Science Blogger

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The terms and conditions applicable to this action are: 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items. SAQMMA09R0291 is being issued as a request for proposal (RFP). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in affect through Federal Acquisition Circular. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 711510. The Department of State's IIP Office of Current Issues is soliciting applications for a Science Blogger. We anticipate awarding one Blanket Purchase Agreement for an individual who will provide written material for use on our public diplomacy Web site. We will establish one-year BPA with the option to extend up to four additional years. The BPA does not constitute a guarantee of work. Writing assignments are made on an as-needed basis. Several factors are taken into account when choosing a contract writer for a particular job. For the position of Science Blogger, the factors include subject matter expertise, location, ability to write about science and science policy in an engaging journalistic style and ability to complete writing assignments within a given deadline. Additional information on the types of work IIP expects from the Science Blogger can be found in the attached Statement of Work. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, applies to this acquisition. All responses will be evaluated in accordance with 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items: Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria in descending order of importance: 1. Demonstrated ability to write engaging social networking content that is grammatically correct and scientifically accurate. Contractor shall be responsible for writing blogs and other social networking materials for use on websites and for other IIP print and electronic products as they are developed. In most cases, assignments will be written in a style that demonstrates understanding of science and U.S. government science policy and appeals to international readers in positions of influence. Such articles may be translated into other languages and reprinted in English or other languages in foreign newspapers without additional compensation. 2. Scientific expertise demonstrated by possession of a doctoral degree in a biological or physical science field. Contractor must possess a doctoral level degree in biological or physical science from an accredited U.S. university such that he/she can perform nonlaboratory research and accurately describe scientific principles, methodologies, and results for blogs and other products produced. Such research should encompass, but not be limited to, scientific literature, interviews, archive searches, attendance at hearings, and similar activities. 3. Experience interacting with foreign scientists Contractor must have experience in interacting with foreign scientists both in person and via electronic communication so as to demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and policy topics of interest to the international scientific community. 4. Demonstrated understanding of U.S. government science policy Contractor must be able to demonstrate experience in researching and writing about science policies of the U.S. government, accurately describing the science underlying the policies and the implications of such policies for the broader scientific community, The applicant must submit a brief resume highlighting their scientific qualifications, their experience in writing in a journalistic style for general audiences, their experience interacting with foreign scientific communities, and their familiarity with U.S. government science policy. Each applicant must submit one to three bylined writing samples of no more than 1000 words each. Offerors are to include a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items with its proposal submission.