RFQ Qs and As Revised - Audiovisual Preservation for the National Library of Medicine.pdf

Audiovisual Preservation for the National Library of Medicine

RFQ# 75N97020R00017

Questions and Answers (Revised*)

Q1. For Film: Master- FFV1 (.mkv) 2048x1080 @ 24fps, would 2048x1536 be acceptable?

A1. This can be acceptable but may require additional discussion or clarification prior to execution.

Q2. For Film: A master audio preservation WAV file is listed. Typically, a separate WAV file would be created along with a DPX sequence. In the case of FFV1 being the preservation file, the audio file would be embedded into the FFV1 file. In the instance the audio element is separate, would you want a separate WAV file in addition to it being embedded in the FFV1 file?

A2. Yes

Q3. For Film: Mezzanine- ProRes422HQ 2048x1080 @ 24fps, would 2048x 1536 be acceptable?

A3. This can be acceptable, but may require additional discussion or clarification prior to execution

Q4. For Video: In reference to the mezzanine file (Pro Res 422 YUV 8-bit (720x480) 48 kHz, 24-bit AAC) for Video, would 10-bit and picture ratio of 720x486 be acceptable?

A4. Yes, this is acceptable. But with regard to choosing 10-bit over 8-bit, we would want to know the reasoning. From a VHS source, what would the advantage be? How much would this increase file size?

Q5. For Video: What is the average run time of the VHS collection?

A5. 30 minutes per tape

Q6. As part of our film digitization SOP we create DPX "masters" in addition to any derivative files, such as FFV1. Would the client wish to retain the DPX files, as well?

A6. No

Q7. Can we receive a sample of the required metadata for both film and video, prior to submitting a response?

A7. Yes, but it may change before material is shipped as we research and refine our schema. Two sample metadata spreadsheets (one film and one video) have been provided in the solicitation attachments for your reference.

Q8. Is it advantage for the vendor to pick up all assets in one shipment and transport them directly to their facility for processing?

A8. No, and the uncertainties of COVID and staff access to NLM mean that it’s unlikely we would be able to prepare a large single shipment.

Q9. Should we anticipate region specific tapes other than NTSC, such as PAL or SECAM?

A9. No

Q10. What should we assume for quantity of film (linear feet) and VHS (hours) during the first period of performance?

A10. This can vary but a ballpark might be 100,000 LF film and 200 hours VHS tape.

Q11. How much of the film collection 8mm vs 16mm, vs 35mm?

A11. 90% 16mm

Q12. The SOW mentions 1920x1080 for the film "master file", but task 002 mentions 2K resolution for the master. Which is it?

A12. The SOW should say 2K resolution for the master file. The SOW is revised to indicate “Frame size: 2K (2048x1080)” under Sample specifications for FFV1 files-Preservation Master. A copy of the revised SOW is added to the solicitation attachments in Beta.Sam.Gov

Q13. We assume pricing on hard drives will be determined at a later date, since the SOW states the government may purchase and provide them. Correct?

A13. The Government expects to provide the hard drives. The vendor may include in its business response pricing for hard drives ranging from 2 TB to 8 TB in capacity

Q14. Do you have numbers on how long the film reels are?

A14. Film reels average 30 minutes each

Q15. Is there any sort of breakdown of how many tapes vs how many reels?

A15. Currently 400 VHS tapes have been selected to digitize. The initial tasks may include twice as many tapes as films

Q16. Would the Government please provide the labor categories, an estimated level of effort inclusive of hours and FTEs for this scope of work?

A16. The Government does not estimate any labor categories, or the level of effort required to perform either of the proposed tasks. It is up to the vendor to offer a price based on an understanding of the requirement.

* New Questions or responses to questions (A7 and A16) are noted in bold print.