
and similar items referred to or attached or which are the basis for this Contract are deemed incorporated by
reference as if set out fully herein.
2.10 INDEMNIFICATION-HOLD HARMLESS: Contractor shall indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless Knox
County, its officers, agents and employees from all suits, claims, actions or damages of any nature brought because
of, arising out of, or due to breach of the agreement by Contractor, its subcontractors, suppliers, agents, or
employees or due to any negligent act or occurrence or any omission or commission of Contractor, its
subcontractors, suppliers, agents or employees.
2.11 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: Contractor shall acknowledge that it and its employees serve as independent
contractors and that Knox County shall not be responsible for any payment, insurance, or incurred liability.
2.12 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE: Warranty periods shall not commence until Knox County inspects and formally
accepts the goods and/or services. The terms, conditions and timing of acceptance shall be determined by Knox
County. Knox County reserves the right to reject any or all items or services not in conformance with applicable
specifications, and Contractor assumes the costs associated with such nonconformance. Acceptance of goods or
services does not constitute a waiver of latent or hidden defects or defects not readily detectable by a reasonable
person under the circumstances.
2.13 IRAN DIVESTMENT ACT: By submission of this RFP response, each proposer and each person signing on behalf
of any proposer certifies, and in the case of a joint response, each party thereto certifies as to its own organization,
under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief that each proposer is not on the list created
pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated 12-12-106.
2.14 LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: In no event shall Knox County be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential,
special, or exemplary damages or lost profits, even if Knox County has been advised of the possibility of such
damages.
2.15 NO BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL: Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 12, Chapter 4, Part 1, by submission of a
response to this solicitation, each proposer and each person signing on behalf of any proposer certifies, and in the
case of a joint response each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that to the
best of its knowledge and belief that each proposer is not currently engaged in, and will not for the duration of the
Contract engage in, a boycott of Israel.
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2.16 NON-DISCRIMINATION AND NON-CONFLICT STATEMENT: Contractor agrees that no person on the grounds
of handicap, age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin or individual trait found to be and illegal consideration
shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the
performance of this agreement or in the employment practices of vendor. The Contractor shall upon request show
proof of such non-discrimination and shall post in conspicuous places available to all employees and applicants
notices of non-discrimination. Contractor covenants that it complies with the Fair Wage and Hour Laws, the National
Labor Relations Act, and other Federal and State employment laws as applicable. Contractor covenants that it does
not engage in any illegal employment practices.
Contractor covenants that it has no public or private interest and shall not acquire directly or indirectly any interest
that would conflict in any manner with the provision of its goods or performance of its services. Contractor warrants
that no part of the total Contract amount provided herein shall be paid directly or indirectly to any officer or employee
of Knox County as wages, compensation, or gifts in exchange for acting as officer, agent, employee, subcontractor,
or consultant to Contractor in connection with any goods provided or work contemplated or performed relative to the
agreement.
2.17 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE: In the event of inconsistent or conflicting provision of this Contract and referenced
documents, the following descending order of precedence shall prevail: (1) Written Contract, (2) Request for
Proposals, (3) Contractor's Response, (4) Award, (5) Special Terms and Conditions, (6) General Terms and
Conditions, (7) Specifications, (8) Drawings.
2.18 REMEDIES: Knox County shall have all rights and remedies afforded under the U.C.C. and Tennessee law in
Contract and in tort, including but not limited to, rejection of goods, rescission, and right of set-off, refund, incidental,
consequential, and compensatory damages and reasonable attorney's fees.
2.19 RIGHT TO INSPECT: Knox County reserves the right to make periodic inspections of the manner and means the
service is performed or the goods are supplied and warehoused.
2.20 SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this Contract is declared illegal, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall
not be affected but shall remain in force and in effect.
2.21 TAX COMPLIANCE: Pursuant to Resolution R-07-1-903 passed by the Commission of Knox County, Tennessee,
Contractor hereby acknowledges, by submission of its proposal or proposal and signature, it is current in its
respective Federal, State, County, and City taxes of whatever kind or nature, and is not delinquent in any way.
Delinquent status must be disclosed or risk debarment by the Knox County Procurement Division.
2.22 TENNESSEE PROCUREMENT PROTECTION ACT: By submission of this bid or proposal, each bidder/proposer
and each person signing on behalf of any bidder/proposer certifies, and in the case of a joint bid or proposal each
party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief
the bidder/proposer is not a "foreign adversary company" as defined in the Tennessee Procurement Protection Act,
Tennessee Code Annotated 4-56-201 and is in compliance with the requirements of said Act.
2.23 TERMINATION: County may terminate this agreement with or without cause at any time. In the event of termination
by either party, fees due for services satisfactorily performed or goods accepted prior to the termination date shall
be paid.
In the event Contractor intends to interrupt or discontinue service under this Contract, Contractor agrees to give
Knox County at least one hundred twenty (120) business days' advance written notice of said interruption or
discontinuance of service prior to interrupting or discontinuing same. Any interruption or discontinuance of service
without said advance notice shall constitute a material breach of the Contract.
SECTION III SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
3.1 INTENT: The intent of the solicitation is to set forth and convey to prospective proposers the general requirements for
providing Knox County Health Department (hereafter referred to as KCHD) with a qualified public health
communication contractor to design, implement and evaluate an adult overdose prevention campaign. Award will
be based on Best Value. Best Value means more than low cost. It includes initial cost, service quality and other
factors detailed herein.
3.2 ACCEPTANCE: Vendors are advised that the payment of an invoice does not necessarily constitute an acceptance of
services that are provided. Acceptance requires a specific written action by Knox County so stating.
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3.3 ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS: Knox County reserves the right to add services as the need arises or to delete
services that have become obsolete or no longer in demand. If services are to be added, Knox County and the
Contractor will arrive at a mutually agreed price. Any additions or deletions must be approved in writing by Knox
County Procurement prior to any changes in service.
3.4 AGENCY CONTACTS: The Contractor will be given a list of key personnel directly associated with the services to
be performed for contact information. Only the Knox County Procurement Division will have the authority to make
changes during the term of this agreement and in compliance with any resulting Contract.
3.5 AWARD LENGTH: Knox County intends to issue a one-time award. The contract will expire upon completion of the
project. Knox County reserves the right to purchase these items/services from other sources if the need arises.
Knox County reserves the right to revoke the award if a pattern of unavailability arises with the vendor.
3.6 CHANGES AFTER AWARD: It is possible that after the award, Knox County might change its needs or requirements.
Knox County reserves the right to make such changes after consultation with the vendor. Should additional costs
arise, Knox County reserves the right to consider accepting these charges provided the vendor can document the
increased costs. Knox County also reserves the right to accept proposed service changes from the vendor if they
will lower the cost to Knox County and/or provide improved service.
3.7 COMMUNICATIONS: The successful execution of this contract will require extensive communication between all
involved parties. While information may be transmitted via telephone, it should always be followed up with an email.
It is essential that the Contractor have efficient email capabilities. The Contractor will be required to submit a list of
individuals, along with direct phone numbers, cell phone numbers and email addresses for the agency's contacts.
These individuals must be familiar with the Knox County Contract and have the authority to make adjustments as
requested by Knox County.
3.8 COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: Vendor agrees and covenants that the company, its
agents, and employees will comply with all City, County, State and Federal codes, laws, rules, and regulations
applicable to the business to be conducted under this contract. If the vendor performs any work knowing it to be
contrary to such laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, the vendor shall bear all costs arising from such work.
3.9 CONTRACT EXECUTION: The award of this proposal may result in a Contract between Knox County and the
successful Vendor(s). The Contract may require approval of Knox County Commission; and must receive a majority
vote. The successful Vendor(s) may be required to be present at Knox County Commission meetings to answer
questions relating to the service to be performed. Adequate notification will be given by Knox County Procurement
Division if the awarded vendor(s) will need to attend meetings. There shall be no cost to Knox County for attendance
of the Vendor(s). Knox County will draft the Contract. Exhibit A provides a sample contract for review. If a
Contractor's Master Agreements, Service Agreements, Terms and Conditions or other contract agreements are
submitted they will not be accepted.
3.10 CONTACT PERSONNEL: Essential to the success of this Contract is the development of a good working
relationship between the Vendor and Knox County. It is imperative that the Knox County account be handled
efficiently and professionally. Knox County should be assigned no more than two (2) Vendor contacts to handle
billing inquiries and service-related issues. In the event one (1) or both contacts leave the Knox County account,
the Vendor shall formally introduce the new contacts to Knox County personnel. These contacts must be
knowledgeable of the County's account to avoid an interruption of service.
3.11 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: If Contractor has five (5) or more employees receiving pay: Contractor shall have a
drug-free workplace program that complies with Title 50, Chapter 9 of the Code of Tennessee, shall obtain a
certificate of compliance with the applicable portions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act from the Department of Labor
and Workforce, and shall provide the Affidavit (Attachment F) required by Public Acts, 2000, Chapter 918.
Contractor shall ensure that it is in compliance with Public Acts, 2000, Chapter No. 918.
3.12 EVALUATION CRITERIA: This proposal will be evaluated using the following criteria:
* Approach to Scope of Work 35 Points
* Experience, Qualifications & References 35 points
* Cost 30 points
Knox County may select an Evaluation Committee for this solicitation to thoroughly review, and score all submitted
responsive and responsible proposals. Each evaluator will have the ability to award up to 100 points, based on the
Evaluation Criteria, per submission.
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3.13 EVALUATION REVIEW: Knox County reserves the right to use all pertinent information that might affect the
County's judgment as to the appropriateness of an award to the best evaluated Vendor(s). This information may be
appended to the proposal evaluation process results. Information on a service provider from reliable sources, and
not within the service provider's proposal, may also be noted and made part of the evaluation file. Knox County
shall have sole responsibility for determining a reliable source. Knox County reserves the right to conduct written
and/or oral discussions/interviews after the proposal closing. The purpose of such discussions/interviews is to
provide clarification and/or additional information to make an award that is in the best interest of Knox County.
3.14 EXCEPTIONS TO SPECIFICATIONS: Vendors taking exception to any part or section of these specifications shall
indicate such exceptions on their submittal. A failure to indicate any exception(s) shall be interpreted as the Vendor's
intent to fully comply with the specifications as written. Conditional or qualified offers are subject to rejection in
whole or in part. Any exceptions shall be included in Tab VII of the submittal. Do not strike through or in any other
way alter the RFP. Exceptions listed within other sections of the submittal shall not be reviewed or considered.
3.15 GRATUITIES AND KICKBACKS: It shall be a breach of ethical standards for any person or company to offer, give,
or agree to give any employee or former employee, or for any employee or former employee to solicit, demand,
accept, or agree to accept from another person, a gratuity or an offer of employment in connection with any decision,
approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a program requirement or a purchase request,
influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice, investigation, auditing or
in any other advisory capacity in any proceeding or application, request for ruling, determination, claim, or
controversy or other particular matter, pertaining to any program requirement of a contract or subcontract or to any
solicitation or proposal therefore. It shall be a breach of ethical standards for any payment, gratuity or offer of
employment to be made by or on behalf of a subcontractor under a contract to the prime contractor or higher tier
subcontractor or a person associated therewith, as an inducement for the award of a subcontract or order. Breach
of the provisions of this paragraph is, in addition to a breach of this Contract, a breach of ethical standards which
may result in civil or criminal sanction and/or debarment or suspension from being a contractor or subcontractor
under Knox County contracts.
3.16 INSURANCE: The successful Vendor(s) must carry the insurance as indicated on the Insurance Checklist hereto.
As proof of the Vendor's willingness to obtain and maintain the insurance, the Vendor must complete, sign, and
have its insurance agent sign the attachment and submit it with the proposal.
Upon receipt of a Notification of Intent to Award, the successful vendor will be required to submit a Certificate of
Insurance (COI) including any corresponding endorsement page(s) with the specified coverage and listing Knox
County Government as an additional insured. It shall be the successful vendor's responsibility to keep a current
COI and endorsement page(s) on file with Knox County Procurement for as long as the contract is in effect. Refer
to the Insurance Checklist regarding coverage and endorsement requirements.
3.17 INVOICE REVIEW: Knox County shall review all reports for adherence to the terms and conditions of the Contract.
Variations from the Contract and Contract pricing are strictly prohibited. Any variance found on the invoice will result
in rejection of that invoice. Rejected invoices will be returned to the Contractor(s) for correction. Repeated variations
may result in the termination of the Contract with that particular Contractor.
3.18 INVOICING PROCEDURES: Knox County requests that reports be easy to read and understand. There shall be
no additional charge for this information and procedures to be included. Each report shall include a breakdown of
the service provided and shall list the contracted unit price. Supporting documentation shall be included with reports
as applicable. Reports without this information may be returned to the Contractor for correction.
Invoices shall be sent to the address indicated below. Invoices must match the corresponding Contract number.
Email invoices for Knox County Health Department to:
Attention: Leslie Collier
Knox County Health Department
140 Dameron Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37917
3.19 NEGOTIATION: Knox County may select a successful proposer based on initial offers received without discussions.
Therefore, each proposal shall contain the proposer's best terms from a cost or price and service standpoint. Knox
County reserves the right to enter into Contract negotiations, including, but not limited to, rates and term, with the
highest-rated proposer. If Knox County and the selected proposer cannot negotiate a successful agreement, Knox
County may terminate said negotiations and begin negotiations with the next highest-rated proposer.
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This process will continue until an agreement has been reached or all proposers have been rejected. No proposer
shall have any rights against Knox County arising from such negotiations.
3.20 NEWS RELEASES BY VENDORS: As a matter of policy, Knox County does not endorse the services of a Contractor.
A Contractor will not make news releases concerning any resultant contract from this solicitation without the prior written
approval of Knox County.
3.21 NO CONTACT POLICY: After the date and time that the vendor receives this solicitation, any contact initiated by
any proposer with any Knox County representative, other than the Procurement Division representative listed
herein, concerning this Request for Proposals, is strictly prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may cause the
disqualification of the proposer from this procurement transaction.
3.22 OFFER WITHDRAWAL: No proposal can be withdrawn after it is filed unless the proposer makes a request in
writing to the Knox County Procurement Division prior to the time set for the opening of proposals or unless the
County fails to accept within one hundred twenty (120) business days after the date fixed for the closing the RFP.
3.23 PROPOSAL CONTENT: The proposer's response must contain a thorough description of the background of the
proposer and sufficient evidence showing that the proposer is capable of providing the services.
The proposer's response must thoroughly expound on the proposer's understanding of how the proposed services
will meet Knox County's needs. The proposal must also contain an explanation of the implementation plan and the
proposer's ongoing commitment to service.
3.24 PROPOSAL EVALUATION: In evaluation of submitted proposals, Knox County reserves the right to use any or all
of the ideas from the proposals submitted without limitation and to accept any part or the entire successful proposal
in selecting an operation which is judged to be in the best interest of Knox County. All material submitted becomes
property of Knox County.
3.25 PROPOSAL FORMAT: This solicitation is in the Request for Proposals format. At the specified date and time, each
proposer's name will be publicly read aloud. No further information will be given at that time. Evaluation of the
proposals will proceed as expeditiously as possible and successful, as well as unsuccessful, notification will be
given.
3.26 PROPOSER INTERVIEWS/PRESENTATIONS: Knox County reserves the right to request oral presentations
and/or interviews during the initial evaluation phase. The County also reserves the right to complete the initial
evaluation phase and then request oral presentations and/or interviews from all proposers or the highest rated
proposers. In this case, the evaluations may be revised based on additional information received.
3.27 PROPOSER OBLIGATION: Proposers shall become fully acquainted with conditions relating to the scope of the
work detailed in this RFP. Failure to become acquainted with the existing conditions shall in no way absolve the
proposer of any obligations with respect to this RFP or the Contract.
3.28 PUBLIC RECORDS ACT: Knox County is subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act 10-7-503 et seq. Proposers are
cautioned that all documents submitted on behalf of this Request for Proposals shall be open to the public for
viewing and inspection.
3.29 QUANTITIES: Knox County does not guarantee any quantity of services will be utilized under this solicitation. Services
will be utilized on an as needed basis.
3.30 REFERENCES: Proposers must submit a list of three (3) references, with Public Sector projects preferred, which
you have performed this type of service within the past three years. Provide the name of the agency or institution,
the person to contact, their current telephone number, current email address and the nature and size of the
contract. Do not list the Knox County Health Department as a reference. References must be submitted on the
attached Reference Check Form.
3.31 REJECTION OF PROPOSALS: Knox County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as a result
of this RFP. Non-acceptance of any proposal will be devoid of any criticism of the proposal and of any implication
that the proposal is deficient in any manner.
Non-acceptance of any proposal shall be construed as meaning simply that the County does not deem the proposal
acceptable or that another proposal was deemed more advantageous to Knox County for the particular services
proposed.
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3.32 REMOVAL OF CONTRACTOR'S EMPLOYEES: Contractor agrees to utilize only experienced, responsible, and
capable people in the performance of the work. Knox County may require that the Contractor remove from the job
covered by this Contract, employees who endanger persons or property or whose continued employment under
this Contract is inconsistent with the interest of Knox County.
3.33 SUBMIT QUESTIONS: Prospective proposers may submit questions concerning this solicitation until September
10, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. local time. Submit questions as noted in Section 1.1.
3.34 TENNESSEE REGISTRATION: The successful proposer must meet any applicable State of Tennessee registration
requirements.
SECTION IV SCOPE OF WORK
The Request for Proposals outlines the scope of services and requirements that must be addressed by any Contractor
submitting a response to this solicitation. Proposers must submit pricing based on the requirements detailed herein.
4.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW: The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is issuing this Request for Proposals to
solicit proposals from qualified social media vendors to design, implement and evaluate an adult overdose
prevention, treatment and recovery campaign in partnership with the Substance Misuse Response Division at
KCHD. Material must focus on adult Opioid Use Disorder awareness, treatment and recovery resources. This
campaign will include the general population as well as select special populations, including the unhoused
community in Knox County.
4.1.1 Campaign Design & Content Package
The vendor must provide a ready-made campaign that includes:
* Evidence-based messaging focused on adult opioid use disorder, overdose prevention, treatment
options, and recovery resources.
* Validated content, with documentation showing that messaging has led to knowledge gain or
behavior change in prior deployments.
* A full suite of localizable assets, including:
o Static graphics
o Short-form videos
o Carousel posts
o Vertical/portrait-oriented story/reel styled content
o Horizontal/landscape-oriented videos
o Paid and organic post copy
* A content library that can be adapted to local branding, resource directories, and community
needs.
4.1.2 Strategy, Implementation & Communications
The vendor will:
* Develop a platform specific strategy for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other relevant
channels.
* Provide a content calendar and recommended posting cadence.
* Offer communications support, including message refinement, stakeholder coordination, and
alignment with Health Department priorities.
* Collaborate with Department Communications and Substance Misuse Response staff for
approvals, localization, and integration of treatment and recovery resources.
4.1.3 Media Management
* Provide recommendations or management plan for paid media placement, audience targeting,
and optimization.
* Assist with tracking and reporting on media performance, if requested by Health Department.
4.1.4 Evaluation & Reporting
The vendor must deliver:
* A validated evaluation plan measuring:
o Knowledge gain
o Engagement and reach
o Click-throughs to treatment/recovery resources
o Behavior change indicators (e.g., hotline calls, naloxone training signups)
* Monthly analytics reports.
* A final campaign evaluation summarizing outcomes and recommendations.
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4.2 BACKGROUND: Opioid use disorder continues to impact adults across Tennessee, requiring targeted, evidence-
based communication strategies that increase awareness, reduce stigma, promote treatment access, and support
recovery. The Health Department seeks a vendor with a positive track record working with local public health entities
and demonstrated success in delivering validated health communication campaigns.
4.3 DATA OWNERSHIP: All data prepared by the Contractor(s) in the performance of the work or rendering of services
to Knox County pursuant to this proposal shall become and remain the property of Knox County. The County shall
own all copyrights for such data and have the unlimited right to use, reproduce, disclose, and publish such data in
any manner without giving rise to any claim on the part of the Contractor for additional compensation. Furthermore,
all documents prepared in the performance of this proposal are the property of Knox County.
4.4 DELIVERABLES: Proposers are to thoroughly detail how their proposed services will meet the requirements
outlined in the Scope of Work. Proposers must demonstrate an understanding of Knox County's needs and fully
explain the organization's overall approach to meet the County's requirement to include:
* Proposers must submit a comprehensive narrative explanation of the methodology it intends to employ along
with an explanation of how the methodology will serve to accomplish the work and provide the deliverables
described in the scope of work by the established deadline that will be established upon award in conjunction
with KCHD.
* Proposers must provide an implementation plan and comprehensive narrative statements that outline the
management plan it intends to follow. This information should fully illustrate how the plan will serve to
accomplish the work and furnish the deliverables described in the scope of work within the County's project
schedule.
* Complete ready-made campaign package.
* Localized content tailored to the Knox County Community.
* Strategy and communications plan.
* Media plan and media management.
* Monthly analytics report.
* Final evaluation report.
4.5 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Proposers are to detail the Vendor's experience relating to the services
requested in this RFP specifically:
* Proposers must state the organization's number of years in business and provide a description of the
organization to include office location(s).
* Proposers must identify the person(s) responsible for contracting services, and location where the Contract
authority resides.
* Proposers must describe the organization's experience with similar projects.
* Proposers must provide an example of a project similar to the one they bid for with a positive track record
partnering with local or state public health entities.
* Proposers must be experienced in producing validated, evidence-based health communications with a
background in opioid use disorder, harm reduction, treatment access and recovery messaging.
4.6 COSTS: Proposals must include a detailed cost breakdown for:
* Account Management
* Project Management
* Strategy and Communications
* Media Cost (if applicable)
* License Fee(s)
* Customization(s)
* Optional services must be clearly identified.
The consultant will work with KCHD throughout the project until a final report is approved and ready for distribution.
Deadlines will be agreed upon between KCHD and the Contractor(s) prior to the commencement of the project.
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