BBG_Consultant_-_Radio_Programming_Advisory_and_Assistance_-W._Africa.docx

Consultant: Radio Programming Advisory and Assistance Scope The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) has a requirement for a Contractor to provide non-personal expert “advisory and assistance” services, including analytical services as they may be required, to support the BBG in the performance of its entire worldwide broadcasting public diplomacy mission in the most effective, timely and cost effective manner practicable.

The Contractor shall specifically focus his/her efforts from both the strategic (mid-term and long-term) and tactical (short-term) perspectives, on evaluating the results of BBG research (including but not limited to survey and focus group research) and other available research and discussions with residents in target areas to advise the BBG with respect to radio programming, multimedia products, services and methodologies, as well as the use and development of programming on medium wave, FM and shortwave broadcasting to attract substantial target audiences as determined/specified in writing by the BBG.

The focus is to provide advisory and assistance services to the BBG in the development of radio broadcasting in Africa, specifically the Sahel, French-speaking Africa, English-speaking Africa, and other regions should the need arise. The main focus of the work will be to recommend and implement plans and methods to pursue FM and Medium Wave broadcasting in the area targeted at a young audience.

Specifics and Deliverables:

1. Recommendations on Programming, including: overall implementation of Powergold music programming software, design of Powergold music categories to maximize effectiveness of a mix of Western and non-Western music, design of Powergold music rotation rules (including prioritization and weighting), design of format clocks to optimize music rotation patterns, development of methodologies to effectively interface Powergold with computerized automation software (such as Dalet), development of innovative systems for integrating and networking multi-language streams targeted at specific geographical and cultural areas, development of methodologies for integrating Western-style DJ formatics with local culture, development of overall formatics for DJ's imagery and newscasts.

2. Recommendations on Strategic and Music Research, including: consulting and working with research companies selected by BBG and making recommendations on parameters for focus groups and field surveys to maximize the effectiveness of American radio research techniques as applied to other cultures, working with such research companies on the design of music and formatics research particularly as they apply to combining Western and non-Western music and entertainment cultures, working with such research companies on design and implementation of regular testing of current music utilizing methodologies suited to both Western and non-Western music, definition and development of criteria for selection of music to be tested, interpretation of research results and implementation of specific programming techniques based on these results.

3. Recommendations on Branding, including: consulting with Voice of America (VOA) and Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN) staff to apply American radio expertise on such things as section of station and program names, positioning slogans; development cross-cultural techniques to maximize the effectiveness of such program elements as staging jingles, launcher jingles, segue jingles and promotional spots for music, news, feature and public affairs programming.

4. Recommendations on Marketing, including the dynamics of station launch strategy, development of techniques of publicity, and applying American and cross-cultural radio techniques to develop new and effective ways of interacting with the target audience both on and off the air.

5. Recommendations on Operations, including application of American radio techniques to staffing policies, internal station organization and planning.

6. Training personnel and supervisors in American commercial radio techniques, particularly as they apply in non-American cultural situations. Areas of training will include: music selection and formatting, on-air DJ technique, studio operations, feature program production, time management and managerial skills.

7. Recommendations on developing new, innovative methods for achieving the public diplomacy mission of the BBG in ways attractive to the young target audience in Africa.

The work will initially concentrate on the development and implementation of current plans for broadcasting in the Sahel and French Africa, but will also entail analysis of broader radio programming opportunities in Africa in cooperation with BBG staff. BBG may tap contractor’s experience on other global opportunities should they arise.

Specific components and results of the work:

The reports will include specifics on programming, research, staffing and budgeting.

Expert Requirements:

Experience with broadcast programming technologies and automation systems such as Powergold and Dalet or their equivalent is mandatory.

Demonstrated success in programming major market radio stations or programs in the United States is mandatory, and additional international experience in African and Middle Eastern markets is preferred.

Candidates must be fluent in both English and French. Knowledge of Arabic and/or African indigenous languages (i.e. Sango, Wolof, Bambara or Lingala) is a plus.

Candidates must have the ability to legally work in the United States and successfully pass a BBG security investigation.

Period of Performance May 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017 (Base period) The BPA may be extended for an additional 12 month period from May 1, 2017 – April 30, 2018 at that discretion of the BBG.

Place of Performance Services required under this BPA may be done remotely interfacing with VOA staff as necessary via email, telephone or digital conferencing. Services required are “as needed”. There is no minimum or maximum known at this time.

Travel:

It is expected that there will be travel, both domestic and international, for consultations in Washington, DC with the OSD Director and VOA upper management and staff; and overseas regarding content development/training for the BBG FM network in Africa. Candidate shall possess the necessary credentials to travel to/from the United States and be cognizant of any dangers travelling in the Sahel region of Africa. The BBG encourages interested candidates to take the appropriate measures to protect himself/herself accordingly. The BBG will not reimburse contractor for travel/medical insurance.

Travel, including dates of travel/length of travel, shall be coordinated and approved at the direction of the OSD Director. Contractor shall prepare a trip proposal that shall follow as closely as possible the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) guidelines for hotel, per diem and other reimbursable expenses for the OSD Director’s approval prior to travel commencing.

Contractor shall promptly notify the OSD Director and the Contract Officer Representative (COR) of any changes to said travel in writing.

After completion of trip, receipts shall be provided within 5 days of return from travel and accompanied by contractor invoice for reimbursement.