Q_As_0001.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are a list of questions and the answers furnished in response to the Solicitation Number # 140P2123R0041, Interpretive Film & Web Shorts for Hot Springs National Park.

Question #1:

Is there a budget range in mind? Is there an order of magnitude budget range that could be shared?

Answer:

Between $225,000 and $330,000 for all the films (including the shorts).

Question #2 Is there an incumbent?

Answer:

No

Question #3 How will the proposal be evaluated and weighed? Which sections/Volumes are more important/significant, in terms of evaluation?

Answer:

Volumes and subfactors are listed in order of importance.

Question #4 The Period of Performance on SF 1449 states a beginning date of July 1, 2023. Since the start date has passed, will a new end date be established once the contract is awarded?

Answer:

The Period of Performance is expected to be approx. 36 months from award date.

Question #5 (in reference to water- health and healing) Does the NPS have data and research on this?

Answer:

The NPS has done preliminary historical research needed for generating a scope of work.

However, the contractor is responsible for all research necessary for producing the film.

Question #6 Does HOSP or Harpers Ferry own any 4K or better related video that could potentially be incorporated into this film? If so, what is the content?

Answer:

No.

Question #7 Does HOSP own a library of archival assets, such as historical imagery of the hot springs, which would be available for use in the film?

Answer:

HOSP does have a photo archive and this collection that shares overlapping material with what can be found at the Library of Congress. Additionally, the Garlin County Historical Society has images of HOSP. During the site visit, the NPS may show images in the collection along with the new exhibits that also have archival images. However, as stated in the scope, the contractor is responsible for clearing copyright and image sourcing and the NPS cannot be the image research team for this project.

Question #8 section (f) references ‘off-site profiles of characters outside the park’ and section (g) references ‘on-site regional focused profiles of people who are users of the park and landscape’; by ‘profiles’ do you mean interviews? Or are the profile character-types more like personas the contractor will create to represent different park visitors? Please elaborate.

Answer:

For clarification, please refer to Section C.d Profiled Characters for Park Themes (minimum of 5). As stated in the scope, “Material shall be presented in a way that is visually rich, showing character’s lives in a way that works even without spoken dialog, seeking to ‘show’ rather then ‘tell.’” Given the requirement to show the character’s lives in a way that works even without spoken dialog, “profiles” cannot equate to just “interviews.”

Question #9 section (i) references archival material; will the NPS provide all of these materials, or will your selected contractor be required to locate and license assets as needed? If the NPS will provide all of the archival materials, how much content will your team provide for inclusion in your videos?

Additionally, should the contractor allow for possible stock content licensing in the budget to help supplement the existing assets?

Answer:

Refer to II.1 in the scope of work, “The contractor shall provide all services, including labor, materials, equipment, facilities, fees, research, licensing, and travel necessary to produce one 16 to 18-minute ultra-high-definition (UHD) interpretive film with Audio Description (AD), Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH), and Closed Captions.” Regarding stock refer the SOW specifies that stock shall have rights for, “All uses, all media, all locations, in perpetuity” and “be available in it’s native format.” These are key parameters when considering the use of stock footage.

Question #10 Does the NPS have archival materials in-house? Or should the budget assume an extensive search and licensing effort?

Please refer to the answer to question #7.

Question 11:

Since we are pricing before treatment approval, should we still assume that interpretive graphics and/or animation could enhance the films throughout and reflect that in pricing?

Answer:

Refer to D.2.3 in the scope of work, “the extent of graphics or animation is based on the contractor’s proposal. "Also refer to 3. Overarching goals, 6. Emotional & Intellectual Response, and the pitch section that states “... and why they feel a proposed approach will resonate with audiences at those festivals and beyond.” What works to hit all of those metrics for success?

Question 12:

(In reference to Dramatic Readings) Should our proposal consider celebrities or known personalities that we have access to? If so, does the NPS have a greater interest in classic/family style performers or contemporary?

Answer:

The SOW specifies that these are “not required” so the approach, project goals, and other production documents drive this decision. Refer to 3. Overarching goals, 6. Emotional & Intellectual Response, and the pitch section that states “... and why they feel a proposed approach will resonate with audiences at those festivals and beyond.” What works to hit all of those metrics for success?

Question 13:

Item A.2.i. states: “Assets shall be treated in a high quality and visually interesting way.” Please define “high quality and visually interesting.”

Answer:

Refer to 3. Overarching goals, 6. Emotional & Intellectual Response, and the pitch section that states “... and why they feel a proposed approach will resonate with audiences at those festivals and beyond.” What works to hit all those metrics for success?

Question 14:

("take people to places they cannot go") Does this refer to historical places only or inaccessible places in the park today e.g. underground, non-public spaces, etc.?

Answer:

It refers to places the public and audience cannot go, guided by contractor’s pitch and treatment documents and reequipments in the scope of work.

Question 15:

“Visitors who arrive at Hot Springs National Park are confused about where they can see the water and how they can get in the water. For this reason, the National Park Service is seeking a communications product optimized for online playback that sets up the park experience prior to arrival. To this end, the web short shall set expectations for how to have a positive Hot Springs National Park experience and why this park is significant.” Where will this instructional/intro video be distributed?

Answer:

The NPS shall have the ability to play this film anywhere. However, as stated in the scope of work this video needs to be “optimized for online playback” because of the challenge / problem the video needs to address.

Question 16:

“2-3 min short (Thermal Water Recharge Process - 101 Video)”. Where will this educational video be distributed?

Answer:

The playback location for this video has yet to be determined but will likely be at the visitor center.

Question 17:

What is the make-up of the NPS executive producing team? Is there a hierarchy of staff members

– national to local? Will the production team be interfacing with the COR or a group?

The COR is the point of contact for the contractor.

Question 18:

number 4. Content mentions “Attachment H-HOSP Foundation Document.pdf” but this attachment is missing from the SAM.gov Solicitation.

The Contracting Officer will provide this attachment.

Question 19:

Can the production use motorized conveyances on drives and trails within the park to move equipment and crew safely and efficiently? Which types of vehicles are allowed?

Answer:

The answer to this question depends on what the contractor is looking to accomplish. The park is not a wilderness area, but ATVs on trails are reserved for emergency operations. In general, key points of interest are generally accessible by paved roads however use of a side by side or “gator” could be discussed at the post-award site visit, but if approved the contractor would need to rent that ATV as the NPS cannot provide one.

Question 20:

Is there any consideration for the interpretive film’s length to be adjusted to accommodate broadcast/cable/streaming distribution? A 30-minute film might find a home on PBS or other distribution platforms or channels.

Thank you for your insight, but we do not have funding for a 30 min film.

Question 21:

“The contractor shall pay a minimum honorarium amount of $250 per person to all interview subjects except NPS employees. For budgeting purposes, offerors shall assume that 19 interviewees will require an honorarium. If the contractor films NPS employees who do not require honorariums, then the Total Award Amount shall be reduced accordingly.” Based on this, is the intention to have up to 19 individuals interviewed featured in the film? Is this restricted to solely the main interpretive film, or will this include the 2x webshorts as well?

Answer:

19 is the minimum requirement for the entire project. However, the tone set in the main film will likely be different then the tone appropriate for a web short aimed at different goals so sharing resources may not always be possible for hitting a video’s goals. The contractor is responsible for making sure the project goals are hit.

Question 22:

As stated in the solicitation, we need to budget for conducting 19 interviews. Do you expect all of the interviews to be included in the film or will be selective in the scripting and editorial process?

Answer:

“Interviews” is not an accurate summarization of what is required. To clarify, some are users of the park and lifestyle filming, some are subject matter experts, and some are profiled characters.

Knowing how the editing process works, the government does not anticipate that all 19 are likely to end up in the film but given that 7 of the 19 are users of the park and lifestyle filming (with a visually focused approach) suggest that the number would be close to 19.

Question 23:

Is it desired by NPS that interviewees from outside the park be brought to HOSP for their interviews?

Answer:

This is totally dependent on the pitch. Refer to 3. Overarching goals, 6. Emotional & Intellectual Response, and the pitch section that states “... and why they feel a proposed approach will resonate with audiences at those festivals and beyond.” What works to hit all those metrics for success?

Question 24:

Are there any requirements beyond those stated in the solicitation about where the subject matter experts will be shot?

Answer:

No. Please refer to the scope.

Question 25:

Is it possible to provide additional information about where in the US the three required out-of-state interviewees reside?

Answer:

We don’t know where these people reside, because the contractor needs to pitch who these people are and how they meet the requirements in the scope.

Question 26:

Section B.5. states: “No later than 45 business days after the post-award site visit, the contractor shall prepare and submit a minimum of (3) three different proposed approaches for the narrative storyline and style of the film.”

Section B.5.g. states: “Multiple drafts may be required until approved by the COR.” Section B.5.h. states: “Approaches shall be submitted 14 days before the oral pitch presentation.”

Question: Will the oral pitch presentation of “Approaches” be scheduled AFTER the original submittal or after the final, COR approved approaches since multiple drafts may be required?

Please clarify the timeline.

Answer: The timeline should look like: post-award visit occurs, then 45 days later the contractor provides approaches, then 14 days later oral pitch presentation of those approaches occurs.

Question: where will the pitch presentation take place? At the park, HFC, or on-line?

Answer: Online.

Question 27:

Section B.5.d. states: “The approach / pitch shall articulate the marketplace of content available online and show how each approach fits into the media landscape.” Question: Are you suggesting the contractor perform a worldwide, exhaustive search of current on-line content?

Answer:

No, the government is not suggesting a worldwide exhaustive search. The government is requiring that research be done to study other competing available content (where people are bombarded with stories) so that the contractor can pitch an approach that resonates with audiences.

Question 28:

Item 5.d & Section G., regarding film festival submissions who shall pay the film festival entry costs? The Park, HFC, or the contractor? Please clarify as this requirement could have budget implications for the contractor.

Answer:

“The contractor shall provide all services, including labor, materials, equipment, facilities, fees…” This is a responsibility of the contractor.

Question 29:

The solicitation mentions profiling characters who “shall work as substitutes or ‘surrogates’ for people who would have come to HOSP historically.” Could you please provide more specific examples as to what types of people or stories you imagine representing?

Answer:

The government cannot provide specific examples. These are open for development, and the government is looking to the contractor to develop this at the pitch phase.

Question 30:

Is it possible to provide additional information about where in the US the subject matter expert interviewees reside?

Answer:

It is the contractor’s responsibility to find and determine who these people are. This is open for development and the reason there is a pitch process.

Question 31:

Item f. 2) states: “Interviews with subject matter experts shall be filmed in spaces with large room depth (minim of 35 feet) and rendered in a way that provides visual appeal and elevates the story.” Please explain more fully why a large room depth (minimum of 35 feet) is required. This is a very restrictive requirement.

This is part of the requirements for this project.

Question 32:

Item c.4) a. & b., states: “The production shall include the proposed shot list for each shoot. a.

The shot-list shall include scene headings and descriptions that clearly demonstrate the work that a scene is doing for the story.; b. The shot-list shall also include individual shots.”

This requirement – as written – seems premature considering it comes BEFORE any scripts.

How can a contractor “clearly demonstrate” how particular shots will support “the story” if the “story” has not been totally fleshed out by a script?

This is part of the requirements for this project.

Question 33:

Are there any NPS restrictions for filming at HOSP below 399 feet?

Yes, refer to section g) UAS Aerial Filming.

Question 34:

Are there any requirements for filming aerials in any season other than fall?

Answer:

No, but filming shall work with overall project parameters and the other production documents provided by the contractor during pre-production and development.

Question 35:

Can we assume that manned aerial filming would be allowed e.g. helicopter, Cessna, etc.?

Answer:

Hot Springs National Park does not have an overflight policy, and this means that flights closer then ½ mile from the boundary are not allowed. However, fixed wing aircraft (flying at a higher altitude) and flying FAA requirements fall into a different category. The contractor is responsible for adhering to all federal flight regulations.

Question 36:

Regarding UAS Aerials: the requirements in the SOW are unclear and contradictory. Please clarify. Currently, the SOW states:

Scope of Work, Section II, II.I, Item A.2.c. states: “Original 4K UHD aerial footage (altitude below 399 feet) showcasing the park and its different resources is required.”

Page 24, Section C. Production Phase, Item 2.b.g. UAS Aerial Filming Number 1): “Aerial footage below 399 feet of the park is required.”

Number 2) states: “The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is currently prohibited within park boundaries.”

Number 3) states: “Contractor shall anticipate filming all footage of the park from outside park boundaries.”

Number 6) states: “A minimum of one morning and one evening total of aerial filming in the park is required. Aerial filming shall occur in the fall season at a minimum, during peak fall color. Aerial filming shall occur during early morning and late afternoon “golden hour” light.”

This section is amended from:

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is currently prohibited within park boundaries. If the contractor proposes to use a UAS outside of park boundaries (for example, during one of the film shoots for filming characters), the contractor shall provide flight company information including names and certifications of UAS pilots and operators, and a certificate of authority to operate under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Small Unmanned Aircraft Regulations (Part 107).

to:

Take off and landing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is currently prohibited within park boundaries. If the contractor proposes to use a UAS outside of park boundaries (for example, during one of the film shoots for filming characters), the contractor shall provide flight company information including names and certifications of UAS pilots and operators, and a certificate of authority to operate under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Small Unmanned Aircraft Regulations (Part 107).

Question 37:

In II.2-C.2.g(5) of the solicitation, it states that the “National Park Service shall not be responsible for providing any aerial filming permits.” Which entity of the federal government provides aerial filming permits?

Answer:

This is the contractor’s reasonability to adhere to federal flight guidance and the NPS will not be able to provide a UAS permit.

Question 38:

In the event that the Federal Aviation Administration does not grant an aerial filming permit, would the requirement for aerial filming be removed from this project?

Answer:

A contracting officer reserves the right to modify a contract based on new information.

In the event this occurs, the COR and CO will discuss any significant changes (to be accomplished via modification).

Question 39:

Item j. 2) states: “Photos shall be of professional quality…” How do you define “professional” considering the cameras specified that are acceptable range from DSLR or Mirrorless to a cell phone?

Answer:

The photos shall be taken by someone who clearly demonstrates an understanding of visual hierarchy, framing, color science, aesthetic. 90% should be from a DSLR / or DSLR equivalent.

10% may be from a cell phone.

Question 40:

In II.2-C.2.i(1) of the solicitation, it states that “archival assets…are required.” Would the Contractor be granted free access to the National Parks Service archive for archival material or would all supposed archival material be assumed to originate outside of the National Parks Service?

Refer to the answer to question 7.

Question 41:

What amount of archival assets constitutes proper satisfaction of the requirement found in II.2- C.2.i(1) of the solicitation?

Answer:

There is no ratio of required amount of archival assets. The quantity depends on what is pitched, and the approach taken by the contractor. Overall project goals must be met: Refer to 3.

Overarching goals, 6. Emotional & Intellectual Response, and the pitch section that states “... and why they feel a proposed approach will resonate with audiences at those festivals and beyond.”

What amount is needed to hit all those metrics for success?

Question 42:

Do we assume, for budget and schedule, three separate drives for each shoot day with time and resources for copying, shipping, and storage? e.g. if schedule calls for 20 days of filming, we budget for 60 individual drives?

Answer:

No. Please don’t do that. Less drives are best for logistics and modern drives are able to hold multiple days of in-field footage. After a shoot, you’ll provide footage for the COR to review.

Question 43:

Page 26, Section C.2. Item k. 1) states in regard to Post-Shoot Deliverables: “The contractor shall back up all digital files on a minimum of three redundant hard drives.

On page 27, Section C.2. Item k. 2) states: “The contractor shall ship one of the Mac-formatted hard drives to the COR for review and approval no later than 20 business days after completion of each shoot.” Item 2) a) states: The contractor shall deliver the remaining two hard drives as part of the final deliverable package.

If one hard drive is delivered to the COR, then how will the park review the footage? Will the COR send the hard drive to the park or make a copy and send a copy to the park?”

If, for example, there are 4 film shoots, then 3 hard drives per shoot for a total of 12 hard drives are required in the Production Phase?

Only one hard drive is required to be send to the COR.

Question 44:

clarify if the statement found in II.2-D.4(a)(1) of the solicitation is in reference to the original composed music for the interpretive film or if it references the two shorter videos?

Answer:

Please refer to the SOW: “an original score is required for main film (licensed music is acceptable for the two web shorts).

Question 45:

Clarify if the statement found in II.2-D.4(a)(1) of the solicitation means that music samples must be original works for consideration by the COR for the selected music composer?

Please refer to the answer to question 44.

Question 46:

clarify if the statement found in II.2-D.4(a)(1) of the solicitation means that the referenced “music samples” would originate from a website like musicbed.com or equal (as referenced in the solicitation)?

Answer:

“An original music score for the main film is required. The contractor shall work with the COR to determine appropriate music styles and instrumentation for the score. Licensed music is permitted for the two shorts. Level of quality shall be from Musicbed.com or equal.” The key metric is high quality music and there may be other sources worth considering.

Question 47:

Is the production team just delivering the resources or elements for the press kit or a fully designed kit for public distribution?

Answer:

Whatever resources are required for submission into festivals. Each festival is different and many need a poster, crew bios, BTS photos, etc.

Question 48:

Will the 5–8-minute B-Roll reel be subjected to the same submittal requirements as the primary deliverables? What are the submittal requirements for the B-Roll reel?

Answer:

No this is not subject to the same rough cut, fine cut, master style of reviews. Please refer to the parameters in the SOW about the b-roll reel.

Question 49:

Under G.d. of the solicitation, the Marketing and Distribution report asks for a “Description of marketing placements and data on marketing impressions.” Can you share your expectations about the scope of the requirements for placements and impressions and your metrics for defining success?

Answer:

The Contractor shall propose their level of effort regarding what “success” means in their proposal. The offeror is encouraged to share the quality of placements / festivals they plan to achieve within their proposal.

Question 50:

What is the name and address to send the USB drive of the work samples to?

Answer:

Attn: Contracting Officer c/o Robert Adamson Harpers Ferry Center 67 Mather Place Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Question 51:

What is the best form of shipping to ensure delivery by the deadline?

Answer:

If using FedEx, UPS use the address above…If using the Post Office (USPS) - MUST add:

P.O. Box 50 before "67 Mather Place"

Question 52:

Payment Schedule - do you need that filled out and submitted as a part of the Volume IV Cost / Price section?

Yes

Question 53:

Does the thumb drive have to be encrypted? I won’t be sending anything confidential — it’ll make the thumb drive more universal (MAC of Windows) if I don’t encrypt it.

Answer:

If nothing is confidential samples do not need encryption. It’s the contractor’s choice, and we’re not responsible for if the thumb drive gets lost in transit.

Question 54:

“Level of effort shall reflect the offeror’s understanding of the small crew size needed to provide a balance between quality and cost effectiveness.” Where is the requirement for a small crew size stated in the Solicitation?

Answer:

The crew doesn’t need to be unnecessarily small, however this guidance is provided in an effort strive for high value productions and reduce bloat on film sets (crew size should be based on ability to perform tasks in the scope).

Question 55:

Regarding the proposal deliverable Volume I - Technical Capability, Factor B, would the COR accept and review proposals with a Sample Group that provides more than one individual for a proposed sample group (i.e. Provides more than one individual for Producer)?

Answer:

Yes, but only up to two people and the reason for why there is more than one person as part of the bid should be clearly stated. For the role of project manager, the proposal would still need to have one point of contact that the COR can communicate with and this should be clearly defined.

Question 56:

Regarding the proposal deliverable Volume I - Technical Capability, Factor B, would the COR accept and review proposals with a Sample Group that provides more than one individual for a proposed sample group so long as it does not increase the overall cost/price?

Please refer to the answer to question 55.

Question 57:

For Volume II - Management and Personnel — are resume page counts are a part of the 9 pages (Factor A - 8 pages, Factor B - 1 page)?

Answer:

No, resumes are limited to 2 pages each, total number will be determined by the # of key personnel listed (on the 1 page-Factor B)

Question 58:

Volume III - Past Performance — do the recommendation / reference letters count as a part of the 5 page maximum?

No, the letters of recommendation will not count towards page count

Question 59:

Regarding the proposal deliverable Volume III - Past Performance (2), would the COR accept a letter of recommendation from a private company land management entity?

Yes.

Question 60:

Attachment J - Contract Pricing Form - do you need that filled out and submitted as a part of the Volume IV Cost / Price section?

Answer:

Yes, in order for the government to evaluate price reasonableness and understand the level of effort

Question 61:

Sample Group 2: Director, Item a) states: “Blue-chip film work for major brands like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, National Geographic, Yeti, Nike, that demonstrate extremely high levels of production quality production quality and the ability to craft media that resonates with contemporary audiences.” Also, stated for the Editor. Are you saying that if the proposed Director & Editor do not have demonstrated work with one or more of these companies, that the strength of the proposal could suffer?

Answer:

The government considers the strength of the entire proposal.

Question 62:

The evaluation criteria mentions that the Editor Sample Group should include samples from “national level commercials,” but this is not stated in the submission requirements for the Editor Sample Group on page 92, which asks for similar projects that we understand to be interpretive films. Please clarify.

Answer:

While this is not a requirement and will not eliminate a proposal, "national level commercials” may enhance this section of the proposal. Please refer to the language on page 100 for more information.

Question 63:

Sample Group 5: Aerial Photography, “Preference will be given to offerors who demonstrate…;” Item c) states: “High end aerials used for major motion picture productions.” Are you saying that if an offeror does not have demonstrated aerial work on “major motion picture productions,” then the strength of the proposal could suffer?

Answer:

Not having that experience isn’t going to make the proposal suffer, but having that experience is likely to result in an increased favorably rating.

This section is amended from:

Sample Group 5: Aerial Photography, To:

Sample Group 5: Aerial Cinematography.

Question 64:

Does the government have a contractor already in mind for this film project?

No. This is a competitive solicitation.

Question 65:

Since quotes can differ based on the approach/treatment (which will not be decided until after the award) are there any budget range parameters or other project examples that NPS can share to help determine pricing?

Answer:

Please refer to the answer to question 1.

Question 66:

Please confirm that samples of work are not required for the Scriptwriter.

Answer:

Yes. That is correct.

Question 67:

Will the selected Contractor be given unhindered access to the Hot Springs National Park during the period of performance?

Answer:

In general, the contractor will have access. However, please keep in mind that this is a resource managed for consumption, and that is why the spring boxes are locked and require NPS access to view. A site visit can better demonstrate how water resources are protected and what production logistics may be required.

Question 68:

Will the selected Contractor be given free access to the Hot Springs National Park during the period of performance?

Answer:

Yes, all park entrance fees, and filming permit costs will be waved.

Question 69:

Will there be a local Hot Springs National Park representative with the authority to make decisions provided for on-site visits by the Contractor during the period of performance?

Answer:

The COR is the point of contact for all contractor communication, but there is likely to be park staff onsite too during filming.

Question 70:

Will the Contractor be given special and specific access to the Hot Springs National Park outside working hours and/or on dates when the Hot Springs National Park is closed to the general public?

Answer:

The park is closed 3 days a year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years and the visitor center closes at 5:00 pm. Depending production dates and other contractor needs the visitor center could be open past 5:00 PM for filming. Some areas of the park require gate access and as an example the mountain roads and the Arlington Lawn are closed at 10:00 PM (after sunset).

However, bathhouse row is public as it runs parallel to a street.

Question 71:

Will the Contractor be expected to pay for admittance into the park for any concern regarding the execution of the project (i.e. Contractor must pay admittance for each person on the crew during production)?

Answer:

No.

Question 72:

Must the Contractor be escorted by a COR or government representative each and every time the Contractor visits the Hot Springs National Park during the period of performance?

Answer:

Yes.

Question 73:

Would the COR consider extending the post-award meeting for a duration longer than two days for the Contractor if the Contractor presents a reasonable explanation for increased duration?

Answer:

If additional cost isn’t incurred to the government the contractor is allowed to suggest that the post-award site visit is longer after contract award.

Question 74:

Would the Contractor have the authority to secure, close or prevent visitors from visiting a specific location within the park for production (ie. filming) if that location were previously approved by the COR and only for a limited amount of time?

Answer:

It depends on what the contractor is seeking to accomplish and would require prior coordination.

This can be further discussed during the post-award site visit.

Question 75:

Would the National Park Service allow visitors to be filmed if the visitors were notified by proper notice?

Answer:

Please refer to the SOW, “The use of the National Park Service Release Form is mandatory for all “Talent” (including interview subjects, actors, reenactors, narrators, musicians, and music composers) appearing in or providing content for all media produced.”

Question 76:

Would the National Park Service provide a proper release form in the event that visitors are filmed during production?

Answer:

The proper NPS release form is provided as an attachment (A) to the RFP.

Question 77:

Could the COR define what is an acceptable definition for a land management entity as mentioned in Volume II - Past Performance (2) of the solicitation?

Answer:

Relevant examples include: DOI, private wildlife reserves, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Nature Conservancies, WWF, Sierra Club, National Audubon Society, etc.

Question 78:

What are specific production insurance requirements for the execution of the project?

Answer:

The contractor is assuming all risk for this project, and how risk is mitigated is the responsibility of the contractor.

Question 79:

Must subcontractors be registered and approved in Sam.gov?

Answer:

No, only the Prime.

Question 80:

The production phase mentions use of archived assets - does NPS know where possible archived assets exist of the Hot Springs National Park (formerly the Hot Springs Reservation)?

Please refer to the answer to question 7.

Question 81:

Does NPS have possession of any existing 4K video footage of the park and amenities? If so, will we have access to review it and use if deemed appropriate or beneficial?

Answer:

No.

Question 82:

Can any footage filming from the 16-18 min interpretive video be used in some capacity in the two web shorts?

Answer:

It depends on if the overall project goals are met. Refer to: 3. Overarching goals, 6. Emotional & Intellectual Response, and the pitch section that states “... and why they feel a proposed approach will resonate with audiences at those festivals and beyond.” What works to hit all those metrics for success? Given that the tone of these videos is likely to be different... duplication of footage might not make the project successful. Please consider this when bidding.

Question 83:

What firms have submitted questions in response to this solicitation?

Answer:

If vendors wish to place their names on the "interested vendors" section of the SAM notification, they can. However, the Government will not provide that information.

Question 84:

Is there a preference for local contractors?

Answer:

No.

Question 85:

“Off-site profiles of characters outside park (3 shall be outside the state of Arkansas) that demonstrate stories supporting interpretive themes. This filming shall provide historical connection to people who would have been at this park historically (minimum of 5). Refer to section C.2.d for more details.”

Does the government have a sense of where these individuals are located (for travel & crewing purposes), or have they not been identified as of yet. Is the contractor responsible for casting these individuals?

Yes, the contractor is responsible for casting these individuals. They have not been identified.

Question 86:

In addition to the longer videos (16-18 minutes, 4-7 minutes, and 2-3 minutes); would you also like a shorter-attention-grabbing versions (i.e., 30 seconds or less) for distribution and engagement on social media, which can drive traffic to your website for learning more?

Thank you for considering this, but the government is not interested in this currently.

Question 87:

To expand overall engagement and reach, would you like versions in both Spanish as well as English?

Thank you for considering this, but the government is not interested in this currently.

Question 88:

How many stakeholders are involved in the project engagement, review, and approval process of the tasks and deliverables under this contract?

Answer: The government will disclose the stakeholders, but aside from the pitch panel, the team is likely to consist of the COR, Project manager, and park contact(s).

Question 89:

What companies has the NPS/Hot Springs National Park worked with in the past on video production?

Answer:

The HFC YouTube page has some prior park films/videos, and many videos have credits. Link here: https://youtube.com/@harpersferrycenternps2304

Question 90:

Will all questions (and subsequent answers) be shared with all contractors who are bidding on your RFQ?

They will be posted via this amendment for any and all to see.

Question 91:

Is it possible to provide additional information about interview shooting locations within Hot Springs National Park?

Answer:

No, this is part of the purpose of the site visit and development phases. It is the responsibility of the contractor to find filming locations (and of course the park is one of these locations).

Question 92:

If Contractors have follow-up questions based on answers that come out in the first round, will there be an opportunity to submit additional questions?

Answer:

No. one round.

Question 93:

Can you provide an extension of the response deadline to 5pm on Thursday August 17th?

Answer:

An extension will be considered after questions have been answered.

Question 94:

When sharing contracts / documents either from Press Record Media or subcontractors in the proposal, can we redact any information we deem sensitive or a potential client-contractor relationship risk?

Answer:

What is shared or not shared is the responsibility of the offeror.

Question 95:

Are there any “standards” or “guidelines” to specifically how research should be conducted? I.e.

required number of sources backing up information, etc.

Answer:

Please refer to the scope.

Question 96:

Is there a specific budget range you are targeting? We view this as a large scope, but want to make sure expectations are aligned regarding the budget allotted to your team.

Answer:

Please refer to the answer to question 1.

Question 97:

Is there a maximum number of subcontractors allowed on the team? Alternatively, is there a required mix of full-time W2’s vs. contractors?

Answer:

There is no limitation on subcontracting (this is a total small business set aside). No requirement on employee type.

Question 98:

What is the size of the stakeholder team we would be working with?

Answer:

The NPS COR will be the point of contact for all government communication. The pitch panel will be larger, and then the team will likely consist of COR, PM, and park point of contact.

Question 99:

To clarify - the team making decisions on the contract award will be divided into two groups -those reviewing volume one and two and those reviewing three and four. Is this correct?

Answer:

Yes, Volumes I and II will be evaluated by a technical team (SME’s, CORs, etc.) and Volumes III and IV will be evaluated by the Contracting team.