SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Personal Services Contractors
- Notice Date
- 8/1/2003
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- Broadcasting Board of Governors, Associate Director for Management, Office of Contracts (M/CON), 330 C Street, SW, Room 2500, Washington, DC, 20237
- ZIP Code
- 20237
- Solicitation Number
- BBGCON2503S5399
- Response Due
- 8/18/2003
- Archive Date
- 9/2/2003
- Point of Contact
- Barbara Sesky, Contracting Officer, Phone 202-205-8597, Fax 202-260-0855, - Herman Shaw, Contracting Officer , Phone 202-205--8412, Fax 202-260-0855,
- E-Mail Address
-
bsesky@ibb.gov, hshaw@ibb.gov
- Description
- (i) THIS IS A COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMAT IN SUBPART 12.6, AS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION; PROPOSALS ARE BEING REQUESTED AND A WRITTEN SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED. (ii) SOLICITATION NUMBER BBGCON2503S5399 IS ISSUED AS A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) AND A CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED USING FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) PART 15 (CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION) PROCEDURES. (iii) This solicitation document and the incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2001-014 dated May 22, 2003. (iv) The Contracting Officer has found and determined that the nature of the services to be provided is appropriate for an "unrestricted" procurement. (v) CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBER (CLIN) 1: The Contractor is expected to successfully perform personal services tasks as a multifunctional radio/Internet writer/announcer/producer, under the general supervision and guidance of the Director, Urdu Multimedia Network (UMN). (vi) DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), subject to the availability of funding, is seeking qualified U.S. citizens and alien candidates who are interested in and have the requisite capabilities for providing personal services as a multifunctional radio/Internet writer/announcer/producer under the Personal Services Contracting Pilot Program granted to the BBG under Section 504 of Public Law 107-228 (Foreign Relations Authorization Act, FY-2003), dated 9/30/02. The selected candidate(s) will be a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) to the Voice of America (VOA) based on the needs of the Agency. The performance period (i.e. term) of the contract will be one year from date of contract award with one additional Option year. Special conditions apply to J-1 Visa holders (see below). The below Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the PSC's performance requirements: Specific tasks to be performed by the PSC(s) include, but are not limited to, the following: Conceives, plans, researches, writes, produces and announces highly targeted original news, informational features, and entertainment programs in a contemporary format, and of a complex and balanced nature for the Urdu Multimedia Network (UMN) radio and Internet. Coordinates program subjects in consultation with the UMN Director. Conducts most radio interviews in Urdu, and some in English, with individuals involved in international, political, economic, scientific, cultural, health, agricultural, and other activities. Researches and evaluates a wide range of source material in Urdu or in English. As assigned, produces newscasts, music segments, and other program material with a complex electronic digital editing system. Reports on special events taking place in Washington and travels on occasion to other locations in the United States and elsewhere as directed to gather material and prepare on-the-spot reports in Urdu for broadcast. Translates and adapts complex English texts into written Urdu appropriate for international broadcasting. Originates promotional material in Urdu. Hosts, assists in organization of, and otherwise participates in call-in shows, and responds as needed to listeners' mail and inquiries. Performs work as a team member, sharing responsibilities in all aspects of broadcasting as noted above. Demonstrates initiative where appropriate, and assists colleagues to ensure fully professional, smooth, and timely air-shows. Consistently maintains VOA standards of accuracy, balance, and comprehensiveness. Performs other tasks as assigned by the UMN Director. (vii) Dates and place of delivery: One (1) year Base Period with Option for another year, Broadcasting Board of Governors, International Broadcasting Bureau, Voice of America, Urdu Multimedia Network, 330 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20237. Acceptance is FOB Destination. (viii) The provision at FAR Subpart 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (ix) The provision at FAR Subpart 52.212-2, Evaluation of Commercial Items, is hereby incorporated by reference. The technical evaluation subfactors stated below are significantly more important than price. Past performance will also be considered (see FAR Subpart 15.304). In order to help the Government in its evaluation of past performance, offerors shall provide at least three (3) current references with valid telephone numbers and e-mail address for similar work. In addition to meeting the requirement to be able to perform the Statement of Work, it is MANDATORY for offerors to meet the following criterion to be further considered for this contract: (1) Fluency in Urdu/English language capabilities, with the ability to conduct research, write, speak, adapt and edit in both languages. Offerors who meet the above-stated MANDATORY criterion will be further evaluated based on the technical subfactors listed below in descending order of importance: (2) Professional knowledge of writing, word-processing, and editing principles and practices for digital broadcast systems; skill in applying these to material used in international radio broadcasting and the Internet. (3) Broadcast writing/editorial skills to prepare balanced, accurate, comprehensive reportage and feature material of a complex and sensitive nature. (4) Thorough knowledge of the professional techniques of broadcast journalism required for reporting on events and conducting radio interviews in studio or on location. (5) Broad comprehension of South Asian history and culture (particularly music), and awareness of political, economic, and social developments in the region in general and in the broadcast targeted area in particular. (6) Broad knowledge of American history and culture, and awareness of political, economic, and social developments in the United States; understanding of world events, including U.S. foreign policy toward South Asia and the world. (x) OFFERORS SHALL SUBMIT A COMPLETED COPY OF THE PROVISION AT FAR SUBPART 52.212-3, OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS, WITH ITS OFFER. (THIS PROVISION CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE: http://www.arnet.gov/far/; IF REQUESTED, A COPY OF 52.212-3 CAN BE PROVIDED BY CONTACTING THE CONTRACTING OFFICER). (xi) FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (xii) FAR Clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and incorporates the following clauses: 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government, with Alternate I (41 U.S.C.253g and 10 U.S.C.2402); 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Jan 1999) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer); 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (15 U.S.C.637(d)(2) and (3)); 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999); 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (E.O.11246); 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (38 U.S.C.4212); 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (29 U.S.C.793); 52.225-1, Buy American Act - Balance of Payments Program - Supplies (41 U.S.C.10a-10d); 52.219-23, Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns (Pub.L.103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C.2323) (if the offeror elects to waive the adjustment, it shall so indicate in its offer); Alternate I of 52.219-23; 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer -- Other than Central Contractor Registration (31 U.S.C.3332); 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (5 U.S.C.552a). (xiii) The following Provision is included in this solicitation: FAR Subpart 52.216-1 -- Type of Contract (Apr 1984) The Government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract resulting from this solicitation. (End of Provision) The following Basic Terms and Conditions apply to any PSC contract(s) awarded as a result of this solicitation: 1) PSC assignments are performed on a contract basis; a contractor is not a U.S. Government employee. 2) Assignments require working in the IBB-VOA offices and studios in Washington, D.C. 3) Selected candidates may be required to undergo a background security investigation and successfully pass the security clearance process in order to receive work assignments. 4) PSC candidates must be willing to work on an "as-required" basis. Some broadcasting activities require working irregular hours - such as very early in the morning or late into the evening - depending on the broadcast schedule, and also on weekends and U.S. holidays. PSC contracts are for a Base Period of one year with an Option Period of a second year. 5) The Government is obligated to inspect all PSC performed work to insure that it fully satisfies the Government's requirements. The PSC shall ensure compliance with copyright restrictions in the performance of this contract. The following Special Terms and Conditions apply to any PSC contract(s) awarded as a result of this solicitation: 1) Contractor's Firm Fixed Price (FFP) is to be based on a 2,080 hour work-year that will result in an equivalent hourly rate payable to the Contractor. 2) Contractor is paid only for direct labor and approved expenses. 3) Contractor is not paid for relocation expenses, or benefits such as sick/vacation leave, health plan, retirement, etc., or premium pay during holidays, weekends, or shift-work. 4) Contractor must fully meet all applicable immigration status requirements for employment (i.e., appropriate Visa, permanent residency, citizenship, etc.) that are pertinent to the award and implementation of this PSC contract. If the Contractor is subject to J-1 Visa requirements, then the BBG will incorporate the insurance and round-trip travel requirements into the PSC contract as appropriate. 5) The Contractor will certify in writing in accepting this PSC contract his/her willingness to work rotating (i.e., day, night, overnight) shifts, weekends, and/or U.S. holidays as necessary per BBG mission requirements. 6) As stated above, the predominant work location is at the BBG/IBB-VOA Headquarters in Washington, DC. However, the Contractor may be required, on occasion, to travel during the performance of his/her official duties. Official travel authorization and reimbursement is not part of this PSC contract, but is handled separately by the Contractor using BBG/IBB official Travel Authorization procedures and reimbursement using official Travel Voucher procedures in accordance with Foreign Travel Regulations. (xiv) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating is not applicable to this acquisition. (xv) No Numbered Notes apply to this acquisition. (xvi) Interested candidates shall provide two (2) separate documents (proposals): 1) price proposal (requested annual Total Price based on a 2,080 hour work-year up to $52,000 per year), and 2) non-price (resume/curriculum vitae, and evidence of past performance, including names and valid telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references). In addition, offerors shall provide a completed copy of FAR Subpart 52.212-3, as specified above in paragraph (x). Submissions are due by 2:00 p.m., August 18, 2003 at the following address: Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) Office of Contracts Room 2500, Switzer Building 330 C Street, SW Washington, DC 20237 Attn: Barbara Sesky Ph: (202) 205-8597 In order to ensure timely receipt, PSC proposal submissions may be submitted in person, by Federal Express or equivalent, via e-mail at bsesky@ibb.gov or facsimile at 202-260-0855. All submissions must meet the deadline stated above in Paragraph (xvi). (xvii) Information regarding this synopsis/solicitation can be obtained by calling the Contracting Officer, Barbara Sesky, at (202) 205-8597, or via e-mail at bsesky@ibb.gov. All interested parties may submit an offer, which shall be considered by the BBG/IBB-VOA.
- Place of Performance
- Address: 330 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC
- Zip Code: 20237
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 20237
- Record
- SN00389421-W 20030803/030801213038 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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