The US Customs & Border Protection, beset by bad headlines and status as a political football, has kicked off an agency search to up its recruiting game and pitch the Border Patrol as a desired career.
The federal agency wants a "branding strategy that identifies and distinguishes CBP as a premier law enforcement organization and an employer of choice," according to an RFQ released this week. T
he CPB notes intense competition for a shrinking pool of candidates, negative press and public perception, and budget cuts among factors in choosing to seek outside help to boost recruiting.
The CPB also wants to attract female and minority candidates, as well as individuals from the intelligence community and so-called STEM fields of science, tech, engineering and math.
The Washington-based agency expects to award a contract running through 2020 if five option years are picked up.
Proposals are due May 19.
View the RFP documents at fbo.gov.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is looking for a firm to handle its $5M annual strategic marketing and communications budget.
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.
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