PR Support Writer

PR SUPPORT WRITER
FAQ's

Ohio Valley Interactive Technology (OVITA) Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Media/Public Relations Request for Quote/Qualifications (RFQ)
April 14, 2009

Media/Public Relations  Support Required
DEADLINE DATE FOR RESPONSE IS May 12th AT 5:00 PM
Description of function and requirements:

The Appalachian Ohio WIRED Initiative is a $5.1 million Department of Labor program for workforce development in Interactive Digital Technology (IDT). IDT is the term used to describe the underlying skills that have been traditionally used to develop casual computer games but those skills are increasingly being applied in the broader market of serious games such as business simulations, Emergency Responder training, medicine and education as well as in military applications.

A communications grant not to exceed $20,000 has been identified to support the Appalachian Ohio WIRED Initiative through January 31, 2010.
The Initiative has an immediate need for media/public relations writing support to convey  specifically targeted messages utilizing a variety of media outlets on activities related to the creation of Cyber Centers and Cyber Clubs as well as other workforce development programs.

Activities must include:
1.   Gather information and become familiar with Interactive Digital Technology, and the WIRED Initiative.
2.   Develop an Initiative Communication Plan for 2009 that will inform, educate and motivate stakeholders regarding the activities of the Initiative and its impact on them.
3.   Develop press releases and stories for various media outlets, including but not limited to newspapers, radio stations, television stations, on-line publications, and magazines that will achieve publication.
4.    Make contact with reporters and newscasters throughout the Appalachian Ohio region as well as the rest of Ohio, including Associated Press and United Press International, to secure favorable coverage of the Initiative.
5.   Develop and publish a monthly Newsletter in both digital and printed formats as well as appropriate updates of the web site.
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Deliverables will include:
1.   Development of a Communications Plan for 2009.
2.   Published news releases and articles for various media outlets, including localized content (tie-ins to project-related activity at Kent State University-Tuscarawas, Ohio University, Shawnee State University, University of Rio Grande, Washington State Community College, for instance).
3.    Dissemination of written, picture, and video content to media throughout Ohio that will achieve publication.
4.    Development of articles with pictures and video that could gain the interest of periodical or web-based publications.
6.    Development and maintenance of a list of potential periodicals and web-based publication with subject areas related to the Initiative.
7.    Development and publishing of monthly newsletter and web site updates.

The person or organization providing this support must have demonstrated experience in media, writing, and public relations including the above listed activities and deliverables. Demonstration of previous writing or coverage of topics related to Interactive Digital Technology, information technology, interactive media, and internet-based business is desirable. The successful bidder will be expected to be physically present in Southeastern Ohio during a significant portion of the period of performance.

Quotes are to be provided as total cost for the deliverables expressed in terms of an hourly rate times projected work hours required for completion and should be based on a physical presence in the southeast Ohio area.

The awarded consultant will enter into contract with the OVITA WIRED Program Director and Fiscal Agent, and will be required to supply documented time on the project in the form of an invoice, along with copies of all press releases produced, and articles published, for payment on the contract.  All articles and pictures developed by the consultant will be the property of the OVITA WIRED Initiative and the Community Action Organization of Scioto County as the fiscal agent.

Evaluation of the proposals submitted will be based upon:
1.    Knowledge of and experience in media outlet writing,
2.    Knowledge of and experience public relations,
3.    Presentation of materials that document experience and capabilities with media and public relations writing,
4.    Knowledge of and experience with information technology industry, interactive media, virtual environments for education, and education and training in these technology fields,
5.    Education and training relevant to the above skill-sets,
6.    Program Manager confirmation of qualifications submitted in the proposal,
7.    Quality of the proposal submission,
8.    Quote appropriate for the skills and workload expected.
9.    Specific quotes and comments for:
    a. Development of a communications plan: Describe your initial process for the development of a full communications plan.
    b. 24 press releases: Describe your approach to developing press releases and previous successes with their placement.
    c. 12 Stories: Describe your approach to developing stories and previous successes.
    d. 4 Videos: Describe you experience with video production especially machinima.
    e. 10 Newsletters: Describe your approach to developing and publishing a newsletter and previous accomplishments.
    f. Monthly web site updates

The Program Manager and Fiscal Agent reserve the right to reject any and all proposals based upon insufficient qualifications and/or price quoted.  The Program Manager and Fiscal Agent also reserve the right to negotiate on the cost quote with a candidate who has demonstrated the qualifications necessary to meet the contracts needs.

Questions regarding this request are to be directed to Bill Sams, IDT Program Director at samsw@ohio.edu. The response to the request is due by email to WIRED@itaao.net by 5:00 EST, on Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

Ohio Valley Interactive Technology Alliance (OVITA) WIRED Initiative
Program Manager:  Information Technology Alliance of Appalachian Ohio, Inc. (ITAAO)
340 W. State Street, Unit 20, Athens, Ohio 45701, and www.ovita.org
740.597.1408, and 740.597.1355 –fax.

Fiscal Agent:  Community Action Organization of Scioto County/WIB #1, 433 Third Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 www.workforceconnections.biz 740.354-4531