The trade development organization for 15 southern U.S. states and Puerto Rico is on the hunt for a PR agency to enhance understanding of its mission and take advantage of the Obama administration’s aim to double U.S. exports by 2014.

The Southern United States Trade Council, based in New Orleans, has released an RFP to development a comprehensive PR strategy focused on media relations.

Goals of the effort are threefold: to increase awareness of SUSTA, its programs and role in boosting exports for member companies; increase inquiries from companies, and support the overall goal of increasing exports by supporting national policy and leadership.

President Barack Obama, eying job creation, in 2010 promised to double the country’s export growth over five years with a series of programs from pressuring China to expanding finance opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses.

Funding for the SUTA PR effort will be through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which supports the organization with grants and other services for U.S. companies eying overseas markets.

Proposals are due Aug. 3.

View the RFP (PDF).