Questions (sans answers).pdf

QUESTIONS

RFQ FA700025Q0065

USAFA 50th Anniversary Book Production

Below are the questions received in response to RFQ FA700025Q0065. They are being provided (sans answers) with Amendment 1 for vendor awareness. Answers will be provided in a future amendment to this solicitation once the Government has compiled its responses.

1. In addition to the commissioned 2000 books delivered to USAFA for this project, would you consider a traditional publishing agreement for this book? (Such an agreement would allow us to resell the book in retail channels and sublicense the subsidiary rights, paying USAFA a royalty on sales.)

2. Who owns the copyright in the completed book?

3. Can we submit co-authors vs one lead author?

4. Will author(s) receive named credit on the front cover?

5. Our first choice for printing the books is with one of our USA print manufacturers, but if needed, is it acceptable for us to print the books in Canada or India? Our understanding is that either would comply with the appropriate FARs, but we also want to follow the USAFA’s preferences.

6. The request notes a page count of approximately 200 pages. Our recommendation is 224 pages (7 even press signatures). Will you accept this page count?

7. For the hardcover book specifications, are there any requirements regarding:

- sewn or glued binding

- headbands/footbands

- stamped or printed case

- dustjacket

- paper weight and opacity

8. If awarded this project, will we be able to publicly communicate being selected as publisher of the book at the start of the project? Would our communications need prior approval by

USAFA?

9. Can we submit a timeline with a suggested start date, keeping the rest of the deadlines from that start date (vs award date) so we can confirm resources for the project? (For example, the availability of potential lead authors in June or July is different from availability with a project start of late August).

10. Is there room for flexibility on the project timeline? Our experience solicits 18–24 months for a book of this length.

11. Will USAFA pay for travel expenses?

12. Is there any incumbent/recompete or this is a brand-new project? If yes, could you please provide us with their award number or even if the customer bought similar services in the past.

13. Will USAFA provide any existing materials (interviews, historical text, photo archives), or is original research and writing entirely the contractor’s responsibility?

14. Is there a designated point of contact at USAFA for content approvals throughout the creative and production process?

15. Are there any intermediate deadlines (e.g. draft manuscript, first proof, print-ready files) that we should be aware of?

16. Will the writer or agency receive author or editorial credit within the publication?

17. Is there an approved or preferred printer the Academy recommends, or should full production and vendor management be handled by the contractor?

18. Are there past publications we may review for format or tone reference?

19. The PWS mentions approximately 175 photographs. Will these images be provided by USAFA in their final format, complete with captions and credits, or will the contractor be responsible for selecting the images, writing the captions, and obtaining the necessary permissions?

20. Will this be paid per the four line items, or can we request another payment arrangement, i.e.

monthly installments?

21. What is sample that should be submitted… entire book as a writing sample, chapter or something else?

22. How many site visits to Colorado are required to view original materials? Is there remote access to such materials?

23. Is travel required for any of the interviews or are remote interviews permitted or encouraged? Will correct contact information for each interviewee be provided?

24. Is embossing on the cover required? If so, what are the specifics of the embossing?

25. What kind of cloth is desired? Linen, velvet or other material?

26. What paper quality in the book is desired? Different for photo section than other sections?

27. Is there a photo section or throughout book?

28. Are photos in color or black and white?

29. Can you provide more information on how you would like the e-book Portal to be set up online for this project?

30. How will the E portal work through the Air Force link for viewing?

31. Will the contractor set this portal up for the Air Force?

32. Will the e-book portal be cost-free for readers?

33. Since this will be a combo invoice, should we launch the e-portal and make a hard copy of the printing Delivery available concurrently with the launch for both?

34. Can the Government clarify specific acceptance criteria for final deliverables under CLIN 0004 (e.g., approved PDF layout, cover packaging, unit testing)?

35. Is there a required formatting standard (e.g., AP Style, Chicago Manual) for outlines, design, and manuscript deliverables under CLIN 0001-0003?

36. Are there specific print specifications required (e.g., paper weight, binding type, cover finish) beyond the PWS Attachment 1 quality standards?

37. Does USAFA require proofs of lead time for printing and design phases before full delivery under CLIN 0004?

38. Can the Government provide a delivery schedule (e.g., delivery dates/milestones) for each CLIN, particularly for manuscript proofs (CLIN 0003) and finished books (CLIN 0004)?

39. Are interim reviews or approval gates required (e.g., outline at 30 days, proofs at 60 days)?

40. Does the Government expect separate invoices per CLIN, or will a single consolidated invoice for all completed items be acceptable?

41. Are any specific payment triggers required (e.g., delivery acceptance vs. invoice date) for each CLIN?

42. Under FOB Destination, can the Government define any documentation required upon delivery (e.g. signed delivery receipts, inspection reports)?

43. Will partial deliveries be accepted, or is a single delivery of 2,000 books required?

44. Does the solicitation require the contractor to transfer copyright to the Government for written and visual materials?

45. Are there any licensing or usage restrictions for photographs and artwork contained in the book?

46. Does the Government have any specific security/encryption requirements for the PDF files (e.g., watermarking, e-pub accessibility)?

47. Are there any data retention requirements for manuscript and proof files post-delivery?

48. Who is the designated Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for technical and quality oversight?

49. Will the Government host any kickoff, review, or status meetings (virtual or in-person)? If so, how many and at what intervals?

50. Attachment 1- Section 1.3: Is travel required to obtain research source materials?

51. Attachment 1- Section 1.3.3: Will all interviews be conducted remotely online or by phone?

52. Combined Synopsis_Solicitation - Section Quotation Preparation Instructions, b, i.)

Descriptive Literature: Could you clarify if you are looking for graphic design samples of work previously produced to be submitted with proposals?

53. Can you clarify the contract documentation requirements for FAR 52.212-3.