GPA UPDATED SOW FPC Intl Reporting Programs FY27.pdf

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Global Public Affairs, Foreign Press

Centers

Statement of Work

Logistical Support for Foreign Press Center’s International Media Reporting

Programs

Background: The Foreign Press Center (FPC), part of the U.S. Department of

State's Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA), serves the American people by advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities through strategic engagement with international media. By developing reporting opportunities and connecting foreign journalists with U.S. policymakers and experts across the country, the FPC offers outlets a deeper, more accurate understanding of U.S. policy and society and projects Administration messaging to key audiences across the globe. The FPC promotes firsthand reporting that reflects America's commitment to First

Amendment freedoms and democratic principles. These programs amplify U.S.

leadership on the global stage, counter adversarial propaganda, and protect the integrity of messaging that aligns with American interests. Through this work, the

FPC enhances the worldwide impact of U.S. policy messaging and reinforces a safer, more secure, and more prosperous America.

Introduction: The Foreign Press Center’s International Media Reporting Programs play a crucial role in advancing the Administration's America First priorities and shaping global media narratives about the United States. By engaging media professionals through local and national reporting programs, the FPC enables key media to report in-depth on U.S. policy and society in ways that influence global understanding and build support for the United States. Participating media include prominent broadcast, print, radio, and digital outlets that reach audiences in every corner of the globe. FPC designs these immersive, on-the-record programs strategically to shape press narratives on key policy priorities, providing media with firsthand experiences and access to high-quality, authoritative information.

Through informing and influencing foreign publics, FPC promotes U.S. economic growth, U.S. citizen security, and global stability – in turn, making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

The FPC does not review, approve, censor or influence the editorial content produced through the program. The FPC remains firmly committed to supporting transparent access to information and upholding media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.

The FPC directs and manages all program themes and sub-themes/topics of program itineraries. The FPC selects all participating journalists.

FPC International Media Programs: There are several types of International

Media Reporting Programs for which the FPC will require logistical support:

1. Media Co-operatives (Media Co-ops): includes two journalists from the same country and outlet. Travel to 2-3 U.S. cities for 8-10 nights. Itineraries executed by an experienced American travel facilitator selected by the FPC and sub-contracted.

2. Large International Reporting Tours (Large IRTs): includes 12-20 journalists from different outlets and countries. Travel to 2-3 U.S. cities for

8-10 nights. Itineraries are developed and executed by the FPC. When requested by FPC, vendor shall provide one staff member to accompany program travel for logistical support.

3. Small International Reporting Tours (Small IRTs): includes 2-4 journalists from different outlets and countries. Travel to 2 U.S. cities for up to 7nights. Itineraries are developed and executed by the FPC.

4. Domestic Reporting Tours (DRTs): includes 10-20 journalists who are

U.S.-based foreign correspondents and credentialed with the FPC. Travel to

1-2 U.S. cities for 2-3 nights. Itineraries are developed and executed by the

FPC.

5. Local Reporting Tours (LRTs): includes 5-20 journalists who are U.S.

based foreign correspondents and credentialed with the FPC. Travel is one day only, originating from one of the FPC's flagship locations in

Washington, D.C., or New York, NY. Itineraries are developed and executed by the FPC.

Purpose of Tasks:

To provide logistical, administrative, and financial services to the FPC for their

International Media Reporting Programs, including Media Co-operatives (Media

Co-ops), Large International Reporting Tours (Large IRTs), Small International

Reporting Tours (Small IRTs), Domestic Reporting Tours (DRTs), and Local

Reporting Tours (LRTs).

Vendor shall be responsible for:

Travel and Logistics:

• Coordinate U.S. domestic travel related arrangements (e.g. air, lodging, ground transportation, reserving meeting space) as needed for all applicable programs.

Financial Services (as applicable by program type):

• Issuance of funds for per diem and incidental expenses to participants in adherence to GSA regulations

• Arrangements for group working meals in adherence to GSA regulations, as needed

Program Support:

• Distributed and manage collection of FPC's Terms and Conditions form to each program participant, ensuring all participants fully complete and return the form, as it is required for program participation (Large IRTs, Small IRTs, Media Co-ops)

• Provision of SIM cards for communication during the duration of program for all applicable program types. Collection of passport and visa biographical information as required for program participation ifor all applicable program types.

• Collection of participant flight information to coordinate and arrange ground transportation for all applicable program types.

• Issuance of limited emergency health insurance for the duration of program, for all applicable program types.

• Maintenance of organized records of all signed Terms and Conditions and travel documentation, ensuring all information is handled in compliance with federal privacy, security, and records management requirements (all programs).

Staffing:

• Provision of one staff member, when needed, to accompany Large

International Reporting Tours to coordinate logistical support such as bus arrangements, group communication, meeting room arrangements, assistance with lost luggage, and other logistical issues that arise as needed.

• Subcontract travel facilitators who serve as producers for Media Co-op programs, to arrange interviews, draft the program schedule, and accompany foreign journalists during their program in the United States.

Tracking and Reporting:

• Tracking of progress of each program's elements on a shared document between the Vendor and the FPC.

Budgeting:

• Within one week of FPC request, Vendor will provide a draft project budget for each reporting program and receive approval from the FPC.

• Vendor will submit a detailed invoice at the conclusion of each reporting program and will include a summary of all actual costs (with invoices and receipts).

• Vendor will provide subcontracted producers with an advance in travel funds and will process invoices for their post-program payment in a timely manner.

Invoicing: Within 30 days of the conclusion of each International Media Reporting

Program, the vendor shall provide a summary of all actual costs. The vendor shall include copies of invoices that indicate all costs billed. The Contracting Officer's

Representatives will review each cost summary.

Deliverables: Effectively and efficiently manage program logistics and administration so that the FPC is able to strategically engage foreign media professionals and shape global reporting to advance U.S. foreign policy goals. The

FPC will provide a schedule and confirmation of program dates, location and the number of participants. The FPC may revise this plan at any time to reflect changes in Administration priorities and may incorporate additional programs upon securing additional funding.

Base Year (FY27):

• Up to One (1) Large International Reporting Tours

• Up to Two (2) Small International Reporting Tours

• Up to Five (5) Domestic Reporting Tours

• Up to Two (2) Local Reporting Tours

• Up to Five (5) Media Cooperatives

Option Year 1 (FY28): The Government may exercise an option to extend services for an additional twelve-month period. If exercised, the vendor shall provide the same scope of services as the base year, with funding adjusted to account for program expansion and inflationary costs.

Option Year 2 (FY29): The Government may exercise an option to extend services for a second additional twelve-month period. If exercised, the vendor shall provide the same scope of services as the base year, with funding adjusted to account for program expansion and inflationary costs.

Option Year 3 (FY30): The Government may exercise an option to extend services for a second additional twelve-month period. If exercised, the vendor shall provide the same scope of services as the base year, with funding adjusted to account for program expansion and inflationary costs.

Option Year 4 (FY31): The Government may exercise an option to extend services for a second additional twelve-month period. If exercised, the vendor shall provide the same scope of services as the base year, with funding adjusted to account for program expansion and inflationary costs.

The Government will provide written notice of its intent to exercise each option year no later than 60 days prior to the expiration of the current contract period.

Exercise of option years is at the sole discretion of the Government and is contingent upon satisfactory contractor performance, continued program need, and availability of funds.

Security Requirements: none

Period of Performance:

• Base Year: September 30, 2026 – September 29, 2027

• Option Year 1: September 30, 2027 – September 29, 2028 (if exercised)

• Option Year 2: September 30, 2028 – September 29, 2029 (if exercised)

• Option Year 3: September 30, 2029 – September 30, 2030 (if exercised)

• Option Year 4: September 30, 2030 – September 29, 2031 (if exercised)

Place of Performance: United States