USDA, Food and Consumer Service, Contracts Management Branch, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 914, Alexandria, VA 22302

U -- INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE SOL FCS 95-045SUZ DUE 072895 POC Suzanne A. Pastura, 703/305-2250/Contract Specialist, Elaine S. Lynn, 703/305-2250/Contracting Officer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Consumer Service (FCS), intends to issue a competitive solicitation with a non-governmental organization to establish, maintain, and promote a clearinghouse which would provide information on Federal and non-Federal government programs. As part of the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994, Congress has mandated the establishment of a clearinghouse to provide information on Federal and non-Federal government programs and services that improve the lives of low-income Americans, including their nutrition and health, and help them become self-reliant. Clearinghouse information would be provided to groups that assist low-income individuals or communities regarding nutrition or other assistance. The Act requires that the applicants: 1) be experienced in gathering first-hand information in all the States through on-site visits to grassroots organizations in each State that fight hunger and poverty or that assist individuals in becoming self-reliant; 2) be experienced in the establishment of a clearinghouse similar to the one described above; 3) be sponsored by an organization, or be an organization, that has helped combat hunger for at least 10 years, is committed to reinvesting in the United States, and is knowledgeable regarding Federal nutrition programs; 4) be experienced in communicating the purpose of the clearinghouse through the media, including radio and print media, and be able to provide access to clearinghouse information through computer or telecommunications technology, as well as through the mails; and 5) be able to provide examples, advice, and guidance to States, counties, cities, communities, anti-hunger groups, and local organizations regarding means of assisting individuals and communities to reduce reliance on government programs, reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and otherwise assist low-income individuals and communities become more self-reliant. If you believe you have the requisite knowledge to perform the above duties, please send a written request for the RFP to the address in item 7. Four (4) self-addressed mailing labels must be included with your request. Telephone inquiries and requests will not be honored. (0146)

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