King Conservation District (KCD) is an independent, special purpose, governmental agency with a mission to promote the sustainable use of natural resources through responsible stewardship. A five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for overseeing all KCD programs and activities. Our service area covers all of King County (excluding the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish which are not in our service area).
KCD holds a board election each year for one of our board positions. Each position represents one of three election zones and all registered voters within a zone are eligible to vote in the election – roughly 430,000 voters at roughly 250,000 unique addresses. KCD’s elections are run by KCD. Voters access their ballot for the election through an online ballot access portal administered by Democracy Live and ballots are tabulated by King County Elections. KCD is planning to hold our 2026 Board Election from January 20, 2026 through February 10, 2026.
KCD is seeking qualified firms to assist with voter outreach through the development and distribution of a postcard mailer to all eligible voting households within the district’s voting zone (~250,000) to be sent out at the beginning of the voting period, January 20, to raise awareness and increase voter turnout.
Timeline
- Release RFP – October 1, 2025
- Questions about RFP due – October 10, 2025
- Deadline for submission of proposals – October 15, 2025
- Proposal evaluation complete – October 20-24, 2025
- Contract awarded – Week of October 27, 2025
- Work complete – February 15, 2026
Questions and answers Submitted
Is there historical data or a general budget range available?
For the 2025 mailer, total costs were $107,250 to mail 217,962 mailers.
Does KCD already have a mailing list or would creating it be part of the RFP?
Starting in 2025, each elected board position now represents 1/3 of the district. We haven’t held an election for this district yet, so are operating on the 250,000 estimate for proposals. Creating the mailing list and shrinking it down to unique households will be part of the RFP.
Can print vendor suggest an alternative paper stock that gives the matte look and saves KCD in paper cost? We can provide samples with our submission. Will you accept?
Yes
Is 9pt stock robust enough for your postcards?
Yes
Does KCD have specific brand guidelines?
Yes, KCD has color, logo and font guidelines that will be provided.
Are the provided photos owned by KCD or will the design team have to procure stock photos to match the creative message?
This depends on the design concept. KCD has many high quality photos of conservation work, but may not be able to meet all photo needs depending on concept.
Will provide copywriting similar to last year’s card?
Yes, KCD will provide guidance and copywriting.
Is KCD seeking the same look and feel from the 2025 postcard or requiring new creative?
KCD is looking for a mailer that prioritizes clear branding as an election mailer while increasing voter response rates.
Has KCD considered variable content and personalization to the registered voter?
Yes, but with postcards going to each voting household and not each unique voter this has not been done in recent years.
What firm/s is the incumbent vendor for this work in 2023, 2024, and 2025?
Trio Group NW produced the mailer in 2025 and 2024. Groundswell Northwest produced the mailer in 2023.
Please review the full RFP in the PDF attachment below. Questions submitted about the project and their answers will be posted here after October 10.
2026 KCD Board Election Postcard Mailer Request for Proposals (RFP)
Proposals are due by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, October 15, 2024.
Additional information about the 2026 KCD Board Election can be found at https://kingcd.org/about/board-of-supervisors/elections-and-appointments/
All communication concerning this RFP should be directed in writing to the RFP coordinator listed below. Any oral communications will be considered unofficial and non-binding on KCD.
Mark Dostal
Engagement Program Manager
800 SW 39th St, #150
Renton, WA 98057
425-773-1668
mark.dostal@kingcd.org