BBG50R150037_Questions_and_Answers.doc

BBG50R150037 Questions and Answers

Q:

There are no minimum requirements mentioned for each medium in VOA Ashna SOW. Should we give spot rates (rates per item) or, create a media plan with a hypothetical budget as per the percentages of budget allocation mentioned? I am hoping that the hypothetical budget plan shall not effect our proposal if the budgets are lower than the hypothetical figure.

The BBG/VOA prefers to allow the offeror to develop a media plan for all formats listed on the SOW. The percentages by format are a guideline to reflect an order of importance the BBG/VOA is interested in. The offeror may submit more than one proposal using different percentages based on the knowledge of the region and costs to execute the elements of the campaign.

Q:

In VOA Ashna for team sponsorship you have mentioned a percentage of budget. If the percentage of budget is lower than we what we have proposed, some deliverables will have to be dropped to accommodate the budget. Is that alright?

See the answer to number one. The percentages on the SOW are a guideline but not absolute. The offeror may submit more than one proposal using different percentages based on the knowledge if the region and costs to execute the elements of the campaign.

Q:

In VOA Deewa SOW, 7 cities are mentioned for placement of billboards, whereas the minimum requirement is 6 billboards. Is that 7 minimum billboards?

It’s 7 billboards. We will adjust the SOW.

Q:

We are skeptic about acquiring billboards in Iraq and Syria for VOA Kurdish, keeping in view the current law and order situation there. However, we will be sending you the proposal, but the creatives will have to be approved before signing of the Contract/PO? Is that possible? If there is any objection we shall not be able to carry out the campaign over there? Is that alright, does it affect our performance or proposal?

The BBG/VOA can provide samples of the billboards for approval if needed to secure placement. The BBG/VOA will accept alternative proposals if billboards are not feasible given the current political situation. The offeror can submit individual proposals by language for the BBG’s/VOA’s review. The BBG/VOA may then award multiple contracts as a result.

Q:

We understand that the requirement is of minimum of ten billboards in at the mentioned locations in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. We need to provide the best site options available and their costs for one month. Please confirm if our understanding of requirement is correct.

Billboards should be up for a minimum of one month. The offeror is responsible for providing the best site options available in the mentioned locations for one or two months per the SOW.

Q:

We also understand that all creative and artwork will be provided by VOA. Would we need to adapt it in Urdu language or the artwork will be provided in Urdu itself?

Correct the creative will be provided by BBG/VOA. The artwork will be provided in Urdu language.

Q:

On page 2 of the RFP under section: SOW/Contractor Responsibilities (bullet # 8) - It is mentioned that the contractor shall arrange placement of advertisement with the selected television networks, newspapers and billboard companies. Is this RFP needs a media plan for television and newspaper advertising placements too?

Correct. A media plan is required for billboard/television. There are no newspapers in this requirement. Please ignore that.

Q:

We are a creative agency and we collaborate with companies to provide services like billboards and media placements therefore in this case also we would be submitting a proposal by working with third parties who we trust on quality and deliver and are chosen based on our standards of service and performance.

You may use subcontractors but please be advised the contractual relationship would be between your company (prime) and VOA.

Q:

We also work with partners in Afghanistan from project to project - So in collaboration with them, can we also propose for Afghanistan separate to Pakistan?

Yes you may submit proposals for each specific language service separately. BBG/VOA may award to multiple vendors.