B09_QandA_0001.pdf

Q1a. I read in the attachment that the interview and focus group recordings will be made available to the transcriptionist, so can you confirm that the recordings will be electronically made available to the transcriptionist, please?

A. Yes, the recordings will be made available electronically in a mp3 or a mp4 file.

Q1b. If so, then is it a requirement of this solicitation that the transcriptionist be local to Denver (or Colorado)?

A. There is no requirement for the transcriptionist to be local to Denver or Colorado.

Q2. Can this project be subcontracted, and they provide referrals?

A. It is possible for the project to be subcontracted, but it is not required. There will be an amendment to the Request for Quotation to include FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations of Subcontracting), which can be found at: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-14.

Q3. Is there an incumbent for this solicitation and what is the award number?

A. No, there is not an incumbent for this Request for Quotation, nor is there an award number.

Q4. How would you like the proposal submitted?

A. Per the Basis of Award section of the Request for Quotation, the responses should be emailed to ctheeke@usgs.gov.

Q5. Is there currently an incumbent for this contract or a similarly related contract? If so, are you able to share their name, contract number, and contract value?

A. No, there is not an incumbent for this Request for Quotation.

Q6. Can you elaborate on the meaning of Factor (B) Technical Performance - Availability of an Online User Interface? Are we required to develop and implement the user interface or would we be required to use an online interface developed by your office?

A. Standard internal review board (IRB) protocol emphasizes the importance of a data security to protect personally identifiable information. Having a secure user interface where recordings can be submitted, and transcripts can be obtained is an important aspect of the technical performance.

Q7. How are the final transcripts submitted to you and what format must the document be in for submission?

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-14

A. The final transcript should be in a .docx word document that differentiates the researcher and the respondent, provides time stamps, and clearly transcribes questions and responses.

Q8. Is it possible for you to share your projected budget range for this service?

A. It is not possible to share the projected budget range for this service.

Q9. Is it possible to see a sample transcript or an abbreviated example of how often timestamps need to be placed, font, font size, etc.?

A. Timestamps can be noted in 5-minute increments. Font should be 12 pt, times new roman.

Q10. With regard to timestamps, will these be actual audio recordings or will the transcription be completed from a video file that has burned-in timestamps we need to match?

A. The recordings will be an audio only as an mp3 or mp4 file.

Q11. How will the recordings be delivered for transcription (i.e. FTP or from the client’s system) and will recordings be sent all at once or as each group is conducted?

A. The recordings will be sent as each group is conducted. It is preferred that the service provider has a user interface available for submitting recordings.

Q12. What format are the finished transcripts to be in?

A. .doc word file

Q13. Approximately how many participants per focus group?

A. 10 - 15

Q14. If we can know, how many companies have you sent this to and are overseas companies eligible? (We are a United States based business with no work sent outside of the country).

A. The Request for Quotation was not sent out to any vendors, but was made available on the SAM.gov website for public view and response. The requirements for a potential vendor is that they be a small business and have an active SAM Registration.

Q15. Are these all in English?

A. Yes

Q16. What is the turnaround expectation after all recordings are received?

A. Recordings should be transcribed as each group is received, 3-4 days per recording submitted.

Q17. Are the interviews and focus groups already recorded and ready to be uploaded to awardee?

A. No, the recordings will be submitted as they are conducted.

Q18. What is the delivery turnaround for completed transcripts? 10-business days from time audio is received by awardee? 5-business days? 30-business days?

A. Recordings should be transcribed as each group is received, 3-4 days per recording submitted.

Q19. What format are the audio files in? wav, mp3, mp4, m4a, etc?

A. mp3 or mp4

Q20. What format do you want the finished transcript in? PDF, Word, text/ascii file?

A. .docx word file

Q21. What interval do you want timestamps? Every minute? Every two minutes? Five minutes?

A. 5 minute increments

Q22. How will audio files be transmitted to awardee? Agency file transfer portal? Fedex/UPS?

A. Recordings should be submitted digitally and it is preferred that the service provider maintains a secure user interface for submission

Q23. Do you have a sample few pages of previous transcript?

A. A template transcript can be provided

Q24. Approximately how many speakers participate in the interviews?

A. individual interviews include a single researcher and respondent. Focus groups include 10 - 15

Q25a. Approximately how many speakers participate in focus groups?

A. Focus groups include 10 - 15

Q25b. If a large number of people, do you think it will be difficult to distinguish between multiple speakers that may sound alike? Is it possible there will be as many as Researcher 10 for example?

A. It should not be difficult to differentiate, there is never more than 2-3 researchers and 10-12 respondents