Attachment 1 - Statement of Work_USAFA Recording Engineer Service_v3.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

01 October 2024

Recording Engineer, Producer, Mix/Master

The United States Air Force (USAF) Academy Band 2024 Falconaires CD Project

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: Non-personal services to include services for all recording, producing, mixing, and mastering of the USAF Academy Band Falconaires’ CD recording project on the dates specified below. Contractor will provide all associated services as outlined in this SOW. On Location Dates required: 31 October – 8 November.

Services Locations: For Recording session (31 October – 8 November 2024):

McCormick Hall 520 Otis St

Peterson AFB, CO 80914 POC: MSgt Jaime Parker, (321) 945-5629 Email: jaime.parker.3@us.af.mil

Hours Required:

31 OCT 24 1000 Load in, set up, line/gear checks 1-8 NOV 24 0900–1800 Record full band, vocals, soloists

This requirement will be performed in four (4) phases: recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.

Phase 1: Recording

The recording phase involves capturing the sound of musical instruments, vocals, and other audio sources using microphones, preamps, and other recording equipment.

The Recording Engineer will work with the artist(s) and producer(s) to determine the appropriate recording techniques and equipment to use for each instrument and vocal track. The goal of the recording phase is to capture high-quality sound that accurately represents the artist's vision and musical style. The recording phase starts on the effective date of the contract and ends when the USAFA Band has completed their portion of the edits and has turned it over to the contractor for the editing phase.

Phase 2: Editing The editing phase involves refining the recorded audio tracks by removing unwanted sounds, correcting timing errors, and adjusting the levels of individual tracks.

The Recording Engineer will use editing software to make precise cuts, crossfades, and other adjustments to create a cohesive and polished final product. During this phase, the Recording Engineer will also communicate with the artist(s) and producer(s) to ensure that the editing decisions align with their creative vision. The editing phase starts when the USAFA Band has completed their portion of the edits and turned it over to the contractor for the editing phase. The editing phase is concluded when the contractor notifies the USAFA Band that all edits, including any revisions based on initial feedback from the USAFA Band, have been completed and when the USAFA Band has reviewed and approved those edits. The duration of this phase shall not exceed 60 calendar days.

Phase 3: Mixing

The mixing phase involves balancing the levels of all the individual tracks to create a cohesive and balanced sound. The Recording Engineer will use equalization, compression, and other processing techniques to shape the sound of each track and bring out the desired qualities. The goal of the mixing phase is to create a final mix that is well-balanced, dynamic, and engaging. The Recording Engineer will communicate with the artist(s) and producer(s) throughout this phase to ensure that the mix accurately represents their creative vision. The mixing phase begins when the USAFA Band approves of the edited tracks and at the conclusion of the editing phase. The mixing phase concludes when the contractor provides a final mixdown of all tracks for approval by the USAFA Band and when USAFA Band approves of the mixing results. The duration of this phase shall not exceed 60 calendar days.

Phase 4: Mastering

The mastering phase involves preparing the final mix for distribution on various platforms, such as CDs, digital downloads, and streaming services. The Recording Engineer will use mastering software to apply final touches to the mix, such as equalization, compression, and limiting, to ensure that the sound is optimized for each platform. The goal of the mastering phase is to create a final product that is consistent in sound quality and loudness across all platforms. The mastering phase begins when the USAFA Band approves of the mixing results and at the conclusion of the mixing phase.

The mastering phase concludes when the contractor provides the USAFA Band with a Glass Master copy (the final physical copy used for replication) and a Reproduction copy (a physical CD/DVD copy) of the performance and when USAFA Band approves of and accepts the final product. The duration of this phase shall not exceed 60 calendar days.

The final deliverables for this project shall be 2 each CDs and 2 each DVDs of the finished product.

Approval Process: The USAFA Band will communicate their approval of each phase's results via email. The contractor is allowed to make up to four (4) rounds of revisions if the initial results are not approved. In the event of a disagreement on the results, the USAFA Band and the contractor will engage in a collaborative discussion to reach a resolution.

1 Description of Equipment Specifications: The contractor shall provide the following:

1.1 For the recording session, the project requires eight (8) large-diaphragm condenser microphones that meet industry standards and feature multiple polar patterns, making them well-suited for recording brass instruments. Examples of such microphones include the Neumann U87 (not U87Ai), Telefunken TF51, Brauner VM1, among others. The aim is to represent the Air Force in the most professional manner possible, necessitating the use of top-quality products. To achieve this, the use of the highest quality recording equipment is essential. Given that the USAFA Band will be recording multiple brass instruments simultaneously, the provision of four such microphones is a requirement.

1.2 The project necessitates six (6) Neumann KM84 microphones, or equivalents that meet industry standards, which are particularly suitable for recording saxophones.

Given that the USAFA band will be recording multiple saxophones at the same time, the provision of four such microphones is a requirement.

1.3 The project requires ten (10) API microphone preamps. It is understood in the industry that each brand of microphone preamp produces a unique sound. This project aims to create a professional and industry-standard big band jazz CD. To achieve the specific sound quality targeted for this project, the use of API microphone preamps, in conjunction with the specified microphones, is necessary.

1.4 During the mastering session, high-grade equalizers, compressors, and converters will be utilized for all analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions to produce the final product.

2 Description of Additional Services: The contractor shall provide the following

2.1 A Recording Engineer who specializes in big band jazz CD recordings and is recognized in the industry for their expertise and contributions. The engineer will be needed on-site for recording sessions from October 31 to November 8 at Peterson SFB, CO. To ensure the highest level of professionalism representing the US Air Force, the engineer must meet the following qualifications:

2.1.1 A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the audio recording industry.

2.1.2 Credited as the primary engineer on at least 50 projects involving big band jazz recordings (consisting of 18 or more musicians).

2.1.3 Has received a nomination for a Grammy Award in a category that pertains to jazz recording

2.2 Record all instruments, musical selections, soloists, and vocals during the 31 October – 8 November 2024 recording session at Peterson SFB, CO using Pro Tools equipment.

2.3 Provide up to 10 days for mixing services of recorded product using Pro Tools in addition to mastering services using Sonic Studio Soundblade software for recorded product at contractor provided studio.

2.4 All services must be completed no later than August 31st, 2025.

3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES: The Government will provide microphones, audio cables, all instruments not identified above, audio monitoring system, and other recording equipment. The Government will ensure that all provided equipment is in working order at the start of the project.

If any equipment needs to be replaced or repaired during the project, the Government will be responsible for doing so within 48 hours from the time it was identified.