This is a Request for Information only, not a Request for Proposals. The USDA, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is seeking qualified firms to provide media services by informing persons with limited English proficiency about eligibility for nutrition assistance (Food Stamps) through appropriate Campaign methods as stated below. Firms are encouraged to respond by submitting their capabilities and addressing the individual tasks below in sufficient detail to demonstrate their qualifications to meet the government's requirements. Information must be sent to Patricia Palmer, Chief, Contract Management Branch, via mail at 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 220, Alexandria, VA 22302, fax at 703-305-2071, or electronically at
[email protected], no later than COB August 12, 2002. Questions may be directed to Patricia at 703-305-2251. Background/Purpose: The Farm Bill expands Food Stamp eligibility to some legal immigrants (estimated 500,000) that have not been eligible to participate in the program since welfare-reform. The majority of the newly eligible participants are Spanish dominant in menial or service industries. Studies have shown that Spanish language radio is an effective means to communicate with this group. Furthermore, there is a known stigma associated with the Food Stamp Program (FSP) that may discourage participation. FNS proposes an education and outreach information campaign that consist of: (1) Daily Spanish language radio short form programs- with new information or a human interest angle discussing the FSP and/or other FNS nutrition programs, presented each day - to air on a minimum of 75 full time Spanish language radio stations with guaranteed clearance 6AM-7PM in the top 10 U.S. Hispanic markets. Eligible firms MUST be able to identify programs which focus on the FSP. No more than 10% non FSP shows. Non-FSP shows require advance approval by FNS. Eligible firms MUST also be able to meet the Government's performance schedule to begin airing shows by September 16, 2002 and to run thru November 30, 2002. FNS anticipates one program per day. This task is mandatory and the company must be able to meet all of the requirements. (2) A newspaper editorial on the same subject using a regularly syndicated newspaper column with circulation to at least 60 Spanish language community newspapers to exceed 2 million copies weekly. Eligible firms must demonstrate they have existing agreements with or means of establishing a network of Spanish language community newpapers in order to produce editorials. This task is optional. (3) Messages to a minimum of 1,000 grass roots organizations that serve Hispanics including health clinics, day care centers, etc. This task is optional. (4) A reporting system that enables the producer and syndicator of the information to provide detailed reports on the carriage by local media, including audience estimates for the major markets by a third party evaluator, such as, Arbitron Ratings Service that can break down the audience reached by gender and age, and a separate reporting or evaluation system to report comments and needs as expressed by members of the public. This task is mandatory. (5) A pilot test of a system designed to link interested listeners and readers to the appropriate State or local agency that can provide the nutrition benefits (Food Stamps). This task is optional. Eligible firms must demonstrate, in writing, their capabilities to perform, at a minimum, all of the mandatory services described above. Most importantly, the ability to meet the Government's start date of September 16, 2002 as stated in task (1). Also include evidence of at least ONE previous campaign/contract with a major public or private firm since 1/1/2001 (18 months) and/or evidence of current campaigns/contracts with major public or private entities. Provide a contact name and phone number of the campaign/contract project manager.