Final_951700-19-R-BroadcstOps-02.docx

Part I – The Schedule

A. Solicitation/Contract Form See Standard Form B. Supplies or Services and Price/Cost This is a FAR Part 13 solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a no other request for proposals will issued. This solicitation sets forth requirements for proposals for a contract to provide Archive & Research Services as described in the attached Statement of Work (SOW). Proposals conforming to the solicitation requirements will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation and award criteria set forth herein.

Neither the solicitation nor any part of an Offeror's proposal shall be part of the contract except to the extent expressly incorporated therein by the Contracting Officer.

The Offeror's proposal submitted in response to this solicitation shall constitute a firm offer. No contract shall be formed unless and until the Contracting Officer has countersigned the SF 1449 submitted by an Offeror, and delivered to the Contractor a copy of the SF 1449 with original signatures together with the contract reflecting the Offeror's proposed prices.

Ordering Period The ordering period of this Base Purchase Agreement (BPA) defined in the table below.

Period of Performance

Contract Type Orders issued under the Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) shall be Fixed-Price and/or Time and Materials/Labor Hour. Order type will be defined at the order level.

C. Description/Specification/Statement of Work Introduction The Voice of America provides news and information in 45 languages to a measured weekly audience of more than 236.6 million people around the world. For 75 years VOA journalists have told American stories and supplied content that many people cannot get locally; objective news and information about the US, and their region and the world. The VOA Archive & Research Service (ARS) is responsible for maintaining VOA’s collections of video content and providing access to a wide variety of digital and analogue video and audio for use by VOA producers and reporters. The Archive & Research Service of the Media Asset Management (MAM) Branch (VOA/PBCM) is seeking qualified researchers and archivists to provide research and archiving support for broadcast use of media content.

The MAM Branch is requesting proposals for customized audio processing and digital ingest of original video for the Voice of America broadcasters.

Description of Tasks

· The task of research and archiving is accomplished through team effort. The nature of this task will require the Researcher & Archiving Specialist to cover up to five assignments per week with various shifts starting as early as 6 am and ending as late as 11pm. Coverage is needed for holidays as well as weekend days.

· The Media Research and Archiving Specialist shall perform video information searches using the Media Asset Management (MAM) system, (a Dalet suite of servers including Dalet Plus Production and Archive with a web interface application, DP Webspace), an in-house index to the analog collection, content provider websites, the Video Library database (VLS), trusted Internet websites and other search tools to locate video content or clips.

· Requests may be for video clips on videotape or existing as digital files in the Dalet Plus system, external hard drives or other locations. Research and Archiving Specialist must respond to search requests by locating specific events or images on digital media (if analogue, must digitize and ingest the content), and restore the video / audio from the archive or other known and unrestricted source. Delivery to requestor may be through the DAM system or exported to portable media or an established platform used by the Agency.

· Factors that extend research time include: determining rights restrictions, consulting alternate stock footage sources, add-on requests, SD / HD format problems, network latency and interruptions caused by walk-in / phone-in requests. Research and Archiving Specialist must document requests and details about source and other metrics using our research tracking system. Must re-shelve tapes reviewed for the request and update the circulation management software as needed. Follow-up with requestor request status and completion with details on digital file location(s) should be consistent with team practices.

· Under the guidance of the Archive and Research Service Supervisor, the Research and Archiving Specialist shall catalog and select images for archiving or for purging from the system. Responsibilities include identifying / locating hard to find footage on videotape and ingesting it into the DAM system. Responsible for facilitating / performing script matching with the video, adding additional metadata, and documenting the archive process of assigned video. Follows up on ingested titles to ensure the titles reach the correct folder in the archive system.

· Duties include performing XDCam; migrating the content to the designated NetApp Server, attending research, archiving and other work related meetings, assisting with content migration projects, including DaletPlus ingest, and outreach to customers as needed. Downloads licensed content from newsfeed provider websites and uses video-sharing platforms including Peach to deliver or download requested content.

· Responsibilities include archiving content including Radio & TV Program Masters, original VOA video, newsfeed and other stock footage and helps archive select VOA social media. Content to be archived includes programs and packages produced by any USAGM entity. Regularly reviews Asset Manager Forms of files during the process of archiving, adding or correcting data as needed.

· Communicates with team members routinely to collaborate on research and to ensure the archiving effort captures desired content. Sends a trouble ticket to Digital Media Support Division (DMD) upon discovery of failed or incomplete file processing in the DAM system, alerts the team through heads-up e-mails, in person and phone as appropriate.

· Performs newsfeed monitoring functions such as checking all the feeds for gaps, restrictions, and missing content or metadata. Archives content sourced from other than newsfeed or VOA original (such as UN other USAGM entity material). Maintains metrics of work performed (such as deleted stories and downloads from newsfeed providers) and notifies the Monitoring team.

· Performs duties remotely as assigned and during emergency situations for continuity of content delivery to VOA producers and journalists.

· Process audio recordings of major events and VOA’s English audio features, backgrounders, correspondent’s reports processed in RSHD (or subsequent MAM system) for language services; versioning English radio programs use.

· Reviews metadata prepared by AI or other automated systems to ensure accuracy. Assists with standardizing workflows and data taxonomy. Participates with update and maintenance of MAM customer communication vehicles including SharePoint and footprints. Edits text and graphic elements under the direction of the Service Chief as needed.

· Reviews and weeds the D+Archive (or subsequent MAM Archive) and physical archive of excessive content based on unknown source, restricted source, general restrictions, missing content and VOA editorial requirements. Oversees requests for legacy content and works with requests for audio as needed.

Government Furnished Property, Material Equipment, or Information (GFP. GFM, GFE, or GFI) Work on site will be performed using Agency workstations and applications. General supplies will be provided on site as well.

Security Entrance on site requires security clearance, fingerprinting. Government supplied ID card must be worn at all times.

Travel The USAGM does not provide lodging or transportation, parking at the facility or other miscellaneous expenses incurred.

In the event of Inclement weather / Government shut down The work requirement continues in most cases despite unpleasant conditions. Contractor should contact the COR for direction during these events.

The US government will pay lodging only if conditions and requirement warrant.

Place(s) of Performance VOA/USAGM / IBB, Cohen Building, 330 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20237, and, Contractor’s facility as assigned.

Contractor Performance Evaluation Criteria Unsatisfactory performance or improper conduct on the part of the Researcher/Archivist may result in VOA terminating the BPA. Deliverables shall be spot checked on a regular basis. Broadcaster feedback, team interaction, adherence to MAMB policy and the ability to meet requestor deadlines will be used in the evaluation of performance.

Any potential candidates will be submitted, interviewed, and approved by designated VOA supervisors.

Any vendor intended changes in personnel supplied under this contract shall be vetted by the COR and CO and carried out in coordination and consultation with the COR and CO, and any other appropriate agency personnel.

Assignment Rate Assignment rate will be based on an hourly labor rate.

D. Packing and Materials E. Inspection and Acceptance Acceptance Criteria The Contractor shall provide work products and deliverables within the acceptance criteria identified below. Quality measures as set forth below shall be applied to each Work Product and Deliverable.

· Adherence to Requirements - Work products and deliverables shall comply with the Government’s requirements as defined in the Statement of Work (SOW)

· Accuracy - Work products and deliverables shall be free from errors and mistakes (all errors shall be corrected) and be developed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures

· Completeness - Work products and deliverables shall have all parts or elements as required by the SOW

· Clarity - Work products and deliverables shall be easy to understand

· Timeliness - Work products and deliverables shall be available at the time required and generated on or before specified and mutually agreed to due dates or in accordance with a later mutually agreed to scheduled date

· Format - Work products and deliverables shall be submitted electronically, files preferred in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Excel format

· All deliverables become the property of the Government. BBG will have 5 business days from the date of submission to provide any comments and formally accept each deliverable

Place of Acceptance The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative, such as the COR, will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

Notice Regarding Late Delivery In the event the Contractor anticipates that it will not be able to meet any delivery and/or performance requirements identified in contract, it shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer, and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) orally and in writing giving pertinent rationale and proposed corrective action(s). If the reason for the delay is not covered under the Excusable Delays Clause (FAR 52.249-14) of the contract notice should also include proposed consideration for the Government's consideration.

This clause shall not be construed as a waiver by the Government of any of its rights or remedies available under the contract including termination.

F. Deliveries and Performance G. Contract Administration Data Contracting Officer’s Authority The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price.

Contracting Officers Representative (COR) The Federal employee identified below is hereby designated as the COR. The COR may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the Contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The COR is located at:

Pamela Commerford Central Production Services Division 330 Independence Ave. S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20237-0001

The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows:

· The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the Contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

· The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any Contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer may designate assistant or alternate COR(s) to act for the COR by naming such assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the Contractor.

H. Special Contract Requirements The Contractor shall submit an original monthly invoice of detailed work completed and accepted by the Government to the COR. The Contractor’s monthly invoice shall list: (a) the days for which assignments/hours are being billed for work performed, (b) the programs produced, (c) reimbursable expenses, if any, and (d) comply with 1952.232-91 Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements clause (below).

1952.232-91 Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Payment Platform IPP (April 2016) Payment requests for all new awards must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Payment Platform System (IPP). "Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), "Payment documentation and process" and the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in this contract. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov

System for Award Management (SAM):

IMPORTANT: All stateside contractors seeking to contract with the Federal Government must register in the Federal Government vetting system called SAM (System for Acquisition Management).

System for Award Management (SAM) applies to this procurement. You must be registered in SAM in order to be eligible to receive an award from this solicitation. Information on SAM registration and annual confirmation requirements may be obtained via the Internet at http://www.sam.gov. Prospective contractors must be registered in SAM database prior to award. Lack of registration in SAM database will make an offeror ineligible for award. CONTRACTORS MUST COMPLY WITH FAR 52.204-99 System for Award Management (SAM) Registration (August 2012) (DEVIATION).

This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect from the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-95 dated January 19, 2017.

The North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 711510 with a small business size standard of $7.5M in average receipts for the past three (3) years. This is 100% total small business set-aside.

I. Contract Clause _____ FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items. (OCT 2018) _____ FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items. (OCT 2014) _____ FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. (OCT 2018) ___X__ FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items. (JAN 2017) _____ FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items. (JAN 2018) _____ FAR 52.216-18 Ordering. (OCT 1995) _____ FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services. (NOV 1999) _____ FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract. (MAR 2000) _____ FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data-General. (MAY 2014) _____ FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998)

J. List of Attachments None K. Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors L. Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors Each offer must provide the following as part of their response.

Volume I – Receipt of Offers:

In order to be considered for award, offers conforming to the requirements of the solicitation must be received via email, by no later than Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. detailed on FedBizOpps:

Attn: Jacob Acosta Email: jacobacosta@usagm.gov

Overall Arrangement of Proposal

Volume II –Resume (Technical Proposal):

The resume shall include education, any certifications, and experience of the individual relating to previous projects and/or places of employment, with dates of employment of time spent on the project.

Volume III – Price Proposal:

Include your rate per hour

_________________ Rate Per Hour

Availability (days and hours you are available to work) Volume IV – Offers May be Requested for Onsight Meeting M. Evaluation Factors for Award Resume (Technical Proposal) & Price Proposal The government will evaluate proposals as received. The resume evaluation will be based on experience, certifications, and education. The Government will determine the strengths, weaknesses, and price. The combined assessment of all resume and price shall then be completed and Offerors ranked. Multiple awards may be made from this solicitation.