Urdu_NGI_SOW-_Assignment_Desk_Overseas_Stringer_(003).doc

NGI- Overseas Stringer/Statement of Work

Multimedia Producer/Reporter

Next Generation Initiative –Overseas Stringer- Assignment Desk South Central Asia Division

Urdu Service 1.0 Introduction The Voice of America’s South Central Asia Division, Urdu Service has a requirement for a talent vendor, overseas stringer (hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”) to provide services as described below. The work shall be performed on assignment basis in, Pakistan. The Government will reimburse the Contractor for actual expenses as stated below. The Contractor shall be responsible for meeting all obligations under the term of this contract. The 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.

2.0 Scope of Work The Contractor shall perform the following work in his base province or in other areas of Pakistan as mutually agreed upon between the contractor and the Contracting Officer:

· Contractor shall produce web, social media reports on events in Pakistan, region and rest of the world.

· Writes and edit short stories using video and still photography.

· Must be proficient in content editing, web design, graphic art, and interactive media.

· Works with Managing Editor on production process (generating ideas, meeting deadlines) for multimedia projects.

· Produces events for Facebook Live and bring in other technologies as they come online.

Reportage must conform to VOA style and follow VOA guidelines, which require balance, objectivity and comprehensiveness, and eschew bias.

Tasks may take one or more of the following forms:

· News Monitoring. In a busy news cycle, the person is required to keep an eye on the constantly developing stories and recent happenings. This involves not just the conventional news sources like TV, radio and newspapers, but also the digital platforms like Twitter, Facebook and other social Media platforms. Monitors incoming news stories, news feeds, and video feeds obtains relevant information, and updates existing news stories as needed.

· Coordination. Can coordinate with reporters in the field, follow news updates and provides timely updates on breaking news from all sources, delivering content for Radio, web and social. Must be able to fill in for Assignment Desk or Coordination Desk Team Editors as needed and take charge of important stories. Must be able to fill in as a writer/reporter to ensure coverage needs are met. Service needs and interests are furthered and supported by active coordination and engagement with the coordination desk in the country of target audience. Keeps Service elements informed of important coverage plans by different broadcasting platforms within the language service, thereby enhancing the quality of Service programming. Notifies editors when an update is warranted and quickly writes or coordinates updates or news stories.

· Assigning stories to field Reporters- Requests for materials and/or reports from the field reporters and ensures that the editorial output is meeting VOA broadcast standards. Effective and collaborative relationships are built and maintained. When required, takes charge of newsgathering process, talks to correspondents and/or language programmers. Coordinates with reporters, web and production desk.

· Copy Editing - Edits Original and adapted news reports, feature stories, interviews, and other broadcast material. Maintains contact with Washington Desk, especially assignment desk and Managing Editors. Provides feedback to team members on writing style and content. Completes assignments independently, with little need for guidance. Work does not require major editorial or production revision. Assignments are completed in accordance with Service priorities as set by the Service Chief and managing editors. Meets deadlines. Stories are updated in a timely manner to reflect new information. Feedback to team members is constructive and consistent with editorial and broadcast editing principles.

· Writing News Advisory. A reporter will write detailed advisory of day’s important news stories and send it to Washington Desk in a timely manner to ensure that no important story is missed. Service needs and interests are furthered and supported by active coordination and engagement with the coordination desk in the country of target audience. Keeps Washington Desk informed of important coverage plans by different reporters of the language service, thereby enhancing the quality of Service programming.

· Original image/photo (photo gallery, Instagram, FB & Twitter)

Original good quality pictures in the form of an album that could be used on web, Facebook, Instagram, and twitter.

Pictures that are could be shared on other VOA platforms- will be considered part of the package, and not paid separately.

· Social Media Updates /Photo sharing Shares stories on social media. Updates the headlines with catchy phrases. Shares original photos on the social media pages and the website to enhance engagement.

· Quiz (published & shared on FB)

· Prepare easy to follow online quiz and tests on a variety of topics to get the depth of audience knowledge and understanding of an issue. The quiz must be mobile friendly and easy to understand and respond to.

· Poll - An easy to follow online survey, which will provide our audience to express their views in favor of or against an issue. Polls must be mobile friendly and should be crafted in a manner that will gain maximum accuracy. Polls must eschew all sorts of biases.

Expenses incurred in gathering and filing incumbent's reportage are included in the monthly remuneration. 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.

Deadlines:

All work performed under this contract shall be completed and delivered within the time agreed upon by the Contractor and the ordering office, and as specified in each task order. The Contractor shall advise the ordering office of any anticipated delays within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of an order.

Special Expertise Needed:

Knowledge of Voice of America programming and target audience. Journalism experience is also required.

The contractor must have at least 3 years of experience working for a news agency. Strong Journalistic and TV Production skills. Proficient in Urdu, English or/and any regional languages spoken in Pakistan. Strong understanding of Pakistani Media Market, including social media platforms. Able to edit with Adobe Premier & Photoshop. Ideal candidates will have experience working on TV and multimedia projects aimed at young people.

3.0 Government Furnished Property, Facilities, Services or Information The Government may furnish office space, expendable supplies, and equipment (e.g., PC with LAN connection, fax, and telephone) in Pakistan, solely for the Contractor’s use while performing the work prescribed herein. Personal use of equipment is prohibited. Provision of such facilities in the field may not be possible.

Copyright to all work under this Contract belongs to the United States Agency for Global Media and VOA 4.0 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.

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

(c) The USAGM will reimburse the Contractor for costs associated with “Local Travel” 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.

5.0 Submission of Deliverables

(a) The Contractor shall submit work materials at requested time to meet broadcast requirements. The work can be a pre-recorded package or presenting content live, depending on specific broadcast needs.

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

United States Agency for Global Media Cohen Building – Room 330 Independence Ave., SW

6.0 Submission of Invoices

(a) The Contractor shall submit an original monthly invoice of detailed work completed and accepted by the Government to the COR.

(b) The Contractor’s monthly invoice shall list: (a) the days for which assignments/hours are being billed for work performed, (b) the programs produced, and (c) reimbursable expenses, if any.

7.0 Acceptance The Contractor agrees that no employer-employee relationship exists between the Voice of America and the Contractor.

8.0 Assignment Rate and Estimated Usage of Contractor:

Contractor will file reports estimated in the price proposal. The assignment rates fixed in the price proposal for a variety of digital media tasks shall be paid on monthly basis.

Shift work, weekends, evenings, holidays and unusual hours are expected.

9.0 Contractor Performance Evaluation Criteria:

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

10.0 Contract Term and Obligation of Parties:

(a) The term of this Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) shall be approximately from July 15, 2019 through July 14, 2024 and contingent upon availability of funds.

(b) Additional services in excess of the estimated amount may be requested provided upon the mutual consent of the parties as indicated by the offer and acceptance of additional orders. 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.

- End of Statement of Work -