DOO 15-6

SECTION 1. PURPOSE.

This Order prescribes the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the Press Secretary.

SECTION 2. STATUS AND LINE OF AUTHORITY.

The Office of the Press Secretary ("OPS"), a Departmental office, shall be headed by a Press Secretary who shall report and be responsible to the Secretary.

SECTION 3. FUNCTIONS.

.01 The primary responsibility of the OPS is to effectively communicate with the press on behalf of the Secretary and articulate the missions and priorities of the Department of Commerce (the "Department").

.02 The Press Secretary develops and positions media placement activity and responds to media inquiries pertaining to the Secretary. Day-to-day responsibilities will include:

a. maintaining a close working relationship with the Director and Deputy Director of the Departmental Office of Public Affairs, as well as counterparts throughout the Department and government;

b. assisting the Department's national, business and Washington press corps, with a strategic and targeted focus to national trade press and regional business outlets;

c. keeping abreast of items of press interest to the Secretary, such as internal Departmental developments, White House position statements, status of legislation and major Departmental activities reported to the public and private sector;

d. conducting complex special studies of a confidential and sensitive nature relating to major media issues of concern;

e. soliciting and recommending appropriate media forums for the Secretary's participation;

f. initiating actions in response to reports or announcements to promote Administration initiatives;

g. directing and coordinating the involvement of press services required by the Secretary;

h. drafting in coordination with the Office of Public Affairs, Secretarial messages pertaining to economic indicator announcements; and

i. collecting and analyzing information from media outlets that may impact the Secretary. Signed by: Secretary of Commerce