[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]



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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