Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Questions submitted for Webcasting Services: FERC15Q0010

Answers are shown in blue.

1. What is the make and model of the FERC-owned webcast server? Virtualized on Server

2008 R2

2. Would you accept the television subscription through Comcast cable or a satellite provider rather than through the Capitol Connection? Yes, as long as they offer current channels and two internal channels.

3. Is it acceptable to only provide the FERC meetings over the internet rather than on the internal channels? No. Both options are preferred. We Could we do the same for other subscribing organizations? N/A

4. For Video Teleconferencing Services what does it mean that connections to external endpoints must not leverage the FERC network? Video Teleconferencing must not use the FERC internal network to reach the WAN. The vendor must supply their own connection in order to connect Video Teleconferencing.

5. For data transmission can we install a fiber circuit or must we use an alternate method?

Yes, but requires approval and coordination of our building owner.

6. Is there an existing network infrastructure on-site that runs outside of the FERC network?

Yes. If so, will it remain after incumbent contractor leaves and will the successful bidder have access to it? The successful bidder will be responsible for installation, parts and equipment. FERC will provide facility only.

7. What are the current webcasting specs for bandwidth and resolution? The current definition is set for Broadband High Quality at 1,500Kbps – Some are in aspect ratio of 4:3, some are 16:9

8. How many viewers watch a given webcast during a month, or how much bandwidth do you normally use? Hits = 6,416 and Unique Viewers = 1,121

9. Can you explain any more detail about the subscription tv. It is unclear, are you asking if we can make a broadcast feed available to broadcast outlets. Our current provider has broadcasted meetings that are considered popular/hot topics to a list of interested parties which are their subscribers).

10. Do bidding vendor-contractors need to apply rigorous digital rights management practices? N/A

11. With respect to “webcast available for live and/or archived on-demand viewing” is the video to be made searchable, such as to clerk’s minutes of the proceeding, or to speaker? No, we typically have live and archived meetings on a branded page for interested parties to select.

12. Does FERC or other bodies regulating the energy production and marketplace have regional offices, or state agencies, that may desire the same or comparable cable system? No.

Similarly, within Washington, proceedings at the Department of Energy, Defense, Capitol Hill and their subsidiary bodies. No.

13. Audio feeds from the field are called for. When Commissioners travel, individually or for field hearings, is there not a need for broadcasting video remotely back into the FERC cable system? No. Audio only.

14. Archiving webcasts to three months negates the purposes of archiving – is the shelf of the content really 3 months? Achieves are posted for 3 months and available upon request for 3 years.

15. Regarding FERC staff transparency practices, with the public and with the regulated energy community: Is there a desire by FERC and the Communications Staff at FERC to post video live to social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook, YouTube and other content delivery networks for viewing on the internet where viewers are? Not part of the contract.

16. Regarding FERC staff transparency practices, with the public and with the regulated energy community: Is there a desire by FERC and the Communications Staff at FERC to post video live to YouTube and other content delivery networks for viewing on the internet where viewers are? Not part of the contract.

17. Regarding FERC staff external communications needs: the SOW demands broadcast quality video in addition to webcasting. Is this video to be made available for bona fide news organizations in a modern, technically feasible manner? No.

18. How many offices / television sets are using the television subscription service that includes CNN, C-SPAN1, C-SPAN-2, C-SPAN3, Bloomberg, Fox News, MSNBC and CNBC as well as the televised coverage of the FERC meetings in the FERC headquarters? Approximately 50 - 60.

19. How many offices / television sets are using the television subscription service that includes CNN, C-SPAN1, C-SPAN-2, C-SPAN3, Bloomberg, Fox News, MSNBC and CNBC as well as the televised coverage of the FERM meetings in the 1100 First satellite office? Approximately 3.

20. under "16.1 Government Furnished Equipment", do you have the model number of the Polycom VTC unit? Model # VSX 8000. Also, are there speakers, monitors or projectors/screens provided in the conference space or is the contractor responsible for providing sound reinforcement and video projection locally for room audience members? Yes, the room is equipped with microphones, monitors, projection system.

21. I do not see microphones provided on the list of GFE or incumbent equipment list, is the contractor responsible for providing wireless/wired microphones for capturing audio? No. The room is equipped with mounted and additional microphones.

22. In "Volume 1: Technical Proposal Section II", can you please clarify what content is expected in the "Non-price Related Exceptions"? Only required if proposal includes non-price related exceptions.

23. 1. Background "The uniting of these four elements should give FERC and associates enhanced opportunity to collaborate though voice, data, and video from anywhere in the FERC WAN or as a remote user."

Will there be a requirement for end users (viewers) to "collaborate" over phone or desktop, or is the requirement for viewers to simply view/listen to the event? We understand that through VTC collaboration, we can feed video/audio into the live event from a far site location, though is this also a requirement for phone and desktop users?

The requirement is dependent on the media used during a meeting and the type of meeting.

For instance, if the meeting uses a WebEx (FERC maintains a subscription) to present to online viewers, this media will definitely allow for desktop collaboration from any PC. However, if the meeting is to be a broadcast only, then it is not expected that desktop attendees would be collaborating, but rather, only viewing.

Video Teleconferencing can also send content as well as video. It is also possible to send an IP Video (sip, h323) to a desktop depending on the capabilities of the environment. The vendor would not be responsible for creating a Unified Communications environment to leverage this service, but would be required to have the ability to connect if the environment is supported at

FERC.

24. "Develop, update, and host a webpage (linked to the FERC webpage) from which interested viewers can access live events designated by FERC;"

Would the FERC provide a web specialist who can assist in linking our video webpage to the FERC website? Yes.

25. "Creation of Podcasts, MP3 or latest upgrade formatted programs" Would the contractor be responsible for hosting the Podcasts and or MP3's to the "video on demand" page for the total 3 month period of time per event? Yes.

26. "Technical support and maintenance assistance for FERC owned webcast server" Is the contractor providing the webcast resources/server or is the FERC? Our intention would be to use our own platform if we are using our own streaming architecture. Please clarify if the FERC has a webcast server, and if so please identify where this server is intended to point to

(CDN?)

FERC maintains a virtualized Web Cast server, however the vendor can propose a solution that meets the requirements of the SOW as they see fit and agreeable to FERC.

a. Who is the current incumbent for these services? Capitol Connection/GMU

b. What is the current and option periods of performance for these services? June

2010 – Present.

c. What is the incumbent’s contract value for the current period and option periods for these services? Contract Number is FERC10-C-0470. Base and all options value is $593,855.63.

d. How far in advance are the Commission meetings and their locations scheduled?

The calendar for Commission Meetings is posted prior to October 1st each fiscal year. Technical conferences are scheduled 2 to 4 weeks prior to meeting date with rare exceptions. An emergency requirement may occur.

e. How far in advance are the special event meetings scheduled? Normally 2 – 4 weeks prior to meeting date.

f. The Background requirements mention uniting four elements of “Phone, Video teleconferencing, and Software into an integrated platform”. Can you describe the meaning / intent of “Software” in this context? WebEx, skype, and MS PowerPoint are all example of software that can be used to collaborate during a meeting and be added as part of a webcast.

g. As stated, the Background Section appears to describe a need to unite four elements into an integrated platform: 1-Phone, 2-Video teleconferencing, 3- Software….can you confirm whether the current Statement of Work is missing a fourth item not mentioned above? Webcasting.

h. Also with respect to Background requirements in the Statement of Work: Is the contractor required to post audio and video on the Contractor’s own website or the FERC’s website (an FERC webcast server is mentioned elsewhere in the Statement of Work)? On Contractors own website.

i. The uniting of these four elements should give FERC and associates enhanced opportunity to collaborate though voice, data, and video from anywhere in the FERC WAN or as a remote user."

Will there be a requirement for end users (viewers) to "collaborate" over phone or desktop, or is the requirement for viewers to simply view/listen to the event? We understand that through VTC collaboration, we can feed video/audio into the live event from a far site location, though is this also a requirement for phone and desktop users? Previously Answered.

Objective Questions:

a. The Objective section of the RFQ states that the scope includes providing subscription television services throughout the FERC headquarters. Can you provide a count of endpoints that may require broadcast licenses to allow the successful bidder to comply with service provider distribution requirements? No.

b. Does the FERC require onsite full time personnel to manage the distribution of television services throughout the FERC headquarters? No.

c. Can you please advise if there is a requirement for total of (5) cameras? Five cameras are preferred to capture all areas/presenters. Also, will all the contractors provided equipment be installed and furnished at the FERC for the duration of the contract? Yes.

Scope of Work Questions:

a. In the most current contract period of performance, have there been significant challenges or obstacles to the delivery of the Scope of Work services that have been encountered by the FERC or the incumbent contractor? No.

b. Does the FERC anticipate that Commission Meetings and Special Events may occur simultaneously or within less than two days of one another? FERC does not foresee having meetings simultaneously. We have had Commission Meetings followed by a technical conference (same day short break in between). It’s possible to have a two day meeting and two meetings within the same week.

c. Does the FERC anticipate that Special Events will all be within the Washington DC metro area or will they occur nationwide or internationally at hotels or other meeting venues? We occasionally have off-site meetings at hotels that require webcast (audio only). All of our local meetings are webcasted from FERC’s headquarters.

d. Does the FERC anticipate that Commission Meetings will be in a location where contractor equipment can be set up permanently for the duration of the contract period and option periods? The contractor’s equipment is normally housed at FERC for the duration of the contract.

e. In the FERC facilities, would contractor equipment be safeguarded by locked buildings, guards and/or other security the FERC uses to protect its own equipment and facilities or would the contractor be expected and allowed to provide security services for its own equipment? FERC will secure contractors equipment.

f. Can you please verify if “technical support” is expected to be provided remotely by telephone only or can we include email for incoming support requests? Technical support should be provided by telephone and emails. With the exception of on-site support for “commission meetings”, are there any other tasks which may require the contractor to be physically on site at the FERC location? Yes, on-site support is required one to two days prior to each Commission Meeting and technical conference.

Specific Tasks Questions:

g. The Specific Task list states the contractor must “Provide 100% webcast viewer access at all times during live webcasts”. Can the FERC provide quantities of historical viewer maximum experienced viewership attendance for live webcasts?

Recent meeting stats: 6,416 Hits and 1,121 Unique Viewers

h. The Specific Task list states that the contractor must support and maintain

“captioning” equipment. Is this a mandatory requirement of the webcast contractor or will this be provided by the captioning contractor? Captioning equipment will be provided by captioning contractor.

i. The Specific Task list requires conversion to various alternate formats such as DVD and VHS. Can the FERC provide a list of the quantity of DVD or VHS copies that have historically been required per meeting? This requirement is rare. But has happened in the past.

j. The Specific Task list requires “Televised Coverage of FERC meetings to subscribing organizations throughout the DC metro area”. Can the FERC provide clarity as to the number of subscribing organizations in the DC metro area and the means of delivery that is or are required (e.g., GFE provided closed private cable network, Internet streaming service, microwave distribution, satellite TV broadcast)?

This information is not available.

k. The Specific Task list indicates that the contractor must “Reformat pre-taped sessions into webcast formats.” Can the FERC provide information as to the current formats the contractor must convert from? Windows Media and Flash Media

l. The Specific Task list states that “Rapid telephone response within one hour and onsite response within two hours.” Does the FERC intend to provide a GFE workstation and FERC telephone number for contractor helpdesk functions or is contractor expected to provide all services remotely/offsite? FERC will provide on-site workstation and telephone line.

m. The Specific Tasks list states that contractor shall "Develop, update, and host a webpage (linked to the FERC webpage) from which interested viewers can access live events designated by FERC;"Please advise if the FERC would provide a web specialist who can assist in linking our video webpage to the FERC website? Yes.

n. The Specific Tasks list states "Creation of Podcasts, MP3 or latest upgrade formatted programs" Would the contractor be responsible for hosting the Podcasts and or MP3's to the "video on demand" page or any other portal for the total 3 month period of time per event, or is the contractor simply to deliver the audio files to the FERC? The contractor would be responsible for posting each event.

o. The Specific Tasks list states "Technical support and maintenance assistance for FERC owned webcast server" Can you please advise if the contractor is providing the webcast resources/server or is the FERC? Our intention would be to use our own platform if we are using our own streaming architecture. Please clarify if the FERC has a webcast server, and if so please identify where this server is intended to point to (CDN?) Previously Answered.

p. The Specific Tasks list states “Television subscription for the reception of public affairs, news and business television programming (at a minimum: CNN, C-SPAN1, C-SPAN2, C-SPAN 3, Bloomberg, Fox News, MSNBC and CNBC);” Please advise if this task includes integration of the FERC Webcasts into television programming, or does this task specifically require a subscription for television programming (CNN, C-SPAN1, C-SPAN2, C-SPAN 3, Bloomberg, Fox News, MSNBC and CNBC). Is there a preference in the type of service provider (Satellite TV or Cable). FERC’s webcast should be viewable via on-site internal TV channels. We currently have Satellite TV and two internal channels.

q. The Specific Tasks list states “Including televised coverage of FERC meetings through two internal channels (both are provided by contractor at no additional charge to FERC headquarters and 1100 First satellite office). Services are currently being provided in analog and digital formats. Potential future upgrade to HDTV.” Can you please give more details and advise, is the FERC requesting the contractor to play FERC meetings through (2) internal channels? Are these “channels” physical inputs into a video distribution device? If so, will the FERC provide direction as to what meetings are to be played on what channels during what period of time?”

Through our cable subscription we have two internal channels that are viewed during all live webcast.

r. The Specific Tasks list states “Coordination with DCIO on telephone conferences and computer based on-line conferences using latest web-based software or contracted service.” Is the contractor coordinating with the DCIO for contractor/work related discussions or is this providing support for FERC telephone conferences and support for an “unknown” web based software or service? In the event that FERC provides a conference line, WebEx, or other collaborative software, the vendor is expected to work with CIO (DCIO) to incorporate the media into the event.

s. The Specific Tasks list states “Internal webcast and recording of FERC meetings, training sessions and special events, ranging from 1 hour up to 8 hours on a as needed basis.” Is this in reference to the FERC “Commission Meetings” listed on the Price/Cost Schedule? No, in addition. Is there historical data you can provide for the typical duration of both open meetings and special meetings as well as how far apart from one another they typically take place? Commission Meetings are normally the third Thursday of each month. Technical conferences are scheduled as needed and requested 2 – 4 weeks prior to the meeting dates, with some exceptions, due to an emergency request.

t. Can you please advise if all events will be held in the same event space, or are there multiple conference areas? All on site webcast are held at the same location. Off-site meetings are held at hotels or conference center and will require webcast (audio only). We Will there ever be a requirement to stream/support more than one concurrent session at a time? No.

Other Performance Requirements Questions:

The Site Requirements of Section #5 indicate that the “Contractor will not have access to FERC data or telephone networks for purpose of data transmission.” Questions related to this provision are:

a. Must the contractor install at FERC facilities its own exclusive use network for the purpose of broadcasting internal FERC meetings to outside parties? Yes.

Will the contractor be required to install in FERC facilities and between the FERC and its DC Metro area subscriber community transmission facilities such as a broadcast cable TV or satellite dish network for webcasts? Yes, what type and channel for connection is dependent upon the solution and if it is suitable to FERC.

Will the contractor be allowed to install communications facilities once at the initial startup of the contract for the base and option years of the performance periods or will the contractor be required to install such facilities for each separate webcast event?

Facilities that are installed for the length of the contract are allowed. Vendor is responsible for installation, maintenance, and care of the facilities and will have to follow physical and security procedures for access.

Government Furnished Property/Information Questions:

a. "16.1 Government Furnished Equipment", can you please provide the model number of the Polycom VTC unit? Model # VSX 8000. Also, are there speakers, monitors or projectors/screens provided in the conference space or is the contractor responsible for providing sound reinforcement and video projection locally for room audience members? The room is equipped with monitors, microphones, projection system.

a. I do not see microphones provided on the list of GFE or incumbent equipment list, can you please advise if the contractor is responsible for providing wireless/wired microphones for capturing audio? The room is equipped with multiple mounted and stand along mircrophones.