Technical Writer Questions.doc

SOLICITATION 483-09MR-4240 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Will the writer be given the topics for the articles?

No. We want submissions to fall within 3 general types of articles: on the job safety, off the job safety, and general mining subjects. Articles can’t be controversial, advertise a product or company, or solicit money for anything.

2. Are general health (not mine-specific) and general safety topics acceptable?

Yes. General Health and general safety topics are acceptable (see answer above).

3. Is there an editor or contact with whom the writer can confer about research, subject matter experts, etc.?

Yes there are several people on staff that the writer can contact.

4. Who secures photos/graphics?

When an article is submitted, all copyrighted material included in the article must be accompanied by a file proving they have permission to use it. This includes photos or graphics submitted with the article. We maintain a file folder of all permissions received. If we don’t receive the written permission, the article is deemed to be unusable and will not count toward contract fulfillment since it does not meet the definition of an article as specified in the contract. For additional information, see question 5.

5. Who does the layout and design of the publication?

It is handled in house by our graphics department.

6. How is payment handled? At what intervals is the writer paid? What is the procedure?

Current practice is for them to submit an invoice for the number of articles (not pages) provided. The invoice should include the title(s) of the article(s), so we can verify we received and approved the article. Each article must meet the definition of an article as outlined in the contract.

The writer will be paid as invoices are sent. Terms can be net 15. The 15 days will begin from the date of receipt in our Finance. Bidders should be registered in the central contractor register. Payments are made using this information. Payment is deposited into the account listed on the banking information.

7. How many writing samples are required?

Three samples, each one covering a different article type such as: on the job safety, off the job safety, and a general mining topic.

8. Are you requesting that the writer is local to you in Beaver, WV or can this individual work off-site (i.e. remotely)?

Work can be done off-site via phone and emails.

9. Will the writer be provided with article topics or will he/she need to come up with those on their own?

No. We want submissions to fall within 3 general types of articles: on the job safety, off the job safety, and general mining su bjects. Articles can’t be controversial, advertise a product or company, or solicit money for anything.

10. I did develop one additional question. t is references to go to www.msha.gov for copies of past issues of the safety bulletin. I did go to the web site but am having great difficulty finding these issues. Would you be able to guide me on where to go from the main page of www.msha.gov or would you be able to email me a copy? The bulletins are not found on “our” MSHA site. They are on “ our” Holmes site. The link to the home page is below as well as the direct link to the bulletins.

http://www.holmessafety.org/ http://www.holmessafety.org/bulletins/index.html

11. Will it be necessary to come to your location or can all of the coordination be done via the phone and e-mails?

All coordination will be done via phone and emails.

12.I received your bid from FedBizOpps. We have a staff of technical writers at our firm and we are located in Pittsburgh, Pa. If our firm is considered for this job, given our geographical distance and interest in saving on travel time, would you consider using internet communication tools like Skype and/or AIM Video to conduct the periodic meetings between your personnel and our writer?

It is not needed. We can work via telephone and email.

13.Will you be purchasing off GSA Schedule?

We have not limited competition to GSA schedule vendors. However, any GSA contract will be considered.

14. Does the contractor provide pictures?

Answered in the above questions.

15. Do the meetings take place in Beaver, WV?

There is no need for any face to face meetings.

16. Will travel be reimbursed?

No. Travel will not be reimbursed since none is required.

17. Will articles be assigned by the senior course developer, or is the writer expected to suggest topics?

Answered in the above questions.

18. Will the writer be reimbursed for long distance telephone calls?

Any estimated costs would need to be incorporated in the price quoted.

19.Do you have sample articles that can be sent for review?

Sample articles are attached to the main Fed Biz Op document.

10.