Hawaii's health insurance exchange, which, like the federal marketplace, had a rocky rollout at the end of 2013, has released RFPs for PR and marketing services as the state pursues a goal of running its own marketplace under the Affordable Care Act.
The Hawai'i Health Connecter saw its executive director, Coral Andrews, resigned in December. That came after a two-week delay in the exchange's website launch, making President Obama's home state the last state to get an online marketplace up and running. It logged online 257 sign-ups in the first month of operation.
The Connector wants PR proposals as it shifts from launch and public introduction to growth and enrollment. "While basis awareness is still very low across the state, branding work must drive education and enrollments," reads the RFP for PR.
A separate RFP covers marketing services.
Honolulu-based MVNP, an Omnicom firm that is part of DDB Worldwide, was the lead marketing communications firm for the Connector's launch.
PR pitches are due April 25, while marketing proposals will be accepted until May 2.
Firms must submit a notice of intent to bid by April 1, however.
View the RFPs at hawaiihealthconnector.com/notices/.
Colorado is accepting the qualifications of PR firms, ad agencies and marketing services companies that are interested in working for The Centennial State.
Maryland’s State Highway Administration has driven out an RFP for marketing communications, media support and public outreach. 
Washington’s King County is looking for a federal government relations shop to help it stay abreast of policies and legislation that could impact its 2.2M people and cities such as Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond.
Carlsbad is looking for an economic development partner to help position the southern California city as a great place to build a business and grow a career.
Hermosa Beach, a bedroom community 21 miles from downtown Los Angeles, seeks a firm to provide community outreach and engagement services to support its infrastructure redevelopment push.
Have a comment? Send it to 
No comments have been submitted for this story yet.