Radio_Programming_Advising_and_Consulting_Statement_of_Work_(FINAL).pdf

Radio Programming Advising and Consulting Statement of Work

The Contractor shall provide a range of advisory and assistance services to the Broadcasting Board of

Governors/Voice of America (BBG/VOA) in the development of radio broadcasting globally. The

Contractor shall advise BBG/VOA with respect to radio programming, multimedia products, services and methodologies.

The Consultant shall provide expert-level guidance tailored to specific regional analysis. Emphasis may be placed on the development of radio broadcasting in Africa, including the Sahel, Francophone and

Anglophone countries, and other regions. The Contractor shall specifically focus his/her efforts from both the strategic (mid-term and long-term) and tactical (short-term) perspectives. The Contractor may also be called upon to serve as a subject-matter expert and trainer, for domestic and/or international training sessions.

The Contractor shall provide his or her services as directed by the VOA Director of Programming (or the

Director of Programming’s designees). The VOA Director of Programming (and designees) will accept and review all services and deliverables.

While these consulting services are on an as-needed basis, the agency anticipates approximately 480 hours of consulting services may be needed per year.

Specifics and Deliverables:

1. Recommendations on strategic and music research, including: consulting and working with research companies selected by BBG/VOA, and making recommendations on parameters for focus groups and field surveys to maximize the effectiveness of American radio research techniques as applied to other cultures, working with such research companies on the design of music and formatics research

(particularly as they apply to combining Western and non-Western music), definition and development of criteria for the selection of music to be tested, interpretation of research results, and implementation of specific programming techniques based on these results.

2. Summaries and syntheses of research, including: evaluating BBG research, external research

(including but not limited to survey and focus-group research), and discussions with residents of target areas. The Contractor shall also advice BBG on the use and development of programming on medium wave, FM, and shortwave broadcasting to attract substantial target audiences as determined and specified in writing.

3. Recommendations on programming, including: overall implementation and operation of music scheduling software (e.g. Powergold), including the design of music categories to maximize effectiveness of a mix of Western and non-Western music, design of music rotation rules (including prioritization and weighting), design of format clocks to optimize music rotation patterns, development of methodologies to effective interface music scheduling software with computerized automation software, development of innovative systems for integrating and networking multi-language streams targeting specific geographical and cultural areas, development of methodologies for integrating Western-style DJ formatics with local culture, and development of overall formatics for DJs’ imagery and newscasts.

3. Recommendations on branding, including: consulting with VOA staff to apply American radio expertise on such things as section of station and program names, positioning slogans; development of cross-cultural techniques to maximize the effectiveness of such program elements as staging jingles, launcher jingles, segue jingles, and promotional spots for music, news, feature, and public affairs programming.

4. Recommendations on marketing, including the dynamics of station launch strategy, development of techniques of publicity, and applying American and cross-cultural radio techniques to develop new and effective ways of interacting with the target audience both on and off the air.

5. Recommendations on operations, including: application of American radio techniques to staffing policies, internal station organization, and planning.

6. Recommendations on developing new, innovative methods for achieving the public diplomacy mission of VOA in ways that are attractive to the young target audiences in Africa.

In cooperation with VOA staff, the Contractor’s work will entail analysis of broad radio programming opportunities in Africa, including but not limited to the Sahel region and Francophone areas. VOA will draw on the Contractor’s experience as global opportunities may arise.

Specific components and results of the work include:

- Design of overall cross-cultural music, entertainment, and feature programming

- Ongoing advisory and assistance services to VOA

- Quarterly written reports on the progress and recommendations for improvements

The reports will include specifics on programming, research, staffing, and budgeting. The Contractor shall interface with VOA staff as necessary via email and/or telephone, which may be a daily requirement at times.

7. Developing training curricula and materials for VOA personnel and international radio affiliates in

American commercial radio techniques, particularly as they apply in non-American cultural situations.

Areas of training may include: music selection and formatting, on-air DJ techniques, studio operations, feature program production, time management, and managerial skills.

The Contractor shall collaborate with BBG/VOA to determine curriculum materials. The Contractor shall submit all training plans to the Director of Operations (and designees) prior to the preparation and provision of any and all training.

8. Provide training for VOA personnel and international radio affiliates, in domestic and/or international settings. The Contractor shall coordinate with BBG/VOA to identify all curricula and materials to be used during the course of the training.

Training cost shall assume one day of training between 4-8 hours, and be priced at a fixed rate. Training for more than one day and/or international training shall be quoted on a case-by-case basis, should the need arise.

Expert Requirements:

Experience with broadcast programming technologies and automation systems, such as Powergold and

Dalet (or equivalents) is mandatory.

Demonstrated success in programming major market radio stations or programs in the United States is mandatory, and additional international experience is preferred, particularly in Africa.

Significant demonstrated experience designing and leading training related to global radio broadcasting.

Preferred experience training both domestically and abroad, with training tailored to specific radio markets’ needs and opportunities.

Candidates must be fluent in both English and French. Knowledge of Arabic and/or African indigenous languages (e.g. Sango, Wolof, Bambara, or Lingala) is valued.

Candidates must have the ability to legally work in the United States and successfully pass a BBG security investigation.

Place of Delivery and Acceptance:

Consultation services shall be performed remotely with voice; skype and/or in-person meetings scheduled on an as-needed basis convenient to both parties.

Period of Performance

August 1, 2018-July 31, 2019 for the base period of performance with the option to continue services for an additional two years subject to the availability of funds.

Travel:

It is expected that there will be travel required, both domestic and international – for consultations in

Washington, DC with the Director of Programming and VOA Senior Management and staff; and overseas regarding content for BBG networks. Candidates shall possess the necessary credentials to travel to and from the United States, and shall be cognizant of any dangers travelling in the Sahel region or other potentially dangerous areas. The BBG encourages interested candidates to take the appropriate measures to protect himself/herself accordingly. The BBG will not reimburse the Contractor for travel/medical insurance.

Travel, including dates of travel/length of travel, shall be coordinated and approved at the direction of the

Programming Director (or designees). Contractor shall prepare a trip proposal that shall follow as closely as possible the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) guidelines for hotel, per diem, and other reimbursable expenses for the Programming Director’s approval prior to travel commencing.

The Contractor shall promptly notify the Programming Director and the Contract Officer Representative

(COR) of any changes to said travel in writing.

After completion of the trip, receipts shall be provided within five days of return from travel, and accompanied by contractor invoice for reimbursement.

Deliverables:

The Contractor shall provide deliverables that are responsive to the statement of work and/or specifications described in each individual task order. The Contractor shall submit all deliverables to the

COR identified herein for dissemination to BBG subject matter expert(s) for review and comments. Final inspection and acceptance of all work performed and deliverables will be performed by the COR. The following deliverables are required for the successful completion of this contract. The Contractor shall submit the required deliverables to the COR in accordance with the following schedule:

- Direct assistance and guidance to VOA programmers, as requested by VOA representatives.

Brief summaries of the type of assistance provided, and outcomes of assistance.

- Plans for any training, as directed, as well as any materials required for training. Summaries of training activities and outcomes, as requested by VOA.

- Reports for any briefings, analysis, or recommendations, according to the length and level of detail requested by VOA. Reports must meet professional standards of quality, including clarity, conciseness, formatting and editing. All reports should include an overview of findings, a section on methodology, and any other sections as requested and directed by

VOA.

Nondisclosure agreement:

The contractor shall be required a non-disclosure agreement covering all work performed for VOA/BBG, and information gathered during the course of that work.

Contracting Officer’s Representative:

Shall be appointed post award

Submission of Invoices:

10.0 Submission of Invoices

The Contractor shall submit an original monthly invoice of detailed work completed and accepted by the

Government to the COR. The Contractor’s monthly invoice shall list: (a) the days for which assignments/hours are being billed for work performed, (b) the programs produced, (c) reimbursable expenses, if any, and (d) comply with 1952.232-91 Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements clause

(below).

1952.232-91 Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements

- Invoice Payment Platform (IPP) (April 2016)

Payment requests for all new awards must be submitted electronically through the U. S.

Department of the Treasury's Invoice Payment Platform System (IPP). "Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in

FAR 32.905(b), "Payment documentation and process" and the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in this contract. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov.

Submission Format

Each offeror shall review the terms and conditions set forth in this RFQ and review its quotation to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in this document.

Technical Proposal Content. Offerors shall submit their proposals in three (3) volumes:

a. Volume 1 – Introduction – This volume shall include the Offeror’s business information, to include DUNS number, Introduction and a Capability Statement.

b. Volume 2 – Technical Proposal - Includes two (2) parts:

i. Part 1 – Technical Capability-The Offeror shall describe its technical capabilities to meet the Statement of Work (SOW).

ii. Part 2 – Past Performance Information- the Offeror shall describe its similar past performance relevant to the SOW requirements. This Offeror shall provide detailed information on its past performance including any relevant contracts for same or similar services performed within the last five (5) years, with a minimum of three

(3) reference including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and email addresses (i.e., the point of contact who can verify the Offeror’s Past

Performance).

c. Volume 3 – Price Quote – Offerors shall provide a Separate Price Quote for services performed in this Statement of Work per hour.