Russian_Producer_NY_Bureau_SOW_July_2018.docx

Statement of Work July 2018 Combination of Services / Russian - Producer NYC

1.0 Introduction

The Voice of America's Russian Service has a requirement for a talent vendor (hereinafter referred to as "Contractor") to provide a combination of services as described below. The work shall be performed on a Fixed-Price-Labor Hour basis. In addition, the Government will reimburse the Contractor for actual expenses as stated below. The Contractor's per-hour rate shall include overhead (e.g., health insurance), G&A, and profit. The Contractor shall at all times adhere to the Voice of America's Journalistic Code and Best Practices Guide, and shall request pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing that might give rise to an actual or perceived violation of the Code. The rate will be established on per hour basis. No minimum working hours are guaranteed.

2.0 Scope of Work

The Contractor shall perform the following work at VOA’s Bureau in New York, or at the location mutually agreed to by the authorized BBG/VOA representative:

(a) Produce news and feature video packages, digital shorts, interviews, and assembles video for cross-platform distribution.

(b) Select and edit multimedia enhancements to add news value to reports. Reviews, selects, obtains, and edits texts, video footage, audio and still photos to produce comprehensive and timely reports for TV and digital distribution. These include original scripts, in-house VOA production and/or sources to which VOA subscribes. As needed, s/he requests and coordinates the preparation and encoding of such multimedia enhancements. Incumbent ensures that copyright restrictions are respected.

(c) Acts as program producer/line producer in the control room. Reviews all program materials including opens, closes, themes, bridges to confirm accuracy and on-air worthiness. Creates or follows scripts which outline the various elements of assigned productions. Ensures a fresh, lively, interesting sound and feel for programs, utilizing appropriate show elements and techniques.

(d) Uses social media and appropriate digital tools and services to improve the programming, to source and verify news and information and to engage Russian-speaking audiences. This responsibility extends across the Service’s TV and digital operation.

(d) Suggests and creates content and programs that increases traffic, promote VOA and engage or target audiences

(f) Contractor shall at all times adhere to the standards and principles in the Voice of America Journalistic Code and shall request pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing that might give rise to an actual or perceived violation of the Code.

(g) The Contractor shall be available to work as all of the above within mutually agreed upon flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and Government Holidays. A 30- minute non-paid meal break shall be coordinated with the COR.

(h) 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 VOA.

(i) VOA may terminate this contract within 30 days prior notice in the event of discontinued need for the Contractor’s services or within lesser prior notice as may be appropriate in the event of unsatisfactory performance or improper conduct on the part of the Contractor.

A Qualified contractor should have: demonstrated ability to quickly produce engaging TV and digital video content; experience in breaking news; demonstrated solid editorial judgement; experience working with teams of camerapersons and other producers in bringing stories to life through narrative data and video.

3.0 Reimbursable Items

(a) Travel and Per Diem - The terms and conditions of the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) shall apply to all travel and travel-related matters authorized herein. The Contractor shall be reimbursed at cost for travel-related expenses upon submission of properly substantiated invoices. There shall be no profit allowed on these expenses. The Contractor, in connection with authorized travel, shall be reimbursed for:

1. The cost of economy-class (coach) airfare;

2. Per diem at Government rates prevailing when travel is undertaken; and

3. Miscellaneous expenses incurred in connection with the travel, upon provision of appropriate justification.

(b) The Contracting Officer may ask the Contractor to substantiate related travel expenses by supporting information (e.g., dates, purpose of travel, and per diem) and documentation including receipts for airline travel costs, lodging, parking fees, ground transportation, and other miscellaneous fees in excess of $25.

(c) Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses - Upon presentation of substantiating data to the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall be reimbursed for the following expenses without profit:

1. Passport/visa fees and photographs;

2. Taxi/limousine/bus fares to and from airports; and

3. Official long distance telephone calls from the Contractor’s office.

(d) The BBG will not reimburse costs associated with “Local Travel” to/from the Contractor’s office or for parking at the Contractor’s office. Neither will the BBG reimburse the Contractor for his “travel time”. However, the BBG will reimburse the Contractor for costs associated with “Local Travel” to locations where he/she will be covering stories if applicable. This reimbursement will include mileage (at JTR rates), tolls, and hourly parking.

(e) The Contractor MUST obtain prior written approval from the COR identified in the Contract before incurring any of the above reimbursable expenses.

4.0 SUBMISSION OF DELIVERABLES

(a) All work performed under this contract shall be completed and delivered within the time agreed upon by the Contractor and the ordering office – VOA Russian, and as specified in each task order, oral or written.

(b) The work will not be paid, partially or in full, in case it has not been determined to be complete by the VOA Russian Service supervisory staff, and the Contractor was promptly informed of the same immediately after the work has been evaluated.

(c) The Contractor shall advise the ordering office of any anticipated delays within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of an order.

5.0 SUBMISSION OF INVOICES

(a) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice to the COR at the e-mail address listed below: ivandusen@voanews.com

(b) The Contractor’s invoice shall list the number of hours worked, submitted and accepted.

7.0 ACCEPTANCE

(a) The Contractor shall maintain a monthly Attendance Log of all hours worked. A copy of this Attendance Log shall be attached to the Contractor’s invoice.

(b) COR for this contract is Irina Van Dusen, Chief, VOA Russian Service (ivandusen@voanews.com). Alternative COR is Alen Mlatisuma, Eurasia Division’s Internet Managing Editor (amlatisu@voanews.com)

8.0 SECURITY

All staff must be able to obtain and maintain a public trust background investigation.

- End of Statement of Work –

Pricing Summary

August 20, 2018-August 19, 2019

August 20, 2019-August 19, 2020

August 20, 2020-August 19, 2021