[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 56 (Friday, March 22, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13361-13363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-6995]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

National Institute of Corrections


Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement--Videotape: 
Interpersonal Communications in the Correctional Setting

AGENCY: National Institute of Corrections, Department of Justice.

ACTION:  Solicitation for a cooperative agreement.

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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Corrections, Jails Division, is 
seeking applications for the production of a betacam or digital format 
videotape, Interpersonal Communications in the Correctional Setting.

Background

    Supervising inmates and managing their behavior are two of the 
primary responsibilities of correctional institutions. Effective 
communication with inmates is one of the most important skills 
correctional staff must have to maintain the safety and security of 
institutions. The National Institute of Corrections has an established 
curriculum on Interpersonal Communications in the Correctional Setting 
which is used to instruct correctional staff in appropriate 
communication skills for use with the inmates they supervise. Materials 
for this curriculum include an instructor's guide, participant manual, 
and a 60 minute instructional videotape. The current instructional 
videotape is outdated in terms of narrator and actor appearance, 
language, and use of graphics. To ensure the course remains effective 
NIC needs to produce an updated version of the training videotape.

Project Objectives

    To produce a revised version of the existing Interpersonal 
Communications in the Correctional Setting training tape, using a 
revised script provided by the National Institute of Corrections.

[[Page 13362]]

Scope of Work

    Videotape Length: About 60 minutes.
    Videotape Audience: Correctional staff and instructors 
participating in the Interpersonal Communications in the Correctional 
Setting training program.
    Use of Videotape: The videotape will be used in the Interpersonal 
Communications in the Correctional Setting training program. 
Instructors will use the videotape during the training, in conjunction 
with the instructor's guide and participant manual.
    Videotape Distribution: NIC expects to widely distribute the 
videotape. It will be made available, upon request and free of charge, 
through the NIC Information Center. Local officials, detention 
practitioners, professional corrections organizations, private 
corrections consultants, and professionals in related fields will be 
able to request the use of this videotape.
    Videotape Content: The National Institute of Corrections has 
developed a revised script for this videotape. The approximately 60 
minute videotape will include an on-screen narrator, voice-over 
narration, music, graphics, scenarios using professional actors to 
portray correctional staff and inmates, and/or other strategies 
designed to most effectively demonstrate concepts. Scenarios will be 
filmed inside correctional facilities. Scenario actors will represent 
diverse backgrounds (ethnicity, race, age, and sex).
    Project Description: The production company will see the videotape 
production through from beginning to end. The company is expected to 
provide the staff, equipment, and other resources necessary to 
directing, producing, filming, editing, and all other activities 
necessary to videotape production.
    The production company is asked to assign one staff to oversee the 
project and work closely with NIC staff on all phases of videotape 
production. NIC staff will assist in identifying correctional 
facilities for on-site shooting. NIC staff will be available on-site 
during some or all of the filming. NIC staff must review and approve 
the treatment, creative ideas, selection of the narrator and actors, 
shooting days, music, graphics, animation, editing, and screening 
dates. NIC staff will have all editing rights and final approval of 
rough drafts.
    NIC staff will be available to the production company to assist 
with questions or problems that arise. It is important, therefore, that 
the production company staff are readily available for in-person 
meetings with NIC staff in Longmont, Colorado. At a minimum, the 
production company must be available to meet in Longmont, Colorado for 
a project kick-off meeting.
    The production company will videotape in betacam or digital format. 
Once the videotape is completed, the production company will provide 
NIC one betacam or digital master and 12 copies of the tape in VHS 
format. All videotape used in this production, including B footage, is 
the property of the U.S. Government and is to be delivered to NIC upon 
completion of this project.
    Production Schedule: The list below shows the major activities 
required to complete the project. Videotape production will begin upon 
award of this agreement and must be completed twelve months after the 
award date. The schedule for completion of activities should include 
the following, at a minimum.
     Production company's kickoff meeting in Longmont, Colorado 
with NIC staff for a project overview;
     Production company's review of existing video and revised 
script provided by NIC;
     Selection of on-screen narrator, voice-over narration, and 
scenario actors coordinated with an approved by NIC staff;
     Selection of scenario site(s) coordinated and approved by 
NIC staff;
     Filming scheduled and coordinated with NIC staff;
     Filming;
     Completion of draft footage;
     Screening of draft footage by production company and NIC 
staff;
     Edit from screen;
     Graphics/animation/music planned, then presented to and 
approved by NIC staff;
     Graphics/animation/music created;
     On-screen narration and voice-over narration presented to 
and approved by NIC staff;
     Screening of edit(s) by production company and NIC staff;
     Review and approval of final edit by NIC staff;
     Final products delivered.

    Authority: Public Law 93-415

    Funds Available: The award will be limited to $85,000 (direct and 
indirect costs) and project activity must be completed within twelve 
months of the date of award. Funds may not be used for construction, or 
to acquire or build real property. This project will be a collaborative 
venture with the NIC Jails Division.

Application Procedures

    Applications must be submitted in six copies to the Director, 
National Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street, NW., Room 5007, 
Washington DC 20534. At least one copy of the application must have the 
applicant's original signature in blue ink. A cover letter must 
identify the responsible audit agency for the applicant's financial 
accounts.
    Applications must be submitted using OMB Standard Form 424, Federal 
Assistance, and attachments. The applications should be concisely 
written, typed double-spaced, and referenced to the project by the 
number and title given in this cooperative agreement announcement.
    The narrative portion of this cooperative agreement application 
should include, at a minimum:
     A brief paragraph that indicates the applicant's 
understanding of the purpose of the videotape;
     A brief paragraph that summarizes the project goals and 
objectives;
     A clear description of the methodology that will be used 
to complete the project and achieve its goals;
     A statement or chart of measurable project milestones and 
time lines for the completion of each;
     A description of the staffing plan for the project, 
including the role of each project staff, the time commitment for each, 
the relationship among the staff (who reports to whom), and an 
indication that all required staff will be available;
     A description of the qualifications of the applicant 
organization and each project staff;
     A budget that details all costs for the project, shows 
consideration for all contingencies for this project, and notes a 
commitment to work within the budget proposed (budget should be divided 
into object class categories as shown on application Standard Form 
424A).
    Documentation of the principal's and associate's relevant 
knowledge, skills, and abilities to carry out the described tasks must 
be included in the application. The application must be accompanied by 
a resume of the applicant's work and a brief sample(s) of complete 
video productions. The applicant organization must specify its roles in 
the production of the sample videos.
    Deadline for Receipt of Applications: Applications must be received 
by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2002. They should be addressed to 
Director, National Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street, NW., 
Room 5007, Washington, DC 20534. The NIC application number should be 
written on the outside of the mail or courier envelope. Applicants are 
encouraged to

[[Page 13363]]

use Federal Express, UPS, or similar service to ensure delivery by the 
due date as mail at the National Institute of Corrections is still 
being delayed due to recent events. Hand delivery applications should 
be brought to 500 First Street, NW., Washington, DC 20534. The front 
desk will call (202) 307-3106, extension 0 for pickup. Faxed or e-
mailed applications will not be accepted.
    Addresses and Further Information: A copy of this announcement and 
application forms may be obtained through the NIC Web site: http://www.nicic.org (click on ``Cooperative Agreements''). Requests for a 
hard copy of the application kit 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. 44222, 202-307-3106, ext. 44222, or e-
mail: [email protected]. All technical and/or programmatic questions 
concerning this announcement should be directed to Kris Keller at 1960 
Industrial Circle, Longmont, CO 80501, or by calling 800-995-6429, ext. 
119 or 303-682-0382, ext. 119, or by e-mail: [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 outcome objectives of the project.
    Review Considerations: Applications received under this 
announcement will be subjected to a NIC three to five member Peer 
Review Process. Among the criteria used to evaluate the applications 
are:
     Indication of a clear understanding of the project 
requirements;
     Background, experience, and expertise of the proposed 
project staff, including any subcontractors;
     Previous video production experience;
     Clear, concise description of all elements and tasks of 
the project, with sufficient and realistic time frames necessary to 
complete the tasks;
     Technical soundness of project design and methodology;
     Financial and administrative integrity of the proposal, 
including adherence to federal financial guidelines and processes;
     Sufficiently detailed budget that shows consideration of 
all contingencies for this project and commitment to work within the 
budget proposed;
     Indication of availability to meet the NIC staff at key 
points in videotape production (at a minimum, those listed under 
``Project Description'').
    Number of Awards: One (1).
    NIC Application Number: 02J23. This number should appear as a 
reference line in your cover letter, in box 11 of Standard Form 424, 
and on the outside of the envelope in which the application is sent.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 16.601.

    Dated: March 19, 2002.
Larry Solomon,
Deputy Director, National Institute of Corrections.
[FR Doc. 02-6995 Filed 3-21-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-36-M