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Media Outreach Guide: Amplify Our Voice & Expose the Truth

Section 1: Key Messages for the Media – What to Emphasize

When speaking with journalists or crafting communications, focus on these critical points. Remember to always provide links to our core reports and data for substantiation.

• The Process is Unlawful: The current FAR Overhaul is circumventing the legally mandated Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Changes are being pushed through via class deviations, not transparent rulemaking with public notice and comment.
• Small Businesses Are Being Systematically Shut Out: This isn't just reform; it's a fundamental dismantling of safeguards like the 'Rule of Two.' Essential market research triggers for set-asides are being erased. (Reference: APA Hijack Explained, Rule of Two Report)
• Devastating Impact on Local Economies: Billions of dollars in federal contracts, which are the lifeblood of many local communities, are now at risk. This translates to lost jobs, reduced local investment, and economic hardship. (Reference: What's At Stake Data)
• Reduced Competition & Innovation: Sidelining small businesses leads to less competition, potentially higher long-term costs for taxpayers, and a stifling of the innovation that small firms bring. (Reference: Impact on Small Business)
• National Security Concerns: The decline of small businesses in the Defense Industrial Base poses a risk to our national security, supply chain resilience, and innovative edge. (Reference: Security & Innovation Impact)
• Core Campaign Message: Always reiterate: "They didn’t change the law. They erased the regulations that implemented it, enforced it, and made it transparent."

Section 2: How to Reach Out – Identifying & Contacting Media

Effectively reaching out to the media can significantly amplify our message. The key is to find the right contacts and provide them with clear, compelling information.

A. Start with Your Local Media – They Know Your Community Best

Your local newspapers, TV stations, and radio news programs are often looking for stories that directly impact their audience and community. The threat to local small businesses and your regional economy is a powerful local angle.

How to Find Local Contacts:

• Use a search engine (like Google or a tool like Gemini) with specific search phrases for your area. Try combinations like:
  • "[Your City/Town Name] newspaper contact"
  • "[Your County Name] news media list"
  • "local radio news [Your State] contact"
  • "[Your City/Town Name] business journal editor"
  • "submit letter to editor [Your Local Newspaper Name]"
• Visit the websites of your local media outlets. Look for sections like "Contact Us," "About Us," "Staff Directory," or "News Tips."
• Don't forget local Business Journals if your area has one.

B. Consider National & Trade Media

While local outreach is often most impactful for individual voices, it's also worth being aware of journalists at larger newspapers, wire services, or broadcast networks who cover federal policy, government accountability, or small business issues, as well as relevant trade publications.

C. Making Initial Contact: Your Pitch Email

A concise and compelling email is usually the best initial approach. Include:

• Clear Subject Line: e.g., "Story Idea: Federal Rule Changes Threaten [Your City/Region] Small Businesses"
• Brief Introduction: Who you are.
• The Core Issue (1-2 Sentences): The unlawful FAR overhaul bypassing APA and shutting out small businesses.
• Why It Matters to *Their* Audience (Local Angle): Crucial for local media.
• Offer Key Information & Yourself as a Source: Link to RestoreFairAccess.org (key pages like `/apa-hijack` or `/rule-of-two-report`).
• Your Contact Information.

Keep it concise: Aim for 3-4 short paragraphs.

Section 3: Sample Materials You Can Adapt

Using a consistent and factual message is key. Below are materials you can adapt.

A. Sample Letter to the Editor / Op-Ed (Adaptable Draft)

Guidance: Letters are typically 150-250 words; Op-Eds 600-750 words. Check local paper guidelines. Always personalize with local impact and your experiences.

B. Key Talking Points for Interviews or Calls

• "The federal government is illegally rewriting contracting rules behind closed doors, bypassing the Administrative Procedure Act."
• "This FAR overhaul is dismantling decades of bipartisan protections for small businesses, like the 'Rule of Two' for set-asides."
• "Small businesses are being systematically shut out. We've seen a nearly 50% drop in small business federal suppliers since 2008; this will accelerate it."
• "This directly impacts our local economy. Billions of dollars and countless jobs in communities like ours are at risk." (Cite your district's data from `/whats-at-stake`).
• "We demand transparency, accountability, and adherence to the law. Congress must conduct oversight immediately."
• "This affects fair competition, innovation, taxpayer value, and even our national security."

Section 4: Essential Background Information for Journalists

Direct journalists to these key resources on RestoreFairAccess.org:

• The Full Report – "The Rule of Two After the Executive Orders": Read the Report
• APA Hijack Explained – How the Law is Being Bypassed: Understand the Violations
• What's At Stake – Data by Congressional District: See Local Impact Data
• FAR Overhaul & Deviation Watch – Tracking the Changes: View the Tracker
• What the Experts Say – Independent Validation: Hear from Experts

Campaign Contact for Media Inquiries:
Email: `contact@restorefairaccess.org`
Or visit our Contact Page: restorefairaccess.org/contact-us

Section 5: Tips for Effective Media Engagement

• Be Clear and Concise: Get to the point quickly.
• Focus on Facts and Impact: Use information from our reports. Explain how this affects real people and communities.
• Highlight the Local Angle: Emphasize the impact on *their* specific region.
• Personalize Your Story (If Comfortable): Your experience as an impacted business owner is powerful.
• Be a Reliable Resource: Offer further information and direct them to RestoreFairAccess.org.
• Be Persistent, but Polite: A polite follow-up is acceptable.
• Share Any Successes: Let us know if you get media coverage via our Contact Page!