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T -- MARKET RESEARCH SOL NAAJ5100830231 DUE 080798 POC Diane C. Husereau (301) 713-0829 or Tracey Miller (301) 713-0829 The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration's Office of Public Affairs has a Sources Sought requirement for the follows: Background: Business America is a monthly publication published by the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration's Office of Public Affairs. It is the oldest trade publication in the country and is published once a month. The magazine, up to now has been more policy oriented. Most issues also contain information on trade shows, reprinted speeches and trade data. With a circulation which touches the 8,000 mark, Business America reaches all corners of the world via Export Assistance Centers, American embassies and Foreign Commercial Service offices. Subscribers pay $47.00 for 12 issues. It is currently published by the Government. With its new focus, new format and new name our goal is for the renamed American Exporter to reach 60,000 readers by the end of FY99. Survey: The purpose of this CBD is for Market Research. This survey will help us write a formal proposal for companies to bid on the project. Our goal is to provide small and medium sized exporters with a monthly practical guide to exporting. The new publication would have a niche in the international market as the only magazine targeted to all SMEs who want to start exporting or expand to new markets. New to market and well established exporters will find useful, practical information to start or enhance their export strategy. This would include all of the government trade agencies' most recent information with contact numbers and details on new opportunities for US companies across the globe. SMEs account for a large part of US exports and have the potential to grow even more. The American Exporter would help these companies toward this goal. We need a company who has the resources and capabilities to layout, produce and distribute the magazine as well as take care of marketing. The idea is that ITA would supply all editorial material and the company would take it from there. They would profit from advertising and sales. The resultant contract will be a no cost contract for the Government. Technical considerations * How long would it take to get started? * What indicators should we use to select a publisher? * What would be a reasonable distribution target? * What type of paper do you recommend using? What size paper should we use? * What type of cover paper? * What type of label system? * How long would they need between the date copy was submitted and the distribution date? * What format should we submit out work in? Financial * What should the maximum per issue and subscription cost be for the public? * Past Performance on similar trade publications? * We need free copies for our offices and embassies around the world. Do you think that could be worked out? Conceptual * Will publishing companies be interested in such an investment? * What do you think they will say about not having editorial control? * If this is an issue, what do you suggest we could do? * Will advertisers be interested? * Is there a niche for such a magazine in the market (as we believe there is)? * What else would you like to see is such a publication? Contractual * How would you feel about providing cover art and illustrations? * Would your company handle subscriptions? * What would you think about a line item option in the contract to go bi-monthly? * Would your company do mass mailings with your lists as part of the marketing program? * Is there any other information you would want to see included in the procurement? * Would is be possible to get on newsstands? * Do you have standard commercial terms and conditions, if so please provide Your response to the above is requested by no later than 2 p.m., August 7, 1998. Posted 07/21/98 (W-SN226215). (0202)

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