ELPR
Washington D.C.'s Only Strategic Communications Agency Exclusively Serving the Public Sector and Its Stakeholders

Case Studies

Strategy in Action

ELPR’s Role in Strategic External Communications & Planning for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations

 

Overview

In 2025, ELPR partnered with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) to lead the agency’s external communications planning during a critical strategic development phase. Our work focused on shaping and aligning OFO’s public-facing messaging, media engagement, and stakeholder communications, and developing a strategic communications operating model through which external communications could be facilitated effectively and in alignment with internal and congressional communications.

Scope of Work

ELPR’s responsibilities were centered on external communications strategy and planning, including:

  • Designing a cohesive external communications roadmap tailored for OFO’s diverse audiences

  • Developing messaging frameworks, press materials, and integrated social media strategies

  • Creating toolkits to facilitate media pitching, executive briefings, and stakeholder engagement

  • Planning earned media opportunities, industry roundtables, and public narratives

  • Conducting stakeholder interviews and gathering feedback to refine communications approaches

Throughout the engagement, ELPR collaborated closely with OFO communications teams and partners to ensure external messaging alignment within the agency’s broader strategic objectives.    

Strategic Planning and Preparedness

Our team developed an ambitious and multi-faceted external communications program, which included:

  • A comprehensive engagement roadmap and editorial calendar

  • Targeted messaging strategies for industry, government stakeholders, and the public

  • Specialized campaigns such as the Air Passenger outreach initiative

  • Multi-channel content plans spanning social media, podcasts, webinars, and events

  • Robust strategies for external communication surrounding the launch of a five-year strategy and the implementation of a strategic communications operating model

Foundations for Future Success

The body of work delivered by ELPR, including detailed campaign plans, outreach toolkits, and engagement templates, establishes a robust platform from which OFO can confidently accelerate its external communications     . ELPR’s partnership has positioned OFO’s external messaging to be both strategic and nimble, providing valued guidance that reinforced OFO leadership’s trust in our advisory role.

Conclusion

Through expert external communications planning, ELPR provided critical support and education during a pivotal moment for CBP OFO. The partnership demonstrated ELPR’s role as a trusted and highly valued advisory, delivering strategic insights and foundational capabilities with a focus on transparency, stakeholder alignment, and impactful messaging. This groundwork ensures that OFO is well-prepared to engage its audiences effectively as it moves forward.

 
Eliza Levy