Attachment C USAGM Journalism TN SOW.pdf

pg. 1

STATEMENT OF WORK

JOURNALISM AND INVESTIGATIVE TRAINING

I. INTRODUCTION

The Unites States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) including Voice of America (VOA) and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) make up one of the largest multimedia news organizations in the world. VOA alone host 2,000 hours of radio, television and digital programing each week with an estimated global audience of 311 million people. VOA’s 48 language services deliver programs via satellite, cable, shortwave, FM, medium wave, mobile phones, social media and streaming audio and video, using more than 3,500 media outlets worldwide. VOA has a long history of providing experiential learning opportunities to journalists around the world. With its multiplatform approach to news and information, VOA offers a unique hands-on learning experience to young journalists (from student interns to young professional journalists). VOA operates under a Charter, signed into law by President Gerald Ford in 1976. That Charter established principles, which govern VOA broadcasts:

1. VOA serves as a reliable, accurate, objective, comprehensive and authoritative source of news.

2. VOA represents America, not any single segment of American society, and will therefore presents a balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought and institutions.

3. VOA presents policies of the United States clearly and effectively, and provides responsible discussion and opinion of these policies.

II. OBJECTIVES

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Office of Human Resources, Workforce Support and Development (HRWD) is seeking qualified trainers to provide customized training in modern journalism skills and newsroom management at USAGM’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) headquarters, and virtually. Training must be provided to USAGM, VOA and OCB reporters, editors and managers.

The USAGM and VOA will provide their journalists with both on-site and virtual, customized training in effort to update and improve employee skillsets. Courses must be organized so that the specific topics/course segments can be presented as 2-hour, 4-hour (half day) or 8-hour (full day) sessions to allow for maximum scheduling flexibility. The expected class size is up to 30 participants unless otherwise stated.

The Contractor will train USAGM/VOA and OCB journalists to utilize new technologies and modern multimedia practices to enhance reporting capability in targeted broadcast regions.

Specified curriculum areas must include journalistic principles, practices and skills, for both written and video editing content.

Customized training shall include, and is not limited to the following workforce categories:

pg. 2

1. Reporters

2. Editors

3. Social Media Journalists

4. Assignment Editors

5. News Managers

6. Service Chiefs and

7. Division Directors

III. SCOPE

The USAGM/VOA and OCB requires the services of a qualified Contractor to deliver customized, in-person and virtual training for working professional journalists.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF TRAINING COURSES REQUIRED

Develop, present and provide supporting training material for a comprehensive Journalism and Investigative Training curriculum, to include but not limited to the following course(s):

Journalistic Principles, Practices and Skills

Part 1 - Balanced & Bias Free Reporting

How to achieve fairness, balance and objectivity in individual stories and across time

How to avoid biases and stereotypes in different media formats Covering politically charged issues and events

Part 2 - Dealing with Stress and Trauma

How to manage personal stress and trauma related to covering violent incidents including riots, war and threats to family members

How to support reporters and broadcasters dealing with job related stress and trauma

Part 3 - Working in a hybrid reporting environment to include telework, office and field work

Managing teleworking/remote employees Maximizing communication and minimizing conflict and stress

Social Media Reporting and Editing

Part 1 - Building social media strategy

Step-by-step on creating audience-focused strategies

Part 2 - Best practices for audience engagement on social media

pg. 3

Platform-specific best practices: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Assignment Editors

Part 1 - Hub Editing

Assigning for multiple platforms on developing and running stories Breaking news – Establishing coverage of a big story on social and digital Social Media for Editors: What is the priority?

Web Writing: Headlines, Subheads and Teases and why they matter?

Prioritizing Coverage and Edit time

Part 2 - Balance and Bias

Assigning reporters to ensure balanced reporting Editing with balance and (non) bias in mind

Part 3 - Assignment Editing

Assigning a team to meet multi-platform needs and language service expectations

Telling the entire story – full beat coverage

Part 4 - Interpersonal Skills in the Editor/Reporter Relationship

Difficult conversations, collaborative approaches and holding people accountable

Reporters/Editors Write for Video/Edit Video

Part 1 - Writing and copy editing for video - For copy editors

Part 2 - Multi-platform reporting/writing

How to write effectively for each platform (specifics for beat reporters)?

Learning how to better work with video (original and/or archive) Learning to visualize video stories Reporters/correspondents who don’t do video full time

Part 3 - How to shoot and edit video with various equipment (i.e. one man band reporting) for reporters/correspondents?

Part 4 - How to conduct a live interview?

pg. 4

Learning to listen and follow up with questions Balancing and challenging interviewees

News Management

Part 1 - Managing in a Dynamic Newsroom Environment

Managing workloads, deadlines and time (for both your staff and yourself)

Delivering appropriate (positive and constructive) feedback Developing, coaching and supporting staff Promoting creativity and innovation while maintaining standards Effective communications to get results and to motivate and engage your team

Part 2 - Leading a Team When You’re not Always the Technical Expert

How to develop a basic understanding of and appreciation for all news formats and technologies

How to develop, trust and utilize those with the specific expertise How to focus on results more than processes

Part 3 - Special Topics in Newsroom Management

Typical and timely sessions on issues that affect newsroom managers including management, budget planning, security, dealing with trauma/stress and human resources

Investigative Reporting and Data Literacy

Part 1 - Data Literacy Boot Camp

Hands on classes entailing the use and understanding of latest technology, techniques and pitfalls presented by artificial intelligence, deception, misinformation and validation of content

Part 2 - Navigating Public Records and FOIA

Making FOIA requests and how to find and search public records

Part 3 - Social Media and the Web as Investigative and Reporting Tools

Part 4 - Editors’ Workshop

Managing, planning, storyboarding, vetting and communication for special projects

pg. 5

Part 5 - Investigating Abroad, Security, Sources and Safety

Focus on ensuring differences between U.S. domestic and foreign investigations

V. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor(s) shall be responsible for the following:

A. Provide training content and instruction as specified in Section IV. Description of

Training Courses Required:

1. Reporters and Editors: Journalistic Principles, Practices, and Skills

2. Social Media Journalism

3. Assignment Editing

4. Reporters needing to Write for Video/Edit Video

5. News Managers, Service Chiefs and Division Directors

6. Investigative Journalism and Data Literacy/Mining

B. Provide all required course content, to meet specified curriculum areas and target audiences C. Provide a well-qualified instructor with expertise and experience in the specific course content area of each session D. Provide content that reflects the latest industry standards and best practices of successful news media outlets E. Provide course training in both English and Spanish languages F. Adhere to all course schedule dates and times, unless a change is requested by the COR, and new dates are negotiated or due to other circumstances beyond the Contractor(s) control, such as major weather events affecting the DC area

G. Supply all handouts and other course materials (for up to 30 people), and provide any portable specialty equipment required to perform the work

H. Develop course lesson plans with to ensure it meets the training needs of the USAGM I. Customize course content prior to presenting it, as approved by the COR and in accordance with latest industry standards, practices, emerging trends and new equipment within the industry.

a. Specific to Investigative Journalism and Data Literacy/Mining Present training customized for instructing journalists to develop, write and produce investigative stories on issues that include such topics as corruption, health hazards, environmental issues, human trafficking and digital security and to confirm the validity and context of social and other media elements including videos and photographs and statements.

Develop training content to include but not limited to the following disciplines:

Public records and public records databases, FOIA and records retention, public records strategies and obstacles; data mining, and data journalism, statistical

pg. 6 analysis and visualizations for investigative journalists using spreadsheets and software tools; using social media to investigate people, institutions and events;

using mapping and Open Source Geographic Information System QGIS for investigative analysis; investigative search engines; fact-checking and bulletproofing investigative stories; storyboarding, vetting, planning and organizing investigative stories and projects; the culture and mindset of investigative journalism; investigating companies and nonprofits; backgrounding people and corporate entities; examples of best practices and investigative stories;

presenting investigative findings for maximum impact.

VI. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIAL, EQUIPMENT, OR

INFORMATION (GFP, GFM, GFE, OR GFI)

The government will provide building space in which to conduct the training and standard training support equipment such as projector, presentation laptop, screens and flip chart stands, paper, and markers. Generally, VOA and OCB employees will have basic equipment to perform their journalism tasks. Any specialized equipment needs necessary for effective participation in a class session should be discussed with the Learning Group in HRWD at least two weeks prior to a class to assure everyone is properly equipped and that the vendor instructs with similar equipment. The Contractor is expected to provide portable equipment necessary for demonstration and teaching purposes and to be prepared to present courses virtually on Zoom for Government or Microsoft Teams.

VII. SECURITY

In-person course sessions shall be taught at USAGM’s Washington, DC headquarters or at OCB’s Miami, FL headquarters which are located in federal buildings. Vendor assigned instructors will need to present. A valid government issued identification and COR access/approval is required prior to entering the Government building. The Contractor shall ensure all instructors meet any other current requirements for admittance into the building.

Contractor instructors assigned to regular and/or recurring sessions may be required to undergo a background security investigation and successfully pass a security investigation in order to receive perform the services in support of the requirement.

VIII. TRAVEL

All applicable terms and conditions of the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) shall apply to travel and travel-related matters authorized herein. The Contractor will be reimbursed in accordance with FTR guidelines and upon the prior approval of the CO for authorized travel-related expenses, upon submission of properly substantiated invoices. There shall be no profit allowed on these expenses. The Contractor, in connection with authorized travel, shall be reimbursed for:

1. The cost of economy-class (coach) airfare;

2. Per diem at Government rates prevailing when travel is undertaken; and

3. Miscellaneous expenses incurred in connection with the travel, upon provision of appropriate justification.

pg. 7

IX. QUALIFICATION OF ORGANIZATION AND KEY PERSONNEL

Minimum Organization Qualifications

1. A minimum of five years’ experience in specialized journalism instruction/training and specific expertise appropriate to the course material being presented

2. Proven history of training journalists of all experience levels

3. Demonstrated record of providing off-site training and special training conferences in professional and academic settings, using experienced teachers who embrace the latest technologies and professional standards

4. Leadership of the organization must include accomplished journalists who also have a record of teaching and fostering the highest quality of work

5. Experience as an assigned editor at a multiplatform news organization that is at least national, preferably international focused

6. Proven training results of editors – Experience as a high-ranking desk or final copy editor at a print-based publication that is nationally respected

7. Proven training results of enabling deeper editing

Relevant experience of Key Personnel

1. Experience in directing editor assignments at a multiplatform news organization

2. Experience as a desk, copy or quality editor at a nationally recognized print-based publication

3. Proven record of training editors that resulted in quantifiable change to their work product

4. Minimum of five years as a Network Television correspondent or Package

Writer/Producer

5. Minimum of five years’ experience as Reporter or Editor working with reporters, assigning stories, from conception through final production to include balance, visual creativity, context, etc.

6. Experience as a Video Camera Operator, Editor and/or One-Man Band Reporter

7. Ten plus years shooting, editing and lighting for news

8. Five plus years of management experience in a large/complex news organization.

9. Documented experience of successfully leading a news team, in providing live news or a high deadline environment

10. Documented experience of successfully leading a news team through major changes in media formats, reorganizations or other significant periods of change

X. CONTRACT TYPE

Firm-fixed price Blanket Purchase Agreement(s) and Call Orders with a five-year ordering period.

XI. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

pg. 8

All in-person course sessions will be performed at either of the following Government facilities, as requested of the COR:

USAGM’s Headquarters 330 Independence Ave.

SW, Washington, DC 20237 or

OCB’s Headquarters 4201 Northwest 77th Avenue Miami, FL 33166.

Virtual training is also permitted as specified by the Contractor and agreed upon by the COR via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

XII. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The BPAs shall be valid for a period of five years starting from the effective date of the BPA. An annual review of the BPA will be conducted to ensure that continuation of the BPA award represents the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered.

XIII. GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS

A. If onsite support is required, the Contractor agrees to observe the following Government holidays for those onsite personnel:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King’s Birthday Juneteenth Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Christmas Day

B. The Contractor shall observe any other day designated by Federal statute, Executive

Order or the Presidential proclamation.

pg. 9

C. When any such day falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed; when any such day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed.

XIV. AUTHORITY

Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this BPA, the CO shall be the only individual authorized to:

(a) Waive any requirement of this BPA;

(b) Modify any term or condition of this BPA; or

(c) Delegate authority to other CO(s) to issue BPA Calls against this BPA.

XV. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will be appointed by the CO upon award of a BPA Call. The COR(s) will serve as the primary technical contact between the CO and the Contractor. In this role the COR(s) will provide any specialized instructions to the Contractor regarding the required training, arrange pre-work conferences as necessary, and coordinate the review and acceptance of all tasks/services under the BPA Call. The COR(s) does not have the authority to modify, or in any way amend the prices, terms, or conditions of the BPA.

XVI. DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall deliver all course material and respective training session(s) as detailed in the deliverable schedule included in each individual Call Order award. All course materials must be provided to the COR one week ahead of the actual course presentation.

A draft course curriculum and proposed course content must be submitted to the COR for feedback and approval.

A. Deliverable Schedule for Journalism and Management Training

DESCRIPTION DELIVERABLE DATE COMPLETED: #

OF DAYS AFTER

CALL ORDER AWARD

1 Develop Customized Course Content and Materials

Draft 30

2 Develop Customized Course Content and Materials

Final 45

3 Deliver Class Sessions Present Class 90

4 Additional Iterations of Sessions previously presented and requiring no further customization

Present Class (additional iterations of classes previously presented under the same BPA)

pg. 10

B. Deliverable Schedule for Investigative Journalism and Data Literacy Training

Deliverable Description Quantity/Media Date Completed

1 Data Literacy Boot Camp

Three-day curriculum in five parts:

1) Data basics and spreadsheets;

2) SQL and database managers;

3) Building databases in Access;

4) Introduction to R, visualization, mapping;

5) Acquiring and managing data

A five-part sequence of half-day sessions; up to 30 journalists will participate in all sessions

TBD at Individual Call Order Award

2 Half Day Workshop: Navigating public records and FOIA, documents for backgrounding, a documents mindset for reporting

1 or 2 sessions (iterations);

up to 30 journalists attend each session

3 Half-Day Workshop: Social media and the web as investigative and reporting tools. Validating videos, photographs and other media.

1 or 2 sessions (iterations);

up to 30 journalists attend each session

4 Half-Day Editors’ Workshop: Managing, planning, storyboarding, vetting and communication for special projects.

1 or 2 sessions (iterations);

up to 30 editors attend each session

5 Investigating abroad, security, sources and safety

1 session up to 30 journalists attend each session