BANGLA__Final_-Domestic-SOW.docx

SECTION C

STATEMENT OF WORK

Domestic Stringer, Multimedia Reporter South Central Asia Division, Bangla Service

C.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Voice of America’s South Central Asia Division, Bangla Service has a requirement for a Domestic Stringer/Multimedia Reporter (hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”) to initiate and develop news stories and ideas independently that will appeal to VOA viewers. The Contractor shall provide objective hard news, local news, sports, blog/social media posts, B-Roll and feature stories in Bangla for broadcast on radio, television, mobile and the Internet. The Contractor shall identify and cover stories related to civil society, social issues, sports, arts and entertainment; conduct interviews; prepare reports; gather photographs and video; write, edit, narrate and film (video) documents that can be verified by sources or an eyewitness. The Contractor shall establish sources both in local government and outside official channels in order to report on a wide variety of subjects focusing on politics and economics to include breaking news stories, in meeting short deadlines required by VOA.

The Government will reimburse the Contractor for actual expenses incurred per story basis, related to the work performed in USA. The Contractor shall be responsible for meeting all obligations under the terms and conditions of this Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). The Contractor shall at all times adhere to the standards and principles in the Voice of America Journalistic Code at https://www.insidevoa.com/p/5831.html and VOA Best Practices. The Contractor shall request pre-approval before engaging in outside speaking and writing that will give rise to an actual or perceived violation of the Journalistic Code.

C.2 BACKGROUND

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is an Executive Branch Federal Government agency that oversees U.S. broadcasting of news and information to audiences around the world. BBG includes the South Central Asia Division which is under the Voice of America (VOA). Together, VOA, as well as grantee entities Radio Free Asia (RFA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and the Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN distribute programming in English and 42 other languages to an estimated weekly audience of 175 million people.

The work of the VOA centers around promoting freedom and democracy by providing objective information to the Bangladesh (& as required Bangla speaking region of West Bengal, Assam,, Tripura states of India) population that would otherwise be unavailable. VOA produces content that is relevant to the daily lives of Bangladeshi people, and the work of human rights activists, journalists, and dissidents.

C.3 TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

C.3.1 SPECIFIC KNOWLDEGE, SKILLS, & REQUIREMENTS

· Proficient in video editing, web design, graphic art, and interactive media

· Knowledge of VOA programming and target audience

· Journalism experience

· At least 2 years of experience working for a news agency

· Strong journalistic and Print, Radio and Television production skills

· Proficient in Bangla/English language

· Strong understanding of USA and Bangladesh Media Market, including social media platforms

· Ability to edit audio and video

· Experience working on TV and multimedia projects

· Ability to navigate on social media.

Know how to communicate via SMS, to take/send pictures and videos to VOA

· Valid identification with current and correct information.

C.3.2 TASK OVERVIEW

The Contractor shall perform the following:

· Shift work, weekends, evenings, holidays and uncommon working hours, as determined to meet the requirements of each task order/deliverable

· Generate ideas for multimedia projects

· Research a given topic for a specific project/story/interview or program

· Analyze an event and its repercussions, or profile a major leader, personality or newsmaker

· Conduct interviews, cover events and prepare reports based on research, interview and/or event coverage

· Produce/document multimedia and digital media reports for both pre-recorded and live stories/events occurring in the USA (via radio, television, social media, telephone, Skype and/or the world-wide web/internet)

· Includes the reporting of events in Bangla (target area) as assigned

· Includes the posting and updates of news stories, uploading of pictures and short video clips (i.e. Facebook Live and other technologies as they become available)

· Work with Service Chief/Managing Editor on final production

· Write and edit short stories using video and still photography (BRolls)

· Record sound-bytes, shoot video, edit recorded video and voice material

· Ensure all reporting is suitable for final release, post, distribution and/or broadcast

· Meet all delivery report deadlines

C.3.3 REPORT REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor’s reportage shall comply with the following:

· 2 to 5 minutes in length

· Conforms to VOA style and follows VOA guidelines

· Delivers balance, objective, comprehensive reports/program and avoids bias

· Includes actualities, details and background to the story

· Entails written script(s), audio, pictures, live footage and/or video clips

· Radio

· Feature report up to 6 minutes in length

· Interviews

· 3 to 5 minutes in length

· One on One Interviews with officials, analysts, community leaders, politicians, influential people, activists, and/or other newsmakers

· Digital Media - for internet and social media websites

· B Rolls

· VOSOTs

· Short video clips

· Facebook posts, to include live video

· Pictures

· Text

C.3.3.1 VIDEO PACKAGES HARD NEWS STORIES

· Video Packages – (Hard News)

· Hard News- Based on Current events or News derived from an investigation based on current news.

· Editorial guidance will be provided by the Service Chief/Managing Editor to meet the criteria and desired angle of subject

· Topics could be varied but must always include data or facts to support the information provided.

· Stories should be no longer than 3 minutes

C.3.3.2 VIDEO PACKAGES FEATURE STORIES

· *Feature Stories are based on special or current events that are of generic interest and could be used anytime.

· *Pace and rhythm of story is slower and involves more creative and dynamic technical resources.

· *Topics could be varied and can relate to people, places, events or celebrations presented in a more creative format.

· Stories can be up to 5 minutes

C.3.3.3 B-ROLL

This refers to video that is used to visualize the script that a reporter or news anchor has written. It is solely shot for a TV news story

B-roll can include Interviews-

· Material for News Packages and Special Programs

· Service Chief/Managing Editor will give editorial guidance and sometimes provide questions

· Suggestions and proposals for interviews are welcome

Sound Bites-

· Audio bites of people to be used as support for stories prepared in the newsroom.

· Natural Audio portions (NAT SOUND) of events (parade, protest, special events)

C.3.3.4 PHOTOGRAPHS

· Can accompany written features to support information

· Must be original

· Creative input is welcome to present image in the best possible way

· Index information of location, city, etc. is necessary

C.4 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:

C4.1 DEADLINES

All work performed under this contract shall be completed and delivered within the established due date as started in the above table or as specified in each individual task order. The Contractor shall advise the Ordering Office and COR of any anticipated delays within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of an order.

C.5 PLACE OF DELIVERY FOR DELIVERABLES

(a) The Contractor shall submit work materials as stated in Section C.4, to meet broadcast requirements. The deliverable/tasks can be a pre-recorded package or a presentation of live content, depending on specific broadcast needs.

(b) The Contractor shall submit all deliverables to the Contracting Officer representative (COR) at the address listed below:

Item(s) to be delivered under this contract shall be delivered electronically to:

U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors Cohen Building – Room 3256 330 Independence Ave., SW Phone: 202-382-7970 E-mail: ephillip@voanews.com or Roquia Haider, Bangla Service Chief

BBG/VOA

Cohen Building – Room 2347 330 Independence Ave., SW Phone: 202-382-5369 E-mail: rhaider@voanews.com

*The COR will specify the place of delivery for items to be delivered under each task order that have not been listed in the preceding table upon their assignment.

All Contractor Deliverable shall meet the following standards:

· Clarity Deliverables and technical content shall be relevant and unambiguous, and shall adhere to accepted elements of style. Presentations, if any, shall be easy to understand and be relevant to the supporting narrative.

· Adherence to Requirements All deliverables must satisfy the requirements of this statement of work and must contribute to the overall success of the tasks.

· Format Deliverables shall be submitted in the format specified in the task order (if applicable), or as specified by the COR. If format is not specified in the task order, the Contractor shall submit all work products in formats compatible with BBG system format.

· Completeness Deliverables shall be comprehensive and entirely developed (i.e. have all required parts and elements).

· Timeliness –Deliverables shall be submitted to the COR at the time required (as specified in the task order) and generated on or before the specified the due date.

C.6 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

C.6.1 INSPECTION OVERVIEW

The Contractor agrees that no employer-employee relationship exists between the Voice of America and the Contractor. The COR will review, for completeness and quality, all deliverables submitted by the Contractor, and will return them to the Contractor for correction, if applicable. The Contracting Officer may delegate responsibility for review to other employees with appropriate expertise. Absence of any comments by the COR will not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for complying with the requirements of the contract. Final approval and acceptance of deliverables will be provided to the Contractor in writing by the COR. The COR will have up to two-weeks to inspect deliverables and return them to the Contractor for correction.

C.6.1.1 VOA CONTROL OF THE WORK

While VOA encourages initiative in discovering, pursuing and developing stories, etc., until VOA accepts a story, etc., VOA will not pay the Contractor for any story, etc. VOA follows Voice of America journalistic guidelines and standards available at https://www.insidevoa.com/p/5831.html and VOA Best Practices. The Contractor and those reporting stories are responsible for errors or material breaches of these journalistic guidelines. Material errors or breach are grounds for VOA to refuse to provide further work to the persons breaching these standards and can be the basis for a termination for default of this agreement in whole or part. The remedies in this clause are cumulative and do not restrict any other actions VOA may have under the agreement, at law or in equity.

Before designating a stringer to a VOA assignment (story, etc.,) VOA must have approved the use of that stringer.

VOA and stringers may communicate directly via the designated COR.

VOA has complete editorial control over the content of stories VOA publishes in any form or media. Stringers who object to VOA editorial decisions shall present their objections to the Contractor/COR who can determine whether and how to pursue the matter with VOA. Editorial decisions concerning the content or presentation of stories shall not be subject to the disputes clause. Those decisions are solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

VOA is not responsible for the safety or health of the Contractor and its stringers when pursuing any story. The Contractor and the involved stringers must determine on their own the risks and are at liberty to stop and exit any story or situation when they reasonably believe they are at risk of injury, particularly if any person or persons, know or unknown, are reasonably believed to be seeking to inflict harm on journalists.

If VOA/COR does not accept a deliverable from the Contractor due to inferior quality, errors, etc., the Contractor may, depending on the type of deliverable, be entitled to resubmit the deliverable at VOA/COR’s sole discretion. For example, if the item submitted was a breaking news item and its publication is time sensitive, VOA will not accept resubmission of that breaking news item. In any event, the Contractor must obtain approval in writing from VOA/COR before resubmitting a deliverable that VOA/COR deemed unacceptable.

C.6.1.2 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Contractor’s performance shall be evaluated quarterly to ensure that the Contractor is meeting the requirements of the VOA.

C.6.2 ACCEPTABLE CRITERA

All Contractor-produced documents and documentation, in addition to the required Deliverables as referenced in Section C.4, shall meet the following general acceptance criteria. Final inspection and acceptance of all work performed, reports and other deliverables, will be performed at the place of delivery by the BBG’s COR.

(1) Accurate

(2) Verifiable, i.e. well sourced – for example, eyewitness, consistent stories from multiple perspectives (multiple perspectives requires differing ultimate sources of information)

(3) Methodical in gathering evidence to support assertions, includes supporting evidence

(4) Informs the reader/audience if the story is outside the norm

(5) Follows the VOA Journalistic Code, https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-a-2002-07-09-12-voa-67572457/288015.html and VOA Best Practices Guide

(6) Focused and reasonably able to understand why the information is being presented

(7) Provides quality images and journalism that illustrates the order of events (well-rounded story)

(8) Seek unique perspectives that can help create an attractive narrative

C.7 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of this Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is five years consisting of a one year base period and four (4) consecutive twelve-month ordering periods.

(a) The anticipated date of award of this Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) shall be from September 1, 2018 –August 31, 2023 and will be contingent upon availability of funds.

(b) The Government may terminate this contract within 30 calendar day’s prior notice in the event of discontinued need for the Contractor’s services or with less prior notice as may be appropriate in the event of unsatisfactory performance or improper conduct on the part of the Contractor.

C.8 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall perform field reporting work remotely within the Continental United States.

C.8.1 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY, FACILITIES, SERVICES OR INFORMATION

The Government will not provide basic equipment such as laptop, camera and/or mobile solely for the Contractor’s use while performing the work prescribed herein.

Copyright to all work under this Contract belongs to the Broadcasting Board of Governors and VOA.

C.9 PAYMENT

*Note: The Contractor shall submit invoices only for work that has been submitted to the COR, and inspected and accepted by the COR.

Expenses incurred in gathering and filing incumbent's reportage are included in the monthly payment. The Contractor will use of VOA's equipment and communications if possible. The incumbent may not enter into contracts or incur financial liabilities on behalf of VOA or the U.S. Government.

C.9.1 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.

(b) The BBG will not reimburse costs associated with “Local Travel” to/from the Contractor’s office to/from or for parking during working hours.

(c) The BBG will reimburse the Contractor for costs associated with out of the Contractor’s home province, to cover stories if applicable. This reimbursement will include mileage (at JTR rates), tolls, and hourly parking.

Expenses related to travel outside the Contractor’s home province area- such as tickets, car rental, hotel, telephones and internet costs related to VOA work and per diem shall be paid separately by travel grant.

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

C.11 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.

SECTION B: (Bangla Service Domestic Stringers)

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

PRICING SUMMARY

Base Period September 1, 2018-August 31, 2019

C.3.3

Ordering Period 1 September 1, 2019-August 31, 2020

C.3.3

Ordering Period 2 September 1, 2020-August 31, 2021

Ordering Period 3 September 1, 2021-August 31, 2022

C.3.3

Ordering Period 4 September 1, 2022-August 31, 2023

C.3.3