Good With Words

Air Force officials are looking for a contractor to put together a "comprehensive AF/PAK strategic communication plan" for U.S. Central Command, according to a recent notice on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site.

The term AF/PAK is Washingtonese shorthand for "Afghanistan and Pakistan."

The strategic communication plan is needed amid "the on-going conflict in Afghanistan and unrest in Pakistan," the June 18 solicitation reads.

The document defines strategic communication thusly:

Strategic Communication supports the command’s obligation to facilitate information capabilities in order to keep the American people, regional and international audiences informed of ((CENTCOM)) operations that lead to defeating our adversaries, improving regional stability, and promoting and protecting U.S. interests in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

Notably, the solicitation identifies some of the key U.S. government AF/PAK-related players the contractor will have to work with. There is an "Inter-Agency AF/PAK Framework Development Operational Planning Team," and also an "AF/PAK Strategic Framework Project," according to the solicitation.