951700-19-R-BroadcstOps-07.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 services as a Farsi Chyron Operator for the Persian Service 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 mission of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is to inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. The USAGM broadcast services include two federal entities: The Voice of America (VOA) and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB); and three USAGM-sponsored grantees: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN).

The USAGM upholds freedom of expression and information as universal human rights. The USAGM fosters and sustains free and democratic societies by exemplifying and supporting free media. The USAGM networks pursue this mission through their own engaging content on television, radio, Internet, social and mobile platforms, and also by working closely with media partners around the world that bring our content into local markets, establishing valuable connections to critical institutions that support civil society and democratic principles. With media sources proliferating around the world, information is more powerful than ever. But the existence of more media does not yield more press freedom. Using professional journalism, USAGM networks provide an alternative to disinformation and extremist propaganda.

VOA uses broadcast and digital platforms, including web and social media to engage viewers, listeners, users, and friends. Radio and television broadcast to approximately 3,000 affiliates, and satellite transmissions reach countries where free speech is banned or where civil society is under threat. VOA's mobile apps have registered more than 1 million downloads and cater to users on all major mobile platforms. With the largest audience of all U.S. international media, VOA continues to be a beacon of hope for underserved audiences who yearn for information about freedom of expression, civil society, and change.

With programming in 61 languages, thousands of media partners, and on-the-ground reporting capabilities around the world, USAGM networks are also well poised to react quickly in crisis situations. In order to have impact with audiences, the USAGM must provide quality programming and earn the trust of audiences. The programming of USAGM networks is consumed by a worldwide audience of 278 million people in 61 languages each week.

Background & Scope VOA will be launching a new farsi-language channel, which will feature content for broadcast on radio, television, and across digital platforms (including social media). VOA seeks a Live Farsi Chyron Operator Contractor to assist in the creation and playback of graphics content in a live television control room environment for new programming and channel branding.

The USAGM and the VOA will require the services of a Contractor to create, check and playback graphics for live shows for use on the USAGM's new 24-hour news channel, VOA 365 (Persian Service).

Requirements The Contractor must be literate in Farsi and be able to spell check, correct, and playback graphics for the USAGM/VOA news programming, for use on television and across digital platforms. The Contractor will be required to organize, communicate, and playback graphic elements. The Contractor must be able to correct, create, and build elements for shows while under a tight deadline. The Contractor must ensure proper formatting, and distribution of the graphics for all studio playback devices.

Objectives The Contractor must ingest, composite, and deliver graphics as requested by USAGM/VOA, and coordinate with USAGM/VOA staff to ensure quality of graphics reflect the stylistic goals and utilize proper formatting, spelling, and distribution of content. The Contractor must be able to edit, composite, ingest and render a full range of stills and motion graphics while under a show deadline. The Contractor must be able to playback all graphics during the show with spelling accuracy and efficiency.

Description of Tasks The contractor must provide the following effort under the tasks outlined below:

· The contractor must ingest all graphic elements including animations and stills

· The contractor must composite graphics in the Chyron / LUCI software.

· The contractor must spell check and correct all graphics prior to air.

· The contractor must distribute elements and test them for all playback devices in control rooms (e.g. media decks, and Chyron.)

· The contractor must be able to accurately playback all graphics during live television broadcasts.

· Must be literate in Farsi Grammar and Spelling.

Attendance:

Work will be done between July 2019 - July 2020 not to exceed 40 hours total per week.

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.

The contractor shall have access to the agency’s computer system to read agency e-mail or special instructions and also have access to agency’s furnished equipment solely for contractor’s use while performing the work prescribed here in. Personal use of governments furnished computers, equipment, fax, telephone and office space is prohibited.

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. Travel outside the primary place of performance shall be defined in the call order. Any travel must be approved by the COR in advance and funded via call order.

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 The primary place of performance shall be at the Voice of America 330 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. USA. The Period of Performance will begin on or about July 2019 through July 2020.

Funding Funding will be defined in issued call orders.

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.

Invoicing 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 Washington, DC 20237.

D. Packing and Materials E. Inspection and Acceptance Acceptance Criteria All work shall be completed in accordance with standard procedures and guidelines provided orally or in writing by the COR. The delivered content shall adhere to VOA Best Practices Guide and Journalistic Code and those documents are incorporated here by reference: http://www.governmentattic.org/20docs/VOAbestPracticesGuide_2016.pdf

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:

Seth Donaldson and/or Steve Hocker 330 Independence Ave. S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20237-0001

The Contracting Officer Representative (COR), assigned at time of award, will follow the plan delivered per the schedule above to monitor and assess performance with the overall deliverable schedule outlined above throughout the period of performance of the contract.

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 Contractor shall not disclose to any third party (other than its respective employees, in their capacity as such and only on a need-to-know basis), any confidential business information concerning VOA that was acquired or derived in the course of performance under this contract.

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) ___X__ 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 18, 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.