ENGLISH TO AFRICA -Radio Producer and Reporter.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Non-Personal Services Radio Producer and Reporter 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 deliver a completed 30-minute 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 Producer/Reporter, VOA’s English to Africa Service

Contractor is contracted to work as part of a team preparing and broadcasting news content for VOA’s English to Africa Service. Contractor will normally have two assignments per week, usually on weekends. The schedule includes holidays, as necessary.

SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE:

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

2. Attending and participating in news meetings to discuss Africa radio and web programming, and pro-actively contributing story ideas.

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

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

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

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

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

8. Reporting on breaking news and feature topics, making use of appropriate sources and materials to create fresh and relevant radio and web versions of the story that conform to VOA style and guidelines.

9. The radio reports can include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Short Correspondent Reports – 40-50 seconds with a 10 second introduction

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

c. Background Reports – Three to five minute reports on news and feature topics with a short introduction

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

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

10. 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)

11. May host or co-host air shows as necessary, ensuring that content and style conform to VOA’s production and professional standards.

12. May anchor discussion and/or call-in segments as necessary, that can include point/counterpoint debate, or analysis with newsmakers and listeners – these must always be balanced and comprehensive in nature, and it is the host’s responsibility to ensure that they are.

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

14. Working successfully as part of a team.

15. 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

16. Contractor may work additional assignments.

17. 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.

18. 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 Producer/Reporter (DC)

1. At least 5 years of national or international broadcast experience with professional on-air delivery. Experience producing a live radio news show.

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 newsmakers, experts and officials, from African countries and other nations

1. Must possess broad knowledge of Africa and 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.(no more than 3 samples)