RFP: Third Party Voter Polling/Messaging Research

MoveOn Request for Proposals: Third Party Voter Polling/Messaging Research

MoveOn Overview: MoveOn is the largest rapid response political campaigning organization in the United States. We wield independent political power by bringing millions together to take action and mobilize for a just society where everyone can thrive.

For more than a generation, MoveOn has been the homebase for millions of people who refuse to accept the status quo and are moved to take action for progress. We have consistently been a bulwark against the radical right, channeling our voices to end wars, protect democracy, and advance justice for all.

Project Title: Third Party Voter Polling/Messaging Research

Project Begins: Very tight turnaround – ideally within three weeks of proposal acceptance

Project Overview:

MoveOn is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide research services that will help us better identify persuadable third party voters in key states, as well as messages that will help engage persuadable Black and Latino third party voters. 

MoveOn is running a program to counter third party candidate threats ahead of the November elections, with the goal of solidifying the anti-Trump coalition through sustained public pressure on spoiler candidates, accountability efforts, and strategic organizing. Our goal is to provide partners with immediate resources and tools they can deploy in their earned and paid media in the last 70 days before election day. To do this, we need specific data and tested messages to equip organizations with accurate information and guidance in their programs. 

The below description includes basic research needs and parameters. We are interested in learning what methodology you would employ to best capture these needs.

RFP Submission Date: Please submit to proposals@moveon.org by August 30 and put “Third Party Voter Polling/Messaging Research” in the subject line.

Scope of Work: 

Quantitative: 

Target Audience:

• 7 state polls in PA, GA, NC, MI, NV, WI, and AZ
• Likely voters in each state with a significant enough sample of third-party voters that we can better understand the persuadable double haters.  
• Oversample Black voters in PA, GA, NC, MI, and WI
• Oversample Latino voters in AZ, GA, and NV

Polling Methodology: 

• We are interested in hearing what methodology you believe will best capture these needs, but we envision a 12-min poll to understand vote choice, issue priorities, and message tests focused on persuading third party voters towards Harris. 
• Sample size: an initial estimate of 300-500 persons per state

Qualitative: 

Target Audience: 

• 4 total groups of third party voters who, when forced to choose, will likely switch to Harris:

1. Black men from battleground states (MI, GA, PA, NC, and WI)
2. Mixed-gender Black voters from battleground states (MI, GA, PA, NC, and WI)
3. Latino men from battleground states (NV, AZ, WI, NC, and GA) 
4. Mixed-gender Latino voters from battleground states (NV, AZ, WI, NC, and GA)

Research Methodology: 

• We are interested in understanding persuasive messages that help switch voters from 3P candidates toward Harris
• Qualboards or online focus groups – we do not have a strong preference and welcome recommendations from vendors on which would be most effective given the fast timeline

Works closely with: The project manager will also work closely with key staff including the Project Lead for Third Party Threats, and other consultants on the team. 

Proposal Submissions: 

MoveOn may hire different vendors for different aspects of this work. Please submit a proposal to proposals@moveon.org for the portion of this project that you think best aligns with your firm’s experience. Given the tight timeline before the election, our top priority is to move this research quickly and effectively. We are also interested in working with firms who have demonstrated experience working with Black and Latino communities. 

In your proposal, please include the following: 

• Background: Name, title and contact information.
• Approach: In two pages or less, please tell us how you would approach the above scope of work, including proposed research options, proposed timeline and budget, and methodology. 
• Equity: Please share how you will center equity in your work for this project, especially your firm’s experience conducting Black and Latino political research and polling. Please explain whether and how your firm has advanced the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the firm, and state how that is reflected in the leadership ownership, and work of the firm. 
• Location: RFP is open to individuals/firms based in the contiguous U.S.  
• Cost and availability: Include an estimate for hourly rate or project rate in your proposal and any limitations on your availability.
• References: Past clients (3) that MoveOn may reach out to as references, with contact info.

Most-favorable terms:

• MoveOn reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposal submitted. Therefore, the proposal should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms that the vendor could propose. There will be no best-and-final-offer procedure. MoveOn does reserve the right to contact a vendor for clarification of its proposal.
• The vendor should be prepared to accept this request for proposal for incorporation into a contract resulting from this request for proposal. Contract negotiations may incorporate some or the vendor’s entire proposal. It is understood that the proposal will become a part of the official procurement file on this matter without obligation to MoveOn.

No obligation to contract

This request for proposal does not obligate MoveOn to contract for services specified herein.

Rejection of proposals

MoveOn reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any and all proposals received without penalty and not to issue a contract as a result of this request for proposal.

Nondiscrimination

The vendor will adopt and disseminate a policy that the vendor, in employment, recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, promotion, demotion, layoff, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, ethnic identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, economic status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected basis.