Request For Quotations: Executive Journalism Training on Disinformation, Ethics, and Credibility

1.  A two-day course for international journalists on disinformation and media manipulation: The selected organization will be responsible for designing and delivering a two-day course for a group of international journalists in March 2023. The group comprises 16 professional level journalists from South Asia. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and implemented by Meridian International Center (Meridian).

 Context: Prior to the subject training, the group will have completed a 12-day reporting tour in the United States on countering disinformation. Developed and supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Press Centers, the reporting tour aims to equip South Asian journalists with the necessary tools and knowledge to detect and counter misinformation and disinformation. Reporting tour objectives are to decrease the prevalence of false or distorted reporting by South Asian journalists and media outlets, as well as to help South Asian journalists identify media manipulations and combat disinformation campaigns.

2. Qualifications and Technical Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering workshops or/and seminars on media manipulation, misinformation, countering disinformation, ethics, credibility, and other relevant topics.
  • Content should be suitable for mid-career professionals working in various media.
  • The program should be held over two days, for up to 6 hours per day.
  • Ability to prepare and issue non-degree certificates of completion.
  • Training must take place in-person at the Vendor’s premises.
  • Vendor is responsible for printing and distribution of necessary course materials.

 3. Deliverables and Timing

  • A two-day course shall be held in the week of March 13, 2023 (may possibly take place on the weekend).
  • Quote should include a brief outline of the proposed training program and may include a list and/or examples of speakers or instructors.
  • Quotes should note the suggested number of course hours per day, including recommended session breakdown, if applicable.
  • Draft program shall be proposed and submitted for review to Meridian three weeks before the program start date.
  • The final program shall be submitted to Meridian one week before the program start date.

4. Fees and Expenses

Please provide a rate quote inclusive of all fees and possible expenses to complete the services listed above. Please note the cost per day or per hour for the suggested program.

5. Awarding the Quote

Quotes will be evaluated based on price and assessment of proposed content. Final quotes must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM EST, February 10, 2023.  Any questions regarding the program or Request for Quotations should be submitted to JournalismSCA@meridian.org.

6. General Terms

  • Your quote must remain valid for a period not less than 90 days after February 10, 2023.
  • Meridian reserves the right to accept or reject any quotations, cancel the bidding process and to reject all quotations at any time prior to the award of the contract.
  • Selected contractors will adhere to Data Processing Agreement terms and to prohibition on use of certain telecommunication and Video surveillance services or equipment as defined in Section 889(a)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) and as more specifically defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.204-25 “Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.”