Steve’s breakdown: UPDATE: We got the real deal as of September 9th. Email me and I’ll send you the RFP.

HARTFARD, CT: Connecticut, which infamously cut its tourism marketing budget to $1 for the past two years, has issued an RFP and allocated $20M for two years to develop a “unique brand” for the New England state.

The state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, along

with the Connecticut Office of Tourism, said they are looking for a vendor or team of vendors to serve as the branding, marketing, advertising, PR and online marketing agency or agencies for the state.

Gov. Dan Malloy, who was elected in November, said marketing the Nutmeg State is a key component to the state’s economic development strategy moving forward.

“We will use these funds in a disciplined manner, understanding the target markets as well as building upon the strengths the State of Connecticut has to offer,” he said.

Amid fiscal woes, the state set aside one dollar for its marketing fund in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 after spending $4.2M in 2009.

New York-based Lou Hammond & Associates and Stanton Crenshaw Communications handled tourism PR efforts for the state over the past decade.

The RFP is open through September 27 with final agency selection eyed for December.