Response to Questions 6 Jan 11.doc

Response to Vendor Questions

Solicitation Number H92239-11-T-0009

1. Page 4 - C.6 Modifications – If designs incorporate oversized LCD or Plasma displays instead of mounted or back-light photos, what size would be preferred?

Response: The size of the display is dependent on the overall design of the exhibit.

2. Page 5 – Item No. 0002 –

· UID Labeling – Please specify which items require UID labeling.

Response: UID labeling is required on all single items identified as costing $5000.00 or more. The applicable items will be based on your submission.

· Should this item #0002 include shipping of the completed exhibit to the address at Ft. Bragg, NC?

Response: Shipping can be included in the total cost for the Exhibit or separately priced. UID labeling and shipping should not be combined.

3. Page 8 - 52.212-2 – 3. Price – (b) Options.

· Will any options proposed, be evaluated on their individual merit, as opposed to adding them into the total price of the basic requirement?

Response: Options in the clause refer to an extension of a contract period. It is not the intent of the Government to extend any services after award. The successful offer or and the Government will determine an applicable timeline for the completion of the final product.

· Please advise how you would like options presented in the proposal response.

Response: Optional proposals/exhibits shall be presented in the same format as the offer or's primary or initial submissions.

4. Is there an existing exhibit used by the U.S. Special Operations Command?

· If so, please provide drawings and/or photos

Response: Would prefer not to provide drawing/photos of current exhibit. We do not want the new exhibits design influenced by the current one.

· What features did you or did you not like about the existing exhibit?

Response: Current exhibit uses a single server to run all 6 19" monitors and the 42" plasma screen. This server is light, takes up minimal space during storage and operation. However, it is very difficult to update with new graphics, no longer runs the video played on the plasma TV, and it is difficult to get the proper PowerPoint to run on its assigned monitor. It is important to note that we do not want 7 separate computers (one computer per monitor).

5. What is the closing date for questions?

Response: 7 January 2010

6. What is the budget for the design and fabrication of this exhibit?

Response: The Government estimate is not provided but in order to emphasize the level of quality or magnitude of this project the estimated price range of this requirement is $25,000.00- $100,000.00.

7. What is the expected date of Award?

Response: The actual award depends on the time required for the evaluation process.

8. Will there be a walk through by the client of the completed exhibit prior to shipping to Ft. Bragg?

Response: Yes, a walk through prior to shipping to ensure colors and graphics are correct. Also, the Government will require the vendor to conduct an initial on-site walk through on set-up, technology usage, and dismantle/storage at the time of delivery.

9. What is the typical show schedule – i.e. how many shows per year will this exhibit travel to?

Response: The full version of the exhibit is used at major shows 3-4 times a year. The condensed version is used several times throughout the year.

10. It will be difficult to accommodate eight monitors, (one large and seven small), in an 8' by 20' exhibit area without creating a cluttered appearance. Is it acceptable to have one large plasma screen for HQ and two laptop computers loaded with material that features the seven subsidiary organizations?

Response: If the laptop computers are what show attendees are looking at then no that is not an acceptable solution. If the laptops are running 2 mounted monitors/TVs – depending on overall appeal and design – then yes, that would be acceptable.

We are open to new ideas and concepts; however, we are looking for a design that fully represents each of the subordinate commands and units equally. The desire is that each of the subordinate commands/units monitor/video will reflect a more detailed account of their specialty. The large monitor will display the command collectively.

11. On page 6 the delivery date is stated to be between 14 January, 2011 and 20 February, 2011. Is this accurate? Where and when will the exhibit first be used? Is the AUSA Annual Convention in Washington, DC one of the events USASOC will be exhibiting at?

Response: The delivery date is subject to change based on the completion of the evaluation process and discussions with the successful offeror. The first time the new exhibit will be used will be at the end of May for the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa, FL.

12. Is the pantone matching color, (PMS), code for the Red requested by USASOC available?

Response: PMS 1795

13. Is a carpeted or hard flooring desired?

Response: Carpet is preferred, but depending on durability, overall storage weight, and look – hard flooring is an acceptable option.

14. How many people will staff the exhibit?

Response: 4-7 people

15. What are the sizes for the posters?

Response: 18" x 24" is the standard poster size used.

16. How much weight will be placed on tables or counters?

Response: Counters will be used for give-away-items. Under 50 lbs.

17. Does USASOC and the seven subsidiary organizations have digitized video and still images prepared and ready for use?

Response: Yes, however, the video and still images will be customized to fit/enhance the winning design.

18. Do we need to include carpet and padding with the exhibit?

Response: Please see question # 13

19. Is there any additional furniture required beyond the 2 high director’s chairs and table listed?

Response: No.

20. Regarding the 7 LCD monitors, do you require DVD players for each of the units as well?

Response: If DVD is the best option for the submitted design, then a player will be required for each monitor.

21. We generally offer more than one option when bidding on a design/build to accommodate varying preferences in design. This means that each option has its own individual pricing. Is this acceptable or do you simply want one design?

Response: Preferably no more than 2 design submission per company.

22. C.2.1.5 – Material: Colorfast: Please clarify what you mean by full sunlight. Does this mean the exhibit will be outdoors or simply in a very sunny indoor location?

Response: It will be rare that the exhibit will be set-up outdoors in the direct sunlight, but it has happened in the past. Ultimately, we do not want the colors/materials to fade or deteriorate if set-up outdoors or in direct sunlight.

23. How would the government like the proposal submitted; electronically or in hard copy format? If hard copy is preferred, how many copies are required? Is there a specific format in which the copies should be submitted (i.e. spiral bound, binder, etc.)?

Response: Instructions for submissions if electronically submitted are in the solicitation. If hard copies are provided the solicitation states in block 28 that 4 copies are required. If hard copies are provided the vendor should ensure their product meets all the requirements in the solicitation and is formatted in whatever method that best supports their product.

24. In the Statement of Work, one UID label is required for the entire display, correct? To clarify, the appropriate UID number is listed as W911PK. Can you confirm that this correct?

Response: The UID is applicable to all items where the unit price is $5000.00 or higher.

25. Will each case be outfitted with the same UID label?

Response: If your overall product as proposed is $5000 or higher than one UID label is applicable or if per component as proposed is $5000 or more. If you propose your product as several components each valued over $5000.00 then they should be labeled accordingly.

26. I also see the Period of Performance listed as 14-JAN-2011 through 20 FEB 2011. Will the POP be modified due to the extended submission date?

Response: Yes. The period of performance may be altered based on the award date as well as agreements made prior to award with the successful offeror.

27. What is the anticipated award date (if the display is to be delivered by 20 FEB 2011, expedited shipping costs may be required depending on the award date)?

Response: The delivery date and period of performance are issues that will be determined by both the Government and the successful offeror.

28. Referencing C.1.1 General: Scope of Work "The Government will provide the successful offeror electronic graphic files and videos to incorporate into the final product."

Can we assume that the government will be providing edited video per our specifications (specific file format TBD) for each and every display device? Alternately, should we assume a) some file conversion and/or processing might be required or b) that our bid should included assembling video from government supplied footage and that we should budget for writing, voice-over, editing, graphics, SFX, score/music, and rendering?

Response: The Government will provide the finished video(s) in the required format for the winning submission.

29. Should we assume that the electronic graphic files will be provided in the sizes/specifications required for production or should we include graphic artist time for processing image files? Should we assume that the client will want to use existing artwork similar to the samples provided or should we assume that our bid is to include time for art creation?

Response: The Government will provide the electronic graphic files in the required format for the winning submission.

30. Vendor Comment: The initial design for this exhibit was just shown to me. It has the seven screens being used which creates a cluttered look, would be ineffective, their use creates a complicated hardware/wiring issue, the programming of video is another issue and the use of so many screens excessively runs up the cost.

Response: We are open to new ideas and concepts; however, we are looking for a design that fully represents each of the subordinate commands and units equally. The desire is that each of the subordinate commands/units monitor/video will reflect a more detailed account of their specialty. The large monitor will display the command collectively.

31. Do you require flooring or carpet and padding as part of the display purchase?

Response: Please see question 13.

32. Do you prefer that one of the tables be a reception desk?

Response: We do not have a preference at this point. We are open to suggestions and new ideas, ultimately the overall look and functionality of the table and/or reception desk will be the deciding factor.

33. Will the LCD monitors use a laptop or DVD to run presentation videos?

Response: Either method would be acceptable and is at the discretion of the vendor, however, we are trying to avoid the storage and transportation of 7 -8 computers.

34. Should we include shipping to Fort Bragg, NC as part of our cost?

Response: Please see question #2