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US AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA VOICE OF AMERICA TELEVISION PROGRAMMING STATEMENT OF WORK HISTORICAL SERIES Date of Solicitation: June 28, 2021 Date Solicitation Closes: July 19, 2021 Procurement The USAGM... US AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA VOICE OF AMERICA TELEVISION PROGRAMMING STATEMENT OF WORK HISTORICAL SERIES Date of Solicitation: June 28, 2021 Date Solicitation Closes: July 19, 2021 Procurement The USAGM conducts this solicitation in accordance with FAR Part 13 for Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Motion Picture and Video Production an industry comprised of This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in producing, or producing and distributing motion pictures, videos, television programs, or television commercials. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. No other request for proposals will be issued under this solicitation. Any responsible entity under NAICS code 512110 may respond to this notice. The government intends to award an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract award as a result of this solicitation. Individual task orders for each 5-episode mini-series will be issued under this IDIQ contract on a firm fixed price basis. All services under provided under this announcement shall be performed from the entity’s facilities, unless a contract specifies otherwise. . All questions regarding this announcement should be directed to the assigned Contract Specialist, Ms. Rehema Daya at rdaya@usagm.gov Introduction The USAGM/Voice of America requires the services of a contractor to produce a historical explainer series consisting of one or more, 5-episode (or more) mini-series, with each mini-series covering an international historic event of significant interest or importance. At the USAGM’s discretion, each mini-series may expand to more than 5 episodes based on the viewership data received, or to satisfy the demand for the series from the various VOA language services. VOA has determined the topic for the initial five episode mini-series. Should the USAGM require additional mini-series, VOA will work collaboratively with the selected production company to develop and select topics for the additional series. Objective The objective of the historical explainer series is to provide international audiences with expert-informed introductions to key moments in American history to deepen their understanding of the American experience and its key role in shaping global events and institutions in the modern period. Background The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), formerly 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. USAGM includes the Voice of America and its Programming Directorate. 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 more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of over 237 million people. The work of VOA centers on providing objective information that would otherwise be unavailable to a variety of populations. A Closer Look Our goal is to provide international audiences with expert-informed introductions to key moments in American history to deepen their understanding of the American experience and its key role in shaping global events and institutions in the modern period. VOA has determined the topic for the five episodes and reserves the right to order additional episodes of the same topic. Description of the Series Working Title: Unforgettable Presidential Summits Description: Voice of America’s Programming Office would like the series to focus on significant summits involving U.S. Presidents (i.e. Jimmy Carter’s Camp David Accords, FDR’s Yalta summit, etc). The series will be similar to Vox’s Explained on Netflix with a host and some interviews from around the world. Our goal is to provide international audiences with expert-informed introductions to key moments in American history to deepen their understanding of the American experience and its key role in shaping global events and institutions for young adults between age of 18-34 who consumes information mainly from digital platforms. Each episode will have two deliverables: one full-length explainer, lasting 25 minutes, with another condensed three-minute version intended for dissemination via social media. The shorter version is stand-alone piece and is not an excerpt of the longer version. The series shall be produced and delivered in English distributed on all of VOA's regular platforms from TV, Satellite, OTT and other digital platforms and will be available in multiple languages. For an approximate example of the style of explainer series that VOA wishes to produce, offerors can view this Vox Explained episode: Admit it. Republicans have broken politics. - YouTube The series should make abundant use of relevant to the story graphics, text, videos, interviews, and studio recordings to create an engaging, entertaining, informative and accessible multimedia narrative that thoroughly but concisely explains the proposed theme to grab younger audience’s attention. Specific Tasks: The production company (hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”) will liaise with Agency staff to develop videos that engage VOA audiences across the globe. The Contractor shall be responsible for all aspects of pre-production, production and post-production including writing scripts, editing video and assembling the video for final delivery. The Contractor shall submit concepts, outlines, script and final product to VOA for approval according to deadlines specified in this document. Contractor may seek and receive assistance from VOA for access to VOA’s archival and historical material for potential use in the series. Each episode shall be produced, shot and edited using professional standards. The Contractor shall provide all personnel in connection with the program series, including but not limited to camera, lighting, and audio personnel, post-production editors, finishing editors, graphic designers, writers, copy editors, producers, and segment producers, and the vetting of historical consultants, all sufficient in number and experience to produce each episode. The Contractor shall use its own staff, resources, equipment, vehicles, and insurance for all aspects of content production, including but not limited to on-location or in-studio video production and post-production video editing. The Contractor shall secure any and all needed permissions for any elements of music, text, illustrations/graphics, photos, videos, designs, trademarks, or other artwork that are included in each episode. The Contractor shall provide a copy of all permissions, releases, and clearances to VOA upon request. Contractor shall provide courtesy to all footage used. Contractor shall be responsible for all of the production cost including travel and miscellaneous costs required to write, shoot, produce, edit, create graphics, acquiring music, any purchasing archival footage and delivery of agreed number of the television program(s). The Contractor shall be responsible for all graphic elements: Opening title sequence, font, text, animations etc. pertaining to the video. Other VOA standard graphics such as VOA logo will be provided by VOA. Visuals shall support the content of the topics and depict the theme of each episode, and may require a variety of shooting locations. They shall provide facts and commentary about events occurring in the episode. Each episode shall be filmed and delivered in 4K video format. All work provided under this contract shall be completed and delivered by the timeframe outlined here. The contractor shall deliver a texted and textless version upon delivery. Midpoint Review: The Contractor shall provide each episode of current cut of both short and long form versions two weeks before its deadline for VOA’s review. The Contractor shall be responsible for any revisions that are requested by VOA. Deliverables: The Contractor shall be responsible for undertaking all tasks to complete each episode and deliver three final versions of each episode: a) master, b) clean, c) English subtitled and d) English script or a master script in English. The master version is the final, ready-for-air video with graphics, mixed audio and texts. The clean version is the final video with 6 to 8 channels of discrete audio without any graphic elements such as text and lower third over video. The English subtitled version is the same as the master version with English subtitles and any displayed text including lower-third on video in English. The Contractor shall include no more than thirty (30) seconds of program credit and acknowledgement material as part of the closing of each episode. The Contractor shall be responsible for any revisions that are requested by VOA. Delivered Product: :25 minute of each episode TV ready (text and textless) Master Clean English subtitled English script or master script in English :03 minute stand along social media version of each episode (text and textless) Master Clean English subtitled English script or master script in English 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. Delivery Components / Delivery Schedule DELIVERABLES QUANTITY/DELIVERY CYCLE Episodes 1 & 2: Outline and production plans 45 days after award Episodes 1 & 2: Final Scripts for approval 50 days after award Episodes 1 & 2: Deliver the Final cuts 75 days after award Episodes 3 & 4: Outline and production plans 85 days after award Episodes 3 & 4: Final Scripts for the approval 100 days after award Episodes 3 & 4: Final Cuts 125 days after award Episodes 5: Outline and production plans 135 days after award Episodes 5: Final Scripts for the approval 150 days after award Episodes 5: Final Cuts 175 days after award Place of Delivery for Deliverables: Frame.io link will be provided. Contract Type Firm-Fixed Price (IDIQ) Security Requirements N/A Other Unique Requirements and Considerations: The Contractor shall not register a trademark for any marks, names, logos, or slogans associated with this show and must agree to fully cooperate with Agency efforts to seek trademark registration, if any. The delivered episodes shall adhere to VOA Best Practices Guide and Journalistic Code and those documents are incorporated here by reference https://bbg.sharepoint.com/sites/journalist-portal/editorial/Pages/Journalistic-Code.aspx. A hard copy shall be provided in the event this link does not work. Confidentiality Requirements: Contractor shall not disclose to any third party (other than its respective employees, in their capacity as such and only on a need-to-know basis), any confidential business information concerning VOA that was acquired or derived in the course of performance. Inspection and Acceptance Criteria 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. Acceptable Criteria All Contractor-produced documents and documentation, in addition to the required Deliverables as referenced in this document, shall meet the following general acceptance criteria by the USAGM’s COR:- Accurate Verifiable, i.e. well sourced – for example, eyewitness, consistent stories from multiple perspectives (multiple perspectives requires differing ultimate sources of information) Methodical in gathering evidence to support assertions, includes supporting evidence Informs the reader/audience if the story is outside the norm Follows the VOA Journalistic Code, https://bbg.sharepoint.com/sites/journalist-portal/editorial/Pages/Journalistic-Code.aspx and VOA Best Practices Guide Focused and reasonably able to understand why the information is being presented Provides quality images and journalism that illustrates the order of events (well-rounded story) Seek unique perspectives that can help create an attractive narrative Provide a story to frame important/current news or events Explain why the story is relevant to the reader/viewer with as much specificity as practical Use character(s) interfacing with the issues to illustrate relevance For example, interacting with an organization or bureaucracy, or successfully completing a process Why are the rules there? Why is this organization/bureaucracy necessary? Identify the central point, evidence, character and/or place Ask and, when possible accurately, answer “why” questions Provide context for breaking news If the story is about the same thing as another past story, the reporter shall explain why the story needs retelling and/or how the new story adds to or changes the fabric of the previous story. Period of Performance The period of performance of this IDIQ is one base year plus two option years The anticipated date of award of this IDIQ contract shall be from August 2021 – August 2023. Copyright DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS/OTHER All reports, plans, other documents, and videos as stated herein shall be sent to the addressees indicated below: a. Deliveries for USAGM/VOA Headquarters in Washington, DC: Voice of America (VOA) Attn: VOA – Euna Lee Cohen Building, Room 2141 330 Independence Avenue SW. Washington, DC 20237 INVOICING: 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. SOLICITATION INSTRUCTIONS Submission Requirements This solicitation sets forth submission requirements for proposals to provide the USAGM with proposals for a historical series is to provide international audiences with expert-informed introductions to key moments in American history to deepen their understanding of the American experience and its key role in shaping global events and institutions in the modern period. The agency will evaluate all proposals it receives in response to this notice in accordance with the evaluation and award criteria set forth herein, provided that submitted proposals conform to the following solicitation requirements. Interested entities shall submit a Proposal in accordance with the following requirements: Proposal Format – Any entity (Offeror) desiring to submit a proposal must submit its written proposal in either Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Adobe-compatible PDF formats.. Hard copies will not be accepted. 2. Content of Proposals - Offerors may submit proposals that demonstrate the Offeror’s concept for the documentary series will enhance the target audience’s understanding of the selected topic Presidential Summits and will meet the target audience’s needs for high-quality original content in a highly competitive TV/OTT market Proposals must include the name and address of the firm, the firm’s mailing address if it is different from its main address, and the firm’s DUNS Number. All proposals must provide a clear demonstration that the Offeror’s concept for the documentary series will enhance the target audience’s understanding of the selected topic Presidential Summits and will meet the target audience’s needs for high-quality original content in a highly competitive TV/OTT market Arrangement of Proposals - All submissions must address the following criteria in order to receive consideration for an award: Volume 1 - Capabilities and Qualifications - To be considered, Offerors are required to submit a description of their firm’s history and an informative capability statement that describes in detail the firm’s subject matter expertise, capabilities, credentials, general experience, key personnel and other qualifications that enable it to successfully undertake and deliver the tv ready historical series. Volume 2 - Past Performance and Experience - In addition, each submission must include specific and relevant examples of the Offeror’s past performance and experience in filming, editing and post-production including graphics elements. A minimum of two (2) Video clips of past work must be submitted for review Pricing Information - The following guidance is provided with respect to the price proposal: Offeror shall provide a firm-fixed, price (FFP) to VOA for the production and delivery of tv-ready episodes. Submission Due Date – Entities submitting proposals for consideration (Offerors) must submit their proposals via e-mail to Rehema Daya, Contract Specialist, at rdaya@usagm.gov and to J.R Hill, Branch Chief, at chill@usagm.gov no later than 9:00 A.M Eastern Daylight Time on Monday July 19, 2021. The email subject line must read: Proposal – Historical Explainer Series – [Name of Firm] QUESTIONS - Submit all questions via email to Rehema Daya at rdaya@usagm.gov by 12:00 P.M Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday July 8, 2021. Please be advised that the Government reserves the right to transmit those questions and answers of a common interest to all prospective entities. (End of Addendum) EVALUATION (CRITERIA) FACTORS FOR AWARD Evaluation—Commercial Items (April 2021) (a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: 1. Technical Concept - The Government will evaluate the likelihood that the Offeror’s concept for the documentary/explainer series will enhance the target audience’s understanding of the historical and political significance of the selected U.S. Presidential Summits and will meet the target audience’s needs for high-quality original content in a highly competitive TV/OTT market. Technical Approach and Capability - The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s demonstrated capability to deliver products and services within the period delineated in the RFQ and in accordance with the stated requirements/timeline for filming, editing and post-production including graphics elements. Key Personnel - The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed Key Personnel as creative individuals and as a management team for the extent of their qualifications and experience with respect to the functions they are proposed to manage based on the resume, references, past professional awards and other information available to the Government. The evaluation will include: a) Depth and breadth of the proposed Project Manager’s and other Key Personnel professional qualifications and demonstrated experience to lead and manage a complex research, development, production and post-production of specialized documentary series for broadcast television; b) Availability and commitment to this project; and (c) Demonstrated understanding of the statement of work. 2. Past Performance The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s past performance to determine the degree to which it demonstrates the likelihood it can successfully perform the SOW. The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s past performance on recent relevant projects during the last 4 (four) years, similar in complexity and scope to the proposed broadcast TV documentary or explainer series. 3. Price - the Offeror’s price quote will be evaluated to determine fairness and reasonableness. NOTE: In determining the best value to the Government, the Concept, Technical Approach and Capability, Key Personnel and Past Performance Criteria are significantly more important than the evaluated price. The Government is more concerned with obtaining a superior Concept, Technical Approach and Capability proposal than making the lowest evaluated price. (b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s). (c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. SOLICITATION PROVISIONS The following solicitation provisions and contract clauses are incorporated into this solicitation by reference and any resulting contract. The full text of all Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions are available electronically at http://www.acquisition.gov/far 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (Complying with this provision requires prospective Offerors to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) website at www.sam.gov (Offerors must be registered in SAM prior to submitting a proposal.)) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items 52.227-17 Rights in Data-Special Works (End of provision)