[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 224 (Monday, November 22, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71148-71151]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-29379]
[[Page 71148]]
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
National Institute of Corrections
Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement--Production of Seven
Live Satellite/Internet Broadcasts
AGENCY: National Institute of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice.
ACTION: Solicitation for a cooperative agreement.
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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) announces the
availability of funds in fiscal year 2011 for a cooperative agreement
to fund the production of seven live satellite/Internet broadcasts. All
of the proposed satellite/Internet programs are three-hour nationwide
broadcasts. This agreement also includes the production of twelve to
fifteen short video vignettes (less than 5 minutes each) to support the
content of the satellite/Internet broadcasts or to be used by NIC to
enhance other training projects.
DATES: Applications must be received by 4 p.m. (EDT) on Wednesday,
December 15, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be sent to: Director, National
Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street NW., Room 5002, Washington,
DC 20534. Applicants are encouraged to use Federal Express, UPS, or
similar service to ensure delivery by the due date.
Hand-delivered applications should be brought to 500 First Street
NW., Washington, DC 20534. At the front desk, dial 7-3106, extension 0,
for pickup. Faxed applications will not be accepted. Only electronic
applications submitted via http://www.grants.gov will be accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: A copy of this announcement can be downloaded
from the NIC Web site at http://www.nicic.gov. All technical and/or
programmatic questions concerning this announcement should be directed
to Steven Swisher, Correctional Program Specialist, Academy Division,
National Institute of Corrections. He may be reached by calling 800-
995-6429, ext 4416, or by e-mail at [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: Satellite/Internet broadcasting is defined as training/
education transpiring between trainers and facilitators at one location
and participants/students at other locations via technology. NIC uses
satellite broadcasting and the Internet economically to reach a larger
and broader audience from federal, state, and local criminal justice
agencies, as well as new partners and vested stakeholders who have a
common interest in and/or contact with offender populations. Many of
these audiences were previously hard to reach using traditional modes
of training.
Additionally, NIC, as a leader in correctional learning,
continually seeks to use and integrate various forms of visual
technology to support and enhance learning within its full continuum of
training delivery strategies.
Purpose: The purpose of funding this initiative is to produce seven
live satellite/Internet broadcasts, disseminating current and emergent
information to the criminal justice community. Each of these broadcasts
will be 3 hours long. Additionally, as part of this award, twelve to
fifteen stand-alone video vignettes will be produced to support the
content of the live broadcasts or other NIC curriculum development
projects. It is estimated that each of these video vignettes will be 3
to 5 minutes long.
Scope of Work: To address the scope of work for this project, the
following will be needed:
Producer Consultation and Creative Services: The producer for this
project plays a key role in managing the project, but he/she must also
possess a wide range of technical experience, including script writing,
in the development and delivery of video broadcasts. The producer will
(1) consult and collaborate with NIC's distance learning administrator
(DLA) on program design, program coordination, design and field
segments, and content development and (2) participate in/coordinate all
planning meetings and planning activities that support each broadcast.
A minimum of one face-to-face planning session will be held for each
broadcast. Planning sessions typically last 2 days and are convened in
the NIC Aurora office or at the Washington, DC headquarters.
The producer must plan all other activities through telephone and
various virtual online platforms (e.g., WebEx) and consult and
collaborate with NIC's DLA in the selection of talent for each
broadcast. This will entail review of written and video materials, as
well as phone conversations with potential talent. Face-to-face
interviews typically will not be required.
The producer must work with each consultant/trainer to develop his/
her content for delivery using the satellite/Internet format. This will
entail regular e-mail and telephone communication as well as regularly
scheduled updates with key stakeholders on the broadcast team.
The producer will serve as the coordinator of script development,
graphic design, production elements, and rehearsals for each broadcast
and use his/her professional expertise in designing creative ways to
deliver satellite/Internet broadcasts.
The producer will develop detailed storyboards for each broadcast.
Significant contribution to the development of the storyboard will come
from designated content experts, the talent selected to appear in the
broadcast, and NIC's DLA. NIC's DLA maintains final approval of all
storyboards, video, and other materials produced or used in any
broadcast.
The producer will supervise camera and audio crews assigned to
capture testimonial footage from leaders in the criminal justice field,
who answer questions and provide general comment on an array of
correctional topics. There will be three to four of these sessions
during this agreement. Each shoot will entail 1- to 2-day video shoots
at national correctional conferences where appropriate talent/audiences
will be convening.
Content Development Process: Having both quality content
development and innovative and engaging content delivery are critical
components of successful live broadcasts. Therefore, the content
development process, as part of the storyboard development for each
broadcast, must be carefully developed. The following process outlines
the necessary steps the producer must take to ensure that the content
of each broadcast is informative, innovative, and engaging. While each
broadcast must be treated as a unique product, it is expected that the
following processes will be followed. If adjustments or modifications
need to be made to the process to meet the unique needs or
circumstances of any of the broadcasts, approval of the DLA is
required.
STEP ONE: Convene a planning meeting with an NIC representative and
four to five other stakeholders vested in the topic being developed.
Attendees are told they are helping develop ideas for a broadcast on a
specific topic. Participation in the planning meeting does not
necessarily mean that participants will be used as talent during the
live broadcast. Note: The exception may be if some of the attendees
have been specifically determined by NIC to be critical to the
broadcast because of their specific expertise or background.
NIC's DLA will lead meetings with the broadcast host(s) and video
producer in attendance. The meeting will (1) set learning objectives,
(2) develop a theme, metaphor, or other creative hook that will set a
context for
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the broadcast (The hook will support the content of the broadcast and
will assist in determining the creative approaches through which that
content can be delivered in a live broadcast.), (3) develop a rough
outline of key content for each broadcast segment, using content
learning objectives as a guideline, (4) generate a list of resources
(videos, photos, etc.) that could support the segment, and (5)
discreetly determine which experts might be good on camera and involved
in the future development process.
STEP TWO: Cast the program after the meeting is complete. The
producer, host(s), and DLA will meet with appropriate NIC staff soon
following the planning meeting--the next day is preferred. Together,
the meeting participants will (1) determine a list of presenters for
the program, (2) determine the fields that the presenters should come
from and what casting types are needed to cover each segment or content
type, (3) create a cast list, (4) set deadlines for pre-interviewing
and recruiting those available on the scheduled dates for the rehearsal
and broadcast (Note: selected talent must be available for both the
rehearsal day and the broadcast day in order to participate), (5)
conduct pre-interviews to gather content and make suggestions for on-
camera appearances, and (6) work with the DLA and appropriate NIC staff
named as on-camera presenters and assign them to specific program
segments.
STEP THREE: Develop content for broadcast.
The producer will schedule a call/video conference with the
producer, host(s), DLA, and each segment's small group of presenters;
review, revise, and annotate the broadcast outline; generate a further
list of resources during the call (The producer may need two calls per
segment, but the goal would be one.); and have the DLA sign off on
broadcast's content outline.
STEP FOUR: Develop the broadcast programming.
The producer, host(s), and/or DLA will (1) outline the program and
its elements, including content questions (Most segments of each
program will be designed so that a host(s) will facilitate each
segment, rather than allowing small groups of practitioners to
facilitate on their own.); (2) revise outlines and make initial
testimonial selections, working from transcripts, acquired clips, and
other source materials; (3) work with DLA to identify graphic/visual
needs and content; (4) work with production staff to compile support
materials (making direct contact with prisons, jails, etc.); (5) work
with production staff to develop all graphics and visuals for approval;
(6) work with DLA to review and approve all materials and program
development, including standardized intro and outro segments
highlighting NIC and its graphic image.
STEP FIVE: Prepare the broadcast.
The awardee will book one preparation call with presenters the week
before the cast and crew travel to the shoot location. The call will
cover logistics and an overview of the agenda for the 2 days. On
rehearsal day (typically, Tuesday morning), the producer will show all
broadcast staff and talent the final video clips, graphics, and
visuals, etc., and complete a technical run through of the program. The
host(s) and producer will lead staff through the program outline. Note:
If the schedule allows, it would be best to have 12 to 14 weeks between
each planning meeting and the broadcast. This allows enough time to do
a round of pre-interviews and make on-camera selections. Production
schedules will overlap to fit all broadcasts within the award period.
Planning sessions for back-to-back live events (a maximum of two at a
time) may be desirous for a number of reasons. This planning model will
be used as a pilot for two of the events set for this award. Depending
on the pilot experiences, other events may also use this model.
Pre-Production Video: The producer will supervise the production of
vignettes to be used in each of the broadcasts, as well as the
vignettes to be produced as stand-alone pieces to support other NIC
curriculum projects. There will be twelve to fifteen of these vignettes
in all. Content experts (typically, correctional professionals) will
draft conceptual outlines of the scripts for each vignette. From these
outlines, the producer (or a script writing expert) will develop
scripts and have them approved by NIC's DLA. Professional actors will
play the parts designated by the script. Testimonial video footage must
be captured well in advance of broadcast delivery dates to ensure ample
time for considering the clips for inclusion in the storyboard of a
broadcast and to allow sufficient time for editing. These video clips
are used in the broadcasts to support the content delivery and to
provide transitions/bumps between segments/modules within the
broadcast.
Video Production: Video production for each of the broadcasts and
each video vignette for stand-alone projects will consist of
videotaping content-related events in the field, editing existing
video, and videotaping experts for testimonial presentations. It will
also include voiceover, audio, and music, if necessary, for each
broadcast or vignette. Blank tapes and narration for field shooting
will be purchased for each site. The format for all field shooting will
be either Betacam, DVD Pro Digital, and/or Mini DVD. The awardee will
develop a detailed storyboard for each broadcast. Significant
contribution to the development of the storyboard will come from
designated content experts, the talent selected to appear in the
broadcasts, and NIC's DLA. NIC's DLA maintains final approval of all
storyboards, video, and other materials used in any broadcast.
Innovative and thought-provoking opening sequences will be produced for
each broadcast. In addition, the broadcasts will use graphics to
enhance viewer learning. The producer will coordinate art direction,
lighting, set design, props, and furniture for all broadcast segments.
Customized set design will be required for each broadcast. Each set
should include signage, posters, props, and/or other visuals that
clearly relate to the content of the broadcast. The producer will
organize and supervise the complete production crew on rehearsal and
production days.
Production: The awardee's production group will set up and maintain
studio lighting, adjust audio, and have a complete production crew for
the days and hours set by the DLA for each rehearsal and broadcast. The
producer will coordinate art direction, lighting, set design, props,
and furniture for all broadcast segments. Customized set design will be
required for each broadcast. Each set should include signs, posters,
props and/or other visuals that clearly relate to the content of the
broadcast. The producer will organize and supervise the complete
production crew on rehearsal and production days. A production crew
shall include the following: Director, audio operator, video operator,
character generator operator, floor director, four camera operators,
teleprompter operator, online Internet coordinator, makeup artist (at
production time only), and interactive assistance personnel (for fax,
e-mail, and telephone communications).
Post-Production: The producer also oversees the production and
editing of a DVD of each broadcast for a final and approved cut by
NIC's DLA. Within one week after each broadcast, the awardee will
provide to NIC's DLA a live and active link to the archived version of
the broadcast. Within sixty (60) days after each broadcast, the awardee
will provide NIC's DLA five master copies of the edited and approved
broadcast. These copies must be provided on
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Betacam and/or DVD. The broadcast footage will need to be edited to
include a splash page that provides an outline/menu of the content of
the broadcast by days, modules, and/or other appropriate categories to
assist a user in finding specific content in which they may have an
interest. Additionally, any original vignettes produced for the
broadcast must be included on the DVD. All edits must be approved by
the DLA.
Transmission: The producer will (1) purchase satellite uplink time
that will include the footprints of Alaska, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands,
and the continental United States; (2) acquire downlink transponder
time from Ku band; (3) purchase Internet streaming of 200 simultaneous
feeds for each program, and (4) be able to provide closed captioning on
the final edited DVD of each production. For each broadcast, the
awardee will test the Internet link and streaming. The test should
verify connectivity to the site, as well as audio and video quality.
The test must occur at least 72 hours prior to the start of the live
broadcast. The awardee will provide real-time, live, toll-free
telephone support to participant sites or individual participants to
address access, connectivity, and quality issues on the day of the live
broadcast beginning at least 1 hour in advance of the broadcast and
continuing through the broadcast.
Equipment: Applicants must have a minimum of the following
equipment: Broadcast studio of approximately 2,000 square feet, with an
area for a studio audience of 10 to 20 people; four digital studio
cameras (one of which must be an overhead camera with robotic control);
chroma key: At least one wall with chroma key capability, along with a
digital ultimate keying system, a tape operation facility providing
playback/record in various formats, including DVD, Betacam, Betacam SP,
SVHS, VHS, U-Matic \3/4\ and SP, and Advit, or comparable editing bay;
three-dimensional animation with computer graphics; Internet streaming
capacity for several hundred simultaneous downloads in both G2 Real
Player and Microsoft Media Player-Capture Closed Captioning; archive
ability for all satellite/Internet broadcasts from this agreement;
computer teleprompter for at least three studio cameras; interruptible
fold back (IFB) or in-ear monitor (IEM) for all key presenters and the
moderator/hosts during each live broadcast with individual control from
the control room and the DLA; wireless microphones for each presenter/
all talent during the live broadcasts; and microphones for the studio
audience at each roundtable (should be able to pick up audio) during
the training program (It is expected that studio audiences will be used
in four of the live broadcasts.); satellite uplink and transponder: Ku
band digital with the footprints of Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, and
the continental United States; Web/Internet equipment for Internet link
during live broadcasts; and portable field equipment (digital video
cameras with recording decks, portable lighting kits, microphones [both
hand-held and lapel], field monitors, audio mixers, and camera
tripods).
Personnel: Applicants must have a minimum of the following
qualified personnel: Producer/director; script writer; set designer;
lighting designer; audio operator; graphics operator; tape operator;
location camera operator; teleprompter operator; clerical/
administrative support; makeup artist (as needed during live
production); closed caption operator (as needed during production).
Application Requirements: Applications should be concisely written,
typed double spaced, and reference the project by the ``NIC Opportunity
Number'' and Title in this announcement. The package must include a
cover letter that identifies the audit agency responsible for the
applicant's financial accounts, as well as the audit period or fiscal
year that the applicant operates under (e.g., July 1 through June 30);
a program narrative in response to the statement of work; a budget
narrative in response to the statement of work; and a budget narrative
explaining projected costs. The following forms must also be included:
OMB Standard Form 424, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (These
forms are available at http://www.grants.gov) and DOJ/NIC Certification
Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and other Responsibility
Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (available at http://www.nicic.gov/Downloads/PDF/certif-frm.pdf).
Applications may be submitted in hard copy, or electronically via
http://www.grants.gov. If submitted in hard copy, there must be an
original and three copies of the full proposal (program and budget
narratives, application forms, and assurances). The original should
have the applicant's signature in blue ink.
Authority: Public Law 93-415.
Funds Available: NIC is seeking the applicant's best ideas
regarding accomplishment of the scope of work and the related costs for
achieving the goals of this solicitation. Funds may be used only for
activities that are linked to the desired outcome of the project.
This project will be a collaborative venture with the NIC Academy
Division.
Eligibility of Applicants: An eligible applicant is any public or
private agency, educational institution, organization, individual, or
team with expertise in the described areas.
Review Considerations: Applications received under this
announcement will be subjected to an NIC 3- to 5-member review panel.
The criteria for the evaluation of each application will be as follows:
Technical and Programmatic (40%)
Are all elements outlined within the scope of work effectively
understood and a description provided of how each element will be
addressed? Is there a complete and precise, technically sufficient
description of the design and methodology for the required services? Is
there a clear statement of how each project deliverable will be
accomplished, including major tasks that will lead to achieving the
goal, the strategies to be employed, required staffing and other
required resources? Are there any innovative approaches, techniques, or
design aspects proposed that will enhance the project?
Organizational (40%)
Does the proposed project staff possess the skills, knowledge, and
expertise necessary to complete the tasks, including all of the
elements listed within the project scope of work? Does the applicant
agency, institution, organization, individual, or team have the
organizational capacity to complete all deliverables? If consultants
and/or partnerships are proposed, is there a reasonable justification
for their inclusion in the project and a clear structure to ensure
effective coordination? Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to
purchase satellite uplink and internet streaming with closed
captioning? Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to produce
vignettes and capture testimonials for each broadcast? Are the proposed
project management and staffing plans realistic and sufficient to
complete the project within the award period? Is the proposed budget
realistic, does it provide sufficient cost detail/narrative, and does
it represent good value relative to the anticipated results?
Past Performance (20%)
Is the applicant experienced in producing live satellite/Internet
broadcasts, in producing training video vignettes to support program
and
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training content, and in capturing video testimonials from field
locations? Can the applicant provide adequate studio space and all
equipment necessary to produce the required deliverables?
Note: NIC will not award a cooperative agreement to an
applicant who does not have a Dun and Bradstreet Database Universal
Number (DUNS) and is not registered in the Central Contractor
Registry (CCR).
A DUNS number can be received at no cost by calling the dedicated
toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-800-333-0505 (if you are a sole
proprietor, you would dial 1-866-705-5711 and select option 1).
Registration in the CRR can be done online at the CRR Web site:
http://www.crr.gov. A CRR Handbook and worksheet can also be reviewed
at the Web site.
Number of Awards: One.
NIC Opportunity Number: 11AC02. This number should appear as a
reference line in your cover letter, where indicated on Standard Form
424, and on the outside of the envelope in which the application is
sent.
Catalog Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 16.601.
Executive Order 12372: This program is not subject to the
provisions of Executive Order 12372.
Morris L. Thigpen,
Director, National Institute of Corrections.
[FR Doc. 2010-29379 Filed 11-19-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-36-P