Social Media Assessment and Training

The Department of State Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs (OES) intends to award a contract on a sole source basis in accordance with FAR 13.5 under 41 USC 1901 to Schwartzman & Associates, Inc. of Topanga, CA . The Department seeks to commission an assessment of OES current social media practices across our social media platforms (websites, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr). The Department also seeks an analysis of current skill sets and training needs, advice on engaging substantive expertise resident in the bureau, and providing training in three sessions over the course of 6-8 months. The assessment should produce recommendations for concrete actions the Bureau should take to advance U.S. foreign policy goals in the bureau's areas of expertise. The contractor needs to have a unique blend of expertise and experience relevant to Department of State and OES foreign policy objectives, familiarity with the Department's practices and parameters for public outreach and new media (from Embassy and Washington, DC perspectives), and have extensive knowledge of current technology and private sector media practices. Also required is familiarity with Foreign Service Institute (FSI) programs and practices, and demonstrated skills in training Department staff to implement these new techniques and technologies so they can effectively utilize these new technologies on Department platforms. These platforms advance US foreign policy objects and establish strong outreach and real engagement with domestic and foreign, local and regional target audiences. It is also essential that the vendor be familiar with training provided through FSI, because this effort is designed to build upon training available to staff through FSI. The contractor must be up to date on cutting edge social media technology and practices and their implementation by the Department, other government agencies, private sector and non-government actors. Vendor must also be experienced in amplifying U.S. foreign policy messaging to foreign and domestic publics, with specific attention to targeting specific segments of the public with specific messages and in measuring effectiveness. This notice IS NOT a request for proposals, nor is it a solicitation or request for offers. No solicitation package is available. A determination not to compete is solely within the discretion of the government. Any email response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the government. Response must be received no later than 5:00 pm EST on September 19, 2014. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. All response must be emailed to Deborah Koplen at KoplenDJ@state.gov and Theous Rhem at RhemTR@state.gov. Please reference Social Media Assessment in the subject line.