Broadcast Engineer, Technical and Regulatory Consultant

New applications are no longer being accepted. Check this page for updates about this initiative.

Focus:

Broadcast Spectrum, Consulting, Emergency Alert, Engineering, Radio, Spectrum, Spectrum Auction, System Support, Television

Eligibility:

Open to all applicants.

Deadline:

January 10, 2024

Request for Proposals

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) seeks the services of a broadcast engineering consultant knowledgeable in television and radio broadcasting technology, broadcast spectrum, business operations, and policy to advise CPB on technical and regulatory issues relating to market transition considerations for NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), broadcast spectrum allocation, content distribution interconnection systems (Interconnection), 5G, emergency alerting technology, FCC matters, and other similar issues as they relate to public broadcasting technology. The consultant’s guidance will be presented through technical reports, webinars, presentations, and other similar activities.

CPB understands that individual firms may not have the necessary expertise to provide the services requested. Accordingly, CPB will consider joint proposals submitted by collaborating organizations. CPB will contract with the lead party which will be responsible for the final product. Additionally, CPB may apportion this work among the selected vendors.

CPB will compensate the consultant on an hourly basis. The contract term will be for 24 months (2 years) and CPB estimates that not more than 450 hours of work will be required. Thereafter, CPB will have the option to extend the term for up to 12 months for not more than 225 hours, at its sole discretion, at the agreed upon hourly rates, for any additional assistance CPB may require relating to this project or broadcast technology and regulatory issues. Applicants should include in their proposals, the services of a copy editor to assist with any requested technical position papers and other documents that must be of publishable quality.

Please download the Request for Proposals below for detailed information, including application requirements.

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Request for Proposals	222.42 KB

Questions from Potential Respondents, with CPB Answers:

FAQ Topic:

General

FAQ:

Could AI generated content be used to draft content?

If CPB would like materials to shared on webinars, conferences, or Board of Directors meetings, would they want to review the materials with key stakeholders (e.g., specific leaders, legal) and modify the content? If materials are identified to be published, are there specific steps to review content before it’s externally published?

Yes, CPB may review the materials with key stakeholders and will likely provide the consultant with feedback and edits. Accordingly, before publication, several rounds of revisions might be necessary.

Are the periodic meetings within the contract term of 24 months or annually, within 12 months?

CPB anticipates at least two (2) in-person/virtual meetings annually which may be for CPB Board meetings and CPB executive briefings, a minimum of two (2) of any of the following will be required annually: webinars, conferences, and system meetings presentations, and there will be regular progress update calls and virtual meetings.

Do we know the timing of the repack? Do they have specific frequencies that are under consideration?

Whether another repack will occur is unknown, there is speculation about the possibility in the trade press.

Can you share the assumptions behind the calculation of the 450 hours?

The assumption is based on the hours incurred for our current and prior broadcast engineering consultants.

Which topics does CPB envision for the requested White Papers and Reports that the consultant will author?

At this point we do not know if any White Papers or Reports will be required.

Of the allotted 450 hours of proposed work in the initial term, how much of this time does CPB anticipate will be devoted to Emergency Alerting issues?

CPB anticipates that approximately 20% of the time may be devoted to emergency alerting issues. This work would be distinct from the Next Generation Warning System grant program that CPB is administering, although there may be issues related to the program that involve the system and require the consultant’s input.

What topics regarding “Interconnection” systems does CPB anticipate that the consultant will be engaged to review?

The topics related to the Interconnection system may include current systems, proposals for updating Interconnection, equipment options, and ATSC 3.0 readiness.

With respect to any potential Conflicts of Interest with other clients of the Consultant, how does CPB anticipate managing its work assignments with the Consultant? How will potential Conflicts be identified and resolved?

The consultant is expected to advise CPB of any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Depending on the circumstances, CPB will consider action to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate the conflict of interest.

Does CPB anticipate the need for the Consultant to engage directly with the FCC on any matters? Or, will this function continue to be performed by CPB Senior Management Staff and APTS staff?

CPB does not anticipate the Consultant’s services will include working directly with the FCC.