VOA_English__2015-TESOL_Digital_Writer_for_BBG50-Q-15-0101.doc

STATEMENT OF WORK/JUSTIFICATION

Statement of Work Non Personal Service

Digital Writer Voice of America

VOA Learning English

1.0 Introduction

The Voice of America’s Learning English has a requirement for a talent vendor (hereinafter referred to as “contractor”) to provide writing, web, mobile, social media and eLearning as described below. The Voice of America’s Learning English Branch teaches American English to foreign audiences through its content on radio, television, the Internet, and mobile. There are a number of initiatives that will require the development of new content and innovative methods to increase program awareness and maintain VOA Learning English’s loyal audience.

The work shall be performed on a Fixed-Price-Labor-Hour basis. The Contractor’s hourly rate shall include overhead (e.g., health insurance), G&A, and profit. All work shall be performed in accordance with “The VOA Journalistic Code,” the VOA Charter, and VOA Learning English writing, production and broadcast standards.

The contractor must request pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing activities that might give rise to an actual or perceived violation of VOA’s Journalistic Code.

2.0 Scope of Work The Contractor shall perform the following work at the IBB Voice of America Headquarters Building (330 Independence Ave, SW) unless otherwise mutually agreed to by the Contracting Officer, with some telework options being permitted. The Contractor shall provide the following combination services for the VOA Learning English Branch:

(a) Possess strong experience in all media (print, web, broadcast and video) and practical knowledge of both digital and traditional journalism in order to write, edit and produce balanced, highly targeted for publication on multiple platforms.

(b) Research, write, produce, present on camera, and coordinate the production of VOA Learning English products, VOA Learning English digital programs, and content for all multimedia platforms, including audio, video, internet and posting to content management system, on social media, and for mobile distribution.

(c) Voice audio features and use social media to engage Learning English audiences.

a. This shall be accomplished in consultation and in coordination with the VOA Learning English Branch staff to include:

VOA Learning English Branch chief; product innovation and integration manager; managing editor; the features and social media editor; the Internet manager; radio producer; television producer, and other branch staff members and contractors, as assigned by the branch chief.

(d) Assignments shall be produced using VOA equipment and be suitable for broadcast on VOA.

(e) Must be able to meet tight deadlines and turn around content quickly.

(f) As directed by the VOA Learning English managers, all scripts shall be accurate and complete, and in compliance with “The VOA Journalistic Code,” the VOA Charter, and VOA Learning English writing, production, and broadcast standards. All completed assignments shall be held to the same standards.

3.0 Attendance /Work hours:

The contractor shall be available for work during the core hours of 7:00am and 10:00pm, Monday through Friday, weekends -- including Government holidays. Telework options may be exercised only upon consultation and approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A 30 minute non-paid meal break shall be coordinated with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The contractor shall meet all interim deadlines during his/her hours of work.

4.0 Award Duration

Contract Award will be for two years to commence on or about September 2015.

5.0 Facility and Equipment VOA/IBB will provide the contractor a work area, computer- furnished office space, expendable supplies, and equipment (e.g., Laptop with LAN connection, fax, and telephone) solely for the Contractor’s use while performing the work prescribed herein.

6.0 Deliverables All written ELearning multimedia content are to be submitted to the COR for acceptance in accordance with VOA standards. The time of delivery will be determined by the COR based on the needs of the government.

7.0 Contractor Performance Evaluation Criteria:

The quality and efficiency of the services performed by the Contractor shall be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the Contractor is meeting the requirements of the Government.

8.0 Holidays and Weekends The contractor may be required to provide service on Federal holidays and weekend work.

9.0 Meal Break

A thirty minute non-paid meal break shall be coordinated with the Contracting Officer Representative

10.0 Contractor travel

In the event it is required, contractor travel shall be in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations. Invoiced costs of travel shall be based on actual expenditures subject to the FTR and per diem rules for reimbursement. All contractor travel shall be pre-approved by the COR 11.0 Building Access/ID Card Contractor shall enter the main entrance of Cohen Building and report to the Security Manager, and submit a request for a VOA ID card via the Contractor Verification System (CVS). Upon verification and notification of an approved application, the contractor will report to the Security Manager’s officer for issuance of an ID Card. Days and hours of availability are Monday and Wednesday 9AM-3PM. This ID Card must be carried at all times while performing duties and must be used to access Cohen Building

11.2 NOTE: If contractor fails to pass a security background check, the contract will be terminated.

- End of Statement of Work –

EVALUATION FACTORS/QUALIFICATIONS

Digital Writer

· At least 5 years of experience in writing for media (print, web, broadcast and video) with news organizations.

· Adept at generating exclusive and distinctive content, and be able to think creatively about how to communicate that content to a wide-ranging audience.

· Demonstrated ability to work within a live broadcast environment and experience with digital mobile journalism tools.

· Demonstrated ability to engage audience using metrics and social media.

· Must possess broad knowledge of International and national issues.

· Applicant must submit exemplary samples of social media engagement, digital journalism including written copy and a broadcast news aircheck (no more than 3 samples)