ENGLISH TO AFRICA -Radio Health Show Producer and Host.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Non-Personal Services Radio Health Show Producer and Host Voice of America English Division

1.0 INTRODUCTION

(a) The Voice of America’s (VOA) English to Africa Service has a requirement for a talent vendor (hereinafter referred to as “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 and the VOA Charter as well as VOA Learning English writing, production and broadcast standards. The contractor must request pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing that might give rise to an actual or perceived violation of the Code.

(b) For purposes of this Statement of Work, an Assignment is to produce and host a weekly 30-minute live interactive radio airshow to the specifications of the English to Africa Service.

The Contractor shall be required to complete the assignment by the deadline set by VOA.

2.0 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.

Radio Health Show Producer/Host, VOA’s English to Africa Service

SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE:

1. Keeping up-to-date and knowledgeable about issues, events, and developments affecting Africa and the region, especially health-related news and developments.

2. Hosting a 30-minute live inter-active health discussion program, targeted for broadcast in English to Africa.

3. Contractor will normally have one assignment per week, preparing, producing and hosting a live call-in show. Preparations may include work during the week, on weekends and holidays, as necessary. The schedule may vary, as necessary.

4. Creating, in advance, a list of topics to be covered on future health shows -- for pre-approval by the managing editor.

5. Preparing scripts for weekly health show that reflect the interests of the target audience.

6. Producing a report to set up the discussion on each week’s health topic – it may be a fully produced radio story, or a comprehensive introductory reader in the script to introduce the audience to the topic. Preparation includes reporting and research as necessary in advance of the show, to become familiar with the topic.

7. Recruiting guests weekly for the show.

8. Ensuring geographic and gender balance in guests who appear on the show.

9. Seeking audience interactivity and incorporating comments and feedback.

10. Being aware of cultural sensitivities when discussing issues.

11. Anchoring discussion and/or call-in segments that include discussion and analysis with newsmakers and listeners – these must always be accurate, balanced and comprehensive in nature, and it is the host’s responsibility to ensure that they are

12. Voicing/hosting the show with warmth and humor as appropriate.

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

14. Managing social media related to the show (Facebook, Blog, etc.).

15. Reporting on breaking health news and features, making use of appropriate sources and materials.

16. Creating fresh and relevant radio and web stories, that conforms to VOA style and guidelines, for each week’s health show to introduce the topic for discussion.

17. Stories are available several days ahead of show time and the web text version with audio is posted on voanews.com to encourage audience participation and to solicit questions.

18. The radio stories can consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Long Correspondent Reports – One minute to 2:30 in length with a short introduction

b. Background Reports – Three to five minute reports with a short introduction

c. Question and Answer Reports – One to three minute conversations with newsmakers with a short introduction

d. Magazine Segments – Reports of varying length to fit in with requirements of programming

19. The web stories can include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Text reports

b. Slide shows with photographs

c. Text/audio/video posts

d. Social media interactives (blog entries, Facebook updates, etc.)

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

21. Working successfully as part of a team.

22. 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

23. Contractor may work additional assignments.

24. 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.

25. Contractor reports to the editor on duty, under the overall guidance of the Chief of English to Africa Service, in VOA’s English 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 SUBMISSION OF DELIVERABLES

Deliverables are submitted within a specified timeframe. This specified time will be arranged by the Contracting Officer Representative.

5.0 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/QUALIFICATIONS

Radio Health Show Producer/Host (DC)

1. At least 5 years of national or international broadcast experience with professional on-air delivery. Experience hosting a live radio show with call-in participation.

1. Excellent writing and production skills with the ability to tailor and adapt content for African radio audiences

1. Demonstrated ability to secure and execute interviews with noted health professionals, from African countries and other nations

1. Must possess broad knowledge of health issues and topics, as well as specialized knowledge of health topics of interest to African audiences

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

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