US AGENCY FOR GLOBAL MEDIA

VOICE OF AMERICA

TELEVISION PROGRAMMING

STATEMENT OF WORK

NOWRUZ CELEBRATION PRODUCTION

Date of Solicitation: December 8, 2021

Date Solicitation Closes: December 23, 2021

Procurement

The USAGM conducts this solicitation in accordance with FAR Part 13.5 for Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Motion Picture and Video Production. 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 a firm, fixed-price purchase order award as a result of this solicitation. All services under provided under this announcement shall be performed from the entity’s facilities, unless a contract specifies otherwise.

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All questions regarding this announcement should be directed to the assigned Contract Specialist, Ms. Alisa Martine [email protected].

STATEMENT OF WORK

Event Production/Host Services

Nowruz 2022 Celebration Production

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is an independent federal agency and the parent organization of Voice of America (VOA). VOA provides trusted and objective news and information in 47 languages to a weekly audience of more than 237 million people around the world. For over 75 years, VOA journalists have told American stories and supplied content that many people cannot get locally: objective news and information about the U.S., their region, and the world. VOA connects with audiences on five continents showcasing the thoughts and institutions that make America unique.

VOA uses broadcast and digital platforms, including web and mobile media to engage viewers, listeners, users, and friends. Radio and television broadcast to approximately 3,000 affiliates, and satellite transmissions reach countries where free speech is banned or where civil society is under threat.  VOA’s mobile apps have registered more than one million downloads and cater to users on all major mobile platforms. With the largest audience of all U.S. international media, VOA continues to be a beacon of hope for underserved audiences who yearn for information about freedom of expression, civil society, and change.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The VOA Persian News Network (PNN) Service has a requirement for content which will continue to improve its television programming to increase viewership for its target audience(s). The VOA PNN has a need for an Iranian/American production company to provide travel logistics, vanities, wardrobe, production, post-production, and talent services for an entertainment program special to be included in the VOA’s Persian entertainment programming highlighting the Iranian holiday Nowruz 2022 celebration. 

The ability for the entertainment to transcend cultural barriers is critical. Ties to the Hollywood film and music industries as well as the Persian communities within the Los Angeles area are vital. To ensure the content is fresh and inviting for the target audience, the format and venue will change for this year’s requirement; the intent is to have it filmed entirely with a California backdrop.

SCOPE

The contractor shall organize a concert celebrating the 2022 Iranian New Year, Nowruz.  The concert shall be held in California no later than February 13, 2022.   The Contractor shall provide a professional, broadcast-ready video production of the concert conducted. The contractor shall provide all services and materials necessary to plan, organize, facilitate, manage, film, and host the 2022 Nowruz Production.

TASKS

The Contractor shall provide a full-range of services and shall meet VOA’s specifications herein to plan, organize, coordinate, conduct, and film the 2022 Iranian Nowruz production, including: contacting and booking all talent; arranging for all talent travel, lodging, and boarding logistics; locating and securing the venue; all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production of the recording; video editing; assembling the footage for final delivery; and delivery of the programming as stated herein. 

The Nowruz 2022 Celebration Production will be divided into:

1. Musical performances
2. Standup comedy
3. Celebrity interviews
4. Pre-produced scripted light stories

The tasks include but are not limited to the following:

1. Musical Performances, Standup Comedy, Celebrity Interviews
    

1. Locate and rent a venue in California which shall be equipped with professional lighting, video, and audio recording equipment, performance stage and minimum seating capacity for a minimum of 50 and maximum of 150 persons. The venue shall include indoor and outdoor locations for production where all COVID-19 protocols can be met and multi camera operation capable of filming live performances including live bands with instruments.
2. Contact and book an experienced Persian-speaking co-host (based in California) and talent who will perform 2 to 4 songs. The co-host will work with two VOA hosts to introduce each segment and talk in between different show elements.
3. Contact and book 4 to 5 Persian singers, a group of professional studio musicians (a minimum of 4 and maximum of 7) who will perform with all singers, and one well-known comedian fluent in the Persian language (e.g., Hadi Khorsandi) to perform before a live audience of no less than 50 persons.
4. Provide a professional, broadcast-ready video production of each performance and a brief interview with each performer/group. The “behind the scenes” footage shall also be provided to VOA. 
5. Hire and pay all studio crew members to include cameramen, directors, producers, lighting specialists, audio engineers, grip, graphic operators, booker, assistant producers, set designers, catering company, security, etc.  
6. Arrange for all travel expenses including local transportation, and lodging. 
7. Arrange for daily meals (breakfast, lunch, beverages, and snacks) for all performers and related members as well as crew member meals.
8. Arrange for and provide stage makeup, talent hairstyling, and talent wardrobe design. 
9. Plan and provide set design and arrangement, set lighting which is unique for each act, stage graphics, and special effects such as smoke and lasers. 
10. Plan, coordinate, and conduct rehearsal time prior to the live concert and the live performance. 
11. Produce a minimum of two (2) hours of programming in High Definition video (16x9, 1080p, NTSC, 60 frames per second (fps)), which shall include filming with two (2) cameras on tripods, one (1) camera on shoulder or Steadicam, and one (1) on crane, along with multi-track sound recording, associated graphics/lower-thirds, and associated video and audio post-production.  There shall be eight (8) cameras including Steadicam and crane. 
12. Provide post-production editors, motion graphic designers, color correction, and editing.  
13. Provide behind the scenes b-rolls and side interviews with each performer.  Provide editing of behind-the-scenes b-rolls and side interviews, to ensure they will each be 1 to 3 minutes long. 
14. Edited, final HD video segments to be supplied to VOA on an SSD drive. 
15. The Contractor shall be responsible for all graphic elements: Opening title sequence, font, text, animations etc. pertaining to the concert video.  The Contractor shall provide programming that is free of advertising and mindful of Iran’s culture and sensibilities. Program content must not contain political bias. 
16. Manage all payment(s) of all costs associated with the project, including talent, venue, equipment, musician’s performance fees, comedian and one (1) host’s fee, travel and accommodation, catering during rehearsal(s) as well as live performance.  
17. Obtain proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 viral test result for all personnel associated with the project taken no more than 3 days before all travelers meet.
18. Obtain signed release forms from all guests who appear on film.

1. Pre-produced scripted light stories

1. Produce between 4 to 5 short, scripted light stories (3min to 5min each) in California which will include 7 to 10 interesting talents, directed by an experienced producer, and filmed with 1 to 3 cameras (professional lighting). The scripted light stories will be hosted by VOA Persian host.
2. Hire and pay all crew members to include producer, cameramen, lighting specialists, audio engineers, and editor(s).  
3. Arrange for all equipment necessary to shoot the segments including purchase or rental of camera, audio equipment, lighting, editing hardware and software. 
4. Provide post-production editors, motion graphic designers, color correction, and editing. 
5. Edited, final HD scripted light stories to be supplied to VOA on an SSD drive. 
6. Manage all payment(s) of any and all costs associated with the project, including the producer, talent, makeup, hairstyling, wardrobe, travel, film crew, equipment, and music licensing.
7. Obtain proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 viral test result for all personnel associated with the project taken no more than 3 days before filming.
8. Obtain signed release forms from all guests who appear on film.  

The Contractor shall provide all personnel in connection with the performance planning, facilitation, management, conduct, and hosting including but not limited to, scheduling and administrative, camera, lighting, audio personnel, vanities, graphic artists, post-production editors, finishing editors, graphic designers, writers, copy editors, producers, and segment producers sufficient in number and experience to produce the broadcast ready video production of the programs.

The Contractor shall use its own resources, equipment, vehicles, and insurance for all aspects of production planning, facilitation, management, conduct, hosting and video 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 planning, advertising, and conducting the concert. The Contractor shall provide a copy of all permissions, releases, and clearances to VOA upon request.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all of the production costs including travel and miscellaneous costs for all production/post-production participants as well as all efforts required to write, acquire performers, rehearse, perform, record, produce, edit, translate, create graphics, and deliver the required video program.  All travel costs must be within the rates established by the General Services Administration Federal Travel Regulations https://gsa.gov/portal/getMediaData?mediaId=149442.

Pursuant to FAR 52.227-17, VOA shall own the copyright of any data produced in the performance of this contract. VOA shall have exclusive rights to all delivered content of performances filmed in California until March 20, 2022. VOA will continue to have exclusive rights to continue using all delivered content from Contractor (filmed in California) after March 20, 2022 for the use of re-runs and other special programs. Sharing VOA digital distribution of this event is permissible.

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.

POST-AWARD CONFERENCE/DIRECTION MEETING

The Contractor agrees to attend and participate in a post award conference convened by the contracting activity in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5.  This meeting shall provide an introduction between the Contractor personnel and Government personnel who will be involved with the contract. The Post Award Conference will aid both the Government and Contractor in achieving a clear and mutual understanding of all requirements and identify and resolve any potential issues.  The Contractor shall be prepared to discuss any items requiring clarification and gather information as necessary to support each deliverable.  The Contractor shall provide a written summary of the Post-Award Conference.

DELIVERABLES:

DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Deliverable 

Due Date 

Government Turnaround Time 

Post-Award Conference Written Summary

Within two weeks of contract award

Does not require Government approval  

Delivery of Performance Program (including outline, performers, ordering, composition, etc.) 

No Later Than (NLT) by January 30, 2022

3 business days after receipt of Performance Program

Near Finished Copy of performance videos and interviews

NLT by February 20, 2022

3 business days after receipt of Near Finished copy of Performance videos and interviews

Near Finished Copy of “Pre-produced scripted light stories”

NLT by February 24, 2022

3 business days after receipt of “pre-produced scripted light stories” footage

Behind the scenes “b-roll”

NLT by March 06, 2022

3 business days after receipt of Behind-the-scenes videos

Two Copies of the final version of performance production videos

NLT by March 06, 2022

3 business days after receipt of Final version of performance production videos

Delivery of “Pre-produced scripted light stories” (including script, description of segments, song selection, etc.)

NLT by March 06, 2022

3 business days after receipt of final version of “pre-produced scripted light stories” footage

The Contractor shall propose at least two (2) venues with submission of their proposal. The Contractor shall receive VOA’s final written approval prior to venue being secured.   

No later than two (2) weeks before the concert is to take place, the Contractor shall submit the concert program including outline, performers, ordering and composition. The Contractor shall receive VOA’s final written approval of outline, performers, ordering and composition before proceeding with production.

The Contractor shall provide VOA a rough-cut copy of the concert video program at least two (2) weeks prior for VOA’s editorial review, edits and approval to finalize. The Contractor shall be responsible for any revisions that are requested by VOA. 

The Contractor shall deliver 2 final HD versions of the production program: a) a fully mastered version with countdown at change of year, and b) a fully mastered version without countdown at change of year. The master version is the final, ready-for-air video program with graphics, mixed audio and texts. The Contractor shall include no more than thirty (30) seconds of program credit and acknowledgement material as part of the closing of the concert video program. The Contractor shall deliver 2 final HD promos of the concert program: a for TV no longer than 30 seconds and b) for social media no longer than 1 minute. 

The government will review submissions and return any requests for edits or changes within three (3) business days. The Contractor will have three (3) business days to complete requested edits or changes at no additional cost to the government.

CONTRACT TYPE

This contract will be a Firm Fixed Price contract. All work performed under this contract shall be completed by the time agreed upon by the government and the contractor and shall not exceed the firm-fixed price of the contract proposed to fulfill this requirement, i.e., the contractor is responsible for undertaking all tasks necessary to complete the project, e.g., hire talent, acquire venue, rent/purchase equipment, subcontracting as necessary, accommodations and travel logistics, planning, rehearsing, writing, performing and hosting the concert, etc. and submitting finished video program product.

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: N/A

Other Unique Requirements and Considerations: 

The delivered Production will adhere to the latest VOA Best Practices Guide and Journalistic Code and those documents are incorporated here by reference.

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.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The primary place of performance will be at the Contractors’ facility and at the venue location in California where filming is conducted.  

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE)

The Government will not provide any Government-Furnished Property.

ACCEPTANCE

All work shall be completed in accordance with standard procedures and guidelines provided orally or in writing by the COR who will be appointed at the time of award. Submissions should be made using standard business software used by the USAGM, such as Excel, MS Word, and/or PowerPoint (see deliverables).  

All deliverables will be sent to the COR and/or designated Government official. Delivery method will vary depending on the deliverable, options including:

• Email as preferred delivery method for texts, scripts and any project correspondence.
• Upload files on the shared internal server. VOA will give Vendor temporarily access to upload files on the shared internal server closer to the delivery date.
• A physical SSD hard drive (readable on MacOS and Windows) copy should also be delivered over night via courier service (FedEx, UPS) of final deliverables of full resolution, full quality finished video. Tracking information is required.

The USAGM has the authority to reject the concert video program deliverable(es) if it is deemed unsuitable for broadcast in accordance with the VOA mission. The contractor must send a replacement within five (5) business days for broadcast. VOA reserves the right to reject, edit, and adjust any submitted video.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The base period will commence on or about January 07, 2022 to March 20, 2022.

INVOICING:

The Contractor shall submit a proposed Payment Schedule with the submission of their proposal. The proposed Payment Schedule shall be based upon the completion of project milestones and include a brief description of the milestone, the deliverable to which the milestone applies to, and the milestone value. The Payment Schedule must be approved by the Government prior to Contract award. Once approved, payments will be made in accordance with the Contractor’s Payment Schedule.

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