The Washington, DC area is seeking a vendor to develop comprehensive communication strategies and materials for road usage charge (RUC) programs. RUC programs are designed to enable all users of the transportation system to contribute equitably, based on their usage.

The selected vendor will be responsible for conducting an inventory of existing communications practices, including an evaluation of approaches used in prior pilots and deployments, and identifying key lessons learned. The scope includes crafting messaging tailored to diverse audiences such as demographic groups, state planning organizations, transit agencies, and local transportation departments.

The vendor will provide clear, accessible explanations of core RUC concepts, describing how the program functions, its relationship to the traditional gas tax, and the rationale for exploring alternatives. Deliverables will include a ready-to-use media package with flyers, brochures, sample content, and adaptable communications templates for agencies. Additionally, the vendor must offer guidance for coordinating communications across various government departments and develop fact-based resources to address misconceptions, opposition, and frequently asked questions about road usage charges.