NAICS Code: 541990 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Public Affairs Office (PAO) is seeking one individual, at least 18 years of age who is either a first year graduate student (in good standing enrolled in a degree program, not necessarily carrying a full course load, but pursuing a degree at a recognized educational institution) or recent graduate (graduated with a degree from a college or university within the past two years) for public affairs support and general assistance for EPA organizations located in Cincinnati. The Public Affairs Office is responsible for public, media, congressional, international and outreach activities for the agency in Cincinnati. The graduate student/recent graduate contractor will assist with event preparation, writing, maintenance of the Bacon's News Wire Service, actively researching media outlets, creating new communications vehicles, and providing general support, as required. The graduate student/recent graduate contractor shall possess a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public administration, or a related field, and possess superior communications skills, both oral and written. Experience with the use and operation of a personal computer, with emphasis on word processing, familiarity with the Bacon's News Wire Service, and experience in the performance of outreach activities and media outlet searches are desired. This work is expected to begin approximately October 1, 2004, for a period of twelve (12) months through October 1, 2005, thereafter to include an optional performance period of an additional twelve (12) months through October 1, 2006, at the discretion of the EPA. It is anticipated that the graduate student/recent graduate will work approximately 40 hours per week. Extension or continuance beyond 24 months is prohibited. The principal duty station location is the Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Facility, Cincinnati, OH. U.S. citizens are eligible to participate in this program. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS,) formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Graduate students or recent graduates who are EPA ORD employees, or the spouse or child of an EPA ORD employee, are not eligible to participate. The hourly rate of pay is commensurate with the level of education and experience, as follows: $14.28/per hour for recent graduates or graduate students with a BA/BS degree from an accredited university. Interested students/recent graduates must propose this rate in order for his/her proposal to be considered acceptable. Copies of the RFQ will be available on September 11, 2004, and will be distributed via the internet only. To receive a copy of the RFQ, please direct your request via e-mail to Mr. Charles D. McCormick, Contracting Officer, at [email protected]. Award is anticipated on or about September 26, 2004.

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