WASHINGTON: The US Postal Service (USPS) issued an RFP on October 2 for a contractor to provide strategic messaging services to the media, the general public, and postal employees. The deadline for proposals is November 5.
One important aspect will be crisis communications, noted USPS senior PR specialist Joanne Veto.
“The solicitation would be in keeping with that: To have an agency standing by or on call in case of an emergency to assist where needed or [provide] expertise beyond what we have internally,” Veto said, via e-mail.
For crisis communications, work might include training spokespeople; identifying experts and credible third parties to support USPS messaging; and facilitating interaction with the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies.
The contract, for which the USPS has proposed no set value, would run for two years starting on January 1, 2009, with three one-year options to renew. Burson-Marsteller has served as AOR for the past several years, according to USPS. The agency declined to comment.
More generally, work by the selected firm could include tasks like providing advice on communicating corporate policy and positions, as well as assisting with business, employee, and community, and media relations.
In addition, the firm might assist the USPS in its efforts to expand its licensing program, which aims to boost employee awareness and overall “excitement and momentum” for the program, according to the “statement of work” issued in connection with the RFP.
