U.S. Department of Commerce, Acquisition Services, 14th & Constitution Ave., NW, Room 6516, Washington, DC 20230

T -- PUBLISHING OF COMMERCIAL NEWS USA REQUEST FOR INFORMATION DUE 022895 POC Michael B. Smith - 202/482-3978 The U.S. Department of Commerce's, International Trade Administration (ITA) is seeking a private sector partner to publish Commercial News USA (CNUSA), its international export catalog-magazine. Aimed at assisting the export marketing efforts of small- to medium-size firms, Commercial News USA (CNUSA) is currently printed in the United States through a Government Printing Office (GPO) contract for exclusive overseas distribution by U.S. embassies and consulates in 161 countries. Published ten times annually, it has a current circulation of 137,000, augmented by 37 electronic bulletin boards (EBBs) with 774,800 subscribers. Typically, an issue carries 130 to 160 listings (advertisements) of U.S. products and services, the majority of which consist of text with a product photograph. The publication is printed in 2 colors (black and one additional color) on white coated stock, with page counts ranging between 32 to 44 pages, including covers. Trim size is 17 inches by 22 inches, saddle-wire stitched in two places and folded to 8 1/2 x 11. Each edition consists of four or more product and service sections, including three Industry Highlight Sections, focusing on products and services in specific industries, and an all- inclusive ''USA Marketplace''. In addition, a Table of Contents, Index, and ''Quick Response Fax'' page are included. State and regional sections, as well as demographic sections (eg., minority-owned small businesses) are often featured. Also, from time to time, foreign language editions are produced. The private sector partner would bear all publication costs, (in fiscal year 1994, approximately $400,000) including marketing, writing, design, and printing through a non-GPO printer. The private sector partner would also be permitted a promotional message to be carried in each issue. ITA would continue to distribute CNUSA overseas, and would continue to collect user fees to pay for distribution (but would not provide any of those funds to the private sector publisher). In addition, while ITA would retain control over editorial content and policy, publication and industry feature schedules, pricing, and participation requirements, CNUSA would be willing to discuss any suggestions and improvements the private sector partner might offer. ITA envisions a collaborative effort lasting three to five years. Private sector organizations interested in sponsoring Commercial News USA should provide information relating their previous experience in marketing and producing a periodical publication, including: direct mail marketing; work force size and composition (salespersons, writers, editors, designers, and graphic artists) and a brief corporate history including whether or not the business is small, small-disadvantaged, or women- owned. Responses should be made by mail no later than February 28, 1995, to U.S. Department of Commerce, Acquisition Services, Room 6516, 14th and Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20230, ATTN: Michael B. Smith.(0037)

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