By this Request for Proposals (RFP), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) seeks competitive proposals from candidates for the position of Ombudsman for a three-year term commencing on February 1, 2018. The CPB Board of Directors (Board) established the Office of the Ombudsman in April 2005 as an independent office that informs CPB’s Board and its President on issues related to public television and radio programming, particularly programming funded by CPB. Its broader purpose is to encourage public dialogue that fosters high standards of excellence in public television and radio programming. To that end, the Ombudsman will receive and selectively respond to comments on programming from diverse sources, and will annually review CPB-funded programming for its objectivity, balance, fairness, accuracy and transparency, all as more particularly described in the Charter of the Office of the Ombudsman attached hereto.
Would CPB consider offering office space to applicants?
We are not offering space at CPB, although it is something we may choose to negotiate to reduce costs. Applicants should include in their price the necessary office space and support.
Would the Ombudsman be considered an independent contractor for tax and employee benefits puposes?
The Ombudsman will be a contractor and not a CPB employee for all purposes.
What was the previous budget allocated by CPB for the Ombudsman position, or in the alternative, can you provide a range of the expected allocation?
Since this is a competitive solicitation, we are not disclosing any financial or budget information.
What is CPB's current annual budget for the Ombudsman?
Because this is a competitive procurement, we are not disclosing our budget.
Is the budget compensation for myself and the cost of working remotely?
Yes, please detail all costs that you determine are necessary to provide the required services.
Could the CPB Ombudsman launch a social media account on Twitter and/or Facebook?
Yes, we are open to the Ombudsman using social media.
Would it be possible for the CPB Ombudsman to work more closely with counterparts at PBS and NPR?
The Ombudsman for each organization has different responsibilities which may not be conducive to working collaboratively. Nonetheless, we welcome your suggestions.
In the Excel budget outline, how much detail do you require?
We have not specified a particular level of detail.