CDC SEEKS INPUT FOR RAPID RESPONSE PR
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention focused on environmental health and toxic substances is reaching out to PR and advertising agencies for input on mounting rapid communications responses to issues, specifically asbestos, a precursor to a possible RFP.
A detailed “sources sought” request by the National Center for Environmental Health, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry said the call for interested agencies could precede a solicitation for pitches or be used for informational purposes in PR planning by the federal agency.
The request, however, includes many details of an RFP and asks for input on PR assignments like plans for developing Q&A messaging for asbestos-related communication, fact sheets and backrounders, media distribution and planning, press event logistics, and other PR-related tasks.
The NCEH does health studies and other investigations at hazardous waste sites like Superfund locations. “Issues at such sites often arise suddenly in response to emerging science, news events and or new information presented,” says a copy of the document issued April 13 to PR and ad agencies.
It notes an “urgent need to have in place response mechanisms to address public concerns” arising from such issues.
The request is open under federal procurement rules to agencies eligible to pursue federal contracts.
Responses to the request are due by April 29.
LEWIS CONNECTS WITH UNISYS
Lewis PR has won an RFP review for IT giant Unisys’ U.S. corporate PR account.
The San Francisco-based firm, as AOR for the U.S., said it will work with the Unisys corporate PR team to highlight thought leaders, products and services in traditional and new media.
The federal government market will also be a focus.
Weber Shandwick was the incumbent, handling the account since 2008.
Jim Kerr, VP of global PR and regional communications for Unisys, said of the hire: “We want to make sure the world knows the kind of work we’re doing.”
Unisys, based in Blue Bell, Pa., had revenue topping $4B in 2010. |
