Combined Synop-Media Monitoring.pdf

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Media Monitoring Services

Solicitation # 34300025Q0022

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) is issuing this Request for Quotations (RFQ) to obtain media monitoring services.

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format at FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The Solicitation Number is 34300025Q0022. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the purpose of procuring media monitoring services described within.

The Government anticipates award of a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.

(iii) The solicitation contains provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2023-03, effective 01/03/2025.

(iv) This procurement is a full and open competition, NAICS Code 513210, Software Publisher.

(v) LINE ITEMS: Offerors shall propose a single fixed price for the entirety of the requirement.

CLIN DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT PRICE

00001 Media Monitoring Services Base Year 1 YR $

00002 Implementation

1 EA $

10001 Media Monitoring Services Option Year 1 1 YR $

20001 Media Monitoring Services Option Year 2 1 YR $

30001 Media Monitoring Services Option Year 3 1 YR $

40001 Media Monitoring Services Option Year 4 1 YR $

Total Base Year Plus Option Years Firm Fixed Price Amount: $

FEDRAMP: The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program.

The proposed software solution shall be FEDRAMP Moderate or higher certified at the time of award.

Non-FEDRAMP certified solutions will not be considered.

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CLINS with Premium Content

CLIN DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT PRICE

00001 Media Monitoring Services With “Premium Content”

Base Year

1 YR $

00002 Implementation 1 EA $

10001 Media Monitoring Services With “Premium Content”

Option Year 1

1 YR $

20001 Media Monitoring Services With “Premium Content”

Option Year 2

1 YR $

30001 Media Monitoring Services With “Premium Content”

Option Year 3

1 YR $

40001 Media Monitoring Services With “Premium Content”

Option Year 4

1 YR $

Total Base Year Plus Option Years Firm Fixed Price Amount: $

(vi) Statement of Work:

Introduction The United States International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) is an independent, quasi-judicial federal agency with broad investigative responsibilities on matters of trade. The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) investigates and makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; provides independent analysis and information on tariffs, trade and competitiveness; and maintains the U.S. tariff schedule. To support this mission, Public Affairs (PA) within the Office of External Relations (ER) is responsible for media communications and media monitoring.

Scope of Work The Commission seeks media monitoring services that will enable PA to monitor traditional news sources, including broadcast, as well as social media, identify all media coverage related to the USITC and its mission areas. Services shall provide media comparison tools, communication tools, and the ability to identify top journalists for awareness and potential pitching.

Background The ER is seeking the most competitive and best-valued media monitoring services. Media monitoring is necessary to manage the USITC's reputation, detect crises, see coverage of partner agencies such as the Department of Commerce and US Trade Representative, and identify trends in coverage.

Specific Requirements Task Description:

a. Task One: Online and Social Media Monitoring

• Ability to track global online sources for coverage relevant to Washington and the six media hubs:

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• Can track major global news sources. (i.e. local news vs national news vs trade publications)

• Can online, print, broadcast, cable, radio, trade and industry publications, local sources, national/international outlets, traditional news sources, and social media.

• Can media coverage in multiple languages, Arabic, Chinese and Russian.

Translation function to instantly translate these articles to English.

• Can search with each unlimited keywords.

• Unlimited coverage per search (no cap on coverage).

• Can change the searches at keywords at any time.

• Can create unlimited data tracking, statistical breakdown, and graphical analyses on any coverage on an ad-hoc basis.

b. Task Two: Media Intelligence and Benchmarking Dashboard Platform

• 24/7 access to a password protected, online platform for users to access.

• Overview of search results of online articles and social media conversations.

• Customized, interactive dashboard that provide real-time monitoring, analysis and benchmark of media coverage.

• Ability to analyze the media coverage: Content, volume, sentiment, geographic spread, top publications, media channels, reach, top posters, influencers, languages, momentum, circulation.

• Can select time-period of analysis: Per day, week, month, and selected dates.

• Can build media lists based on beat, location, outlet type/size, and journalist role.

• Automated periodic (e.g., weekly) email of dashboards to designated administrators.

c. Task Three: Email Alerts

• Daily email alerts with new search results, with ability to customize per user.

• Can monitor the open rate of email alerts.

d. Task Four: Media Engagement Platform (OPTIONAL)

• 24/7 access to a password protected, media influencer database, including journalists, editors, correspondents, social media influencers, bloggers, etc.

• Can browse the database based on location, beat and type of influencer

• Can perform ad-hoc searches on the database based on keywords, concepts, or using Boolean search terms

• For each individual found, present contact details and any other information that could be relevant, including publications this influencer writes for, and an overview of the previous coverage published by the media influencer

• Ability to export the contact details of the media influencers per media list.

• Ability to manage contacts.

e. Task Five: Implementation Support and Ongoing Customer Service

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• The contractor shall provide access to an implementation consultant who is an experienced trainer and implementer and whose goal is to prepare NPPD/OUS to go live with the solution and provide best practices. The contractor shall work closely with NPPD/OUS project managers throughout the implementation process.

• Ongoing Support: The contractor shall manage technical requests and issues through a ticketing system via phone, email or online during regular business hours in the U.S. Eastern time zone.

Service Level Agreements (SLA):

Expectations include the following:

• Initial build or customization of the media monitoring and media contacts system, with multiple user setup and with varying levels of access.

• Super user dashboard and simultaneous logins for PA staff.

• Ongoing customer support as needed.

Inspection and Acceptance: USITC has the right to examine and evaluate the goods or services provided by the vendor before formally accepting them. The selected media monitoring service shall provide all necessary access for USITC to inspect all deliverables throughout the project, and upon completion, the media monitoring service will have 7 business days to conduct a thorough inspection to verify compliance with the specifications outlined earlier in this SOW. If the deliverables meet all criteria, USITC will provide written acceptance; otherwise, the media monitoring service will be notified of any non-conforming aspects and will have 7 business days to rectify the issues before final acceptance.

(vii) Period of Performance:

Base Year: June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 Option Year 1: June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027 Option Year 2: June 1, 2027 to May 31, 2028 Option Year 3: June 1, 2028 to May 31, 2029 Option Year 4: June 1, 2029 to May 31, 2030

Location/Delivery (FOB Destination):

U.S. International Trade Commission Office of the Inspector General 500 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20436

(viii) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -Commercial Products and Commercial Services (MAR 2023) applies to this acquisition.

(ix) FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation -Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021).

BEST VALUE - Award shall be made to the responsible Offeror whose offer, in conforming to this Request for Quotations, provides an overall best value to the Government, technical evaluation factors, and price considered. The Government's objective is to obtain the highest technical quality considered necessary to achieve the project objectives, with a realistic and reasonable price.

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QUOTATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

TECHNICAL VOLUME

The quotation shall consist of a technical volume, which provides the following:

• Technical Capability

(1) Fully describe your understanding of the work required and qualifications that you will bring to the planned execution of the requirements stated in section 2 of this RFQ.

(2) Provide proof of FedRamp Certification status

(3) 45-minute presentation of features and functionality – Ease of use, efficiency, etc.

• Past Experience/Past Performance

Complete Attachment 1 entitled “Past Experience/Performance Reference Information Form.” This form should be completed with information on two to three contracts/task orders that are the same or similar in nature, scope and cost to the work required under this RFQ and were performed during the last four years for Government agencies or private companies.

PRICING VOLUME

General Requirements

The Pricing Volume shall be a separate volume from the Technical Volume. Offerors shall propose a pricing structure in accordance with the CLINs of this RFQ. Offerors may propose alternate pricing structures consistent with standard commercial practice.

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

All evaluation factors other than price, when combined are more important than price.

Quotes will be evaluated and scored on technical factors and price. Quotes will be evaluated on the information provided by Offerors and obtained through reference checks and other available information.

The following evaluation criteria will be utilized in order to determine which offer received is considered to be the best overall value.

1. Technical Capability o Reference Statement of Work o FedRamp Certification Status o 45-minute presentation of features and functionality

2. Past Experience/Past Performance

3. Price

Past Experience/Past Performance

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The past performance evaluation will be based on the relevancy of recent effort accomplished by the Offeror. The USITC will contact some or all of the customers listed as past performance references provided by the Offeror. The USITC will ask questions such as whether or not they believe that:

• The Offeror was capable, timely, efficient, and effective;

• The Offeror’s performance conformed to the terms and conditions of the contract;

• The Offeror was reasonable and cooperative during the performance;

• The Offeror was committed to customer satisfaction; and

• Whether the services provided by the Contractor and its employees were of high quality.

Price

The Government will conduct a price evaluation of all quotations with satisfactory past performance.

The Government reserves the right not to make an award as a result of this competition if, in the opinion of the Government, none of the offers would provide satisfactory performance at a price that is considered fair and reasonable and/or economically feasible.

(x) The Offeror shall submit, with its offer, a completed copy of the FAR provision 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items, with its quotation.

(xi) FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) applies to this acquisition

(xii) FAR Clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Products and Commercial Services, (Jan 2025), Paragraph (a), and the following clauses in Paragraph (b): 52.219-6; 52.219-28; 52.222-3; 52.222-21;

52.222-26; 52.222-35; 52.222-36; 52.222-50; 52-223-18; 52.232-33. The full text of the referenced FAR clause may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquistion.gov/far/.

Clauses Incorporated by Reference

Clause Database Clause Number Clause Title

FAR 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications. (Dec 2014)

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (Nov 2023)

FAR 52.225-25

Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and Certification (Jun 2020)

FAR 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations. (JUN 2013)

FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. (Mar 2023) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_28 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquistion.gov/far/

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52.252-2 -- Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es):

www.farsite.hill.af.mil www.acquisition.gov

(xiii) Additional Contract Requirements

CORRESPONDENCE

To promote timely and effective administration, correspondence shall be subject to the following procedures:

(a) Technical correspondence shall be addressed to the Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR) with an information copy to the Contracting Officer (CO);

(b) All contractual correspondence, shall be addressed to the Contracting Officer listed below.

POINTS OF CONTACT

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

Notwithstanding the Contractor’s responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract shall require maximum coordination between the Commission and the Contractor.

The COR shall be designated on authority by the CO to monitor all technical aspects and assist in the administration of this contract. A copy of the COR’s letter of designation shall be issued to the COR with a copy furnished to the Contractor, stating the responsibilities and limitations of the COR. This letter shall clarify to all parties of the contract, the responsibilities of the COR. The duties of the COR include but are not limited to: 1) assuring the Contractor’s compliance with the technical requirements; 2) performing or arranging necessary inspections in connection with the technical performance; 3) maintaining both written and oral communications with the Contractor;

4) notifying the Contractor and the CO of any deficiencies observed; 5) monitoring the Contractor’s overall performance; and 6) certifying all invoices/vouchers for acceptance of services provided for payment.

The COR does NOT have the authority to alter the Contractor’s obligations, direct changes that fall within purview of the General Provisions clause entitled “Changes,” or modify any of the expressed terms, conditions, specifications, or cost under this contract.

If because of technical discussions it is desirable to alter/change contractual obligations within the Scope of Work, the CO shall issue such changes in writing.

http://www.farsite.hill.af.mil/ http://www.acquisition.gov/

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Contracting Officer (CO)

All contract administration shall be affected by the CO. Communications pertaining to contract administration matters shall be addressed to the CO. No changes in or deviations from this contract are authorized unless directed in writing by the CO.

The CO is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of the contract and notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract. The said authority remains solely with the CO. The CO is authorized to appoint a Contract Specialist to perform administrative contracting functions for this contract. In the event, the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the CO, the change shall be considered to have been made without the authority of the CO and no adjustment shall be made in the contract price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof. The CO is also responsible for making the final decisions on matters under dispute, unsatisfactory conformance, as well as contract terminations for convenience or default.

Meaghann Peak is hereby designated as the CO. The CO may change at any time by the Government without prior notice to the Contractor, but notification of the change, including the name and address of the successor CO, shall be promptly provided to the Contractor in writing.

Name: Meaghann Peak Title: Contracting Officer Location: U S International Trade Commission 500 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20436 Phone: 202-708-2208 Email: meaghann.peak@usitc.gov

AUTHORITY TO OBLIGATE THE GOVERNMENT

The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit or obligate the Government to the expenditure of public funds. No cost chargeable to the contract can be incurred before receipt of a fully executed contract or specific authorization from the Contracting Officer.

SUBMISSION OF INVOICES

Invoice(s) shall be submitted through the U. S. Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), which provides for secure electronic submission and receipt of invoices.

https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/

IPP Customer Support may be reached at 866-973-3131 or IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov, is available to assist users of the system.

mailto:meaghann.peak@usitc.gov mailto:IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov

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PLEASE NOTE: When entering the invoice(s) in IPP, ensure the period of performance being invoiced is included in the Description field. Please use the format “MM/DD/YYYY to

MM/DD/YYYY.”

i. Name and address of the contractor

ii. Invoice date and invoice number

iii. Purchase Order Number (34300025Pxxxx)

iv. Description, price, and quantity of services/supplies actually rendered/delivered

v. Delivery date/period of performance covered by the invoice

vi. Payment terms

vii. Name and address of the contractor’s Point of Contact, and a “Remit To” address that corresponds to the remittance address of the Purchase Order

viii. Name, title, phone number, email address of contact person to be notified in the event of a defective invoice.

ix. Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

ACCEPTANCE

Following inspection and evaluation of services provided by the Contractor and determining that the Contractor has fully complied with contract requirements, the COR shall indicate acceptance of the services by signing properly prepared and delivered invoices for such services within three working days after receipt of properly submitted invoice.

PAYMENT FOR UNAUTHORIZED WORK

No payment will be made for any unauthorized changes to the work specified herein. This includes any services performed by the Contractor on his or her own volition or at the request of an individual other than a duly appointed CO and/or COR. Only a duly appointed CO is authorized to change the specifications, terms and conditions under this effort.

NOTICE OF DELAY

If, because of technical difficulties, the contractor becomes unable to complete the work as described herein, notwithstanding the exercise of good faith and diligent efforts in performing the work called for under this contract, the Contractor shall give the Contracting Officer written notice of the anticipated delay and the reasons for it. The notice and reasons shall be delivered promptly after the condition creating the anticipated delay becomes known to the Contractor.

(xiv) DPAS: NOT APPLICABLE

(xv) Due Date of Offers

Questions Due Date:

Questions shall be received by the Government, via email to Meaghann.peak@usitc.gov, on or before 10:00 a.m. E.T., Monday, April 28, 2025.

Quotations Due Date:

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Written Quotation shall be received by the Government, via email to Meaghann.peak@usitc.gov, on or before 10:00 a.m. E.T., Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

The Point of Contact for this solicitation is Meaghann Peak, meaghann.peak@usitc.gov. Please indicate in the Subject Line of the email Media Monitoring – 34300025Q0022.

mailto:meaghann.peak@usitc.gov

52.252-2 -- Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)