Section C.doc

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

Broadcast Production and Distribution Purpose and Objective: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of the Associate Director for Communication (OADC), Division of Communication Services (DCS), has a requirement to procure Broadcast Production and Distribution Support. The purpose of this task order contract will be to provide systems maintenance / updating for broadcast production facilities in the Global Communications Center (GCC). The contractor shall provide the following services to ensure that:

· Broadcast production and distribution is not compromised by downtime in equipment and/or systems. The contractor shall be required to develop contingency plans to deal with equipment malfunction and/or planned replacement including but not limited to those arising during a live broadcast. The contractor should note that there is very little redundancy in equipment and/or systems, and that exigency plans to effective address equipment or system malfunctions.

· Signal quality for broadband video / audio, as well as, satellite signals meet or exceed industry standards.

· Due to the nature of CDC’s responsibilities to protect the public’s health, the contractor shall ensure availability on a 24/7 daily and 365 yearly bases. This will allow the Division of Creative Services (DCS) to fulfill broadcast production and distribution functions in emergency and/ or priority situations.

A preliminary and finalized list of GCC Video Production equipment will be provided to the Contractor upon award. Service manuals and cable-run lists will be provided to the Contractor upon request as needed. All equipment supplied by the government will remain the property of the government.

Background and Need: The Tom Harkin Global Communications Center (GCC) is CDC’s public presence and the dissemination point for worldwide public health education and information.

The communications hub of the GCC are Digital and High-Definition (HD) Broadcast, Graphic Production, and Distribution Facilities located in the basement and press room, on the second floor, of the GCC. These services utilize broadcast, satellite, videotape, web and computer-based delivery, while embracing emerging technologies for CDC Centers, Institutes and Offices.

Broadcast Audio and Video Production Facilities (Basement): Will serve as CDC’s main space for production and distribution activities including live as well as pre-recorded audio and video programming within which CDC will originate and/or participate in. It includes two (only one of which is outfitted) HD / digital studios which include HD-SDI cameras, edit suites, audio production suites, motion graphic design areas, scientific and general photography suites and IFB capability. Adjoining this space will be a Terminal Equipment Room and a production control room which will be linked to a/v space and equipment within the GCC.

Press Room: This room will serve as CDC’s main space for hosting press conferences. Broadcast video and audio origination capability is provided, as will local presentation capabilities via a 61” plasma display. Two installed, remote PTZ cameras (HD-SDI) will provide a “pool” feed to broadcasters as well as to support video recording, and audio teleconferencing. The room will include a mix of wired and wireless microphones for presenter and audience participation. The room will include audio and video conference capabilities, and will also be linked to the Emergency Operations Center and Basement Level Terminal Equipment Room for production/origination capability.

Scope of Work: The contractor shall provide comprehensive integration, supervision, and management of the tasks/services described below. The contractor will be required to travel domestically and internationally.

Task 1. Core Operations. Day to day audio and video production responsibilities shall consist of a production staff to perform the following duties: videotaping from multiple angles; recording audio and video footage; loading and operating teleprompter; lighting design and set-up; stage make-up application; logging film sequences; handling and setting up equipment; audio mixing; operating a character generator; providing technical, aesthetic and floor direction; operating telos equipment; and taking still photographs. The contractor shall have experience in producing programming for web based, commercial and satellite distribution. Other more specific services will include:

· IFB utilization

· Set design

· Audio sweetening and file manipulation using DAWS audio workstation

· Troubleshooting and remediation of audio recording issues

· Audio file creation, conversion, compression and set up of files for captioning

· Video file conversion

· Production of live media uplinks

· Video capture and editing using green screen technology which may include graphic elements

· Non linear editing

· Scriptwriting or script editing

· Webstreaming

Task 2.

Broadcast Television Equipment Maintenance Engineering Team. The Contractor shall responsible for the maintenance and/or modification of a complex broadcast grade audio and video production facility and its related systems. Services to be performed include:

· Engineering services to facilitate the design, installation, maintenance and modification of broadcast grade, high definition television (HDTV) equipment and systems.

· Engineering services to facilitate the production, post production, duplication, distribution and format-conversion requirements of an all digital, HDTV facility.

· Engineering services to facilitate the reception and transmission of broadcast satellite, internet protocol (IP) webcast, internet protocol television (IPTV) and all future broadcast and communication technologies.

· Design and install all cabling, mounting, labeling and recording of new equipment required to integrate connectivity of services, while complying with applicable federal and state codes, and safety regulations.

· Establish, maintain and report procedures for daily corrective and preventative maintenance of all systems according to established current specifications (specified below).

· Calibrate and adjust all systems to ensure optimal technical and operational performance.

· Diagnose equipment and system malfunctions and correct in the most appropriate, expedient, and cost-efficient manner (bypass, replace, repair, order parts, or contact manufacturer).

· Provide consultation on the modification or design of future systems to enhance technical performance and functionality.

· Secure parts or replacement / upgrades to existing systems (e.g. editing, videography, format conversion, recording)

All repairs, adjustments, calibrations and maintenance adjustments shall conform to current specifications published by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), the Audio Engineering Society (AES) or manufacturer’s specifications.

http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/ http://www.smpte.org/smpte_store/standards/ http://www.atsc.org/standards.html http://www.aes.org/standards/ Due to the advanced interconnectivity, complexity and configuration of communication services involved inside the GCC, within the CDC Roybal Campus and Continuity of Operations Centers (COOPs), the contractor must have an intimate knowledge and understanding of all systems and their interconnectivity. This is in addition to demonstrable history of hands-on experience gained in the full spectrum of a broadcast television environment, including in particular high-definition (HD) or digital broadcast and graphic environments, and connectivity between a/v and broadcast systems.

All equipment, supplies, tools, materials, and work space necessary to perform the required services will be provided by the government. All replacement parts will be provided by the government within one week of notification of need by the contractor or his assignees. The government will also provide identification and accessibility requirements (ID badge, cardkey, door keys, and passwords to appropriate systems) and communication capabilities (access to telephone, telefax, and e-mail).

Task 3. CDC often requires broadcast production support to cover project based needs as opposed to “day to day” type support. The support will be On-Site and Off-Site.

Subtask 3(a). On-Site Support. The following table describes various broadcast craft services that may be required to carry out the production of project based requirements.

Requirement

Thorough knowledge of the following design programs: 3D Max, Discreet, Avid (non-linear editing), Photoshop, Macromedia products. i.e. Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash and Freehand, as well as other applications such as PowerPoint, Acrobat, and scanning programs. planning and producing 3D graphics, animations, and print instructional and marketing materials and provide graphic design services and expertise; this includes print media as well as Web.

Conduct sign language and oral translations interpretation for the deaf and hearing impaired employees and visitors.

Teleproduction experience and specific experience in editing both long and short form video projects with non-linear digital editing systems including in particular Avid based systems. Ability to serve in multiple crafts areas.

Knowledge of videography techniques, materials, processes and equipment to provide high quality videos of events, including conferences, press briefings, meetings, receptions, and group gatherings of various types. Requirement to provide the camera and lighting, as well as other required equipment.

Perform the tasks of HTML editing and programming needed to create web pages for e-learning and programming interactivities such as drag and drop matching exercise and multiple choice questions. Specific tasks may include:

· Developing e-learning products based on the team’s instructional design specifications and visual design specifications.

· Performing programming tasks associated with the design and development of databases and interactive user interfaces.

· Using development and programming techniques that ensure product compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (Section 508), ADL’s Shareable Content Reference Model and industry standards for usability.

· Assist in specifying and documenting system requirements.

· Liaison with IT personnel regarding implementation of web sites, learner support, and product maintenance.

· Assist in the coordination of formative evaluation activities, such as unit, beta, usability, and field testing with target audience members.

· Trouble-shooting technical problems.

Provide an on-camera broadcast professional, with a minimum of three years, live, network experience. Deliver general program information, narrate segments, facilitate live question/answer segments, introduce presenters, and be able to ad-lib during technical problems for teleproductions including live and recorded events.

The contractor shall provide personnel to serve in the lead, or in a supporting role, for teleproductions including live and recorded events.

The CDC requires the creation of scripts for teleproductions including live and recorded events. The offeror shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, supplies, local travel, transportation and other incidentals to accomplish this task. The script should be based on the technical information provided by the content specialists and/or presenters themselves, yet, it should be easily read aloud and clearly structured for audience comprehension and/or re-enactment by actors. It should be written according to design and television standards.

Performing all tasks of the instructional systems process including: analysis, design, development and evaluation. Specific tasks may include: Collaborating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Health Scientists and Training Advisors in the design and development of instructional projects.

The offeror shall perform the following training evaluation activities:

Running reports off the CDC Training and Continuing Education Online system

Setting up and maintaining spreadsheets

Data entry

Developing PowerPoint slide templates for presentations

Collect data (via phone, web, and email) from internal and external partners

Clerical support (as required)

CDC requires live closed captioning of satellite broadcasts, webcasts and IPTV feeds; and post-production captioning of edited television programs including delivery of transcription in text file format. The offeror shall provide captioning of webcasts, web archives and IPTV feeds.

Direction of the overall general production; floor direction for on-stage talent, camera angles, aesthetic treatment; technical direction to include multi-camera roll-ins and graphics insertion; and lighting direction to illuminate the stage area by designing and executing a lighting plan by placing and aiming lighting equipment for either live or recorded programs.

Pictures shall be required by CDC in recording historical events and in instructional products. Subjects to be photographed may include individuals, groups, award presentations, building dedications, speakers, or other similar activities. Still photographs may be taken utilizing appropriate equipment including medium format, when necessary, for individuals, groups, conference activities, and for other similar public relations activities. The contractor shall provide the cameras, lighting, and other required equipment. Traditional or digital format will be utilized. All photographs shall be of publishable quality.

Subtask 3(b). Field Services. The Contractor shall identify and secure field production services” that can be performed either locally (i.e. in the Atlanta metro area) or Nationally or Internationally. Services shall be available on several hours notice. Services shall include:

· Uplink Truck

Signal provided by CDC: A Ku-band uplink truck capable of delivering the provided signal (and other communications such as mix-minus, IFB, producer voice, etc.) to a specified satellite or location. Truck shall include a qualified radio frequency engineer and associated uplink/communications equipment.

Signal NOT provided by CDC: A Ku-band uplink truck capable of delivering a self-generated, broadcast quality signal (and other communications such as mix-minus, IFB, producer voice, etc.) to a specified satellite or location. Truck shall include a qualified radio frequency engineer, and a two-person video crew consisting of videographer/ lighting and audio/grip, and associated uplink/communications equipment.

· TV Production Truck. Typically designated as a “sports” truck, this 18-wheel tractor trailer is a television station on wheels (minus the studio). Truck shall contain all the systems and operators (i.e. engineers, audio operator, tape operator, camera operators, character generator operator and technical director) required to generate a broadcast-quality presentation from remote locations.

· The contractor shall produce broadcast grade videotaping by providing the following tasks:

1. Videotaping from single or multiple angles to produce broadcast grade camera operation.

2. Recording audio and video with a standard sound kit.

3. Setting up and/or operating lighting and recording either under the direction of the assigned producer/director or resulting in a record-for-the-record videotape.

4. Applying stage make-up to create a professional look and/or create special effects when required for on-air talent.

5. Production administration services will include clerical duties such as logging tape sequences; making notes of props and locations on the set; obtaining appropriate signatures for talent release forms, and other duties.

6. Directing on-stage talent, operating a video camera, and creating lighting effects to produce a satellite broadcast or videotape.

The contractor shall produce broadcast grade videotape recording by providing the following tasks. The frequency of these services will be sporadic.

1. Grip support for set-up, dismantle, arrange, adjust, calibrate, connect cables and power supplies for lighting equipment, audio and/or videotaping equipment, prop/scenery pieces.

2. Application of stage make-up to on-camera talent.

3. Audio technical services to set up microphones; operate mixers, and assure audio recording meets broadcast technical specifications.

4. Video tape operation services to set up and operate video recording equipment to assure video recording meets broadcast technical specifications.

5. Assure seamless and continuous action from shot-to-shot as video is made.

6. Assure that both visual and oral scripts are performed as written.

7. Administrative production assistance.

8. Teleprompter operator services.

9. Answering telephone calls and taking messages for interactive satellite broadcasts.

· The contractor shall produce a live, satellite delivered broadcast by providing the following tasks.

1. Operating video cameras from a minimum of three different camera angles.

2. Prepare script, load and operate a teleprompter.

3. Operate videotape recording and playback equipment.

4. Operate audio recording equipment to capture on-stage and recorded sounds.

5. Operate character generator equipment.

6. Applying stage make-up to create a professional look and/or create special effects when required for on-air talent.

Subtask 3(c) Connectivity Services

· Crawford Satellite Services – Uplink transmission. CDC and its partners produce a wide variety of distance learning programming requiring transmission and distribution of signals to both C-band and Ku-band, geosynchronous broadcast satellites. Future plans may include uplink transmission of multiple programs to multiple, analog and digital, broadcast satellites.

This service shall include the capability to receive (via fiber optic or other emerging technologies), monitor and transmit broadcast television programming to multiple C-band, Ku-band, or digital broadcast satellites (DBS), simultaneously. Uplink signals during “test periods” (normally twenty-four hours in advance) as well as during live broadcasts (consisting of multiple, over-lapping start times and both hard and soft out times) shall be available.

CDC may require the following specific tasks to be performed.

Schedule a project with twenty-four hours notice by CDC and provide written confirmation of acceptance by facsimile, e-mail or courier. (In situations of national emergency, the contractor shall be allowed to provide verbal confirmation of acceptance and shall provide uplink transmission services in as little as one hour’s notice by CDC.)

Prior to each project, contact the assigned CDC origination portal to monitor, test and verify signal reception and standardization (currently, via multiple fiber optic links) and alert CDC of any discrepancies, whatever the cause. Specific satellites, satellite space segments (time of use), and video formats (NTSC, ATSC or HDTV) shall be provided by the government.

Contractor shall be absolutely pro-active in alerting CDC if the assigned satellite or satellite coordinates have recently changed, i.e. satellite has been relocated or replaced; space coordinates have changed, or transponders have been reassigned or renumbered.

Transmission specifications shall conform to current specifications published by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), the Audio Engineering Society (AES), or manufacturer’s specifications.

http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/ http://www.smpte.org/smpte_store/standards/ http://www.atsc.org/standards.html http://www.aes.org/standard Provide the facilities to record “master” program tapes on the best available digital formats for an additional fee. The contractor shall have available options to record the “captioned” or “non-captioned” versions, and shall make delivery of same to CDC within three working days of the program.

· Hughes Corporation – Satellite Time. CDC and its partners produce a wide variety of distance learning, emergency public health response programming that requires national transmission of broadcast television signals by both C and Ku-band, geosynchronous satellites. Future plans may include uplink transmission of programming to multiple, simultaneous analog and digital, broadcast satellites. CDC requires the services of a vendor having immediate access to satellite segment and transponder space on major C, Ku-band and digital broadcast services (DBS) satellites.

This service shall include the capability to access to the highest quality, most powerful C, Ku-band, and digital broadcast satellite systems covering the continental United States, Canada, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Since not all satellites are “viewable” from all locations, CDC normally requests satellite segment and transponder time thirty-days in advance and specifies coverage requirements for the public health workforce. The contractor shall locate available satellites meeting CDC’s specific requirements and, once assigned, shall confirm the reservation in writing specifying all pertinent details including uplink and downlink frequencies, start and end times, and date(s) of use. The written confirmation shall be delivered by facsimile or e-mail. Assigned satellites shall meet or exceed published minimum audio/video specifications and bandwidth (i.e. no half-transponders or limited-footprint satellites.)

CDC may require the following specific tasks to be performed.

Assign satellite segments and transponders according to CDC requirements within a twenty-four hour window of notification by CDC, and provide written confirmation of acceptance by facsimile, e-mail or courier. (In situations of national emergency, the contractor shall be allowed to provide verbal confirmation of acceptance and shall provide satellite specifications and assignments in as little as one hour’s notice of request by CDC.)

Avoid relocation or reassignment of a project once satellite specifics have been published by CDC. Specific penalties for reassignment or relocation may apply.

Contractor shall be absolutely pro-active in alerting CDC if the assigned satellite or satellite coordinates or names have recently changed, i.e. satellite has been relocated or replaced; space coordinates have changed, or transponders have been reassigned or renumbered.

Satellite and transmission specifications shall conform to current, published specifications issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), the Audio Engineering Society (AES), or manufacturer’s specific, published specifications.

http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/ http://www.smpte.org/smpte_store/standards/ http://www.atsc.org/standards.html http://www.aes.org/standard