Radio-Social Media Reporter-Newscaster-East Asia Expertise.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Non-Personal Services Radio/Social Media Reporter/Newscaster – East Asia Voice of America English Division Washington DC

1.0 Introduction

The Voice of America’s English Division/News Programs Service has a requirement for a talent vendor (hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”) with East Asia expertise to provide writing, production and voicing services as a social and multimedia specialist/newscaster as described below. The work shall be performed on a Fixed-Price-Labor-Hour basis. The Contractor’s hourly rate shall include overhead (e.g., health insurance), G&A, and profit. All work shall be performed in accordance written, professional standards and “The VOA Journalistic Code”.

2.0 Scope of Work

The Contractor shall perform the following work at the Broadcasting Board of Governors International Broadcasting Board of Governors (IBB), Voice of America (VOA), Washington D.C. Headquarters Building (330 Independence Avenue; Washington DC 20237) unless otherwise mutually agreed to by the Contracting Officer:

Contractor will be responsible for the performance of items forthwith:

(a) Research, write, produce and voice feature stories and content for use in VOA radio programs and on the web and on mobile devices. The Contractor, using knowledge of the East Asia region, will research and use appropriate sources for story and multimedia material and will recommend treatment of material to VOA editorial staff. All material will conform to VOA style and follow VOA guidelines, which require balance, objectivity and comprehensiveness, and avoid bias.

(b) Prepare and deliver social media segments that are smoothly integrated into long-form radio programs, using material from social media and VOA websites as a tool to reach and engage audience members in interactive discussions about issues in the news, host social media discussions and shows. Host radio shows as needed.

(c) As needed : Prepare five-minute newscasts by re-versioning and otherwise adapting available news wires in accordance with the VOA Journalistic Code and written guidelines established within the work unit.

(d) As needed: Gather and adapt audio files for inclusion in productions according to written guidelines.

(e) As Needed : Vocally deliver the newscasts and social media segments in real-time and/or recorded as assigned within requirements established in writing for the work unit and accordance with the VOA Journalistic code.

(f) As needed: Newscast preparation and sound-file production shall be produced using prescribed script-writing and sound-file editing production equipment and delivered to VOA audiences in a prescribed time and place in a manner suitable for broadcasting by professional on-air talent.

(g) Training on equipment and software programs needed to perform the job will be provided and the Contractor will be paid his/her standard hourly rate for required training.

(h) The preparation of newscasts and on-air delivery of newscasts and social media segments by the Contractor will ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with the professional broadcast standards.

(i) Newscasters shall sufficiently vary the content of their newscasts to avoid excessive repetition from hour to hour.

(j) The Contractor understands that preparation and delivery of hourly newscasts does not provide time for scheduled breaks.

(k) The Contractor will work a mutually agreed upon schedule that can fall at any time within a 24-hour day and seven-day work week, including holidays.

3.0 Deliverables

Written Newscast Scripts and associated sound- files intended for broadcast use must be submitted no less than ten minutes before airtime

Voicing of hourly newscast shall be performed live, and within Voice of America established procedures Immediately after each newscast, a hard copy of the on-air script shall be saved in a prescribed location as reference material for future newscasters.

The Contractor shall submit feature scripts to the VOA Editor in a timely fashion to allow time for copy editing and discussion over the content with adequate time to still make deadlines.

4.0 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.

5.0 Approximate number of hours, Holidays and Weekends

VOA is a 24/7 news/program operation and the schedule will vary depending on the need of the Government. During inclement weather, the Contractor is expected to report on time and perform based on the needs of the Government. The contractor may be required to provide service on Federal holidays and weekend work.

Preparation and delivery of hourly newscasts will not provide time for scheduled breaks. A mutually agreed upon schedule that can fall at any time within a 24-hour day and seven-day work week, including Government holidays will be coordinated by the Contracting Officer Representative.

6.0 Building Access/ID Card

Contractor shall enter the main entrance of Cohen Building and report to the Security Manager, and submit a request for a VOA ID card via the Contractor Verification System (CVS). Upon verification and notification of an approved application, the contractor will report to the Security Manager’s officer for issuance of an ID Card. Days and hours of availability daily Monday-Friday. This ID Card must be carried at all times while performing duties and must be used to access Cohen Building

6.2 NOTE: If contractor fails to pass a security background check, the contract will be terminated.

7.0 Purchase Order Duration

One year from date of award to commence on or about August 31, 2015 and no later than September 10, 2015.

8.0 BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT

The Contractor shall conduct itself with the highest degree of integrity and honesty and during the term of its relationship with the Agency shall maintain a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics in accordance with the VOA Charter and the VOA Journalistic Code.