Learning English Technology Reporter.docx

Statement of Work Non Personal Service Personal Technology Column – Special Assignments Combination Services Technology Reporter Voice of America Learning English Branch

1.0 Introduction

(a) The Voice of America’s Learning English Service has a requirement for an independent contractor (hereinafter referred to as "Contractor") to provide Special Assignments Combination Services for news columns as described below. The work shall be performed on an Assignment basis. The Contractor’s assignment rate shall include overhead (e.g., health insurance), general and administrative cost (G&A), and profit.

All work shall be performed in accordance with “The VOA Journalistic Code”.

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.

For this statement of work, an assignment consists of a writing/producing technology news article of 600-1000 words with accompanying audio and related photos or videos for posting to the VOA Learning English website, other VOA language program websites, podcast and radio.

2.0 Scope of Work

(a) Keep up-to-date and knowledgeable about issues, events, and developments affecting mobile devices and personal technology.

(b) Look for news and developments and pro-actively pitch story ideas for column to be published every Thursday or as development warranted.

(c) Report on a wide variety of developments and feature topics in his/her area.

(d) Conduct interviews with government officials, businesspeople, educators, scientists, ordinary citizens, etc.

(e) Speak with a wide variety of sources to get a broad understanding of developments and upcoming events.

(f) Ensure assignments are completed on time and meet all deadlines.

(i) Take photos and/or shoot video and record audio to accompany articles.

(j) Be available for occasional phone Q&A’s with VOA’s English radio team to discuss and promote web posts. The approximate number of posts per week is one (1). Phone Q&A (Question and Answer) would be on an ad hoc basis according to the level of interests a column (assignment) would receive. Maximum number of Q&A sessions would be 12.

(h) Assist in the promotion of VOA content.

(i) All work must conform to VOA journalistic standards and policies.

Qualifications:

Technology Writer

· At least 4 years of experience in writing, reporting and blogging on personal technology, including digital and mobile.

· Possess broad knowledge of personal technology and practice around the world, especially in Asia, European Union and North America.

· Additional knowledge of the Middle East and Africa is a plus.

· Adept at generating exclusive and distinctive personal technology content for a worldwide audience.

· Demonstrated ability to work within a live broadcast environment and experience with digital mobile journalism tools.

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

3.0 Award Duration and Approximate Assignment number:

Two years to commence on or about September 1, 2015 Approximate Assignment number per annum: 52

4.0 Deliverables

Are to be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for acceptance in accordance with VOA standards. The time of delivery will be determined by the COR based on the needs of the government

5.0 Contractor Performance Evaluation Criteria:

The quality and efficiency of the services performed by the Contractor shall be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the Contractor is meeting the requirements of the Government.

6.0 Time of Performance

VOA is a 24/7 news program operation. Submission of assignments would be expected assignments would be expected in weeks that include Federal holidays.

- End of Statement of Work –