Solicitation_191Z1019R0001.pdf

191Z1019R0001

Embassy of the United States of America Baghdad, Republic of Iraq

General Services Office/Procurement

March 04, 2019

To: Prospective Offerors

Subject: Request for Proposal Number 191Z1019R0001

The U.S. American Embassy – Baghdad has a requirement for providing Media Monitoring Service. Enclosed is a Request for Quotation (RFP) No.: 191Z1019R0001. If you would like to submit a proposal, follow the instructions in Section 3 of the solicitation, complete the required portions of the attached document, and submit it to the address shown on the Standard Form 1449 that follows this letter.

Your proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked "RFP Solicitation Number 191Z1019R0001 – Proposal Enclosed" to the Contracting Officer; Erick X. Tyndal, at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad located inside the International Zone, or via email to the following email address: BaghdadGSOProcBid@state.gov no later than 17:00 hours Baghdad time on (or before) April 03, 2019. No quotation will be accepted after this time.

The U.S. Government intends to award a contract or purchase order to the responsible company submitting an acceptable proposal at the lowest price. We intend to award a contract/purchase order based on initial proposals, without holding discussions, although we may hold discussions with companies in the competitive range if there is a need to do so.

Sincerely, Erick X. Tyndal Contracting Officer mailto:BaghdadGSOProcBid@state.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 - The Schedule

• SF 1449 cover sheet

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFP Number: 191Z1019R0001, Prices, Block 23

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFP Number: 191Z1019R0001, Schedule Of Supplies/Services, Block 20 Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Section 2 - Contract Clauses

• Contract Clauses

• Addendum to Contract Clauses - FAR and DOSAR Clauses not Prescribed in Part 12

Section 3 - Solicitation Provisions

• Solicitation Provisions

• Addendum to Solicitation Provisions - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

Section 4 - Evaluation Factors

• Evaluation Factors

• Addendum to Evaluation Factors - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

Section 5 - Representations and Certifications

• Offeror Representations and Certifications

• Addendum to Offeror Representations and Certifications - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

PR8021041

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

February 07, 2019

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

Erick X. Tyndal, Contracting Officer via e-mails addresses:

BaghdadGSOProcuremen@state.gov

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER(No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/ LOCAL TIME

February 04, 2016 at 16:30

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE:____ % FOR:

General Services Office SMALL BUSINESS WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

U.S. Embassy – Baghdad Al Kindi Street, Baghdad International Zone

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELLIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM NAICS:

Baghdad, Republic of Iraq SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

EDWOSB

8 (A) SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINAT-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

See Continuation To SF-1449 BaghdadGSOProcBid@state.gov

General Services Office U.S. Embassy – Baghdad Al Kindi Street, Baghdad Internaitonal Zone Baghdad, Republic of Iraq BaghdadGSOProcBid@state.gov

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFERER

CODE FACILITY

CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

Financial Management Office U.S. Embassy – Baghdad Al Kindi Street, Baghdad Internaitonal Zone Baghdad, Republic of Iraq BaghdadVendorInvoice@state.gov

CODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

See Continuation To SF-1449, Block 23 and Block 20,Description/Specifications/Work Statement

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a.SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b.CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN __2__ COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SPECIFIED HEREIN.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _________________ OFFER DATED ____________. YOUR

OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH

ARE SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30c. DATE SIGNED

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 02/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Computer Generated Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212 mailto:BaghdadGSOProcuremen@state.gov mailto:BaghdadGSOProcBid@state.gov mailto:BaghdadGSOProcBid@state.gov mailto:BaghdadVendorInvoice@state.gov

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: _______________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

PARTIAL FINAL

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO.

39. S/R VOUCHER NO. 40. PAID BY

41.a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print) 41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41C. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC’D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449

RFP NUMBER 191Z1019R0001

PRICES, BLOCK 23

I. SCOPE OF CONTRACT

A- The United States Embassy Baghdad in Iraq is acquiring professional services including media monitoring and analysis, as well as summarization and dissemination of news and reports. This contract is aimed at improving situational awareness by augmenting the Baghdad’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) capability to evaluate and report to senior U.S. Government decision-makers on contemporaneous cultural and political attitudes in the Iraqi regions as they relate to the United States policy in Iraq. There will be multiple deliverables on the daily, weekly basis. The deliverables include, but are not limited to, human-selected, near-real-time news alerts focusing on regional issues and analysis of major international as well as regional and local news stories to include trending, tonality, issue and message tracking.

B- Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance. DBA insurance may be required in accordance with FAR clauses

52.228-3 and 52.228-4 contained in Section II. DOSAR Clause 652.228-70 contained in Section V assists the Contractor in determining the need for DBA insurance or other coverage. If applicable, DBA Insurance shall be obtained from any U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) authorized DBA insurance broker. DBA insurance cost shall be included in the fixed price of the contract. Where DBA is applicable, the Contractor shall be required to provide evidence of insurance within 15 calendar days from the date of award. The list of DOL-authorized carriers is available at: http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm

II. TYPE OF CONTRACT

This is a firm-fixed unit price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. Orders will be placed by firm, fixed- price task orders.

For each year of the contract, the U.S. Government guarantees a minimum order of $50,000.00 USD. The maximum amount of Media Monitoring services each year of this contract will not exceed $520,000.00USD.

Individual purchases shall be documented as follows: Orders will be placed by issuance of task/delivery orders on form OF-347.

III. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The performance period under this contract is one year from the date of receipt of a written Notice to Proceed from the Contracting Officer, with two one-year optional periods. The Government may exercise the option(s) by issuing a funded modification(s) to the contract.

IV. PRICING

1. Prices:

1.1. All prices are in (USD) or local currency (IQD).

1.2. The prices are stated in _________________ (offeror insert currency).

http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm

1.3. In consideration of satisfactory performance of the services required under this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a firm fixed-price (FFP) per month as stated in the pricing schedule with reference to 2.

Pricing Schedule.

1.4. The Government will make payment in the currency stated in paragraph “1.1” above.

1.5. Value Added Tax (VAT): The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for VAT under this contract. The Contractor shall not include a line for VAT on Invoices as the U.S. Embassy has a tax exemption certificate with the host government.

2. Pricing Schedule:

2.1. The Base Year Prices: The performance period shall start from the date specified on the Notice to Proceed and continue for a period of 12 Months.

CLIN 0001: News Alerts, Monitoring Reports, and Analysis:

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (G)

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

1.1

Iraq breaking news alerts delivered in near-real-time of major developments in Iraq media outlets to be defined in consultation with the Embassy. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

1.2

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 5 days a week) [Price per Day]

Day 260

1.3

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, weekend) [English only] [Price per Day]

Day 104

1.4

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, Holidays) [English only] [Price per Day] this is estimated 12 holidays

Day 200

1.5

Daily weekday morning Erbil report and daily Kurdish-language media monitoring in English, with breaking news alerts from KRG and related international Kurdish-language media outlets (delivered

Day 260

0700 Erbil time, 5 days a week in English from Arabic-language media sources).

CLIN 0002: Iraq and Regional Monitoring in Arabic and English

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

2.1

Iraq breaking news alerts delivered in near-real-time of major developments in Iraq media outlets to be defined in consultation with the Embassy. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

2.2

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, delivered 5 days a week). (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 260

2.3

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, weekend). (in English) [Price per Day]

Day 104

2.4

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, holidays). (in English) [Price per Day]

Day 12

2.5

Afternoon Iraqi News Briefing (delivered 1600 Baghdad time, 5 days a week) (in Englihs) [Price per Day]

CLIN 0003: Social Media Alerts, Reporting

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

3.1

Daily Social Media Report (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 7 daysa week) focusing on four concurrentissues. Report also includes 1volume/frequency graph per issue. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

3.2

Weekly report summarization of a range of analytics defined in consultation with the Embassy; that is, a weekly analysis on trending topics on social media platforms in Iraq. [Price per Week ] week 52

CLIN 0004: Television Monitoring Alerts, Reporting

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

4.1

Television monitoring of major Iraqi television news (daily reporting format to mirror Iraqi news reporting) – Outlets to be determined in consultation with PAS Baghdad, (in English) Price per day

Day 365

2.2.Option Year One Price: The performance period shall start from the date specified on the Notice to

CLIN 0001: News Alerts, Monitoring Reports, and Analysis:

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (G)

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

1.1

Iraq breaking news alerts delivered in near-real-time of major developments in Iraq media outlets to be defined in consultation with the Embassy. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

1.2

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 5 days a week) [Price per Day]

1.3

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, weekend) [English only] [Price per Day]

Day 104

1.4

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, Holidays) [English only] [Price per Day] this is estimated 12 holidays

Day 200

1.5

Daily weekday morning Erbil report and daily Kurdish-language media monitoring in English, with breaking news alerts from KRG and related international Kurdish-language media outlets (delivered 0700 Erbil time, 5 days a week in English from Arabic-language

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

2.1

Iraq breaking news alerts delivered in near-real-time of major developments in Iraq media outlets to be defined in consultation with the Embassy. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

2.2

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, delivered 5 days a week). (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 260

2.3

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, weekend). (in English) [Price per Day]

Day 104

2.4

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, holidays). (in English) [Price per Day]

Day 12

2.5

Afternoon Iraqi News Briefing (delivered 1600 Baghdad time, 5 days a week) (in Englihs)

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

3.1

Daily Social Media Report (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 7 daysa week) focusing on four concurrentissues. Report also includes 1volume/frequency graph per issue. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

3.2

Weekly report summarization of a range of analytics defined in consultation with the Embassy; that is, a weekly analysis on trending topics on social media platforms in

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

4.1

Television monitoring of major Iraqi television news (daily reporting format to mirror Iraqi news reporting) – Outlets to be determined in consultation with PAS Baghdad, (in English) Price

Option Year Two Prices: The performance period shall start from the date specified on the Notice to Proceed and continue for a period of 12 Months.

CLIN 0001: News Alerts, Monitoring Reports, and Analysis:

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (G)

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

1.1

Iraq breaking news alerts delivered in near-real-time of major developments in Iraq media outlets to be defined in consultation with the Embassy. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

1.2

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 5 days a week) [Price per Day]

Day 260

1.3

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, weekend) [English only] [Price per Day]

Day 104

1.4

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, Holidays) [English only] [Price per Day] this is estimated 12 holidays

Day 200

1.5

Daily weekday morning Erbil report and daily Kurdish-language media monitoring in English, with breaking news alerts from KRG and related international Kurdish-language media outlets (delivered 0700 Erbil time, 5 days a week in English from Arabic-language

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

2.1

Iraq breaking news alerts delivered in near-real-time of major developments in Iraq media outlets to be defined in consultation with the Embassy. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

2.2

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, delivered 5 days a week). (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 260

2.3

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, weekend). (in English) [Price per Day]

Day 104

2.4

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, holidays). (in English) [Price per Day]

Day 12

2.5

Afternoon Iraqi News Briefing (delivered 1600 Baghdad time, 5 days a week) (in Englihs)

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

3.1

Daily Social Media Report (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 7 daysa week) focusing on four concurrentissues. Report also includes 1volume/frequency graph per issue. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

3.2

Weekly report summarization of a range of analytics defined in consultation with the Embassy; that is, a weekly analysis on trending topics on social media platforms in

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

4.1

Television monitoring of major Iraqi television news (daily reporting format to mirror Iraqi news reporting) – Outlets to be determined in consultation with PAS Baghdad, (in English) Price

2.1.Option Year One Price: The performance period shall start from the date specified on the Notice to

CLIN 0001: News Alerts, Monitoring Reports, and Analysis:

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (G)

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

1.1

Iraq breaking news alerts delivered in near-real-time of major developments in Iraq media outlets to be defined in consultation with the Embassy. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

1.2

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 5 days a week) [Price per Day]

Day 260

1.3

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, weekend) [English only] [Price per Day]

Day 104

1.4

Morning Iraq-focused International News Briefing (Delivered 0700 Baghdad time, Holidays) [English only] [Price per Day] this is estimated 12 holidays

Day 200

1.5

Daily weekday morning Erbil report and daily Kurdish-language media monitoring in English, with breaking news alerts from KRG and related international Kurdish-language media outlets (delivered 0700 Erbil time, 5 days a week in English from Arabic-language

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

2.1

Iraq breaking news alerts delivered in near-real-time of major developments in Iraq media outlets to be defined in consultation with the Embassy. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

2.2

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, delivered 5 days a week). (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 260

2.3

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, weekend). (in English) [Price per Day]

Day 104

2.4

Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, holidays). (in English) [Price per Day]

Day 12

2.5

Afternoon Iraqi News Briefing (delivered 1600 Baghdad time, 5 days a week) (in Englihs)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (G)

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

3.1

Daily Social Media Report (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 7 daysa week) focusing on four concurrentissues. Report also includes 1volume/frequency graph per issue. (in English)[Price per Day]

Day 365

3.2

Weekly report summarization of a range of analytics defined in consultation with the Embassy; that is, a weekly analysis on trending topics on social media platforms in

Subpart Description Unit Price per Day

Number of Days

Extended Total [D x E]

4.1

Television monitoring of major Iraqi television news (daily reporting format to mirror Iraqi news reporting) – Outlets to be determined in consultation with PAS Baghdad, (in English) Price

3. Price Summary

Base Period:

First Option Year:

Second Option Year:

Grand total (Firm-Fixed Price for Base Year plus all Option Years):

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449,

RFP NUMBER 191Z1019R0001

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES, BLOCK 20

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

V. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Background: The purpose of this firm-fixed-price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract is to provide Media Monitoring and Analysis, Summarization and Dissemination of News and Reports to the American Embassy Mission in the Republic of Iraq. In addition to generalized media monitoring, the contractor shall have and maintain expertise in shaping products that enhance the situational awareness of the political, governance, development, security, civic society, and broader socio-economic issues confronting senior U.S.

diplomatic officials. The company shall have and maintain demonstrated depth of analytical capabilities in both spheres of the overall mission and possess the editorial judgment to discern distinct differences in foreign policy objectives.

Scope of Services: The contractor shall have and maintain experience in analyzing news stories and social media postings centering on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Iraq. Through its own resources, the company shall be able to provide this analysis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year (24/7/365). Analysis of media coverage products includes human-selected alerts of breaking news, daily international news summaries, daily Iraq news summaries that are selected from Arabic sources. In turn, these news sources are then translated into English as media alerts, and social media analytics including trending and messaging tracking. The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy is responsible for developing strategic messaging which relies on a deep understanding of the traditional and social media landscape focusing on the U.S. mission in Iraq. It is imperative that the Embassy and its diplomats receive thorough analysis of breaking news alerts, international and Iraq news summaries, social media alerts, and also analysis of major news stories that includes trending, tonality, issue and message tracking. The U.S. diplomatic mission depends on a current situational awareness and understanding of the full-range of international, Iraq national and regional reporting. The contractor shall have and maintain experience in providing service in this dynamic environment, utilizing an editorial judgment of what type of news story would be of interest to further the mission. The monitoring company shall not be an affiliate of a media company providing news stories or online reporting.

Objective: The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad seeks to enhance its capacity in monitoring international, regional, and Iraq national news as it relates to the diplomatic mission in Iraq. The objective is to give the embassy and its senior leadership a more comprehensive view of the daily media landscape to assist in the development of its public diplomacy and public affairs strategies. The intent is to provide deeper context to news reporting through expert media analysis that extends “daily news” into issue trending, tonality, and resonance.

Period of Performance: This is 1 year period of performance with 2 option years after contract award.

Place of Performance: This contract shall be performed at contractor’s place of performance.

Methodology: The methodology required for this contract includes the following:

1. Human-selected, news alerts in English focusing on Iraq issues. These news alerts shall be drawn from 24/7 monitoring of a broad-section of online news agencies including but not limited to: BBC, AL Arabiya, CNN, Al-Jazeera, and other major news services. The U.S Government shall provide the contractor with a distribution list of state.gov email addresses.

An example of an alert follows:

November 25, Ambassador Stuart E. Jones visited Basrah to meet with provincial officials, tribal leaders, and energy sector executives.

Xxxxx (Source Name) www.xxxx.com (Hyperlink) to read full text.

2. Morning and Afternoon International News Briefings. Shall include relevant and pertinent news articles in English to the Iraq region that have appeared since the last report. A variety of keywords will be selected in consultation with the US Embassy and will be periodically updated as current issues change.

Length of the briefings depends on the volume of news. Editorial discretion must be used to determine article selection. Briefings must include professional analysis to devise a reporting period executive summary of the media landscape as well as “bottom line up front” formatting for major articles.

Hyperlinks pointing to the complete story online.

Deliverables: The following categories are the products to be delivered:

1. News Alerts, Monitoring Reports, and Analysis: Iraq and Regional Arabic-language Press Monitoring

• Breaking news alerts in the Iraqi media of major developments as defined in consultation with the Embassy from Arabic-language media sources (delivered as available, 7 Days a week in English).

• Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 5 days a week in English from Arabic-language media sources).

• Morning Iraq News Briefing (delivered 0700 Baghdad time,weekends/holidays in English from Arabic-language media sources).

• Afternoon Iraqi News Briefing (delivered 1600 Baghdad time, 5 days a week in English from Arabic-language media sources).

• Daily weekday morning Erbil report and daily Kurdish-language media monitoring in English, with breaking news alerts from KRG and related international Kurdish-language media outlets (delivered 0700 Erbil time, 5 days a week in English from Arabic-language

2. News Alerts, Monitoring Reports, and Analysis: International, English-language Press

• Morning Iraq-focused news briefing from U.S and international English- language media sources (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 5 days a week in English).

• Morning Iraq-focused news briefing from U.S and international English- language media sources (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, weekends/holidays in English).

http://www.xxxx.com/

3. Social Media Alerts, Reporting

• Daily Arabic Social Media Report focusing on the most important four issues discussed (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 7 days a week). The product is to be delivered in English and includes one volume/frequency graph per issue.

• Daily Kurdish Social Media Report from Kurdish-language social media platforms (delivered 0700 Erbil time, 7 days a week). The product is to be delivered in English and includes one volume/frequency graph per issue.

4. Monitoring and Reporting of Local/Regional/International Arabic-language Television and Radio News

• Daily television and radio monitoring report on major Iraqi, regional, and international news broadcasts (delivered 0700 Baghdad time, 7 days a week). Outlets to be determined in consultation with Embassy Baghdad.

Social Media/TV & Radio Channels /Printed Media to be monitored:

EXISITING CHANNELS LIST

TV. and Radio CHANNELS Al-Arabiya Dijla News Al-Baghdadia NRT Al-Forat Rudaw Al-Hurra Al-Sharqiya Al-Iraqiya TV – IMN Sky News Arabia Al-Mada BBC Arabic Al-Sumaria France24 Arabic Radio Dijla Radio Nawa Radio Sawa Social Media Facebook Tweeter Printed Media and Websites Akhbar al-Iraq PUK Media Al-Baghdadia Rudaw Al-Ghad Shafaaq Al-Iraqiay Sot al Iraq News All Iraq news Xendan Al-Mada Zaman Al-Mashriq Al-Sabah Al-Masalah Al-Sabah Al-Jaded

Al-Sumaria Al-Aalam As-Safir Ashraq al-Awsat Ayn al-Iraq News Al-Araby al-Jadeed Buratha news Al-Sharqiya Dijla News Sky News Arabia Iraq News Network Al-Hayat Iraq Press BBC Arabic NINA France24 Arabic Radio Radio Dijla Radio Sawa Radio Nawa

VI. INVOICING

(a) The Contractor shall submit monthly invoices to the COR at the address shown in paragraph D below. A proper invoice shall include the following information:

• Contractor's name and bank account information for payments by wire transfers

• Invoice Date

• Contract number

• Name, title, phone number, and address of person to contact in case of defective invoice

(b) If an invoice does not contain the above information, the Government reserves the right to reject the invoice as improper and return it to the Contractor within 7 calendars days. The Contractor shall then submit a proper invoice.

(c) The COR will take each summary invoice and furnish the detailed invoice to the appropriate official in each individual Government agency. That agency representative will review the detailed invoice and either approve for payment or advise the COR of the inaccuracies found. It shall be the COR who will interact with the Contractor on any invoice problems.

(d) The contractor shall send all invoices to the following address:

Financial Management Office U.S. American Embassy – Baghdad Al Kindi Street, International Zone, Baghdad, Iraq

Or by electronic means in Acrobat PDF format to the following email address:

BaghdadVouchers@state.gov, Attn: BEC/PAS and/or to:

BaghdadGSOProc@state.gov, Attn: BEC/PAS.

(e) Payment will be made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) within 30 days after receipt of the proper invoice.

VII. KEY PERSONNEL

1. The Project Manager shall be able to converse in English and Arabic. (Subject to U.S Government approval) the Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key person:

POSITION/FUNCTION NAME

mailto:BaghdadVouchers@state.gov mailto:BaghdadGSOProc@state.gov

2. During the first 90 days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is required due to illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days before making any permanent substitutions.

3. After the first 90 days of performance, the Contractor may substitute a key person if the contractor determines that it is necessary. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of the proposed action immediately. Prior to making the substitution, the Contractor will provide the information required below to the Contracting Officer.

4. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances requiring the proposed substitution, a complete resume for the proposed substitute. The proposed substitute shall possess qualifications comparable to the original key person. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of its approval or disapproval of the substitution within 15 calendar days after receiving the required information. The Government will modify the contract to reflect any changes in key personnel.

4. The Contracting officer reserve the rights to ask the contractor to substitute the key personnel if he is not performing as per the level of expectation, The Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days.

VIII. LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for complying with all laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work, including those of the host country, and with the lawful orders of any governmental authority having jurisdiction. Unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall comply with the more stringent of the requirements of such laws, regulations and orders and of the contract. In the event of a conflict among the contract and such laws, regulations and orders, the Contractor shall promptly advise the Contracting Officer of the conflict and of the Contractor's proposed course of action for resolution by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall comply with all local labor laws, regulations, customs and practices pertaining to labor, safety, and similar matters, to the extent that such compliance is not inconsistent with the requirements of this contract. Proper documentation and evidence satisfactory to the Contracting Officer of compliance with this clause shall be submitted by the Contractor at such times as directed by the Contracting Officer. This contract shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the substantive laws of the United States of America. By the execution of this contract, the Contractor expressly agrees to waive any rights to invoke the jurisdiction of local national courts where this contract is performed and agrees to accept the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Department of State’s designated Board of Contract Appeals and the United States Court of Federal Claims for hearing and determination of any and all disputes that may arise under the Disputes clause of this contract.

IX. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

The Contractor and its employees shall exercise the utmost discretion in regard to all matters relating to their duties and functions. They shall not communicate to any person or organization(s) the progress, procedures or results of the work under this contract or any information known to them by reason of their performance of services under this contract which has not been made public, except in the necessary performance of their duties or upon written authorization of the Contracting Officer. All documents and records (including photographs) generated during the performance of work under this contract shall be for the sole use and become the exclusive property of the U.S Government. Furthermore, no article, book, pamphlet, email, recording, broadcast, speech television appearance, film or photograph concerning any aspect of work performed under this contract shall be published or disseminated through any media without the prior written authorization of the Contracting Officer.

These obligations do not cease upon the expiration or termination of this contract. The Contractor shall include the substance of this provision in all contracts of employment and in all subcontracts hereunder.

X. COORDINATION OF SERVICES

Services shall be coordinated with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

XI. QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN (QAP)

This plan is designed to provide an effective surveillance method to promote effective contractor performance.

The QAP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor contractor performance, advise the contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to conduct quality assurance to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Performance Objective PWS Para Performance Threshold Services.

Performs all media monitoring, analysis and dissemination of news as set forth in the statement of work.

PERFORMANCE

WORK

STATEMENT

All required services are performed and no more than one (1) customer complaint is received per month

1- SURVEILLANCE

The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

2- STANDARD

The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month.

The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.212.4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (May 2001), if any of the services exceed the standard.

When the Contractor fails to provide the services at the acceptable quality performance standards required by this contract, the Government shall apply daily price deductions for the services described in Article IV, PRICING, 2 Pricing Schedule, Contract Line Item Numbers from 1 (one) through 4 (four). The Contracting Officer will make final determination as to whether downtime is the fault of the Contractor. If requested by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall provide documentation to support claims of excusable downtime. For downtime determined to be the Contractor’s fault, the Contracting Officer may elect to assess a credit for each instance of non-performance. The Government shall deduct the total number of creditable days or any fraction of a day from the next monthly invoice payment. The credit will be determined on a daily rate calculated as follows: daily/weekly * No. of incidents = total price. Any fraction of a day will be divided by2 in case the service required is twice a day; for example if morning/evening report missed daily rate will be divided by 2.

3- PROCEDURES

(a) If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed they Shall immediately contact the COR.

(b) The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

(c) If the COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

(d) If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the

Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

(e) The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

(f) If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint after investigation of the site and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

(g) The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complainant.

(h) Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection clause.

XII. DELIVERABLES

Reference Description Delivery Time SOW – Deliverables 1, 2 ,3 &4 Section III

Diverse news alerts, monitoring and Reports

In accordance with the SOW

Section I, Subsection I-B. DBA insurance (if applicable) 15 calendar days after award

Section II, Recruitment of Third Country Nationals on Department of State contracts (Oct 2012)

Certifications and updates As required by the clause

SECTION 2 - CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items (MAY 2015)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The ordering activity reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The ordering activity may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the ordering activity may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The ordering activity must exercise its postacceptance rights:

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or Shall have been discovered and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the credit card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract..

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the ordering activity in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include —

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, contract line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on an ordering activity bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer — System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the ordering activity waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt Payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the ordering activity has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and request instructions for disposition of the overpayment.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government’s convenience. The ordering activity reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the ordering activity using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the ordering activity any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance.

In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C. 4712 and 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, and Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts paragraphs of this clause.

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments.

(9) The specification.

(t) System for Award Management (SAM).

(1) Unless exempted by an addendum to this contract, the Contractor is responsible during performance and through final payment of any contract for the accuracy and completeness of the data within the SAM database, and for any liability resulting from the ordering activity’s reliance on inaccurate or incomplete data. To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, the Contractor is required to review and update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates its information in the SAM database to ensure it is current, accurate and complete. Updating information in the SAM does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract and is not a substitute for a properly executed contractual document.

(2)

(i) If a Contractor has legally changed its business name, “doing business as” name, or division…