RFP: Videographer

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) seeks a qualified videographer to conduct oral history recordings and produce short documentary-style videos during the Seneca Indian Boarding School Annual Alumni Meeting, taking place in Wyandotte, Oklahoma from June 5 to 7, 2025.

Proposal Requirements
Proposers should have knowledge of the U.S. Indian boarding school history, legacy, and impacts, as well as an understanding of the resulting intergenerational trauma. All proposals should include:

● A brief cover letter summarizing experience relevant to this project.
● Resume or CV.
● Portfolio or sample links to previous video and oral history/documentary work.
● Timeline for delivery of raw files and completed edited content.
● Names and contact information for two professional references.
Note: Contractors are required to maintain General and Professional liability insurance including Workers Compensation insurance in compliance with applicable laws.

Proposal Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:
● Completeness and adherence to the proposal requirements.
● Demonstrated experience with oral history, documentary filmmaking, and working with Native communities.
● Quality and relevance of past work.
● Administrative and technical competence.
● Approach for completing the work.
● Preference is given to affirmative representation from Native American-owned businesses, Tribal enterprises, and individuals, as well as small and minority owned businesses, and women’s business enterprises.
● Experience demonstrating effectiveness in delivering the same or similar services.
● Team member qualifications.
● Budget feasibility and value.

Project Goals
The videographer will record oral histories with alumni, capturing personal testimonies that provide critical insight into the lived experiences at the Seneca Indian Boarding School. These recordings will contribute to the National Indian Boarding School Digital Archive (NIBSDA) and will be edited into a series of mini-documentaries (5–10 segments, each 10–15 minutes in length) for public education and awareness. This project, including filming, editing, and delivery of finalized products is to be completed by December 2025.

For an example of product we would like to build from, please visit:
https://nibsda.elevator.umn.edu/search/s/6b2c21ba-dbdd-4dc0-9d61-25316bf0e80c

Timeframe
● June 07-June 09, 2025: Orientation and filming
● June 10-October 1st, 2025: Video editing and monthly check-in with NABS staff
● October 01, 2025-November 01, 2025: Review and Further editing
● November 15, 2025: Finalized deliverables due

Success Measures
Ultimately, success will be demonstrated by the unanimous approval by the project team and advisors of a comprehensive interpretive media plan. A well-prepared plan will include success indicators to measure outcomes.

Scope of Work
NABS will provide:
● Direction on editing preferences, including guidance on sensitive content and segments to be excised.
● Travel and lodging to and from the project site in Oklahoma will be provided.
● File format specifications and delivery requirements.
● Access to MHC audiovisual recordings and approved b-roll stock footage.
● Contextual information and content for inclusion in documentary openings.