National Library of Medicine, Office of Acquisitions Management, Building 38A, Room B1N17, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20894

R -- PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES SOL NLM 00-028/UHP DUE 112999 POC Uyen H. Phuong (301) 496-6127 E-MAIL: karen_riggs@nlm.nih.gov, uyen_phuong@nlm.nih.gov. It is the intent of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to procure Public Relations and Communications Services for the National Biomethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) with Burness Communications, Inc., 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1340, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-3015. Burness is the only know source with the knowledge, expertise, understanding of current issues concerning bioethics, health, history, research policy and the internal workings in direct performance with an appointed Presidential Commission Office or similar advisory body. This company has a background knowledge and expertise of individuals with background experience as legislative assistant for health and education policy in the U.S. House of Representatives. It also has the expertise and knowledge in working directly with U.S. Congress. Individuals within this company have served as public information officers for the President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research throughout the group's life cycle. Burness is experienced in providing counseling in strategic communications, media relations, conference planning, writing, government relations (both federal and state) and publication guidance for small and large nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and abroad in the areas of health and science. Burness will provide advice and assistance in media relations, special events, local and regional media, public information and education, relations with outside groups, dissemination of Commission's findings and reports, international contacts and other important relations. Specific responsibilities will include: (1) attend monthly meetings with NBAC staff regarding communications, as well as ongoing strategic counsel as needed regarding any communications-related activity regarding NBAC; (2) outreach in advance of NBAC meetings and around the country, including (a) compilation of lists of possible attendees at the meetings and efforts as requested to general public attendance at meetings (b) media relations in advance to attract media coverage when desired, and (c) arrangements to meet with editorial writers or "talk radio" hosts while NBAC is in particular cities; 3) commissioner orientation regarding communications plan as well as a presentation about desired procedures for interaction with the press and policy makers; 4) assistance with tracking NBAC media coverage in concert with NBAC's existing efforts; 5) assistance with NBAC's operation on the World Wide Web, including an analysis of the current site with recommendations for improvement; implementation of an improvement plan, cyber marketing of NBAC information, with particular attention to the promotion of NBAC reports, and ongoing maintenance of the site, as needed, following discussion with NBAC staff; 6) counsel as needed for NBAC's relationships with government officials in the legislative and executive branches, including the possibility of arranging meetings with congressional staff; 7) arrangements for presentations before "stakeholder" individuals or groups, such as city-wide leadership groups, the Institute of Medicine, major civic organizations and/or forums, university audiences and professional associations of insurers, providers and trustees; 8) assistance as needed with the planning, writing or placement of op-ed pieces on particular topics of interest to NBAC. Additionally, Burness has the capability to deliver the needed services immediately and the flexibility to reallocate services if the need should arise. The company has personnel in public relations with the necessary facilities, core staff, expertise and proven capability to hire additional experts without delay. Burness Communications, Inc., is based in Bethesda, Maryland, thereby greatly enhancing person-to-person interaction with Commission staff who is located in Rockville. Burness is the only organization that can meet the unique communications needs of the Commission because of the combined unique experience of its personnel. This results in the absence of a learning curve for the organization, resulting in the quickest delivery possible and appropriate organizational resources and flexibility. This service will procure under FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisitions). This notice of intent is not a Request for Quotations (RFQ) nor is an RFQ available, however, all responsible and responsive sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the NLM. Firms interested in responding to this notice must be able to provide professional service as specified and listed above. Responses should sufficiently demonstrate the firm's ability to meet the government's requirements. Responses are required within fifteen (15) calendar days from the publication date of this notice. NLM synopsis No. NLM 00-028/UHP. Inquires regarding this procurement may be made to Uyen H. Phuong, Lead Purchasing Agent, NLM on (301) 496-6127. Posted 11/09/99 (W-SN399568). (0313)

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