U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/OFA/AGFS/AMD -- OFA51, 1305 East West Highway -- Station 7604, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

R -- PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES SOL 8-4108 DUE 121597 POC Sandra Souders 301/713-0854 R -- As part of its overall mission, the U.S. Dept. Of Commerce/NOAA/Office of Public and Constituent Affairs (OPCA) main function is to enhance NOAA's name recognition and foster greater awareness and understanding of NOAA's mission and services to the public, particularly as they relate to the NOAA strategic plan. OPCA provides a full range of services for its clients including media campaigns, press releases, op-eds, brochures, fact sheets, backgrounders, exhibits, audio-visual support, media interview coordination, press conference planning, and constituent outreach. OPCA has a need for the services of a public relations contractor to perform a wide range of tasks in the overall areas of public and constituent affairs and outreach. Period of Performance: January thru September 1998. The contractor shall perform the following tasks: 1) Research and compose news releases pertaining to the agency's activities, achievements, and newsworthy accomplishments; 2) Conduct research to obtain information needed to prepare outreach materials; 3) Assist with arrangements of media interviews for NOAA officials and scientists; 4) Assist with the coordination of media briefings and press conferences; 5) Respond to inquiries from the news media to provide timely information about NOAA programs and services; 6) Monitor daily newspapers and periodicals for articles about NOAA officials and programs; 7) Provide electronic and manual distribution of the relevant daily news clippings to NOAA program and staff offices; 8) Assist in editing of the NOAA monthly newsletter, and, may at times compose articles for publication in the newsletter; 9) Maintain effective working relationship with print and broadcast media representatives and other public affairs personnel of organized groups in disseminating information or answering inquiries about the organization's operations or activities. OPCA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Professional Solutions of Washington, D.C. to provide temporary personnel who have technical experience in the area of public relations. Other offerors that have the ability to provide this type of service are invited to submit information as to their capabilities and any other pertinent data to the address above, to be received no later than 5 days from the date of this notice. No solicitation document exists; therefore a request for such document will not be considered. Question/responses should be faxed to 301/713-0806. Award will be made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures. (Reference No. 8-4108) **** (0344)

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