Q and A 705-0-9568-03.docx

Questions and Answers Solicitation #705-0-9568-03

1. Masters are specified as “Betas” are these Digibetas or Beta SP tapes?

Answer. Master tapes are Betacam SP tapes.

2. What is the run time of each master tape?

Answer. For this solicitation, use 1 hour for the run time of each tape. The average length of each tape will vary from ½ hour to 1 ½ hours.

3. How many tapes do you want on each DVD?

Answer. Please provide quotes for three 1-hour tapes per DVD in both DVD-5 and DVD-9 formats.

4. What type of closed captioning file will be provided? (.cc, .scc, etc.?)

Answer. The captioning files are .cc files that reside on line 21 of video.

5. Is it possible to get a short sample of the closed captioning file for our review?

Answer. No. Examples of CMS video programming can be found at: http://videocast.nih.gov/PastEvents.asp?c=80.

6. Do you have the time codes for the capturing the contents?

Answer. Yes, the Betacam tapes include time codes.

7. Will there be any required editing to format programs, prior to encoding for DVD?

Answer. No.

8. Are there any graphics or logos to be added?

Answer. No.

9. Are a data check disc and printed check disc needed for both after authoring and before replication?

Answer. Yes.

10. Will this job require a “GOLD MASTER” DVD prior to duplication?

Answer. CMS will need a final master of DVD for approval before duplication.

11. Will the files that CMS provide for subtitling be in MS Word or another format? If in another format, which one?

Answer. We will also provide a transcript of the captioning in word or txt files for the subtitles.

12. Can we see the 6 panel disc sleeve templates (for 2 & 3 discs) to see if they match our current product? Otherwise a new die will need to be made at a higher cost.

Answer. We are not requiring that the contractor use the same template we used in the past. Vendors should propose a template and send us a sample of their previous work.

13. For the 6 panel sleeve proofs, are they supposed to be a physically completed sample or just mock up is okay?

Answer. Once CMS is sure of the type of packaging the contractor will be using, an electronic pdf of proof will suffice for approval.

14. Packaging requirement is 6 panel wrap; is a folding carton type (SBS material) panel printed on all six sides?

Answer. Yes, the packaging is a 6 panel wallet with full color printing on the discs, full color 15 pt or higher card stock packaging and shrink wrap of the DVDs.

15. For the packaging: Are you looking for a 6 Panel Wallet or a 6 Panel Digipak? Does this need to be sized like a CD Jewel Case or a DVD Amaray Case? Here are our products:

Answer. 6 Panel Wallet: http://www.furnacemfg.com/default/ecojackets/6-panel-wallet.html (discs will just fit inside one or more of the flaps)

16. What is the standard of the source media NTSC or PAL? Can we assume these are NTSC discs given the final destination?

Answer. NTSC

17. Graphic design –

a. Would you prefer motion main menus on each disc?

b. Aside from a main menu page (still or motion) will there be additional pages such as scene selection pages?

c. Further to (b) can we assume you would prefer a “setup page” or (button on main) allowing the viewer to enable/disable subtitles?

Answer. No CMS will provide a background graphic, contractor can give CMS button graphic options. Other than the main menu there will be no additional pages for scene selection. C. yes a button to enable/disable subtitles on the menu screen is needed.

18. How interactive will the final DVD need to be? Do you just need a main menu with graphics for each segment that you can then select and play… or do you need active graphics throughout the DVD so that the user can fast forward, rewind, and jump to additional segments without going back to the main menu?

Answer. Just a main menu with the option to select from the different shows and to enable/disable subtitles.

19. Can you provide an outline of the menu options so we can see how deep the heirarchy needs to be: for example:

Main Menu -play all -play all closed caption -chapter selection -sub menu chapter options w/ or without cc

Answer. Main Menu -Play all -And also have the different titles for shows so user can select one -Enable/disable subtitles

20. Will you be providing an STL file to allow the closed captioning to be turned on/off in the actual DVD menu or do you wish this feature be controlled by the viewers TV/DVD player? There are two ways that Closed Captioning can work: This is taken from our FAQs:

"SCC file for closed captioning is setup to work with the controls on a TV (controlled by the end user and toggled on their unit). Using this type of file will only allow us to set up the movie to play one way and the end user would have control on their TV but not by the DVD menu. You wouldn't even necessarily need a menu for this option, but may want to put a disclaimer about the close captioning option on a menu screen to be sure.

In order to have the two separate options one that automatically plays with closed captioning and doesn't need to be controlled by the end users TV, we would need an STL file. If you have this file that you can send us we should be able to proceed setting it up this way with ease. If you need us to convert an SCC file to the needed STL file or other format, this would likely incur a additional cost."

Answer. No, Closed Captions are already on line 21 and when person sets up their TV to see subtitles the subtitles should appear.

21. Would each title produced be in the 5,000 or 10,000 quantity that you've listed or is that the total quantity broken out among several smaller runs of DVDs?

Answer. CMS would like quotes based on the different quantities of 5000 and 10000 for the total duplication and packaging of cd/dvds.

22. How many different jobs are estimated under this contract?

Answer. Numbers are not concrete at this time. Please fill in template for costs so that CMS can have an idea of how much each job may cost depending on quantity and number of hours of shows for mastering.

23. From receipt of the Beta tapes and artwork, what is your required turnaround time?

Answer. 2 weeks for mastering, 10-12 business days for duplication.

24. What is the timeline for turnaround on this project?

Answer. For first project final packaged dvds are needed to be bulk shipped no later than September 1.

25. In the Evaluation Criteria, subsection Quality; a request for samples of previous DVD products are requested. Since the response to the solicitation is being sent electronically, how should we proceed in providing the samples of work to you?

Answer. Please fedex to Attn: Phil Harrell, Mailstop C2-16-27

26. Should the proposal include the freight service?

Answer. No.