[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 102 (Friday, May 25, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28924-28926]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-13297]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

National Institute of Corrections


Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement-Production of Ten 
Satellite/Internet Video Programs

AGENCY: National Institute of Corrections, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Justice (DOJ), National Institute of 
Corrections (NIC), announces the availability of funds in FY 2002 for a 
cooperative agreement to fund the production of ten Satellite/Internet 
video programs. Five of the proposed programs are separate, individual, 
nationwide satellite/Internet teleconferences (three hours each). The 
other five are distance learning courses delivered via a satellite/
Internet. Three of the five distance learning programs are site 
coordinator/facilitator training sessions (Training for Trainers). A 
site coordinator precursor module will contain eight hours of 
satellite/internet training split over two days. The remaining two are 
content-driven training programs which will consist of 32 hours of 
training. We will have 16 hours of live-broadcast satellite/Internet 
training over four days, (four hours each day). The other 16 hours of 
off-air activities will be directed by our trained site coordinators. 
(Note: one of the eight-hour training programs for site coordinators 
will take place in FY02, and the main program will be delivered in 
FY03). There will be a total of 71 hours of broadcast time in FY 02.

Background

    Distance learning is defined as a training/education process 
transpiring between trainers/teachers at one location and participants/
students at other locations via technology. NIC is using the satellite 
broadcasting and the Internet to economically reach more correctional 
staff in federal, states and local agencies. Another strong benefit of 
satellite delivery is its ability to broadcast programs conducted by 
experts in the correctional field. The entire audience can be reached 
at the same time with exactly the same information. Everyone will be 
reading from the same page. In addition, NIC is creating training 
programs from its edited 32 hours programs that will be disseminated 
through its Information Center.
    Purpose: The purposes of funding this initiative are:
    (1) Produce five three-hour satellite/Internet videoconferences, 
disseminating current information to the criminal justice community:
    (2) Produce three eight-hour training sessions for site 
coordinators/facilitators. This is designed to train the facilitators 
from each registered site concerning the outcomes expected and in the 
knowledge and skills to facilitate the off-air activities;
    (3) Produce two 16-hour sessions of distance learning training that 
responds directly to the needs identified by practitioners working in 
the criminal justice arena. The satellite training will be delivered 
four hours each day, Monday through Thursday.
    Scope of Work: To address the scope of work for this project, the 
following will be needed:

1. Producer Consultation and Creative Services

    The producer will: (a) consult and collaborate on program design, 
program coordination, design of field segments and content development 
with NIC's Distance Learning Manager; (b) work with each individual 
consultant and develop their modules for delivery using the distance 
learning format and/or the teleconference format; (c) help develop 
scripts, graphic design, production elements and rehearsal for each 
module of the site coordinations' training and the distance learning 
training; (d) use their expertise in designing creative ways to deliver 
satellite teleconferencing. The producer will also be responsible for 
attending planning meetings and assisting in the

[[Page 28925]]

video- taping of testimonials at conferences.

2. Pre-Production

Video

    The producer will supervise the production of vignettes to be used 
in each of the three-hour videoconferences, as well as the distance 
learning training. NIC presenters (content experts) will draft outlines 
of the scripts for each vignette. From the outlines, scripts will be 
developed by the producer (script writing expert) and approved by NIC's 
Distance Learning Manager. Professional actors will play the parts 
designated by the script. Story boards for each production will be 
written by NIC's Distance Learning Manager.
    Producer will supervise camera and audio crews to capture 
testimonials from leaders in the correction field at designated 
correctional conferences. The producer will coordinate all planning of 
the production and post production for each of the ten teleconference

Video Production

    Video production for each teleconference will consist of video 
taping content related events in the field, editing existing video and 
video taping experts for testimonial presentations. It will also 
include voice over, audio and music for each video, if necessary. Blank 
tapes and narration for field shooting will be purchased for each site. 
The format for all field shooting will be either Beta Cam or DV Pro 
Digital.

Post Production (Studio)

    Innovated and thought provoking opening sequences will be produced 
for each teleconference. In addition graphics will be utilized to 
enhance the learning in each module. The producer will coordinate art 
direction, lighting, and set design and furniture for all 
teleconference segments. (Set design should change periodically 
throughout the award period). The producer will organize and supervise 
the complete production crew for rehearsal and production days. (See 
schedules below).

3. Production

    The production group will set up and maintain studio lighting, 
adjust audio, and have a complete production crew for the following 
days and hours. A production crew will include Director, Audio 
Operator, Video Operator, Character Generator Operator, Floor Director, 
Camera Operators (3 to 4), Teleprompter Operator, On Line Internet 
Coordinator, Make-Up Artist (production time only), and Interactive 
Assistance Personal (fax, email, and telephone.)

Site Coordinators Training-Restorative Justice

Rehearsal--November 6, 2001--8 hours
Production On-Air, November 7, 2001--5 hours
Rehearsal \1/2\ day, November 7, 2001--4 hours
Production On-Air, November 8, 2001--5 hours

Staff Sexual Misconduct

Rehearsal--December 11, 2001--8 hours
Production On-Air, December 12, 2001--4 hours

Restorative Justice--32 Hour Distance Learning

Rehearsal--January 26, 2002--8 hours
Production On-Air, & Rehearsal--January 27, 2002--9 hours
Production On-Air, & Rehearsal--January 28, 2002--9 hours
Production On-Air, & Rehearsal--January 29, 2002--9 hours
Production On-Air--January 30, 2002--5 hours

Mentally Ill Inmates in Jails: Meeting the Challenge

Rehearsal--April 16, 2002--8 hours
Production on-Air--April 17, 2002--4 hours

Site Coordination/Facilitator Training--Thinking for a Change

Rehearsal--May 14, 2002--8 hours
Production On-Air Rehearsal--May 15, 2002--9 hours
Production On-Air--May 16, 2002--5 hours

Recruitment & Retention

Rehearsal--June 4, 2002-- 8 hours
Production On-Air--June 5, 2002--4 hours

Site Coordination/Facilitator Training-Job Retention

Rehearsal--June 18, 2002--8 hours
Production On-Air & Rehearsal--June 19, 2002--9 hours
Production On-Air--June 20, 2002--5 hours

Health Care for Mentally Ill Offenders in the Community

Rehearsal--July 16, 2001--8 hours
Production On-Air--July 17, 2002--4 hours

Mental Health in Prisons

Rehearsal--August 27, 2002--8 hours
Production On-Air-August 28, 2002--4 hours

Thinking for a Change--32 Hour Distance Learning

Rehearsal--September 14, 2002--8 hours
Production On-Air & Rehearsal--September 15, 2002--9 hours
Production On-Air & Rehearsal--September 16, 2002--9 hours
Production On-Air & Rehearsal--September 17, 2002--9 hours
Production On-Air--September 18, 2002--5 hours

4. Transmission

     Purchase satellite uplink time that will include the 
footprints of Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, and the Continental 
United States;
     Acquire downlink transponder time for KU-Band;
     Purchase Internet streaming of 200 simultaneous feeds for 
each program.

5. Equipment

    Applicants must have a minimum of the following equipment and 
qualified personnel.
     Broadcast Studio of approximately 2,000 square feet, with 
an area for a studio audience of between 15 and 20 people.
     Four-Digital Studio Cameras (One of which could be an 
overhead camera with robotic control)
     Chroma Key--At least one wall with chroma key capability 
along with the digital ultimate keying system
     A tape operation facility providing playback/record in 
various formats, including DV, Betacam, Betacam SP, SVHS, VHS, U-Matic 
\3/4\ & SP.
     A/B roll linear and digital nonlinear editing
     Three- dimensional animation with computer graphics.
     Internet streaming capacity for several hundred 
simultaneous downloads in both G2 Real Player and Microsoft Media 
Player
     Computer Teleprompter for at least two studio cameras
     Satellite Uplink and Transponder-KU-Band and/or Digital 
with KU-Band to cover the footprints of Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, 
and the Continental United States
     Portable Field Equipment-Digital Video Cameras with 
recording decks, portable lighting kits, microphones (hand held and 
lapel), field monitors, audio mixers, and camera tripods.

6. Personnel

     Producer/Director
     Script Writer
     Set Designer
     Lighting Designer
     Audio Operator
     Graphics Operator

[[Page 28926]]

     Floor Manager
     Studio Camera Operators (3 to 4)
     Tape Operator
     Location Camera Operator
     Teleprompter Operator
     Clerical/Administrator Support
     Makeup Artist
    Application Requirement: Applicants must prepare a proposal that 
describes their plan to address the requirements to produce ten live 
Internet/Satellite teleconferences. The plan must include a list of all 
required equipment, identify their key operational staff and the 
relevant expertise of each, and address the manner in which they would 
perform all tasks in collaboration with NIC's District Learning 
Supervisor. Please note that the Standard Form 424, Application for 
Federal Assistance, submitted with the proposal must contain the cover 
sheet, budget, budget narrative, assurances, certificates, and 
management plan. All required forms and instructions for their 
completion may be downloaded from the NIC website:http://www.nicic.org.

    Authority: Public Law 93-415.

    Amount of Award: This is a cooperative agreement. A cooperative 
agreement is a form of assistance relationship through which the 
National Institute of Corrections is involved during the performance of 
the award. This award is made to an organization who has the capability 
to produce live satellite/Internet teleconferences. This initiative 
emphasizes television quality production that meets or exceeds major 
network quality. The award will be limited to $350,000 for both direct 
and indirect costs related to this project. Funds may not be used to 
purchase equipment, construction, or to acquire or build real property. 
This project will be a collaborative venture with the NIC Academy.
    All products from this funding will be in the public domain and 
available to interested agencies through the National Institute of 
Corrections.
    Availability of Funds: Funds are not presently available for this 
cooperative agreement. The Government's obligation under this 
cooperative agreement is contingent upon the availability of 
appropriated funds from which payment for cooperative agreement 
purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the government 
for any payment may arise until funds are made available for this 
cooperative agreement and until the awardee receives notice of such 
availability, to be confirmed in writing.
    Deadline for Receipt of Applications:
    Applications must be received by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 29, 2001. 
They should be addressed to: Director, National Institute of 
Corrections, 320 First Street, NW, Room 5007, Washington, DC 20534. 
Hand delivered applications can be brought to 500 First Street, NW, 
Washington, DC 20534. The security desk will call Bobbi Tinsley at 
(202) 307-3106, and 0 for pickup. This award period is from October 1, 
2001 to September 30, 2002.

ADDRESSES AND FURTHER INFORMATION: Applications must include completed 
forms identified above. They are available on NIC's web page at 
www.nicic.org. Click on ``cooperative agreements.'' Any specific 
questions regarding the application process should be directed to Judy 
Evens, Cooperative Agreement Control Office, National Institute of 
Corrections, 320 First Street NW, Room 5007, Washington, DC 20534, or 
by calling 800-995-6423 ext. 4-4222, or email [email protected]
    All technical and/or programmatic questions concerning this 
announcement should be directed to Ed Wolahan, Corrections Program 
Specialist, at 1960 Industrial Circle, Longmont, Colorado 80501, or by 
calling 800-995-6429 ext 131, or by email:[email protected].
    Eligible Applicants: An eligible applicant is any state or general 
unit of local government, public or private agency, educational 
institution, organization, team or individual with the requisite skills 
to successfully meet the objectives of the project.
    Review Considerations: Applications received under this 
announcement will be subjected to an NIC 3 to 5 member review panel.
    Number of Awards: One (1).
    Executive Order 12372: This program is not subject to the 
provisions of Executive Order 12372.
    NIC Application Number: 02A13. This number should appear as a 
reference line in your cover letter and also in box 11 of Standard Form 
424.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 16,601.

    May 22, 2001.
Morris Thigpen,
Director, National Institute of Corrections.
[FR Doc. 01-13297 Filed 5-24-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-36-M