A9 Source Sought HQ0516-FY-25-0002 AFN Go Multi-Platform AOIP App.pdf

Sources Sought Notice AFN Go Multi-Platform AoIP App

Sources Sought Tracking Number: HQ0516-FY-25-0002

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS:

Defense Media Activity 6700 Taylor Avenue

Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

The Defense Media Activity (DMA) is seeking information from industry to assist with market research identifying small businesses capable of providing support. The intent of this Sources Sought is for development of a Multi-Platform Audio Over Internet Protocol (AoIP) App for the American Forces Network (AFN) Go service. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response.

DMA representatives may choose to meet with respondents and others who express interest and hold one-on-one discussions. Such discussions would only be intended to obtain further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, including any development and implementation risks.

The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess availability of the anticipated requirement and may lead to the development of a solicitation. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Respondents are encouraged to provide the following:

1. A summary of the respondent’s capabilities relating to DMA’s requirements.

2. Questions related to the SOURCES SOUGHT’s Required Capabilities. Any questions received and subsequent answers will be posted to https://sam.gov/ for the benefit of all interested parties.

Purpose

This SOURCES SOUGHT outlines the government’s requirement for development of a Multi- Platform Audio Over Internet Protocol (AoIP) App for the American Forces Network (AFN) Go service.

https://sam.gov/

Scope:

DMA requires a cohesive digital platform integrating advanced technologies to:

• Provide local, regional, and network radio station streaming services.

• Provide storage and streaming delivery services for music playlists and on-demand audio.

• Provide system for dynamic, targeted audio ad insertion, management, and scheduling.

• Provide a system for dynamic, targeted graphic ad display, management, and scheduling.

• Provide seamless compatibility with mobile, web, smart speaker, and in-vehicle systems.

• Provide system to manage, schedule, and deliver emergency push notifications

• Provide technical support to address app connectivity and interface directly with customers.

Responses should detail how the proposed solution aligns with DMA's requirements and address the functionalities listed under "Required Capabilities."

If multiple solutions are proposed, each should be presented separately within the response documents.

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES

Multi-Platform/ Cross-Platform:

• Full correlative functionality on modern web browsers, iOS devices, Android devices, Amazon and Google smart speaker devices, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

• Customizable SDK.

• Content Delivery Support

• High-reliability content delivery network (CDN) with 99.99% uptime.

• Live radio streaming for no less than 25 local stations and seven network stations

• Cloud-based radio automation and podcast hosting.

• Admin-curated playlists.

• Low/No latency song title and artist “now playing” information

• Variable bitrate (minimum 32 kbps), scalable to user bandwidth.

• On-demand audio.

• User-customizable playlists.

• Geo-filtering/ geo-blocking and IP “whitelisting” for secure content delivery.

• Redundant audio streams with automatic failover/ backup capabilities.

• Automated email alerts to AFN for silence detection and stream failures.

• Intuitive, seamless, responsive, and visually appealing user interface and experience.

• Display of "Now Playing" metadata (artist, album, title).

• Display record of “previously played” and “up next” song title and artist.

• Hands-free voice assistant controls (e.g., Google Assistant, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto).

• Options for "favorites," "recently played," and personalized content recommendations.

• Parental controls and geolocation-based customization.

• Enhanced Music Customization and Command Integration that delivers a personalized, dynamic listening experience while ensuring users remain connected to mission-critical updates.

• Personalized Stations & Playlists:

o Choose from curated stations and playlists tailored to mood, activity, or time of day.

o Save favorites, skip, replay, and refine preferences.

• Custom Station Builder:

o Build stations based on preferred genres, artists, or eras.

o Adjust for hits, deep cuts, or emerging tracks.

• Command Interstitial Integration:

o Integrate PSAs, mission updates, and command messaging between songs.

o Customize frequency and placement of updates for minimal disruption.

• Dynamic Content Scheduling:

o Schedule playlists or station preferences by time of day.

o Rotate seamlessly between music and command messaging.

• Artist Spotlight & Features:

o Enjoy artist-focused playlists, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.

• Interactive Experience:

o Like/dislike songs to refine recommendations.

o Receive real-time updates and alerts from command sources.

Outcome for Users: The AFN Go app offers unmatched control over music preferences while keeping listeners informed with essential updates. Whether for workouts, relaxation, or mission awareness, the app delivers a seamless blend of entertainment and communication—anytime, anywhere.

User Notifications and Advertising:

• Secure CMS interface for banner ad and push notification management.

• Capability to schedule and target push notifications.

• In-stream ad targeting based on geographic location and demographic data.

• Companion banner ads synchronized with audio streams.

User Metrics and Analytics:

• MRC-accredited analytics with secure, web-based access.

• Real-time reporting on, at a minimum, number of listeners, session starts, time spent listening, and geographic locations.

• Historic reporting on, at a minimum, number of listeners, sessions, time spent listening, and geographic locations.

• Ability to perform comparative analysis across data sets

• Downloadable to CSV and/or PDF.

• Detailed reporting on on-demand downloads, listeners, and device usage.

COMPLIANCE WITH DOD CYBERSECURITY STANDARDS:

• Systems must comply with DISA and DMUC standards.

• Documentation for cybersecurity approval as required.

• Vendor must provide an Information System Security Officer to manage and maintain compliance.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Training and Support:

• Training for AFN operations, technical staff, and administrators.

• 24/7 post-launch technical support.

Testing and Certification for CarPlay/Android Auto:

• Testing on approved Apple and Google simulators.

• Certification for CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

REQUESTED INFORMATION:

a. Company’s Name, mailing address, phone number, company’s website, and e-mail of designated point(s) of contact.

b. Business Type: Based upon North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 518210 – Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services. Identify the type of small business entity (small business, small disadvantaged, woman-owned, 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, etc.).

c. CAGE Code.

d. Contractor’s past performance in meeting stated objectives/requirements, statement of qualifications to include information that clearly demonstrates the respondent’s capabilities, expertise, and experience to perform the specific requirements contained in this SOURCES

SOUGHT.

e. Contract vehicles that would be available to the Government for the procurement of the product and service, to include General Service Administration (GSA), GSA MOBIS,Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), or any other Government Agency contract vehicle. (This information is for market research only and does not preclude your company from responding to this notice.)

RESPONSE GUIDELINES:

Vendors who wish to respond to this should send responses via email NLT 28 January 2025 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Contracting Specialist husnulmaab.maab.ctr@mail.mil and Contracting Officer stephen.p.dimitriou.civ@mail.mil. Interested parties are requested to respond to this SOURCES SOUGHT with a white paper. Submissions cannot exceed 10 pages, single-spaced, 12- point type with at least one-inch margins on 8 1/2” X 11” page size, not including any manufacturer cut sheets or system block diagrams. Responses must specifically describe the contractor’s capability to meet the requirements outlined in this SOURCES

SOUGHT.

QUESTIONS:

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted by e-mail to husnulmaab.maab.ctr@mail.mil and stephen.p.dimitriou.civ@mail.mil. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after 21 January 2025 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), will be answered. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submissions of their responses.

DISCLAIMER:

This SOURCES SOUGHT is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract.

Responses will not be considered as proposals, nor will any award be made as a result of this synopsis.

All information contained in the SOURCES SOUGHT is preliminary, as well as, subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. FAR clause 52.215-3, “Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes”, is incorporated by reference in this SOURCES SOUGHT. The Government does not intend to pay for information received in response to this SOURCES SOUGHT. Responders to this invitation are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this SOURCES SOUGHT. This SOURCES SOUGHT will be the basis for collecting information on capabilities available.

This SOURCES SOUGHT is issued solely for information and planning purposes. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this SOURCES SOUGHT that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this SOURCES SOUGHT are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.

PARTICIPATION IN THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY AND

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A

COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES

OR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR THE INFORMATION RECEIVED.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ASSOCIATED

COSTS AS A RESULT OF PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS INTEREST, RESPONSE OR

PARTICIPATION IN THIS SOURCES SOUGHT. ANY FORMAL SOLICITATION

mailto:husnulmaab.maab.ctr@mail.mil mailto:stephen.p.dimitriou.civ@mail.mil mailto:husnulmaab.maab.ctr@mail.mil mailto:stephen.p.dimitriou.civ@mail.mil

WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE. THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES

THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS REQUIREMENT AT ANY TIME DURING THE

ACQUISITION PROCESS.

ANY SOLICITATION RESULTING FROM THE ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION

OBTAINED WILL BE POSTED TO THE PUBLIC IN FEDERAL BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FAR PART 5. HOWEVER,

RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED RESPONSES TO A

SOLICITATION.