English to Africa -South Sudan -Producer-Program Segments.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Non-Personal Services Producer – Program Segments English Division /South Sudan Project

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 defined as the specific duties listed below under 2.0 Statement of Work. 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.

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 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

Producer - Program Segments

1. Demonstrated knowledge of digital audio editing/broadcasting systems.

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

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

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

1. Adept at generating exclusive and distinctive content, and 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)