Request for Proposal

Proposal should be submitted as one PDF to info@seecinstitute.org with the subject line “TEP Communications Proposal” by January 1st, 2026.

Introduction & Background

The Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit which seeks to convene Members of Congress, the private sector, and leading climate and environmental advocates to find solutions to our climate and environmental challenges. The Institute sits at the crossroads of stakeholders and helps determine what path is best for securing the most impactful climate wins possible.

SEEC Institute partners with our allies across four primary activities:

• Convene stakeholders, allies, partners, and supporters for an annual marquee conference and other policy events to bolster relationships between Members, staff, supporters, and stakeholders.

• Conduct original research, informed by collaboration. Publish policy papers, issue briefs and reports on key climate and clean energy issues pending before Congress and the Administration.

• Develop a robust program of congressional staff professional development.

• Educate Members of Congress, staff through travel, witnessing the impacts and solutions of climate change and clean energy first-hand.

The successful candidate or firm for this project will have extensive communications experience with climate, energy, and other relevant policy, familiarity with the federal policymaking landscape, and meaningful relationships with NGOs, stakeholders and companies, and policymakers. The objective of this RFP is to identify a qualified individual or firm that will provide the best overall value to SEEC Institute. While price is a significant factor, other criteria will form the basis of our award decision.

Submission Guidelines and Requirements

The following submission guidelines and requirements apply to this RFP, which should total no more than five pages in length:

• Only qualified individuals or firms with prior related experience should submit proposals in response to this RFP, and such relevant experience and qualifications should be listed, with examples of work performed and/or references for each included.

• A proposed work plan should be included in the response. The work plan should include proposed schedules and milestones, as applicable.

• A price proposal must be provided.

• If you have a standard set of terms and conditions, please submit them with your proposal.

• Proposals must be received prior to January 1, 2026 to be considered.

Project Scope

SEEC Institute seeks a firm or individual to serve as the communications lead for its Thriving Economy Project (TEP) initiative. The selected entity will develop and execute a strategic communications strategy, coordinate stakeholders, work closely with TEP staff and ensure the project meets key milestones over the next nine months.

SEEC Institute launched TEP to develop and promote a robust, long-term policy framework that advances economic growth through clean energy, manufacturing, and climate resilience. Building on the successes of prior congressional efforts, including the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, TEP will work to craft durable policies that foster job creation, economic stability, and a healthy environment.

TEP consists of nine policy issue areas that, while distinct and containing many sub-issue areas, are intersectional and work together to deliver the goals of the overall project: a thriving economy. TEP is aiming to present an outcome-oriented vision of what good climate policy can achieve for the American economy. Specifically, TEP is formally engaging with nearly a dozen members of Congress, and two dozen outside business and policy experts to support and advance this project.

This initiative comes at a critical time when emissions reductions have stalled, economic concerns dominate public discourse, and federal climate action faces headwinds. TEP will deliver a comprehensive report and supporting materials by September 2026, designed to shape legislative and public narratives ahead of the 120th Congressional session.

The selected firm or individual will be responsible for:

• Public Engagement & Communications: Develop and implement a communications strategy, including media outreach, stakeholder briefings, and public-facing content (i.e. blogs, social media posts, op-eds, podcasts, interviews, and talking points/fact sheets).

• Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate with SEEC Institute leadership, TEP staff, congressional offices, policy experts, businesses, NGOs, and other key players.

• Event Planning & Logistics: Support the organization of in-person and virtual convenings, including field hearings, listening tours, site visits, and a final report release event. The individual or firm will also be responsible for assisting with communications strategy at events that TEP staff/members may attend, such as conferences, panels, and others.

• Workplan: Maintaining a structured workplan with timelines, deliverables, and checkpoints. Participate in recurring planning meetings with project leadership and partners.

RFP and Project Timelines

Responses to this proposal are due by January 1, 2026. Contracts aim to be signed by January 16, 2026.

January 2026: Design and draft a strategic communications plan for TEP that aligns with the project’s message and vision. This plan should include, but not be limited to, alignment across the nine chapters, public engagement opportunities, social media engagement, and a Fall 2026 report launch strategy.

February-July 2026: Execute the strategic communications plan, ensuring messaging alignment across the chapters and elevating the project through public events, social media engagement, and other activities. Track communications performance across platforms, evaluate engagement metrics, and provide recommendations for refinement to ensure impact at release. Provide media preparation support for SEEC Institute leadership and key spokespeople as needed.

August-September 2026: Develop a communications toolkit for the release and promotion of TEP that can be shared with partners and promoters in advance of release. Execute release of final report including hosting a public event. Advise on communications and activations at New York Climate Week.

Evaluation Factors

SEEC Institute will rate proposals based on the following factors:

• Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this RFP

• Relevant past performance/experience

• Samples of work

• Cost

• Expertise/prior experience of bidder and/or bidder’s staff

Desired Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of federal climate, energy, and economic policy.

• Strong communication and media strategy skills.

• Prior experience working with congressional offices, advocacy groups, or related stakeholders.

• Ability to translate and communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences, particularly to congressional staff.

The successful candidate will submit a work plan to the SEEC Institute Executive Director for review and will participate in regular meetings. The candidate will provide a regular summary of deliverables to the SEEC Institute Executive Director throughout the duration of this project.