Q and A - 19UK5626Q0050.pdf

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

Embassy of the United States of America

General Services Office 33 Nine Elms Lane

London, SW11 7US August 27, 2026

Questions and Answers for:

19UK5626Q0050 – Media Monitoring

Please find all questions received listed below with answers provided by the POC for this solicitation.

1. Would the London International Media Hub be open to software-based solutions that track, compile, summarize, and generate reports on Iranian propaganda?

a. Our software platform is in use at DOS with PDS Mexico City and would be easily extensible to a focus on Iran.

b. We also actively support DOW components (e.g., CENTCOM) focused on the Iranian AOR.

A: Yes

2. Beyond Press TV, Tasneem and IRNA, could you provide the Hub’s current list of Iranian state or regime-linked outlets, specialist sources and commentators that should be included in the monitoring?

A: There is no fixed or mandatory list of outlets, sources, or commentators.

Rather, the objective is to capture the main Iranian propaganda narratives directed at international audiences, drawing on outlets and voices that best illustrate those narratives.

Example outlets that could be covered, beyond Press TV, Tasnim, and IRNA include IRIB, Fars News (English), Tehran Times, and Mehr News (English).

Example accounts that could be covered include Mohammad Marandi (@s_m_marandi), @ExplosiveMediaa, @gandocraft, and @anoroozee.

Social media accounts of certain Iranian embassies are also relevant to include.

3. Could you confirm whether monitoring is limited to English-language content aimed at international audiences, or whether it should also cover Iranian state or regime-linked content published in other languages for non-Iranian audiences?

A: Monitoring of English-language content is sufficient to meet the contract requirements. At their discretion, contractors may also cover Iranian regime propaganda published in other languages for non-Iranian audiences, though this is not required.

4. Does the Hub currently maintain a list of priority narratives, themes, keywords, individuals or commentators that the contractor should monitor from the outset, or should bidders propose an initial monitoring framework?

A: Bidders should propose an initial monitoring framework.

5. How does the Hub typically assess whether a narrative is “prominent”? For example, should this be based on editorial prominence, repetition across multiple outlets, audience reach and engagement, or relevance to current U.S. government priorities?

A: It should be based on editorial prominence, repetition across multiple outlets, audience reach and engagement, and relevance to current U.S. government priorities.

6. Are there particular social-media platforms, official accounts, affiliated commentators or online communities that should be prioritised?

A: There is no particular account or platform that should be prioritized.

However, examples of relevant accounts that may be monitored include official Iranian embassy accounts and regime-linked commentators (e.g., Mohammad Marandi).

7. What monitoring window should each Monday, Wednesday and Friday report cover? In particular, should the Monday report include relevant developments from the preceding weekend?

A: The Monday report should cover the preceding weekend through the time of submission on Monday, within the practical limits of same-day drafting (i.e., it cannot capture developments published after drafting has begun). The Wednesday and Friday reports should each cover the preceding 48 hours, within the practical limits of same-day drafting.

Most recent developments should be prioritized (for instance, for a Monday report, a narrative that emerged in the early hours of Monday should take priority over one that dominated Iranian propaganda early Saturday).

8. Could you share an existing report, template or style guide illustrating the style and format stipulated by the Hub? It would also be helpful to understand whether there are preferred sections, visual elements, source-linking conventions or formatting requirements.

A: Bidders are asked to propose an initial report template as part of their submission. We encourage the inclusion of visual elements where they help illustrate a narrative, but do not mandate specific formats or source-linking conventions. Reports should be written in U.S. English. The Hub will provide feedback on style, structure, and vocabulary; the selected contractor should incorporate this feedback into subsequent reports.

9. Could you provide further information on the principal recipients of the reports and how they are typically used or circulated? For example, are they primarily read as email briefings, used to support senior-level briefings, or incorporated into wider analytical products? This will help us design the report around the Hub’s workflow and decision-making needs.

A: They are read as email briefings

10. What volume and frequency of” targeted” requests should bidders anticipate, and what turnaround time would normally be expected for new or amended monitoring priorities?

A: There is no set frequency for targeted requests; bidders should anticipate that these will arise on an ad hoc basis as priorities evolve. Targeted requests will not increase overall reporting volume.

Provided a request is made within a reasonable timeframe ahead of the applicable due date, the contractor should reflect it in the next scheduled report.

11. May bidders select the monitoring period and subject matter for the specimen report, or is there a preferred period, event or theme that should be used?

A: Bidders may select the monitoring period and subject matter for the specimen report at their discretion; there is no preferred period, event, or theme.

Bidders should clearly state the monitoring period so that the Hub can assess the specimen appropriately.

12. What is the total number of reports expected annually: will the embassy, for instance, expect reports to be issued on US and UK public holidays? By my calculation, the maximum total could be 156 reports (every week during the year) or it could be around 140 (taking into account US/UK public holidays that fall on Monday or Friday).

A: Reports are expected on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, except U.S.

and UK public holidays.

13. I am a sole trader (individual) and plan to meet all work requirements myself up until year-end 2026, with a view to subcontracting to seasoned subject matter experts (former USG Open Source Enterprise colleagues) during any short absences (holiday, illness etc) for the remaining contract period in 2027 and beyond, assuming renewal, in compliance with the FAR clauses. Can you confirm this is acceptable and what subcontracting steps do I need to complete before submitting the SOW on 7 August? Do I need, for instance, to provide names of the back up cover?

A: If you have a backup, please provide their name, email address, and phone number. If not, it is accepted that in exceptional circumstances, the contractor may not deliver a report, provided this happens no more than twice per year.

14. On the RFQ form:

Can you provide some advice on Section 12 a-d. What is standard practice? I have had no issues with standard USG payment (monthly in arrears) before, even during furloughs when backdated pay was

A: Both sections could be left blank if not applicable.

honoured. If I do skip this section should I leave blank or type N/A (not applicable)?

Can you also confirm that I do not have to fill in section 4 as well.

15. Is there an incumbent contractor for this requirement?

A: Yes

16. What is the anticipated award and contract start date?

A: Award will be made before September 30th with a start date approximately X

17. Will the Government provide access to any Department tools, media feeds or data assets?

A: No

18. Is there a contract ceiling for this solicitation?

A: This will be awarded as a firm-fixed price contract.

19. Will the Hub team evaluate and compare vendor offerings based on best value?

A: The Hub team will evaluate the technical offer and award will be made to lowest priced, technically acceptable vendor.

20. Does the Government have a preferred format for the RFQ response (fonts, margins, etc) or may the offeror use its standard proposal template?

A: Offeror may use its standard proposal template.

21. Is there a requirement to have a sam.gov entity registration for this opportunity? Our entity registration is apparently inactive and I’m working to get it re-started.

A: Only if you are US based contractor.

22. I’m filling out the SF 18 form but I wonder if there is a guide to help me fill it out correctly. I’ve looked through https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-53 but don’t see anything specific – any advice is very welcome.

A: Offerors at a minimum must complete sections 8, 11 and 13.