47HAA023Q0102-STATEMENT OF WORK-CISION SaaS-07-13-2023.pdf

General Services Administration (GSA) FAS Technology Transformation Services (TTS) Solutions

Public Experience Portfolio - USAGov

Solicitation Number: 47HAA023Q0102 For

Cision SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription for Media Monitoring and Bilingual Press Releases and Content Distribution

NAICS Code: 513210 Product and Service Code (PSC): DA10

Issued By:

General Services Administration

Office Administrative Services (OAS) Office of Internal Acquisition (OIA)

1800 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20405

Solicitation Issue Date : July 13, 2023 Questions Due By 11:00 AM EST, July 17, 2023

Quotations Due By NLT 11:00 AM EST, July 27, 2023

Conducted under Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 13.5 This RFQ does not intend to use FAR 15 principles.

Contents

1.0 BACKGROUND – USAGov 1

2.0 GOVERNMENTWIDE IMPACT 1

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK 2

4.0 REQUIREMENTS 2

5.0 MANDATORY AND OPTIONAL CLINS 5

6.0 CONTRACT TYPE 5

7.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 5

8.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 6

9.0 TRAVEL 6

10.0 OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODCs) 6

11.0 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORT (CPARS) 6

12.0 GENERAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS 6

13.0 ALL MATERIAL PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT 6

14.0 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 7

15.0 CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE 7

16.0 SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE 8

17.0 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY POLICIES AND REGULATIONS 8

18.0 DATA SECURITY AND PRIVACY 8

19.0 NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS 8

20.0 INVOICING & PAYMENT. PROCEDURES FOR PAYMENT 8

21.0 GSA ELECTRONIC INVOICING 9

21.1 INVOICING SHALL BE ACCOMPLISHED AS FOLLOWS: 10

22.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION 11

23.0 INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 13

24.0 BASIS OF AWARD 13

25.0 EVALUATION FACTOR AND METHODOLOGY 13

26.0 ADJECTIVAL MATRIX FOR FACTOR 1 –TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES 13

27.0 BASIS OF EVALUATION FACTOR 1 –TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES 14

28.0 TECHNICAL QUOTATION 15

29.0 FORMAT OF TECHNICAL QUOTATION 16

30.0 FORMAT FOR PRICE QUOTATION 17

31.0 PRICE EVALUATION 17

32.0 DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS 18

33.0 DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF THE TECHNICAL AND PRICE QUOTATIONS 18

34.0 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR) PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 18

35.0 GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION MANUAL (GSAM) PROVISIONS

AND CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 20

ATTACHMENTS 20

1.0 BACKGROUND – USAGov

USA.gov, including its sister site, USAGov en Español, resides in GSA's Public Experience Portfolio – USAGov. Congressionally mandated, USA,gov is the official federal government website and the front door to reliable government information. USA.gov, including its sister site, USAGov en Español, resides in GSA's Public Experience Portfolio, which encompasses the USA.gov, search.gov, and vote.gov programs. These programs share a common mission of making it easier for people to connect with their government by helping them find information about the services they need.

USAGov creates, consolidates, and delivers timely, needed government information and services that allow anyone to find and understand government to access what they need—anytime, anywhere, any way they want, including USAGov's websites, social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube), chatbots, email delivery, and the USAGov contact center.

As mandated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), USAGov is identified as the primary source of information delivery for timely and urgent government information to the public. Accordingly, USAGov supports the Emergency Support Function 15 of the National Response Framework, where DHS has the authority to coordinate all USG communications during incidents of national significance and GSA's Continuity of Operations Planning.

2.0 GOVERNMENTWIDE IMPACT

USAGov draws from hundreds of government agencies, departments, and programs to accomplish its mission and brings government to the American public. These government partnerships are mutually beneficial for our agency partners and USAGov. This multi-layered communication platform allows for effective delivery to the public, providing valid and trusted government information.

As previously identified, one of USAGov’s critical responsibilities includes the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Support Function 15 and GSA’s Continuity of Operations Planning.

At times of national crisis, such as a public health emergency or weather-related disaster, USAGov is at the forefront of providing the public with valid, trusted, critical information and services in conjunction with its governmentwide partners. A perfect example is creating landing pages responding to the

COVID-19 pandemic at USA.gov/coronavirus and USA.gov/espanol/coronavirus using information aggregated from federal agencies and sub-agencies. These pages have visited about 9.26 million unique page views from March 2020 through September 2022.

To meet USAGov’s mission, the team currently uses two separate applications for real-time media monitoring of print, online, and blogs and a cloud-based database that captures all mentions and provides extensive media analytics available 24/7/365 and bilingual press release distribution services with dedicated and proven nationwide targeted mail groups, editorial review, and monitoring 24/7/365.

USAGov does not currently use either a Social Listening Monitoring or a Social Listening tool nor is a Social Listening tool part of this acquisition.

https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus https://www.usa.gov/espanol/coronavirus

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The government requires one SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription for real-time media monitoring of print, online, and blogs and a cloud-based database that captures all mentions and provides extensive media analytics available 24/7/365 and bilingual press release and content distribution services with dedicated and proven nationwide targeted mail groups, editorial review, and monitoring 24/7/365.

USAGov does not currently use either a Social Listening Monitoring or a Social Listening tool nor is a Social Listening tool part of this acquisition .

If quantities are available, search.gov and vote.gov may use the Bilingual (English and Spanish) Press Release and Content Distribution services or Media Monitoring after approval from the USAGov program office and with the COR's concurrence.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

Product/Contractor-level Requirements

One Cision SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription for Media Monitoring AND Bilingual Press Releases and Content Distribution Services

Dedicated Product Manager or similar title, such as an Account Manager, acts as a direct liaison between the government and the identified Solution to streamline the decision process, respond to government inquiries, and resolve technical or delivery issues. The PM is available from M-F during regular business hours except on federal government holidays or weekends. Ability to respond to government inquiries within 4 hours

Federally-compatible Terms of Service (ToS), End User License Agreement (EULA), Master Service Agreement (MSA) or similar document. GSAM 552.232-78 Commercial Supplier Agreements – Unenforceable Clauses (July 2015) is incorporated by reference. This will be obtained after contract Award.

Confirm Active Registration in SAM.gov, including the completion of FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services – Representation

Confirm SAM.gov - Verify that NAICS Code and Product Service Code align with this Solicitation NAICS 513210 and Product Service Code DA10.

Confirm Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is a mandatory requirement.

MEDIA MONITORING (PRINT, ONLINE, AND BLOGS)

Functionality and Features that duplicate, at a minimum, the current licensing specifications (2022) including 4 concurrent users at no additional cost.

Real-time comprehensive media monitoring (print, online, and blogs): mentions, source identification, tracking, and data collection to evaluate campaigns' effectiveness, reach, media contact profiles, touchpoints, trending changes, etc. Media monitoring includes major US national and regional print outlets.

Dashboard and Databases http://search.gov/ http://vote.gov/

Cision Comm Cloud North America Influencer Database with access to North American media contacts, outlets, and editorial opportunities

Influencer Module Access to blogs, bloggers, and influencers – search functionality

Dashboard that allows users to easily extract and configure data on traditional and digital media to create customizable, downloadable, and shareable reports that highlight important metrics and KPIs, etc.

Online access to the media databases and dashboard 24/7/365

Monitoring dashboard is updated at least daily.

Unlimited keywords searches

Help Desk and Technical Support

Help Desk Support; Monday - Friday (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (CST) except federal government holidays.

Secure (password protected)

Online training (webinars) and training resources

BILINGUAL PRESS RELEASES & CONTENT DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

Functionality and Features that duplicate, at a minimum, the most recent licensing specifications for National Hispanic Newsline, US 1-National Newsline, and DC Public Interest Newline and Multimedia Asset Attachment (English & Spanish)

Note: There are no charges for unlimited word count, logos, or an upcharge on multimedia attachments for either language English or Spanish.

Comprehensive, robust and proven electronic nationwide distribution system for news releases, media advisories, statements and fact sheets, and other information to outlets via print, broadcast, and online media in English and Spanish

Targeted distribution capabilities (English and Spanish)

Comprehensive, robust and proven electronic nationwide distribution system for news releases, media advisories, statements and fact sheets, and other information to outlets via print, broadcast, and online media in English and Spanish

Targeted distribution capabilities (English and Spanish)

Hispanic distribution capabilities to include but not limited to Hispanic PR Newswire, TV stations, cable and satellite sites, radio stations, magazines, newspapers, and blogs.

News releases to all Associated Press Alerts and Topic Reports

Extensive online distribution points in public and media only websites, including major online portals such as AOL News, Yahoo News, etc.

Archive of press releases accessible from a public website 24/7/365 (password protected)

Media monitoring metrics for each press release to track distribution, traffic, audiences, and engagement. Metrics and reports are downloadable in either Excel or PDF format.

Visibility Reports for each release include total online views, search engine indexes, journalist views (including specific news outlets that viewed your releases), views by global geography, audience engagement, social media interaction, and overall visibility and release engagement scores based on the industry sector.

An indefinite archive of all your news on PR Newswire Distribution Network public and media only websites and links back to USA.gov

List of links where press releases appear online.

User accessible media database, secure (password protected) 24/7/365

Repository of all USAGov’s press releases

Editorial Support – 24/7/365

Editorial assistance to proofread releases for consistency, grammatical and typographical errors before transmission.

Content review for inconsistency in format, source verification, headline, links, and alignment to AP style

Assistance with customized coding on releases to improve media identification of content by industry, subject, etc.

Technical Support

Customer Technical Support 7/24/365

Secure (password protected) online portal for press release submission and retrieval of data 24/7/365.

Capability to embed keywords and keyword links into releases for downloadable video, audio, graphics, tables, or maps.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for each press release

Online training (webinars) and training resources

5.0 MANDATORY AND OPTIONAL CLINS

Mandatory CLINs – Base and Option Years

CLIN # CLIN Description

0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001

Cision Communication Cloud Media Monitoring (print, online & blogs), online media database with media mentions and advanced analytics & charting available 24/7/365

0002. 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002

National Hispanic Newsline (Hispanic 500 & Hispanic Digital Network & Exclusive Media Content Partners for Hispanic PRWire Distribution) Unlimited Word Count & Free Logos

Optional CLINs – Base and Option Years

0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, 4003

US 1-National Newsline Unlimited Word Count & Free Logos

0004, 1004, 2004, 3004, 4004

DC Public Interest Newline Unlimited Word Count & Free Logos

0005, 1005, 2005, 3005, 4005

Multimedia Asset Attachment (video, infographic, audio file, etc. (Spanish & English) No upcharge for either language

6.0 CONTRACT TYPE

The contract will be a Firm-fixed Price for the Media Monitoring CLIN and Firm-fixed Unit Price for the other CLINs that identify quantities with not-to-exceed limits.

7.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The performance period begins from the award date to 1 year thereafter with four (4) one-year option periods.

The Contracting Officer defines the base year start date. The expected start date for the base performance period is 09/15/2023 through 09/14/2024 . The predicted performance periods for the option years are as follows:

09/15/2024 - 09/14/2025 (OY1)

09/15/2025 – 09/14/2026 (OY2)

09/15/2026 – 09/14/2027 (OY3)

09/15/2027 – 09/14/2028 (OY4)

The Government reserves the right not to exercise an option period or optional CLIN.

8.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

USAGov's physical location is U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) 1800 F Street, NW, Washington DC 20405. There will be no contractor to perform the work or visit on-site. This requirement is for a SaaS Media Monitoring and Bilingual Press Releases and Content Distribution Subscription (Cloud-based).

9.0 TRAVEL

CONUS and Local Travel are not required for this contract and are not reimbursable.

10.0 OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODCs)

ODCs are not required.

11.0 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORT (CPARS)

If required, the Contractor's performance is documented in the Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) at the end of each performance period, including the base period and all Option Years.

Interim reports may also be used should deficiencies in performance occur. The Contractor may be notified by the CO/COR in oral or written format. The government may require the Contractor to re-perform any services that do not conform to Contract requirements.

12.0 GENERAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

The GSA information systems are the property of the government. Therefore, the Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to all aspects of the Privacy Act and is prohibited from removing USAGov data from its system applications, programs, documentation, or data without the knowledge and written approval of the USAGov Program Manager or the COR.

13.0 ALL MATERIAL PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT

All materials developed under the contract are the property of the U.S. government. Under no circumstances shall the Contractor place a copyright on any materials that the Contractor develops, provides, and receives payment for pursuant to the contract. The Contractor, upon request from the government, shall provide a copy of any such materials within five (5) business days of receiving the request. At the end of the contract, all materials must be turned over to the government in its entirety.

14.0 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

It is recognized by the parties that, in the course of the Contractor's performance, its personnel may require access to or be given custody of specific information (whether in its original or derived form) submitted to the government on a confidential basis. Such information includes but is not limited to, another government contractor's business practices, designs, mission, operation concepts, sketches, management policies, cost, operating expenses, and technical data. The Contractor agrees that its employees with access will use and examine this information exclusively for their performance of the work required under this contract and for no other purpose.

The Contractor agrees to instruct personnel with access to or custody of information acquired by the government from a confidential relationship regarding the nature of the confidential relationship under which the government received such information. The Contractor shall stress that the information shall be kept private from any other party or contractor personnel who do not need to know the contents thereof for the performance of this contract. All staff shall also be informed that they shall not engage in any other action, venture, or employment wherein this information will be used for the profit or interest of any party.

Contractor personnel must sign a non-disclosure agreement prepared by the government before they receive any company proprietary or sensitive source selection data. In cases where Contractor personnel receive company proprietary data directly from a company, in the course of contract performance, the Contractor, the Contractor's on-site staff, and the company providing the data should enter into an agreement prohibiting the unauthorized use of the information for as long as the information remains proprietary. The Contracting Officer should be furnished copies of these non-disclosure agreements before the Contractor reviews the company's proprietary data.

15.0 CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE

The preliminary and final deliverables and all associated working papers and other material deemed relevant by the agency that the Contractor has generated in the performance of this project are the property of the U.S. Government. At the government's request, materials must be submitted to the government's Program Manager at the conclusion of the contract.

All documents produced for this project are the property of the U.S. government and cannot be reproduced, distributed, or retained by the Contractor without the express permission of the Contracting Officer. All appropriate project documentation will be given to the agency during and at the end of this contract. Without the Contracting Officer's (CO) written consent, the Contractor shall not release any information. If requested by the government personnel working on any of the described tasks must sign formal non-disclosure or conflict of interest agreements to guarantee the protection and integrity of government information and documents.

16.0 SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE

All electronic and information technology products (EIT) procured or delivered through this Contract and any document to be published on the Internet or in electronic/digital format must meet the applicable accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194, unless an agency exception to this requirement exists. 36 CFR implements Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and is viewable at http://www.access-board.gov .

A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is a mandatory requirement. Therefore, Offerors must provide a copy of their VPAT with the RFQ submission.

17.0 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

All GSA contractors that require access to a GSA computer or IT system are contractually subject to all GSA and Federal IT Security standards, policies, and reporting requirements. The contractor shall meet and comply with GSA’s Information Technology (IT) Security Policy, dated October 23, 2014; and GSA’s Information Technology (IT) Rules of Behavior, and all applicable GSA and NIST standards and guidelines, other governmentwide laws and regulations for protection and security of information technology. Contractor employees are required to complete annual training on IT Security and Privacy.

http://www.access-board.gov/ http://www.access-board.gov/

Contractors must also with Federal Information Process Standards (FIPS), the “Special Publications 800 series” guidelines published by NIST, and the requirements of FISMA.

18.0 DATA SECURITY AND PRIVACY

The contractor shall be responsible for properly protecting all information used, gathered, disclosed, or developed as a result of work under this contract. All information gathered or created under this contract shall be considered as Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) information. If contractor personnel must remove any information from the primary work area, they should protect it to the same extent they would their proprietary data and/or company trade secrets. The use of this data is subject to the Privacy Act will be utilized in full accordance with all rules of conduct as applicable to Privacy Act Information. Personnel shall adhere to the Privacy Act of 1974, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 552a and applicable agency rules and regulations.

19.0 NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS

The contractor and all contractor employees assigned for any length or duration to the project may be required to sign a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA), restricting the use of inside information as procurement sensitive.

20.0 INVOICING & PAYMENT. PROCEDURES FOR PAYMENT

Prompt Payment Requirements: Payments will be processed in accordance with FAR Clause 52.212-4(i) Payments as supplemented and deviated from in GSAM Clause 552.212-4.

Invoice(s) are submitted no later than fifteen calendar days following delivery date. If needed, supporting documentation shall accompany the COR's invoice(s).

A courtesy copy of the invoice must also be sent to the Contracting Officer, Erica Pelham, erica.pelham@gsa.gov for the official contract file.

21.0 GSA ELECTRONIC INVOICING

The General Services Administration (GSA) prefers electronic invoicing. Some reasons to consider electronic invoicing are because it:

o Is a paperless process.

o Increases invoicing visibility and control, o reduces invoice payment cycle times, o minimizes invoice returns, o reduces postage and paper costs, and o sustains the environment.

GSA has implemented a Vendor and Customer Self Service (VCSS) system which can be used by both vendors and customers of GSA. VCSS is a web-based application that will allow vendors to create and process their invoices electronically (paperless) and track the status of payments made by GSA and will allow customers to view billing and payment information.

mailto:erica.pelham@gsa.gov

VCSS System features:

▪ Allow GSA’s vendors to submit real-time electronic invoices, track the status of submitted invoices and the status of payments generated from those invoices;

▪ View current orders and payments;

▪ Eliminate the need for vendors to submit paper invoices;

▪ Allow GSA’s customers to view billing and correspondence information, link to external websites, and export billing data to CSV;

▪ Allow customers to manage their own accounts, review account history, and submit new correspondence.

Visit GSA Vendor and Customer Self Service (VCSS) System.

21.1 INVOICING SHALL BE ACCOMPLISHED AS FOLLOWS:

The Contractor shall submit the invoice electronically Customer Self Service (VCSS) web portal GSA Vendor and Customer Self Service (VCSS) System.

1. A duplicate invoice with supporting documentation shall be emailed to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at cynthia.gilbert@gsa.gov. If supporting documentation is required, it must be submitted with the invoice to the COR via email before or at the same time the invoice is submitted to the VCSS web portal.

Invoices are authorized for payment upon GSA's receipt and acceptance of deliverables specified in the contract and the receipt of a proper invoice .

The invoice billing address is:

GSA - OCFO

Financial Operations & Disbursement Div.

PO Box 419279 Kansas City, MO 64141

Invoices must include the following:

1. Name and address of the Contractor

2. Invoice date and invoice number

3. Contract Number, Pegasys Document Number (GD+contract Number), and any contract line-item numbers, such as CLIN numbers, if applicable.

4. Project name and Program Office (Public Experience Portfolio – USAGov)

5. Description of the services provided, including the unit price, unit of issue, quantity, and extended price of the item(s) delivered; period of service and dates that services were provided or delivered.

6. Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered https://phdc-pub.gsa.gov/vcssregistration/ https://phdc-pub.gsa.gov/vcssregistration/ https://phdc-pub.gsa.gov/vcssregistration/

7. Name and address of Contractor's official to whom payment is sent

8. Name, title, phone number, email address, and mailing address of the person notified in the event of a defective invoice, and

9. Contractor's Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Note: Failure to submit the original invoice(s) electronically to Vendor and Customer Self Service (VCSS) and the duplicate invoice(s) via email to the COR could delay your payment.

Vendors must register in VCSS to submit their invoices electronically thru the Vendor and Customer Self Service (VCSS) .

Initially, the COR will assist the Contractor with invoicing to ensure that invoices are proper for government payment and identify the required elements such as the contract number, program office, project name, etc.

After Award, if you have any contract related invoicing issues, please contact the COR at cynthia.gilbert@gsa.gov

Final Invoice The Contractor shall submit with a GSA Form 1142- Release of Claims with submission of the final invoice at the end of the period of performance. A copy of the form should be sent via email to the Contracting Officer and COR identified as the Contract Administration section.

If you have problems submitting your invoice or payment-related questions, please contact one of the following, as applicable .

For assistance with the VCSS General System, registration, login ID, or password questions, please contact:

GSA Business Applications Service Desk Phone: 866-450-6588 (Press 4) Email: businessapps@gsa.gov

Vendor Invoice and Payment Related Questions Contact the USDA’s Finance Center – Help Desk Phone: 800-676-3690 Email: KC-Accts-Payable.Finance@gsa.gov

22.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Contracting Officer Only the GSA OIA Contracting Officer, acting within the scope of their warrant authority, is empowered to execute contract actions and any necessary modifications thereto.

If the contractor effects any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the changes shall be considered to have been made without authority, and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase of expenses incurred as a result thereof.

https://vcss.ocfo.gsa.gov/ https://vcss.ocfo.gsa.gov/ https://vcss.ocfo.gsa.gov/ https://vcss.ocfo.gsa.gov/ mailto:businessapps@gsa.gov mailto:KC-Accts-Payable.Finance@gsa.gov

The Contracting Officers Representative (COR) or Program Manager shall assist in monitoring the contractor’s performance. The contractor’s performance shall be evaluated by the COR/Program Manager unless otherwise required.

The COR /Program Manager shall contact the Contracting Officer for any changes needed on the contract.

The Primary Contracting Officer for the Contract is:

Contracting Officer Erica Pelham Contracting Officer GSA Office of Administrative Services (OAS) Office of Internal Acquisition (OIA) 1800 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20405 Phone: 202-286-2184 Email: erica.pelham@gsa.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Any individual delegated as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) under the resultant contract shall be limited to technical cognizance and performance oversight. The COR shall not at any time execute contract actions or modifications therein.

The Contracting Officer shall issue a formal COR appointment letter, included in the resultant contract award package. The appointment letter shall identify responsibilities and limitations on authority specific to the resultant contract. Any changes to the COR or assigned duties therein shall be made in writing by the Contracting Officer.

The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and/or the Program Manager shall assist in monitoring the Contractor's performance. The Contractor's performance shall be evaluated by the COR and Program Manager unless otherwise required.

The COR shall contact the Contracting Officer for any changes needed on the requirement. The Primary Contracting Officer's Representative for the contract is:

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Cynthia Gilbert, COR

GSA FAS TTSS

Public Experience Portfolio – USAGov 1800 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20405 Email: cynthia.gilbert@gsa.gov Phone: 202-208-0138

23.0 INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

The General Services Administration (GSA) is issuing this Request for Quote (RFQ) on behalf of the GSA, FAS TTS Solutions’ Public Experience Portfolio - USAGov.

mailto:cynthia.gilbert@gsa.gov

The purpose of this RFQ is to solicit from Cision a SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription that includes media monitoring (print, online, and blogs), bilingual press releases, and content distribution services.

To maximize competition to the fullest extent possible, the RFQ will be publicized on SAM.gov with the intent to sole source to Cision and to determine if resellers or other capable vendors exist.

The government reserves the right to choose not to accept any Technical or Price Quotation.

Offerors may not submit marketing materials (brochures, glossies, etc.) as a substitute for submitting a prepared Technical Quotation.

24.0 BASIS OF AWARD

This will be a single award contract. The contract type is Firm-fixed Price (FFP) unit pricing with not-to-exceed (NTE) limits for CLINs based on quantities. The mandatory CLIN for Media Monitoring is a Firm-fixed price annual subscription.

Once the written Technical Quotation and Attachment A Vendor Requirements Checklist are evaluated and the rating assigned, the Price Quotation will be reviewed for the base year through Option Year 4 (total proposed Price) and compared to enable the Best Value Determination for the government. The Contracting Officer makes the Best Value Determination for the government.

Prices that are excessively high or low may be considered unreasonable and may receive no further consideration.

25.0 EVALUATION FACTOR AND METHODOLOGY

The technical evaluation consists of one factor, Technical Capabilities, based on the Offeror’s written Technical Quotation and their completion and submission of Attachment A Vendor Requirements Checklist. The government considers the Technical Capabilities the most important and only factor.

Although Price is not an evaluated factor, Price has significance to the government.

26.0 ADJECTIVAL MATRIX FOR FACTOR 1 –TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Adjectival Rating FACTOR 1 - Technical Capabilities

Description

Outstanding

The written Technical Quotation and Attachment A Vendor Requirements Checklist highly exceeds the requirements and demonstrates superior technical approach and understanding of all detailed requirements identified and demonstrates a high degree of certainty for successful accomplishment of requirements identified in SOW. The response contains many strengths, no deficiencies, and no weaknesses.

The risk of unsuccessful performance is very low.

Good The written Technical Quotation and Attachment A Vendor Requirements Checklist exceeds the requirements of the technical evaluation criteria and demonstrates a thorough approach and understanding of all detailed requirements identified and demonstrates a high degree of certainty for successful accomplishment of requirements identified in SOW. The Technical Quotation contains multiple strengths. No weaknesses, no deficiencies. The risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

Acceptable

The written Technical Quotation and Attachment A Vendor Requirement Checklist meets the minimum requirement and demonstrates an understanding of the requirements and presents the likelihood of meeting all of requirements. Strengths and weaknesses are offsetting or will have little or no impact on contract performance, they are correctable with some government oversight and direction. No deficiencies are identified. Risk of unsuccessful performance is moderate.

Unacceptable

The written Technical Quotation and Attachment A Vendor Requirements Checklist does not clearly address requirements of the technical evaluation criteria and has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. Technical Quotation and has deficiencies, one or more weaknesses that are not offset by strengths. Risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

27.0 BASIS OF EVALUATION FACTOR 1 –TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

The Technical Quotation and Attachment A Vendor Requirements Checklist will be evaluated to ascertain that the Solution's technical capabilities align with the government's requirements.

Note: Attachment A Vendor Requirements Checklist is not a substitute for the written Technical Quotation.

The written Technical Quotation and Attachment A Vendor Requirements Checklist will be evaluated on the following criteria:

o Submit a written Technical Quotation for this requirement that addresses SOW Section 3.0 SCOPE

OF WORK and Section 4.0 REQUIREMENTS. Complete and submit Attachment A Vendor Requirements Checklist. Attachment A is part of the technical evaluation.

o Identify your proposed Solution and provide an overview of your Solution.

o Explain how your Solution meets the government’s requirement for a comprehensive, proven and robust SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription for Media Monitoring (print, online, and blogs) AND Bilingual Press Releases and Content Distribution o Is the Solution a Software as a Solution (SaaS) subscription or license?

o Identify your dedicated point-of-contact with the knowledge and experience to successfully act as the primary liaison between the government and your Solution for both Media Monitoring and Bilingual Press Release and Content Distribution Services.

Media Monitoring o Identify and describe your comprehensive media monitoring (print, online, and blogs) process, analysis and results.

o What are the metrics that are used and how are these results provided to the government? What are the data sources used to develop the metrics and results?

o How are analytics and results captured and displayed so the government can evaluate successes or areas that need improvement for Media Monitoring?

o What are your capabilities and resources that identify journalists, influencers, blogs, and bloggers?

o Describe the Search functionality.

o Describe the Help Desk and Technical support functions .

Bilingual Press Releases and Content Distribution o Explain how your Solution meets the government’s requirement for a c omprehensive, robust and proven electronic nationwide distribution system for news releases, media advisories, statements and fact sheets, and other information to outlets via print, broadcast, and online media in English and Spanish.

o Identify and describe your comprehensive bilingual press releases and content distribution process, analysis and results.

o What are the delivery channels used to distribute bilingual press releases and content.

o Describe the magnitude of your reach into the following target groups: National Hispanic Newsline, US 1-National Newsline, and DC Public Interest Newsline.

o What metrics do you measure?

o How are analytics and results captured and displayed so the government can evaluate successes or areas that need improvement for Bilingual Press Release and Content Distribution ?

o Describe your Solution’s Editorial and Technical Support.

28.0 TECHNICAL QUOTATION

A written Technical Quotation is required from each Offeror. Offerors' Quotation must be concise and clearly describe how their recommended Solution meets USAGov's requirement for one SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription for (1) Media Monitoring & Analytics (dashboard) and (2) robust and proven Press Releases and Content Distribution Services. Also, if applicable, describe any new or improved technologies or business factors that have improved your technical capabilities or delivery channels.

See SOW Sections 3.0 Scope of Work and Section 4.0 Requirements.

The government wants to understand your capabilities fully; some of the focus areas include:

Why is your Solution the best fit to meet USAGov's requirements for media monitoring (print., online, and blogs) and bilingual press releases and content distribution?

USAGov targets the following groups: National Hispanic Newswire, US 1 National Newsline, and DC Public Interest Newsline. What are your online distribution channels?

What metrics and analytics are provided to assist the government in capturing success and identifying areas for improvement?

How are results, analytics, or other vital information collected or displayed in the Solution? Is it cloud-based? Is access available to the government 24/7/365?

What data sources do you use to capture media mentions? How often are media mentions captured?

How often are media mention results uploaded into the dashboard?

Further, there are two additional mandatory requirements for the Technical (1) a copy of the company's VPAT and (2) completion and submission of the Attachment A Vendor Requirement Checklist.

The VPAT does not count towards the Technical Quotation's 20-page limit; however, the Attachment A Vendor Requirement Checklist (four pages) does count towards your 20-page limit.

29.0 FORMAT OF TECHNICAL QUOTATION

o Introduction and background of your company to include Company name; URL; SAM.gov's Unique Entity ID; CAGE Code; NAICS Code: 513210; and Product and Service Code: DA10 o The Technical Quotation shall be a separate volume from the Price Quotation.

o The following naming conventions for the Technical and Price Quotations documents should be utilized: RFQ No., Vendor Name - [Technical/Price] Quotations, and Date.

o Company Contact Information for the point of contact, telephone number, address, and e-mail address.

o Business size; and any applicable socio-economic categories: such as small business, women-owned small business, HUBZone, 8(a) or service-disabled veteran-owned small business, etc.; and your GSA Schedule contract number, if applicable o At the minimum 11-point font size with single-spaced text and page margins of at least 1 inch on the top, bottom, and sides.

o Technical Quotation is limited to 20-pages.

o Technical Quotation shall be submitted as a PDF file.

o The following three bullets should be included but do not count toward the 20-page limit.

o Title page including the RFQ Number, date, title of solicitation, and Offeror's name.

o Tables of Content (to consist of topics and page numbers only).

o Copy of company's VPAT does not count towards 20-page limit.

o Completed Vendor Requirement Checklist (four pages) counts towards the 20-page limit.

o Any other attachments, appendices, or exhibits will count toward the 20-page limit.

30.0 FORMAT FOR PRICE QUOTATION

o The Price Quotation is submitted using the Vendor Pricing Tool (VPT) as a separate volume from the Technical Quotation and related mandatory attachments. The Technical Quotation and Price Quotation are submitted simultaneously, including the mandatory attachments.

o The Offeror must use the Vendor Pricing Tool (VPT) to calculate and submit their Price Quotation.

o The Offeror must complete the top section consisting of the Vendor name, and RFQ Number and identify the escalation rate for Option Years 1-4 (Row 5), and any applicable discounts (Row 6). The Offeror must complete Tab 1 (pricing for the Base Year and all CLINs and Option Years) and Tab 2

- Base Year actual ordering quantities for each CLIN identified.

o Do not use the roundup feature in your pricing calculations.

o The Offeror shall verify that the formulas contained in the Vendor Pricing Tool calculate correctly.

o The Vendor Pricing Tool will be submitted with landscape orientation, not less than 10-point font, paper size not more than 8.5x14.

o Identify any offered discounts (Row 6).

o Identify any applicable escalation rates for Option Year 1 through Option Year 4 (Row 5).

o The Vendor Pricing Tool must be submitted as an Excel file AND as a PDF file.

Note: The government will identify each Option Year’s ordering quantities and obtain a price Quotation before any Option Year is exercised. The government may request additional quantities up to the not-to-exceed limits identified in CLIN 0002 -CLIN 0005 for the Base Year and all Option Years.

31.0 PRICE EVALUATION

The Contracting Officer will evaluate the Offeror’s Price Quotation for all CLINs, and individual line items, including Option Years. The Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), GSA Schedule rates, if applicable, past procurements, and the proposed Solution will be among the elements the government uses to assess the Price Quotation. Price has significance to the government .

Communications The Government intends to award without communications. Vendors shall provide their best, complete Price Quotation upon initial submission. The Government reserves the right to hold communications if deemed necessary by the Contracting Officer.

Government-employee representatives from the requiring program office shall provide technical evaluation of all Quotations based on the Quotations/documentation provided. The evaluations will be based on the evaluation criteria set forth above.

32.0 DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS

All questions must be submitted in writing via email to the Contracting Officer, Erica Pelham, at erica.pelham@gsa.gov by 11:00 AM EST, Monday, July 17, 2023. N o questions will be accepted by telephone or after the specified time and due date. Each question submitted must cite the SOW Section number/title for which the question pertains unless the question is general and not specific to a particular portion(s) of the RFQ/SOW. Offerors will submit questions to the Contracting Officer using Attachment C Question and Answer . All questions will be answered in writing and posted through SAM.gov, so the government’s response is available to all Offerors.

33.0 DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF THE TECHNICAL AND PRICE QUOTATIONS

The due date for submission of the written Technical Quotation, Price Quotation, and all mandatory Attachments, is 11:00 AM EST, Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Successful submission to SAM.gov shall include:

1. Written Technical Quotation (PDF) and Attachment A Vendor Requirement Checklist and a copy of the company’s VPAT.

2. Vendor Pricing Tool (Attachment B) in Excel and PDF file formats.

34.0 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR) PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR ) PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES INCORPORATED

BY REFERENCE

CLAUSE TITLE

FAR 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017)

FAR 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020)

FAR 52.204-14 Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Jan 2014)

FAR 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems

FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance

FAR 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Aug 2019)

FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services – Representation

FAR 52.204-27 Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023)

FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (O CT 2018)

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR) PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE - CONTINUED

FAR 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors

Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021)

FAR 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015)

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services Items (Dec 2022)

FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jun 2023)

FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (Jul 1990)

FAR 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity-Separately Priced Line Item (M AR 1989)

FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)

FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

FAR 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003)

FAR 52.222-19 Child Labor Corporation with Authorities and Remedies (Dec 2022)

FAR 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (A PR 2015)

FAR 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (Sept 2016)

FAR 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020)

FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021)

FAR 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020)

FAR 52.225-13 Restrictions on certain foreign purchases (Feb 2021)

FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data-General (M AY 2014)

FAR 52.232-1 Payments (Apr 1984)

FAR 52.232-8 Discounts for Prompt Payment (Feb 2002)

FAR 52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (M AY 2014)

FAR 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management

(O CT 2018)

FAR 52.232-38 Submission of Electronic Funds Transfer Information with Offer (J UL 2013)

FAR 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations ( un 2013)

FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023)

FAR 52.233-3 Protest after Award (Aug 1996)

FAR 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (O CT 2004)

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR) PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE - CONTINUED

FAR 52.239-1 Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996)

FAR 52.247-34 FOB Destination (N OV 1991)

FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (F EB 1998)

35.0 GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION MANUAL (GSAM)

PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION MANUAL (GSAM) PROVISIONS

AND CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

CLAUSE

NUMBERS

TITLE

GSAM 552.203-71 Restriction on Advertising (Sep 1999)

GSAM 552.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Products and Commercial Services (FAR Deviation 52.212-4) (JAN 2023)

GSAM 552.212-71 Contract Terms and Conditions Applicable to GSA Acquisitions of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (JAN 2022)

GSAM 552.212-72 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Applicable to GSA Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (JAN 2022)

GSAM 552.217-71 Notice Regarding Option(s) (Nov 1992)

GSAM 552.232.25 Prompt Payment (JAN 2022) (Deviation FAR 52.232-25)

GSAM 552.232-78 Commercial Supplier Agreements – Unenforceable Clauses (Feb 2018)

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A – Vendor Requirements Checklist Attachment B – Vendor Pricing Tool (Excel) Attachment C – Question & Answer form