Statement of Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

MEDIA RELATIONS ASSISTANT SERVICES CONTRACT

FOR THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE – SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF

MISSISSIPPI

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The mission of the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) is to prosecute and defend cases on behalf of the federal government. During the past few years, the United States Department of Justice has announced various key initiatives, programs and operations. The USAO in the Southern District of Mississippi (SDMS) requires a Media Relations Assistant Services Contractor to develop and execute a media strategy that tracks directly with the USAO’s strategic plan and operational goals.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK

As a media relations assistant for the United States Attorney, the Contractor shall devise and execute a strategy to effectively use radio, television, print and social media to educate the community of USAO and the Department of Justice (DOJ) initiatives to prevent and combat violent crime, invest in prevention and intervention programs, combat fraud on the government, and other criminal and civil priorities of the USAO and the Department. By publicizing the efforts of the USAO and the priority programs of the Department (such as Project Safe Neighborhoods) the media relations assistant shall play a critical role in deterring criminal conduct and raising public awareness of the types of criminal and fraudulent activities in the community. Publicizing the work of the USAO also strengthens the relationship between the USAO and local, state and federal law enforcement by publicly recognizing the hard work of our law enforcement partners.

The purpose of the work is to develop and maintain a complete district-level media relations program that promotes the litigative programs of the USAO. Success is measured by deterring criminal conduct through raising public awareness of criminal matters handled by the USAO, strengthening relationships between the USAO and local, state and federal law enforcement partners by showcasing the hard work of our law enforcement partners, and alerting the public of criminal and fraudulent activity in the community so that citizens can avoid becoming victims.

2.1 MAJOR DUTIES

The Media Relations Assistant Contractor will perform duties to include:

- Plan, write and edit news releases on USAO priority programs, training, and community outreach efforts.

- Plan, write and edit news releases on USAO cases, achievements and results, to include indictments, change of pleas, convictions and sentencings.

- Plans, scripts and coordinates press conferences on USAO priority programs, training, and community outreach efforts.

- Plans, scripts and coordinates press conferences on USAO cases, achievements and results, to include indictments, change of pleas, convictions and sentencing.

- Drafts and places op-ed and other articles approved by the United States Attorney designed to educate the public on USAO programs, goals, objectives and achievements.

- Identifies and facilitates appearance and speaking opportunities for USAO personnel to raise awareness of USAO programs, mission, goals, objectives and achievements.

- Responds to information requests from local and national news media and community groups on significant USAO program initiatives in written and oral form, which may require detailed explanations of negative comments regarding a particular USAO program or USAO performance in a particular situation.

- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the local and national news media and other specialized groups interested in the USAO programs.

- Monitors social media to effectively publicize USAO programs and achievements and the programs and achievements of local, state and federal law enforcement partners.

- Analyzes USAO, EOUSA, and Department of Justice program materials and facilitates delivery of such program information to affected individuals and groups.

- Prepares written materials and press packets to facilitate use of media to deliver messaging desired by USAO.

- Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of the media strategy in achieving greater understanding of the USAO’s mission, goals, objectives and achievements. - Digests USAO media exposure on a weekly basis.

- Participate in weekly planning sessions with members of office management to discuss upcoming media events and advice on which press releases and social media posts should be prioritized.

- Performs other related media relations duties as assigned.

2.2 KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Detailed knowledge of and contacts within radio, print and television media outlets throughout the district, state and nation. Knowledge of a wide range of written and oral communication principles, techniques and methods; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices. Knowledge developing new information materials aimed at enhancing the understanding by the community at large and subgroups contained therein of USAO programs, objectives, goals, and accomplishments.

Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to utilize such platforms to educate the community on USAO programs, objectives, goals and accomplishments. Knowledge of and skill in interpersonal relationships with a variety of groups sufficient to educate the public of USAO programs, objectives, goals and accomplishments. For example:

- Knowledge and skill sufficient to develop new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, and articles for publication in appropriate printed media.

- Knowledge of local court rules, legal documents, processes, and procedures sufficient to present legal information and facts that are readily verifiable for use in news releases, fact sheets, articles for publication and social media.

- Knowledge of the functions, priorities, commitments, policies, and priorities of the USA sufficient to publicize USAO programs, objectives, goals, accomplishments and law enforcement relationships.

2.3 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

The Media Relations Assistant Contractor must have the following qualifications:

- At least ten years of demonstrated ability in a similar position.

- Resume, maximum 3 pages, containing sufficient written narrative demonstrating experience and expertise in performing the requirements as identified in Sections 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2.

- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

- Must have a valid driver’s license and dependable vehicle.

- U.S. Citizenship and a ten-year minimum background investigation. (BI) (PSL 6-High Risk).

- Ability to make responsible decisions on short notice and adapt to unexpected developments.

- Contractor and Key Personnel must reside within the boundaries of the USAO-SDMS.

2.4 OVERSIGHT CONTROLS

- The United States Attorney provides general administrative and policy direction, defining the Contractor's assignment in terms of broad mission statements.

- The First Assistant United States Attorney provides guidance and oversight to the Contractor’s work.

- The media relations assistant plans, designs, and executes the overall program, independently determining the methods and approaches to be used.

- The media relations program is evaluated in terms of results achieved and objectives met.

2.5 GUIDELINES

Media relations guidelines include the Justice Manual, agency or local manuals policies and regulations, and standard media relations practices and procedures. These guides are readily available and generally applicable to situations encountered.

The Contractor is responsible for applying and adapting guidelines to resolve specific problems for which established guides and precedents are not clearly applicable based on a knowledge of the USA's policies, priorities, and commitments.

2.6 COMPLEXITY

The work includes the development of new methods, strategies and communication plans covering the complete spectrum of the USAO’s programs, objectives, goals and accomplishments. This involves presenting information on a wide variety of subjects using the full array of written and oral presentation formats and techniques and utilizing all available broadcast, print and social media outlets. Based on analysis of information needs, determined through an analysis of public and media feedback, the incumbent may recommend changes in the dissemination of informational materials.

The work requires developing new ways of educating and messaging to the public USAO goals, objectives, priorities and accomplishments, the goal being to leverage media relations to deter criminals conduct through raising public awareness of criminal matters handled by the USAO, strengthening relationships between the USAO and local, state and federal law enforcement partners, and alerting the public of criminal and fraudulent activity in the community so that citizens can avoid becoming victims.

2.7 PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CONTACTS

Must effectively establish and maintain professional relationships with USAO contacts. Contacts are with members of the local, regional and national media, elected officials of state and local governments and members of their staff, and federal, state, and local public affairs officials.

The purpose of contacts is to maximize exposure of USAO programs, initiatives, goals, objectives and accomplishment to: (1) deter criminal conduct, (2) strengthen USAO relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement partners, and (3) alert the public of criminal and fraudulent conduct in their area to prevent citizens from becoming victims.

3.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Work will be performed at the Contractor’s office and potentially other sites where community meetings occur. United States Attorney’s Office – Southern District of Mississippi location as follows: 501 E.

Court Street, Suite 4.430, Jackson, MS 39201.

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The base period of performance shall be from June 24, 2026, to June 23, 2027.

Option 1, if exercised, shall be from June 24, 2027, to June 23, and is contingent on funding availability at that time.

Option 2, if exercised, shall be from June 24, 2028, to June 23, 2029, and is contingent on funding

Option 3, if exercised, shall be from June 24, 2029, to June 23, 2030, and is contingent on funding

Option 4, if exercised, shall be from June 24, 2030, to June 23, 2031, and is contingent on funding

5.0 OPERATIONAL HOURS

Due to the nature of the work, the Government is seeking proposals based upon a standard hourly rate.

While there are no set hours in which to perform the tasks as outlined in the Statement of Work, the Contractor must not only perform all tasks but also be available on an as-needed basis which may include evenings, weekends and/or holidays. This hourly rate will include all hours worked during the billing period, regardless of the day of the week or the time of the day the tasks are performed.

6.0 TRAVEL

All travel shall be pre-approved by the United States Attorney or First Assistant United States Attorney, with a copy of signed documentation submitted to the Contractor Officer’s Representative (COR).

Travel invoices shall be submitted separately with back-up documentation and receipts as indicated below. Indirect costs associated with travel expenses shall not be reimbursed. Contractors shall obtain government rates whenever available.

Contractors are expected to incur expenses prudently. Excessive or lavish travel expenses shall not be reimbursed. Below are some guidelines to prevent the incurrence of unacceptable travel expenses:

- Coach class transportation tickets should be purchased. Receipts are required.

- Receipts are required for all lodging costs, regardless of amount. Actual hotel costs shall be reimbursed up to government maximum lodging amount for city as indicated in the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) http://www.gsa.gov. Standard hotel rooms should be purchased. Lodging costs shall not be allowed for stays with friends and/or relatives.

- Receipts are not required for meals. Meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) shall be reimbursed at the government M&IE rate as indicated in the Federal Travel Regulation, limited to ¾ rate for first and last day of travel.

- Receipts are required for any miscellaneous expenses over $75, i.e. taxi, phone calls, fax services, copier costs, etc.

- Non-business-related activities shall not be reimbursed, i.e., movies in hotel rooms, personal phone calls, sightseeing ventures, transportation to nighttime activity or events, etc.

- Tips should not exceed 15% of the cost for taxis, etc.

Note: As government per diem rates are revised in the FTR, the new rates shall automatically be effective on the date of the revision.

7.0 CONTRACT TYPE

This will be a Labor Hour contract.

8.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES / FACILITIES

The media relations assistant shall be issued to government furnished equipment to include a secure laptop and cell phone. Other government furnished equipment may be provided at such time as it may be required. Access to databases will be made available as needed.

9.0 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The media relations assistant will be required to have a favorably completed “sensitive” security clearance (BI) (PSL 6-High Risk). This process will include a background check, credit history check and drug screening.

http://www.gsa.gov/ http://www.gsa.gov/

The Government will provide the necessary security forms and instructions to the successful proposed Contractor and coordinate submission to the EOUSA Security Programs Staff.

10.0 TRAINING OF CONTRACTOR STAFF

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing trained, experienced staff for performing the work ordered under this contract, and for continuously monitoring, managing and controlling the work.

The Contractor shall ensure its employees on this contract are trained on "contract-specific" issues such as Department of Justice ethics, standards of conduct, individual conflict of interest, confidentiality requirements, Department of Justice security requirements, understanding the function of reporting, and the importance of quality control and quality assurance. In addition, Contractor managers shall be educated in the terms and conditions of the contract. All information in this paragraph will be given to the Contractor by the on-site USAO employee in charge of directing the work of the Contractor.

No commercial training is authorized unless approved in advance by the CO and/or COR.

DOJ Ethics - All Contractor personnel must view the Department of Justice ethics presentation entitled, "Pardon the Ethics Interruption," within the first two weeks of employment. Copies of this presentation may be obtained from the on-site USAO employee in charge of directing the work of the Contractor.

The Contractor should notify the government manager upon completion of the task. The government manager will notify the COR, who will maintain a record of completion of this training in the official file.

Cybersecurity Awareness Training (CSAT) – All Contractor personnel having access to a Department Information System shall be required to complete the annual Cybersecurity Awareness Training.

11.0 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, appearance, and integrity and shall be responsible for taking disciplinary action(s) with respect to its employees as necessary. Contractor personnel are expected to adhere to standards of behavior that reflect favorably on their employer and the Federal Government.

The Government reserves the right to require the Contractor to reassign from this contract any Contractor personnel who are deemed incompetent, careless, unsuitable or otherwise objectionable, or whose continued use under the contract is deemed contrary to the best interests of the Government.

The Contractor shall remove any employee from performance of contract work within five (5) working days of receiving notice from the CO and/or COR that the employee’s performance is unsatisfactory.

The Contractor shall immediately remove any Contractor personnel found to represent a threat to the safety of government records, government employees, or other Contractors. In instances where the removal of an employee is for substandard performance or behavior negatively impacting delivery of services, the Contractor will be given an opportunity to address the situation prior to removing the employee.

12.0 DELIVERABES & PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The Contractor shall provide qualified Key Personnel to meet the Government’s expectations for task activities and deliverables.

The Government will monitor and assess Contractor performance by periodically reviewing the quality and timeliness of work accomplished. The Government shall inform the Contractor of any problems as they arise.

Evaluation of the Contractor's overall performance, in accordance with the standards set forth in the Statement of Work, will be conducted jointly by the COR and CO, and shall form the basis of the Contractor's permanent performance record regarding this contract.

Replacement of any Key Personnel is subject to the prior written consent from the Government.

Requests for replacement shall include a detailed resume containing a description of position duties and experience and qualifications of the individual(s) proposed. All replacement personnel must be qualified to assume the duties and responsibilities of the position and provide the same levels of effort as the replaced staff.

In the event of a key personnel resignation, the Contractor shall notify the CO and/or COR in writing, within five (5) days of receiving notice of the resignation.

13.0 CONFIDENTIALITY

The Contractor shall recognize that the Government has law enforcement interests, as well as nonprivileged information obtained from federal agencies and employees and other proprietary information, which are valuable, special and unique assets of the Government. The Contractor agrees that any sensitive documents, information and statements made during a day must be kept confidential.

The Contractor shall not reveal, divulge, or disseminate any oral or written information obtained because of execution of this contract or performance of work hereunder. Improper disclosure of information is a violation of the Privacy Act. The Contractor shall be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (Attachment 1).

14.0 GOVERNMENT LIABILITY

The United States, its agent, agencies, department employees, and/or contracting officials shall not be liable for any injury to the Contractor or damage to the Contractor's property unless the injury or damage is due to negligence on the Government's part and may be recoverable under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).