SOW_Producer_-_Program_Segments_SOUTH_SUDAN_Project.doc

Producer – Program Segments

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INTRODUCTION

(a) The Voice of America’s (VOA) English to Africa Service has a requirement for a Contractor to provide services as described below. The work shall be performed on a “per Assignment” basis. In addition, the Government will reimburse the Contractor for actual expenses as stated below. The Contractor’s assignment rate shall include overhead and profit. All work shall be performed in accordance with “The VOA Journalistic Code”.

(b) For purposes of this Statement of Work, an Assignment is to produce and/or host broadcast segments and social media outreach updates to the specifications of the English to Africa Service. The Contractor shall be required to complete the assignment by the deadline set by VOA.

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STATEMENT OF WORK

The Contractor shall perform the following work at the IBB Voice of America Headquarters Building (330 Independence Ave, SW) or from an external location suitable to perform all duties, as mutually agreed to with the Contracting Officer.

Producer – Program Segments

Contractor is contracted to work as part of a team preparing and broadcasting news content for VOA’s English to Africa Service. The schedule may vary, and include weekends and holidays, as necessary.

SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE:

1. Preparing, producing and hosting broadcast segments and social media outreach updates, targeted for radio, internet and mobile audiences in Africa. These can include, but are not limited to, public service announcements, interactive vox pops, trend reports, proverbs, features, promos and other items that are fresh and relevant.

2. Keeping up-to-date and knowledgeable about issues, events, and developments affecting Africa and the region.

3. Participating in news meetings to discuss Africa programming, and pro-actively contributing ideas for content and outreach.

4. Creating, in advance, a list of topics to be covered, for approval by Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

5. Recruiting guests for shows and broadcast segments.

6. Ensuring geographic and gender balance in guests who appear in shows and broadcast segments.

7. Seeking audience interactivity and incorporating comments and feedback into programming.

8. Being aware of cultural sensitivities when discussing issues and planning shows and broadcast segments.

9. Preparing scripts for shows and audio segments that reflect the interests of the target audience.

10. Voicing/hosting broadcast segments with warmth, as appropriate.

11. Interacting with guests and listeners in a professional and engaging way.

12. Providing social media outreach related to VOA goals (using appropriate platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc.)

13. The internet and social media content can include, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Text reports

b. Slide shows with photographs

c. Text/audio/video posts

d. Blog entries,

e. Facebook and Twitter updates, etc

14. Directing and producing air shows, ensuring that content and style conform to VOA’s professional standards.

15. Taking in, editing, and packaging stringer feeds and coordinating any live phone-ins from stringers and VOA correspondents for use in air shows.

16. Auditing and editing all component pieces to ensure high sound quality and appropriate lengths.

17. Preparing line ups of stories and available audio, timed appropriately for the air shows.

18. Ensuring a flowing, lively pace by using appropriate sound bridges and various production techniques.

19. Completing assignments and meeting deadlines. All reports must be of high quality.

20. May occasionally contribute to web video or television efforts in the service.

21. Working successfully as part of a team, including professional and positive communication with all colleagues and taking direction from supervisors

22. Contributing to training sessions for South Sudan Project stringers, as required

23. Adhering to the standards and principles in the Voice of America Journalistic Code and requesting pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing that might give rise to an actual or perceived violation of the Code

24. Contractor may work additional assignments.

25. Contractor may travel to carry out duties. The terms and conditions of the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) shall apply to all travel. The Contractor shall obtain prior written approval from the Contracting Officer before incurring any reimbursable expenses.

26. Contractor reports to the editor on duty, under the overall guidance of the Chief of English to Africa Service, in VOA’s Africa Division.

The Contractor and Agency agree that no employer-employee relationship exist between the Agency and Contractor.

The Contractor shall conduct himself/herself in accordance with the Standards of Conduct rules of the agency.

3.0

GOV’T FURNISHED PROPERTY, FACILITIES, SERVICES OR INFORMATION

The Government will furnish office space, expendable supplies, and equipment (e.g., PC with LAN connection, camera, laptop, fax, and telephone) if necessary solely for the Contractor’s use while performing the work prescribed herein.

4.0

REIMBURSABLE ITEMS

(a) Travel and Per Diem - The terms and conditions of the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) shall apply to all travel and travel-related matters authorized herein. The Contractor shall be reimbursed at cost for 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.

(b) The Contracting Officer may ask the Contractor to substantiate related travel expenses by supporting information (e.g., dates, purpose of travel, and per diem) and documentation including receipts for airline travel costs, lodging, parking fees, ground transportation, and other miscellaneous fees in excess of $25.

(c) Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses - Upon presentation of substantiating data to the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall be reimbursed for the following expenses without profit:

1. Passport/visa fees and photographs;

2. Taxi/limousine/bus fares to and from airports; and

3. Official long distance telephone calls from the Contractor’s office.

(d) The BBG will not reimburse costs associated with “Local Travel” to/from the Contractor’s office to/from BBG Headquarters or for parking at BBG Headquarters. Neither will the BBG reimburse the Contractor for his “travel time”. However, the BBG will reimburse the Contractor for costs associated with “Local Travel” to/from the Contractor’s office to/from locations to cover stories if applicable. This reimbursement will include mileage (at FTR rates), tolls, and hourly parking.

(e) The Contractor shall obtain prior written approval from the Contracting Officer before incurring any of the above reimbursable expenses.

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SUBMISSION OF DELIVERABLES

(a) The Contractor shall submit all material by the deadline as determined by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

(b) The Contractor’s completed assignment will be inspected and accepted by the Authorized Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The Contractor is responsible for making changes or corrections to bring any assignments into conformance with the Agency technical standard at no additional cost to the Agency.

(c) The Contractor shall submit assignments to the COR at the address listed below:

Broadcasting Board of Governors

Cohen Building - 330 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20237

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SUBMISSION OF INVOICES

(a) The Contractor shall submit an original monthly invoice to the COR or the person identified in Block 21 of the OF-347 at the address listed below:

Broadcasting Board of Governors

Cohen Building - 330 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20237

(b) The Contractor’s monthly invoice shall list: (1) name and address of the contractor, (2) invoice date and invoice number, (3) contract number or purchase order number i.e. BBG50-E-17-0000 and (4) the number of assignments submitted and accepted, and (5) reimbursable expenses, if any.

(c) Pursuant to the Prompt Payment Act, the BBG will pay the invoice within 30 days of either: (1) receipt of the invoice or (2) acceptance of services; whichever is later.

Note: The BBG intends to change its current invoicing procedures to an optical reading system. The Contractor may be required in the future to use a standard invoice template. Any costs associated with complying with the invoice change will be at the Contractor’s expense.

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REGISTRATION & SECURITY

The Contractor shall possess a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number and maintain current registration with SAM (System for Award Management) in order to perform government work. The Contractor shall also submit required security documents and pass security clearance.

- End of Statement of Work –

EVALUATION FACTORS

Producer, Program Segments (Washington DC)

· Demonstrated knowledge of digital audio editing/broadcasting systems.

· Excellent writing and production skills with the ability to tailor and adapt content for radio and the internet, including adapting content for social media

· Must possess broad knowledge of topics of interest to audiences in South Sudan

· At least 1 year of national or international broadcast experience producing content for airshows.

· Adept at generating exclusive and distinctive content, and able to think creatively about how to communicate that content to a targeted African audience

· Applicant must submit exemplary samples of social media engagement and/or broadcast journalism including written copy and a broadcast news aircheck.