Q_A_NICO_0001.pdf

Questions and Answers NICO Exhibit Video

140P2125Q0155

Q1. Outside of the 2-4 minute silent video, will there be any other supplemental videos NICO would want?

A: No

Q2. What is the estimate budget/ceiling allotted for this project? Is there a not-to-exceed

(NTE) budget for this project, or is the selection based purely on technical merit and price reasonableness?

A: Budget range is $35,000 - $45,000

Q3. This project is 100% small-business set-aside. How much (if any) will a factor on having a qualified African-American owned video production company, to produce this piece?

A: This is a total small business set aside, so there is no preference to any specific socio-economic category.

Q4. "Small-scale historically accurate reenactments shall be filmed." Do you have an estimate of how many and what type of reenactments?

A: The program is to consist of one continuous, uninterrupted, fixed viewpoint scene that runs between 2-4 minutes.

Q5. "Create a 2-4 minute silent exhibit video." To clarify, will the video have different scenes that might happen throughout the day or is the goal for the video to show what a typical snippet of 2-4 minutes in this time period would look like?

A: The program is to consist of one continuous, uninterrupted, fixed viewpoint scene that runs between 2-4 minutes.

Q6. Is the window on the ground floor (or a higher level)?

A: ground floor

Q7. Will the finished video be shown on a standard 4k display mounted in portrait, 9x16, orientation or a custom display / unique ratio (with a window frame prop in front of it)?

A: standard 4k display mounted in portrait mode

Q8. The solicitation states: Footage shall originate in Ultra-High-Definition (4K UHD, 2160 x

3840 resolution, “portrait style”), 23.97P frame rate, using a professional camera. There may be a benefit to filming at a higher resolution and high bit depth (16-bit) to film plates for compositing the window, live-action performers and CGI elements. Would this be acceptable to exceed 4k UHD.

A: No

Q9. Can you clarify the level of historical CGI detail required? For example, is the expectation for “hyper-realistic” building recreation, or would stylized/interpretive CGI be acceptable if historically accurate?

A: The expectation is that the buildings would appear realistic

Q10. Will the Park Service provide any reference images, maps, or archival architectural plans for the 1880s–90s buildings, or should we budget for original research and consultation with historians?

A: NPS will provide whatever reference material the park has available but the contractor may need to do additional research

Q11. Is there flexibility in the visual narrative approach, or do you have a preferred shot list or storyboard in mind?

A: The program is to consist of one uninterrupted, fixed viewpoint scene that runs between 2-4 minutes. The park will dictate the scene to be filmed. This will be discussed at post award

Q12. Will NPS staff coordinate and direct all reenactors and prop placement during the shoot, or should our team plan to provide on-site direction and scene blocking?

A: this will be a collaborative effort between the park SMEs and the contractor

With the NPS providing all reenactors and props, will this include set pieces, wardrobe, and a Hair/Makeup Artist? Or should contractors allow for these costs within our budgets?

A: The contractor is not responsible for providing reenactors, wardrobe, makeup, props, etc.

In Section C (Production Phase), Page No. 12, under Sub-Section D (Reenactments), the solicitation states "Park staff shall participate in all planning and provide final approval regarding historic appropriateness." - Could you clarify, and/or request, whether NPS staff be available during the pre-production phase for talent submission and approval?

A: "Park staff shall participate in all planning.” Contractor is not responsible for talent selection.

Regarding Section II (Scope of Work), Page No. 5, under Sub-Section A (General Requirements) #1g, the solicitation states "Historical reenactors and props shall be provided by the park." - Could you provide an estimated number of the talent pool of reenactors (persons) that are available to be chosen for principal photography?

A: The contractor will not be involved in choosing reenactors. The park will provide reenactors. For planning purposes, plan for approx. 10 – 20 people appearing in the scene.

Could you clarify whether a wagon is one of the "props" available for principal photography?

A: The contractor is not responsible for providing reenactors, wardrobe, makeup, props, etc. The park will decide at post award if a wagon is available for filming.

What sort of insurance (if any) will be provided at the shoot location (AME Church) for the reenactors and NPS staff that is not covered by production or general liability insurance? Is any insurance currently active; if so, when does it expire?

A: There is no government insurance provided

Q13. Will the Park provide access to all required locations on the shoot days (including interior/exterior spaces and any necessary clearances)?

A: yes

Q14. What is the anticipated turnaround time for NPS feedback/approvals at key post-production milestones (storyboards, rough cuts, CGI drafts, final approval)?

A: review SOW section E. VI. REVIEW AND APPROVAL

Q15. Are there minimum requirements or preferred vendors for digital security (encryption of drives, file transfer methods)?

A: NPS prefers sharing files via SharePoint. NPS will provide selected contractor with login information. Final deliverables are discussed in SOW section E. FINAL

DELIVERABLES AND CLOSEOUT

Q16. For accessibility deliverables: Do you have a preferred format or prior examples for the audio description track, and will you be providing the script, or should we develop it in consultation with your staff?

A: Contractor is responsible for developing and producing AD.

Guidance is available at: https://dcmp.org/learn/descriptionkey Examples are available at: https://www.youtube.com/@harpersferrycenternps2304

Q17. How will the NPS Nicodemus National Historic Site team measure the success of your silent exhibit video? What milestones, goals, and/or metrics are you seeking to achieve?

A: The success of the video will rely on thorough and open communication and collaboration between the contractor, the COR, and the park. The goal is to produce a realistic reenactment video with high-quality imagery and CGI in a program that captivates and educates viewers.

Q18. In terms of the video style, can the NPS provide sample(s) of similar projects from other parks that you've produced? If so, please share any relevant link(s).

A: samples not available

Q19. In reviewing the metrics of your 7,535 visitors last year, what are the key demographics of your audience, i.e., school students, families, tourists, age ranges, other details you can share, etc.?

A: program should be produced for a general audience

Q20. How many stakeholders are involved in the project engagement, review, and approval process of the tasks and deliverables under this contract?

A: At a minimum, there are one CO, one COR, two Project Management staff, and multiple park staff. Not all stakeholders always participate in every task.

Q21. What information can the NPS provide regarding the set up and playback for the exhibit?

(i.e., the monitor size; if there will be a window frame around it; audio set up (for the AD track); what is the playback device, etc.); is the exhibit planned to be standalone or within a larger wrap-around physical structure? If you have drawings or blueprints of the exhibit space can you share those for reference?

A: Program will be played on a 4k monitor mounted in portrait orientation on the wall inside the building. The AD audio will be received via separate device (AD device not part of this contract)

Q22. Would the NPS like the audio description playing at all times or would you prefer for this to be embedded as an option for visitors to activate when needed?

A: The AD shall run continuously with the program video. The AD audio will be received via separate device (AD device not part of this contract)

Q23. Has the NPS identified how many reenactments and/or how many reenactors will be required in total?

A: see Q 12

Q24. Is there an incumbent for this work? If no existing incumbent(s), who has the NPS

Nicodemus National Historic Site team worked with in the past on previous types of similar work (reenactments and/or CGI projects)?

A: No incumbent, this is a new requirement. NPS has previously worked with AV production contractors.

Q25. Has an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) been conducted for this project? If so, what are the findings? If not, what is the budget range for this project?

A: The IGE will not be released, see question 2 for budget information.

Q26. With respect for the due date for the solicitation outlined on Page No. 1, the solicitation states a due date of "3:00 pm ED, on 25 August 2025." - Could you confirm whether the given deadline could be extended to 3:00 pm ED, on 01 September 2025?

A: The government does not intend to extend due date at this time.