[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68505-68509]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28633]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

National Institute of Corrections


Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement--Production of Five 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) is soliciting 
proposals from organizations, groups, or individuals to enter into a 
cooperative agreement with NIC for up to twelve months to begin January 
2012. Through this cooperative agreement, funds will be made available 
for the production of a minimum of five live satellite/Internet 
broadcasts. All of the proposed satellite/Internet programs are three-
hour nationwide broadcasts. This agreement also includes the production 
of pre-recorded video clips and screen captures that will serve to 
enhance the instructional value of the broadcast or otherwise enhance 
the ``look and feel'' of visual materials, the set, or other items to 
be used during the broadcast.

DATES: Applications must be received by 4 p.m. (EDT) on Monday, 
November 21, 2011.

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 CONTACT: 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

[[Page 68506]]

reached by calling (800) 995-6429, ext 6623, or by email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Background: Satellite/Internet broadcasting is defined as training/
education transpiring between trainers and facilitators at one location 
as participants/students receive instruction at other locations via 
technology. NIC uses satellite broadcasting and the Internet 
economically to reach a larger and broader audience from federal, 
state, tribal, 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 a 
minimum of five 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, the agreement includes the production of pre-recorded video 
clips and screen captures that will serve to enhance the instructional 
value of each broadcast or otherwise enhance the ``look and feel'' of 
visual materials, the set, or other items to be used during the 
broadcast. Examples of these items may include but are not limited to: 
The production of 12 to 15 short video vignettes (less than 3 minutes 
each) to support the content of the satellite/Internet broadcasts or to 
be used by NIC to enhance other training projects; up to 20 short 10- 
to 15-second video bumps designed around the theme of the broadcast to 
assist in transitions between content elements of the broadcast; or 
custom designed visuals and props used during a specific broadcast to 
enhance the set design or otherwise support the content of the 
broadcast.
    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 2.5 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, which NIC provides) and 
consult and collaborate with NIC's DLA in the selection of talent for 
each broadcast. This will entail review of print and audiovisual 
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 email 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. Please refer to ``Content Development Countdown'' attached 
to this announcement and also found on NIC's Web site at http://www.nicic.gov.
    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 two 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 as well as engaging content delivery, are 
critical components of successful live broadcasts. Therefore, the 
content development process, as part of the storyboard/rundown 
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. Please refer to ``Content 
Development Countdown'' attached to this announcement and found on 
NIC's Web site at http://www.nicic.gov.
    STEP ONE: Convene a 2.5-day planning meeting with the NIC DLA, an 
NIC representative/program manager with content knowledge of the 
broadcast, and 4 to 5 other stakeholders vested in the topic being 
developed. (Attendees fees, travel, and per diem for the planning 
meeting and the rehearsal/broadcast days are paid for by NIC and are 
not part of this award.) 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. (Costs associated with the producer's 
participation in the planning meetings and the rehearsal/broadcast days 
for each broadcast are to be included within this award.) The meeting 
will (1) set learning objectives, (2) develop a theme, metaphor, or 
other creative hook that will set a context for 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) discretely 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 
after the planning meeting--the next day is

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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 the 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 the 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 the 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. Please refer to ``Content Development Countdown'' 
attached to this announcement and found on NIC's Web site at http://www.nicic.gov.
    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.
    It is necessary, due to the 12- to 14-week planning development 
process and minimum of 5 broadcasts to be delivered as part of this 
award, that the awardee must prepare to provide ample time for one 
producer to be able to handle multiple projects at one time and/or be 
staffed to provide multiple producers to achieve the scope of work for 
this agreement. A definitive plan to accomplish this role and function 
must be included in the proposal.
    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. These scripts will be 
developed and approved in advance of the shoot and will generally use 2 
to 4 speaking parts per scene (and additional extras). As topics are 
determined, the producer will work with the DLA to apportion the 
shooting days and/or to use those days to produce other equivalent 
creative elements for each broadcast.
    The producer will budget for at least four 10-hour days of vignette 
shooting, which will include: (1) Professional actors playing the parts 
designated by the script, (2) a professional video crew, (3) 
professional quality scenery, props, and wardrobe elements, and (4) 
broadcast quality lighting and high definition camera gear. It is 
expected that each shooting day will include 3 to 6 scenes, each 
resulting in 1-4 minutes of screen time.
    Additionally, 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. NIC 
will provide the raw footage of up to 10 testimonial interviews 
(approximately 15 minutes each) to the producer for each of the five 
broadcasts. Testimonial footage will also be captured by the producer 
from video shoots that NIC will arrange to occur at 2 to 3 relevant 
correctional and/or criminal justice conferences where targeted 
audiences will generally convene. The producer will provide the 
interviewer, camera staff, and any required lighting and audio 
equipment for each conference testimonial shoot. The format for all 
field shooting will be either Betacam, DVD Pro Digital, and/or Mini 
DVD.
    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. The awardee will develop a detailed storyboard/
rundown for each broadcast. Significant contribution to the development 
of the storyboard/rundown will come from designated content experts, 
the talent selected to appear in the broadcasts, and the DLA. The DLA 
maintains final approval of all storyboards/rundowns, video, and other 
materials used in any broadcast. Innovative and thought-provoking 
opening sequences must be produced for each broadcast show open with 
graphics, video, and music. Show opens will be approximately 45 seconds 
in length. In addition, the broadcasts will use graphics to enhance 
viewer learning. Graphic design will be used as packaging for all video 
roll-ins and carried out through all PowerPoint slides and onscreen 
graphics.
    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. The producer will budget for a 
creative treatment that is unique to each broadcast, which will include 
simple on-set design elements (e.g., a freestanding door that opens, 
large scale graphics printed on foam core, lighting effects with 
customized gobos, thematic prop elements, etc. Each set will include 
signage, posters, props, and/or other visuals that clearly relate to 
the content of the broadcast. The producer will organize and supervise

[[Page 68508]]

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, 
email, and telephone communications).
    Post-Production: The producer oversees the production and editing 
of a DVD of each broadcast for a final and approved cut by the DLA. 
Within one week after each broadcast, the awardee will provide the DLA 
a live and active link to the archived version of the broadcast. Within 
sixty (60) days after each broadcast, the awardee will provide the DLA 
five master copies of the edited and approved broadcast. These copies 
must be provided on a single-sided 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 modules, and/or other appropriate 
categories to assist users 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 (they should be able to pick up audio) 
during the training program (It is expected that studio audiences will 
be used in at least 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 (30%)

    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

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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? Is the 
applicant able to work within the time constraints outlined in the 
solicitation?

Past Performance (30%)

    Is the applicant experienced in producing live broadcasts, in 
producing training video to support program and training content, or in 
capturing video from field locations? Does the applicant have 
experience writing original, scripted content for broadcast? Has the 
applicant worked with non-professional actors/talent in the past? Can 
the applicant provide adequate studio space and all equipment necessary 
to produce the required deliverables? Can the applicant provide 
audiovisual examples of past work?

    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: 12AC02. 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. 2011-28633 Filed 11-3-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-36-P