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

U -- INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE SOL FNS99-065TRB POC Tonia Bloss, Contracting Officer (703)305-1532 E-MAIL: Click here to contact the contracting officer via, tonia.bloss@fns.usda.gov. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), intends to issue a competitive solicitation that will result in a contract awarded to a non-governmental organization to maintain and promote the USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse. Through the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994, Congress mandated the establishment of a clearinghouse (named "USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse") to provide information on Federal and non-Federal government programs and services that improve the lives of low-income individuals or families, including their nutrition and health, and help them become self-reliant. As a result FNS, which administers Federal nutrition programs, entered into a contract with a non-governmental organization to establish, maintain, and promote the clearinghouse. FNS awarded a 4-year contract on September 29, 1995; the contract ends on September 30, 1999. Legislation in 1998 amended the Act; it requires that FNS now enter into a new 5-year contract with a non-governmental organization to maintain the USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse for a period of five years. Clearinghouse information is to be provided to groups that assist low-income individuals or communities regarding nutrition assistance programs or other assistance, as well as the general public. The Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act requires that the contractor: 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. Please be advised that this requirement is pending approval from the USDA Office of Chief Information Officer. Award shall not be made until such time as this approval is received. If you believe you have the requisite knowledge to perform the above duties, please send a written request for the RFP to Tonia Bloss, USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Contract Management Branch, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 914, Alexandria, VA 22302. Four self addressed mailing labels (not envelopes) must be included with your request. Telephone inquiries will not be honored. Upon its release, the solicitation will appear on the following web site: www.fns.usda.gov/fns/menu/contracts/solicitation/sol.htm If downloaded, you must still submit your name to Ms. Bloss to ensure receipt of solicitation amendments. Questions may be directed to Ms. Tonia Bloss, Contracting Officer, at 703-305-1532, or e-mail at tonia.bloss@fns.usda.gov Posted 06/03/99 (W-SN338548). (0154)

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