QUESTIONS_RECEIVED_-_BBG50-R-14-0055.doc

QUESTIONS RECEIVED:

1. How will the multiple awards be awarded? Country wise, media wise, VOA service wise? Or can VOA bifurcate and give multiple awards as it deems fit?

A:

Multiple Awards shall be issued via VOA Service as outlined in the Statements of Work. For example – VOA Urdu would be considered one campaign; VOA Ashna would be considered another campaign.

2. Are there any specific budgets for each SOW or is there a single budget for the whole solicitation?

There are approximate budgets allotted by Statement of Work that when combined equate to the overall, total independent government estimate for this project.

3. You have mentioned the minimum requirements in each statement of work, for e.g 6 billboards each for VOA DEEWA and VOA ASHNA and 10 billboards for VOA - URDU are we supposed to provide offers for the minimum commercial items only or can we also suggest our recommended packages exceeding the minimum requirements for e.g can we suggest campaigns for 15, 20 or 30 billboards/TV Spots/Newspaper insertions?

Minimum requirements were incorporated in each statement of work to establish a baseline for acceptable proposals. Each offeror may opt to propose more than the minimum by format. Each offeror may also present more than one proposal. For example – option 1 – six (6) billboards; option 2: twelve (12) billboards.

4. We are planning to give you a minimum proposal and a recommended proposal (Higher side), we will give VOA an option to pick and choose (a la carte) and also recommend the best options to VOA as per our marketing expertise and market research. VOA will have the option to either go for a full package or deliberate with us on selecting a pick and choose/tailor made package that fits the budget and objectives, as we are looking to keep the proposal as flexible as possible. Is that ok?

Yes, this is ok. Please be sure to clearly outline and price each option package.

5. As asked above, if we propose offers/packages exceeding minimum limits it might take our offer to the higher side; does it affect the price factor in our proposal? Or will VOA pick and choose the best options/packages as per the budgets available?

The BBG will choose the best option/package to the offeror(s) that proposes the overall “best value” based on the evaluation factors outlined in the solicitation under basis for award: technical approach; experience and past performance.

6. In case we want to visit the Headquarters of BBG in Washington to negotiate/discuss/deliberate on the proposal/award if the need arises, invitation shall be required to visit BBG headquarters in Washington. Will BBG send a formal invitation to process visas?

Due to the time restraints and budget limitations, invitational travel and visa coordination shall not be granted. If discussions are required, they will be done so via email per the solicitation.

7. In Attachment B–VOA DEEWA you have mentioned that you require full page advertisements twice a week in the mentioned newspapers, later on under the media place considerations and deliverables heading you have mentioned half page, can you please clear this ambiguity ?

This has been corrected. The newspaper ad placement is full page.

8. In attachment B-VOA DEEWA It is mentioned that you require ad insertions twice a week Friday and Sunday in four newspapers, does that make a minimum of 8 ad insertions (Friday and Sunday in each newspaper)?

This has been corrected. The minimum placement is eight (8) ad insertions.

9. In Attachment B–VOA DEEWA you have mentioned 7 cities but you are asking minimum 6 billboards, can you please clear this ambiguity as well?

This has been corrected. The minimum billboards required are seven (7).

10. In all the SOWs you have mentioned that the agency must inform VOA if it requires advanced payment, whereas in the main solicitation under FAR 52.232-31(c)(2) it is stated that advance payment will be restricted to 15 percent only. Please elaborate

This has been corrected to remove the advanced payment language within each SOW. Please refer to the language outlined in FAR 52.232-31. Within this FAR clause, you will also find (3) the terms and conditions of the contract financing must be appropriate or customary in the commercial marketplace; and (4) The terms and conditions of the financing must be in the best interests of the United States. With that said, the offeror shall include preferred financing terms along with the proposal to fulfill the requirement outlined in the statement of work.

11. You have written in SOWs that “upon award of contract, vendor will submit proposed locations for billboards”, please explain, as we are already proposing the billboards in our proposal before award of contract.

A:

This has been corrected. Each offeror shall propose locations for billboards within their proposal.

12. In attachment D-VOA ASHNA under Team Sponsorship heading you have mentioned participation in kickoff or post events, please explain this.

A:

Offeror’s proposal shall include the option to be mentioned within radio and/or TV ad for the National Women’s Soccer Team. VOA Ashna wishes to be recognized as the sponsor of the National Women’s Soccer Team. For example: After the National Women’s Soccer Team ad has run (offeror shall state “This radio announcement is brought to you by VOA Ashna and/or the Voice of America”). Please refer to the link below for similar ad performed for another service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM3LJC7Dp4Q

13. Has VOA previously advertised in the countries other than Pakistan?

A:

Yes. VOA advertises in multiple countries and on multiple platforms around the globe. These advertising campaigns are sourced and awarded as needed based on media platform; region and language.

14. If yes, can you provide clearances from those agencies who have previously worked for VOA as it will be a requirement?

Please refer to the answer above. Clearances from such agencies should be not required.

15. Since international placement will be involved & the payments would be remitted to those destinations, would it be possible to remit the amount to some other destination instead of Pakistan?

The selected awardee(s) are the prime contractor with the BBG. The BBG shall not have a fiduciary relationship with any subcontractors included within the offeror’s proposal. If your proposal incorporates the use of subcontractors, the offeror is responsible for payment to the subcontractor.

16. Will we getting advanced payments on this contract/what will be the terms of payment as billboards require advance payment for skin production and rent.

A:

Please refer to the answer given in question number ten (10). With that said, the offeror shall include preferred financing terms along with the proposal to fulfill the requirement outlined in the statement of work.

17. If we are suggesting payment terms can we suggest 100% advance payment.

A:

Please refer to the answer given in question number ten (10). With that said, the offeror shall include preferred financing terms along with the proposal to fulfill the requirement outlined in the statement of work.

18. What are your budgets for each country?

A:

Please refer to the answer given in question number two (2). There are approximate budgets allotted by Statement of Work that when combined equate to the overall, total independent government estimate for this project.

19. Can we give recommendations to suggest change in media channels to improve effectiveness of ad campaign?

A:

Yes. Please see the answers given in questions number three (3) and four (4).

20. Do you want planning spread over a period of four months for each country/city?

A:

Your proposal should include the minimum number by format outlined in each statement of work to establish a baseline for acceptable proposals. Please refer to the answer given in question numbers three (3) and four (4) regarding submission of multiple proposal proposals/options.

21. Can we give proposal for one country only?

A:

Please see the answer given in question number one (1). Offeror may submit a proposal for one country only; however, the proposal shall be responsive to the entire statement of work for that language service. For example – VOA Ashna is considered one campaign.

22. Can the start dates of campaign can be adjusted accordingly as we will have to see the availability of billboards and other services.

A:

Yes. Per the statement of work, start date and run-time can be adjusted with VOA approval to get the best placement and value or to accommodate artwork delivery.

23. Will you negotiate after submission of offer?

A:

Per the solicitation under Basis for Award, The Government plans to award without discussions, but may conduct discussions if it deems it is in the Government’s best interest. In the event that the Government conducts discussions from Offerors who are determined to be in the Competitive Range in accordance with FAR 15.307, it is the intention of the Government to conduct discussion/negotiations either via email or at the BBG Headquarters in Washington, DC.

24. What if CPC or CPM is not applicable for some websites, can we offer some other method?

A:

Yes. The BBG/VOA recognizes that reach and frequency estimates for media in some places not be possible. Robust reach and frequency estimates are obtained by applying mathematical modeling to sample detailed viewership data to project the likely (= theoretical) net coverage and frequency (opportunities-to-see) of a proposed or actual campaign.

25. Can agency also charge separately for its services?

Offeror may submit multiple invoices for placements by format. For example, radio ad placements can be submitted in one (1) invoice; billboard placements can be submitted in one (1) invoice.