Questions_and_BLM_Responses_0001.pdf

We Are BLM 2023 Production 16mm Camera Operator

Interested Party Question BLM Response Does the "overview" stated on page 3, paragraph 2 imply that the government wants to create the video using actual, physical 16mm film, requiring a cinematographer experienced in 16mm film shooting and a 16mm camera kit? Or, is the government merely specifying the production format to resemble the aesthetic of 16mm film, even though it might be filmed with a digital camera system?

Yes, real 16mm is required.

Will travel costs be excluded from LPTA evaluation of bidders? Without specific locations and exact dates we can't reasonably provide an accurate quote for travel. Would the government be willing to set a not to exceed amount for a cost-only line item for travel? We have used this model successfully for other FAR contracts.

Travel rates will be determined fair and reasonable outside of the LPTA determination.

Travel will be provided on a separate line item as invoicing will be for actual costs incurred.

Though solicitation is for a Camera Operator, can the Contractor be defined as a team or must it be for a sole-person (ie. Film loader, operator, DIT = team…)?

The requirement is for a single individual/Sole person.

Regarding 4K/Digital camera requirements, are there any specifications regarding memory space or name brand likeness?

For anything that is digital a Sony Fx6 will be supplied with all needed accessories. Anything 16mm the contractor is responsible for.

There is no mention of additional crew for support with this solicitation. Is production being handled by an internal team or is it being solicited via the BLM NTC Media Services Support Services solicitation 140L0123Q0014?

There will be minimal in-house team support.

This is separate from other solicitation.

Could you clarify if “with own equipment” means operator must “own” equipment or just stipulates operator must provide equipment

(ie. through rental services).

16mm camera package is to be supplied by contractor. The BLM does not have a requirement on how the contractor provides this equipment.

Are the other production services required for video production for “We are BLM” being sourced from the RFQ 140L0123Q0014?

This requirement is separate from RFQ 140L0123Q0014.

Will a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k Pro be acceptable for the camera work for the Solicitation of the We Are BLM 2023 Camera Operator?

No we need a motion picture 16mm film camera and experienced operator.

In your request, you specify film in 100ft daylight spools. Our camera ops tell me that this significantly reduces the camera choices

A 100’ daylight spool can go into any camera and/or cam magazine.

available because you need a video tap and sync for audio.

Cameras like the Anton XTR will film with sync sound and can be fitted with a video tap, but they take 400ft film mags. Since I assume that sync sound and video tap are the most important, is it necessary to film in 100 ft daylight spools? Our DP says he can load 400 ft mags in the morning and use them on the shoot.

100’ as to not travel with a magazine attached to camera. You can put a 100’ in a 400’ magazine.

We are to provide the film camera and associated gear for that camera. For the video camera that is provided by the BLM, what brand/model is it? I want to be sure we present a cam op with experience with both the film camera and your video camera.

Sony FX6

Will the cam op be operating more than one camera at a time?

On shoot yes multiple but not at same time.

Are we to quote the film stock? What stock do you want to be using?

Yes. All camera and related equipment shall be included in the daily rate. We will be using stock 7207.

Finally, for the entire project, you request 400-800 feet of 16mm which is 10 to 20 minutes of film. Is that enough for an 8-day shoot project? Should we be a contingency for more footage?

100’ to 200’ per location will be run at a max 800’

Would the Government consider moving it to an 8(a) set-aside?

This is solicited as a total small business set-aside.

The RFQ will not be modified to an 8(a) set-aside.

Is a new requirement or a contract re-compete?

This is a new requirement. There is no incumbent.

Are you already working with an incumbent for this project?

There is no incumbent for this requirement.

Would you be open to a three-person team, which would include a Digital DP, a Film DP, and a 1st AC?

No, additional crew is not needed

Would you be open to switching out different camera operators per location?

To maintain consistency, it is preferrable to maintain the same operator throughout the locations.

Would you be open to having one DP when you require film shooting, and another DP when you anticipate digital shooting? (This could lead to two DPs on the shoot at the same time.)

Additional crew is not necessary.

Do you anticipate shooting 16mm film at each location?

Yes

Do you need us to also provide the digital camera? If so, what are the required specs, and are you open to an Arri Alexa 35?

The BLM will have the digital camera on site when it is needed. The contractor need not furnish this.

Are you open to including a 1st AC who is familiar with 16mm film on the bid?

All additional crew is provided via in house media services dept

"The camera package should include an HD video tap and include 400' to 800' of film on 100' daylight spools. "Just confirming you are requiring physical spools to be delivered?

Correct.

"Camera must be Arri, Eclair, Aaton brand name or equivalent." We have the ones listed below - let us know if these will suffice:

Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 12k, Sony FX6, Sone Prime CineAlta 4k PL Mount.

We are in need for a 16mm camera package and experienced operator. These digital cameras are not needed.

Can you clarify the production locations within the states of Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon? Flight costs vary greatly depending on where these shoots are located.

Additionally, per diem costs may vary depending on the location within each state.

The trips are being coordinated now but locations are as follows: Jupiter, FL; Twin Falls, ID; Grand Junction, CO; and Phoenix, AZ. Per diem rates shall reflect these locations.

If there is not an exact location in those states decided upon yet, is the BLM comfortable with the bidders submitting the highest per diem rates in the state, as well as the most expensive potential flights in the state?

Locations are as follows: Jupiter, FL; Twin Falls, ID; Grand Junction, CO; and Phoenix, AZ. Per diem rates shall reflect these locations.

Please provide a list of items you are requiring to be provided under the camera package. Our stander camera package is the following: a. 1 x Base Plate b. 1 x Dovetail c.

2 x rods d. Electronic viewfinder (EVF) e.

Camera assistant monitor f. Follow focus (Manual) g. Matte Box h. ND filters i.

Camera Batteries with charger j. Camera body w/ 1 x camera magazine k. Prime lenses (35mm, 50mm, 85mm)

This sounds acceptable if for a 16mm camera package

Please confirm for Camera a Super 16mm or 16mm will both be acceptable.

S16mm is the requirement.

The SOW request 400’ to 800’ feet of 16mm film. Do you want us to price for 400’ or 800’ due to the big price difference?

Quoter shall provide enough 16mm film to complete up to 800’.

Do you only need the camera to have the ability to record sound or are you requesting a full production sound package? Our stander production sound package is the following: a.

Portable sound field recorder b. Batteries with

Not required and for clarification sync sound is needed charger c. 1 x Wireless Lavalier microphones (2 x Rx, 2 x Tx) d. 1 x shotgun microphone e.

1 x Blimp f. 1 x windshield g. 1 x boom pole

h. 1 x 25’ XLR cable i. 3 x headphones j.

Timecode generator with sync box k. 1 x COMTEK Field monitoring kit (1 x Rx, 2 x Tx) Do we need to provide a camera support package (i.e. tripod, Dolly)? If so, please list the items you will be requesting.

No, this is not required.

Will grip equipment be provided by the government or will we need to provide a grip package for the production?

Grip will be provided

For the Travel cost: a. Do we need to include the cost of a rental vehicle (that can transport, the camera package) or will this be provided by the government? b. Will we need to book the hotel or will the government book them and we will only have to cover the cost? c. Do we include the shipping cost for the camera package under the travel line item? d. Please provide the production Location cities. This is needed to calculate airfare and shipping costs.

Rental vehicles shall be included in the travel quote. Lodging shall be included in the travel quote. Any costs related to the equipment shall be included in the daily labor rate for the camera operator. The production cities are: Jupiter, FL;

Twin Falls, ID; Grand Junction, CO; and Phoenix, AZ

In “4:Personnel Needs” it states The number of days for each labor category as well as the number of personnel within the category is estimates. There was no list of labor categories or the number of personnel. Please provided the referenced list.

1 16mm cam package and experienced operator is required per the statement of work and price list included in the RFQ.

Under personnel needs can you confirm you are asking for one personnel just the camera OP/DP? Due to there should be a consideration for a 1st assistant camera operator?

1 Camera Op is required. There is no requirement for any additional personnel.

We like to confirm there are only 3 tasks required due to at the top of page four Tasks 1 and 2 are repeated.

There are 3 tasks.

In “5: Period of Performance” the date of award is 9/30/2023 please confirm this date due to it is after the dates listed in “3: Planned Production Schedule.”

9/30/2023 is the end of production date.

Will the government be handling the post-production requirement of developing and cine scope transfer of the footage shot on film? Or do we need to include this in the price?

The BLM will handle post-production. This shall not be included in the price quote.

Please provide the requirement for production Insurance that we will have to provide proof of holding for this request.

This requirement is only for a camera operator with equipment. There is no requirement for production insurance.

Will the shooting location have access to power to be able to charge and power equipment?

Yes. The shooting locations will have access to power.

How many hours will the production days be? Production days are not to exceed 10 hrs per day Is it possible to bring an AC (Assistant Camera) personnel to assist me during the project?

Additional crew members will be provided by in-house media services

Could you please confirm if there will be breaks in between travel locations, or if the shooting will be continuous for the entire 8-day period?

There will be breaks between travel locations but it is still to be determined how it will be broken up.