Inactive

NIMH Media Training Services As the lead federal agency for mental health research, NIMH is required to communicate medical and scientific knowledge related to mental health and share research finding... NIMH Media Training Services As the lead federal agency for mental health research, NIMH is required to communicate medical and scientific knowledge related to mental health and share research findings and the innovations resulting from NIMH-funded research. NIMH’s Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications (OSPPC) oversees communication activities for the Institute, such as media relations. OSPPC works directly with the media to provide access to researchers and guide members of the media to the latest mental health research and information from NIMH. This includes coordinating interviews between journalists and NIMH subject-matter experts (herein referred to as SMEs). It is important for NIMH SMEs (who are generally scientists and/or physicians but may include other experts) to be able to effectively communicate complex, scientific information to lay (non-scientist) audiences to: Educate people about mental health research Ensure access to accurate, timely, and engaging research-based mental health information; and Increase the use of mental health research as a tool to empower patients, caregivers, and providers to make informed health care decisions. The Contractor shall develop and deliver virtual media training for NIMH staff, NIMH SMEs, and the NIMH Director. The media training should enable NIMH staff to effectively communicate with the press, develop talking points and deliver compelling sound bites, handle tough questions, communicate in a crisis, and avoid being misquoted. The training should also provide practical knowledge and tools about the media and how it operates. The Contractor shall plan and conduct two customized, virtual training sessions with NIMH SMEs. The Contractor shall prepare NIMH staff to speak positively, on message, and with confidence. The Contractor shall also provide the NIMH Director and NIMH staff with approaches that shape the Institute’s messages and deliver them persuasively to target audiences. After the training sessions, NIMH staff should have the knowledge and skills necessary to present NIMH key messages with confidence to large audiences, in business settings, congressional hearings, courtrooms, on the news, or over the Internet. The Contractor is responsible for all aspects of course preparation and instruction, must be current in the course material, and provide updates to all course material throughout the contract performance period. The Contractor is expected to develop course materials specifically designed for NIMH’s needs and shall furnish all final training materials to NIMH at the completion of the project. The course materials should include: 1) a comprehensive workbook that will guide NIMH trainees during the training session and that will be effective as a standalone reference and refresher after the media training is completed; 2) a target message/talking points development tool; 3) a session agenda; and 4) the scenarios that will be used during interactive exercises. At least five (5) business days prior to each training session, the contractor shall coordinate with the NIMH Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to provide course materials and any related resources to participating NIMH staff. The Contractor shall plan and conduct two in-depth, instructor-led virtual media training sessions for NIMH staff within the specified performance period. NIMH anticipates a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 NIMH SME participants during each session. The training must be conducted during the Institute’s core operating hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM). For the training, the course must include instructor-led activities and interactive exercises that are recorded. The training must cover such topics as: Basic spokesperson principles. What to do when a reporter calls. How to develop effective talking points and target messages. Supporting your message with media-friendly stories and sound bites. Handling questions about controversial issues. How to deliver an effective interview. Using body language to reinforce on-camera messages. The instructor shall coach, train, and rehearse effective communications techniques with NIMH staff through real-life scenarios that are recorded through the platform and can be played back during the session. Minimal Requirements for the Training Instructor include: Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Minimum of ten (10) years of media and communications experience. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in providing media training to senior scientists and public health officials at HHS and NIH. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience independently advising senior scientific leaders on messaging, presentation skills, and on-camera interview preparation. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in providing advice to senior leaders of scientific research agencies regarding crisis communications, including the development and use of timely messages in response to specific controversies or high-profile events. Must have excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills. Must have in-depth knowledge of the challenges in communicating with the media about mental health disorders. Must have a background in print and broadcast reporting. Must have a background in speech writing.