G
IBB is seeking qualified persons or organizations to assist with placement of its radio and television programs, other broadcast services and products to broadcasting stations, cable television networks and operators, and Internet and other media outlets in the following target countries in the Latin America region:
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Cuba
Peru
Venezuela
Ecuador
El Salvador
Placements may also be considered on a case-by-case basis in the countries below:
Argentina
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Uruguay
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The contractor will have current appropriate experience to further the goal of a flexible, multi-media, research-driven U.S. International Broadcasting System - incorporating regional networks and single-country operations, - to reach high-priority mass audiences in a measurable way through state-of-the-art distribution channels - AM, FM, audio and video satellite, shortwave, the Internet and mobile phones and devices.
The contractor will advise on Latin America media environments and organizations in an effort to develop placement, promotional and advertising opportunities.
Contractor will advise on standard business practices in the region; translate and act as a "colleague" during negotiations. Assist with trade shows and displays. Accompany OMPP personnel on travel to the region and travel to Washington to brief officials as needed.
It is essential that the contractor be fluent in both English and Spanish. The contractor must have working knowledge of VOA programming; understand VOA's mission and target audience, in order to communicate with foreign broadcasting representatives on behalf of the US government. She or he must have a background in broadcasting, program syndication and/or sales; with a demonstrable and successful record of recent prior performance.
The contractor must possess the regional expertise and marketing experience necessary to maintain relationships with Embassy personnel throughout his/her area of responsibility to ensure full cooperation on all IBB placement activities.
May assist in the negotiation of affiliate agreements with foreign governments and/or privately owned media outlets to the benefit of the IBB and its program producers.
Assesses audience and media trends in the region, and prepares reports for the OMPP Director and other OMPP and IBB management on these issues. Assists in analyzing available research, legal, technical, and policy issues, to develop a strategy of affiliate and audience growth for recommendation to the OMPP Director.
In consultation with the OMPP Director, assembles the multifaceted plans and schedules for targeting high-priority media markets within assigned areas for pursuit of affiliate agreements; particularly, but not limited to Television, cable, AM and FM radio stations, and Internet outlets.
Attend meetings of international broadcasting organizations and with other government broadcast and communications organizations as needed. Devises and executes marketing plans that include exhibits and shows; appears on public panels to promote IBB programming to potential affiliates.
Maintains scheduled contact with affiliated stations to obtain feedback on broadcaster and audience reaction to the IBB-branded programs. Provides this feedback to the Office of Marketing and Program Placement for distribution to other senior IBB officials. Maintains reports on placement activities; also provides affiliate records for the Office of Marketing and Program Placement master database.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Extensive recent knowledge of international, commercial and non-commercial media in the region;
The ability to conduct business successfully in a multi-cultural environment - including managing relationships with colleagues, contractors, customers, and vendors;
Knowledge of current principles of advertising and promotion; the ability to analyze marketing research, and to plan an effective advertising and marketing campaign;
Knowledge of the technical aspects of radio and television production and program transmission, especially international satellite transmission systems;
Broad knowledge of international politics and current affairs; more extensive knowledge of politics and current affairs inside the Latin America Region.
COMPLEXITY
The Contractor must be able to manage multi-tiered initiatives, contracts and advertising efforts throughout the region. The Contractor may review technical and legal documents with the appropriate IBB staff and help analyze their impact. The Contractor identifies trade-offs and recommends alternate courses of action.
SCOPE AND EFFECT
The work involves a variety of strategic, supervisory, marketing, and affiliate-relations responsibilities associated with IBB policy and programming initiatives. The position requires the ability to manage and plan. The Contractor's recommendations are accepted as authoritative and serve as the basis for committing the agency or activity to courses of action on projects, which directly affects the Office of Marketing and Program Placement (OMPP).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is sedentary, but travel is involved throughout the Latin America region; such travel may include areas where there may be civil unrest and armed conflict, and to the headquarters in Washington, DC.
TRAVEL
All travel itineraries and travel visas must be completed by Contractor and submitted to OMPP Director for approval. Travel expenses will be paid in advance based on the US Government rates and policies.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office setting although there are occasional visits to field contractors and affiliates to conduct fact-finding.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The estimated period of performance for the Contractor will be for six (6) months July 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010, with mutual option to renew the agreement to continue from January 1, 2011, through June 30, 2011. The Contractor would be hired to perform the scope of work outlined for approximately 60 hours a month. Appropriate lead time would need to be given for all travel and Contractor would then be paid on a day or weekly rate (travel costs would be paid per above).
The Contractor shall have access to the Agency's computer system; audio and video equipment and mobile phone to perform the specific tasks assigned to them. Personal use of the Government computers and other equipment is prohibited.
The Contractor is required to submit a status report outlining all activities completed at the end of each week due Friday 5pm. The Contractor shall then submit by the first working day of the following month a detailed invoice for assignment(s) completed and accepted by the Government. Invoices for the last month of the fiscal year may be requested one week in advance of September 30th. All payments will be made 30 days after receipt of proper invoice, in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act.
The Contractor shall be offered a sales incentive (not to exceed $2,500.00 USD) for each TV/FM station, approved by OMPP, in the top 10 markets of priority nations, which she or he recruits that signs an agreement to carry VOA programming for at least one complete hour (60 total minutes) per day as received without any alterations for a full year's term for no fee beyond the grant of a satellite receiving equipment package.
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.
The following general information pertains to the above requirements:
Assignments are performed on a contract basis at various locations agreeable to both IBB and the contractor.
Contractor candidates may be required to undergo a background security investigation and successfully pass the IBB's security clearance process in order to receive work assignments.
Contractor candidates must be willing to travel on an "as-required" basis, depending on when the VOA requires assistance with Latin America.
The Government is obligated to inspect all contractor work to insure that it fully satisfies the Government's requirements. The Government is further obligated to reject all work that fails to meet Government specified requirements. VOA will use the criteria listed below to evaluate prospective contractors:
Recent experience successfully placing programs or services with broadcast or other media outlets.
Fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English.
Knowledge of current Latin America political and media environments.
Ability to research, select and prepare material to provide background and highlight key elements of media marketing - e.g., programming, major media organizations, market conditions and trends.
Individuals and organizations who are interested in and believe they have the experience and capabilities to perform the above-stated freelance Latin American media-marketing assignments on a contract basis with IBB may submit their written statement(s) of interest, technical qualifications, rate specifications, list of references and pertinent experience to:
International Broadcasting Bureau
Office of Contracts
Room 4032A
330 C Street, SW
Attention: Cherylynn Peters
Washington, DC 20237
and
Broadcasting Board of Governors
International Broadcasting Bureau
Office of Marketing and Program Placement
Room 3671
330 Independence Avenue, SW
Attention: William Torrey
Washington, DC 20237
Any written expressions of interest responding to this Sources Sought notice may be submitted to the above-listed respective points of contact (POCs) at any time up to the April 30, 2010, expiration date of this notice. In the event that it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government, all qualified sources responding to this Sources Sought Notice may be requested to provide follow-up information. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether sufficient businesses possess the capability to fulfill the Government's requirement. This notice is not a Request for Quote, Request for Proposal or an Invitation for Bid.