Broadcast Automation System

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued by the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services Office of State Procurement (TSS OSP) on behalf of the Arkansas Public Broadcasting System (AR-PBS) to obtain pricing and a contract for a master control broadcast automation system and related support services. The RFP specifies requirements for the broadcast automation system, including interfacing with the Harmonic Spectrum X broadcast server, supporting multiple channels and live linear streaming, integrating with the station's production and broadcast media asset management systems, providing emergency alert system capabilities, and meeting installation, training, and ongoing support needs. Proposals are due on January 7, 2022, and the anticipated contract start date is March 18, 2022, with an initial term of one year and the option to renew for up to six additional one-year terms. The RFP outlines the minimum qualifications for prospective contractors, including experience implementing broadcast automation systems for PBS stations with full integration to the Myers Protrack scheduling system. Pricing must be proposed in U.S. dollars, and the RFP provides details on the evaluation and selection process, including technical and cost scoring criteria.

The RFP does not provide any information on set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The current broadcast automation system in use is the Harris Automation platform, and the new system must be compatible with and integrate the Harmonic Spectrum X broadcast server that AR-PBS is procuring through a separate solicitation. The RFP does not specify any listed incumbent vendors or current contractors, and it does not provide any details on possible award values or budget ranges.