PAI Solicitation RFIs (13APR20).pdf

Atmospheric Reporting and PAI

Solicitation RFIs & Answers

General Questions:

What are the technical requirements for the proposal submission? How many pages, depicted in which format, etc.?

Answer: FAR clause 52.212‐1 “Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items” is included in this solicitation by reference. Please follow this as a baseline guide for proposal submission. There is no included addendum to the aforementioned clause listing additional requirements. However, please adhere to the following:

‐Proposals shall be in the English language and all monies shall be proposed in United States dollars. Print should be no smaller than a font size of 12. Margins shall be no smaller than 1 inch and each page shall be numbered consecutively. Elaborate formats, bindings, or color presentations are not desired or required. Offerors are cautioned that any pages that exceed the page limitation shall not be read but shall be removed and either retained in the contract file without being considered in the evaluation or sent back to the offeror.

‐ Please use the following site to review applicable FAR clauses:

o https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

What are the submission instructions?

Answer: Same as above

As noted in the questions below, there is confusion over the deliverables. Can you provide a comprehensive list of all expected deliverables?

Answer: Clarified in below questions

What will the relationship look like between the customer and the contractor? CJSOTF‐ OIR and SOJTF‐OIR appear to be used interchangeable ‐ will there be one primary point of contact (POC) for the contractor?

Answer: CJSOTF‐OIR will provide COR and will be the primary user.

1.1: Description of Services/Introduction

Question:

o Will changes in any language and/or translation requirements be presented as a task order change?

Answer: If there is a major change to the requirements of deliverables there will be a task order change. The vendor should be expected to make changes based on changing mission requirements. The information environment does not move at the pace of task order changes. The vendor should expect to be flexible.

1.4.2: Task 2 – Transition‐In and Transition‐Out

It states: “In the Transition‐Out plan the contractor shall identify how it will coordinate with the incoming contractor and/or government personnel to transfer knowledge regarding the following: a) project management process; b) points of contact; c) documentation; … etc. … e) "to ensure a seamless transition"; f) "transition of key personnel…"

Question:

o Many of our staff members are contractually bound to our company and not able to transfer due to non‐compete clauses and other contractual arrangements. Furthermore, some of the platforms and networks we propose using are proprietary and we will not be able to transfer ownership. How should we address this in the transition‐out plan?

Answer: We are not asking to transition platforms. The transition plan is to ensure that the vendor does not have a loss in continuity as they transition project managers in out of Iraq.

1.4.3: Task 3 – Provide Research Analysis

This task mentions: “The contractor shall participate operational working groups serving as a traditional and digital media marketing subject matter experts (SMEs).”

Question:

o Do all ‘participants’ need clearances to participate?

o Where do you anticipate the working group meetings to be held?

Answer: All participants do not require clearances. Meetings will likely take place in

Iraq.

1.4.3.1 Subtask – Atmospheric Research

This subtask notes that the contractor "shall ensure that information on US persons is not collected or utilized.”

Question: In previous projects with the USG and other Western governments in Iraq and Syria, to ensure no information on US persons is collected or utilized we perform all research in

Arabic, Kurdish or other appropriate, non‐English languages; and conduct such research outside of the 50 United States and territories. Is this sufficient to ensure that information on US persons is not collected or utilized?

Answer: Yes

1.4.3.1 Subtask – Atmospheric Research and QASP Plan PRS #3 1.4.4.1

1.4.3.1 lists the deliverables for Atmospheric Reporting as:

o 4 x Spot Reports on request on a topic of interest determined by the CJSOT‐OIR per month;

o 10 RFIs per month;

o 3 x monthly Verbal Briefs;

o 1 x monthly Verbal Brief to SOJTF‐OIR; and o 1 x monthly report detailing communications of MSAs and VEOs.

In the ‘Requirements Table’, PRS #3 1.4.4.1 (not 1.4.3.1) lists the Atmospheric Research deliverables as:

o 6 x Spot Reports within 24 hours of request on a topic;

o 1 weekly PAI atmospheric report and analysis product;

o 10 x Survey RFIs;

o 2 x monthly on request verbal briefs within 24 hours to CJSOTF‐OIR;

o 1 x monthly atmospheric brief to CJSOTF‐OIR HQ;

o 1 x monthly report detailing communications of MSAs and VEOs; and o 1 x monthly report of collated info from SAFE EURPHRATES application.

Question:

o Can you –

1) Clarify the discrepancies between the number of deliverables and deliverables requested?

Answer: This is a typo, from version control the latter is the most accurate.

Clarify whether the briefs are for CJSOTF‐OIR or SOJTF‐OIR?

Answer: CJSOTF‐OIR

Survey what a ‘Survey RFI’ is?

Answer: It is a Survey

Will the customer provide the contractor with information from SAFE EUPRHRATES app?

Answer: This is a typo and can be deleted as a requirement.

1.4.3.2 Subtask – Provide Support for Population Surveys

Question:

o Due to COVID‐19 restrictions, can flash testing be done online in the AOR until on‐the‐ground population surveys can be more robustly conducted?

Answer: Yes

1.4.4.3 Subtask – Target Audience Research and Consultation

In this section (and in previous ones) CJSOTF‐OIR and SOJTF‐OIR are cited and appear to be used interchangeably. Can you confirm the primary customer?

Answer: CJSOTF‐OIR

1.4.4: Task 4 – Provide Consultation on Content Development & Dissemination

This task states: “Upon request, but not to exceed twice quarterly, the contractor shall assist in the development of content for major campaigns...” However, in 1.4.4.6, it states that: “contractor shall develop and disseminate content … [with] production and dissemination subject to change as per government instruction.”

Questions:

o Is the contractor expected to message regularly, or only twice quarterly?

o If regularly, how often, how many pieces of content are expected, what forms of media are expected, on what platforms, etc.?

Answer: Regularly. Expectation is to be conducted via SM and stringer networks.

Expectations on frequency can be agreed upon do the development of campaign planning.

If required to formalize in we can always update the language.

Addressing a hard number for SM content distribution is impossible to predict based the dynamic operating environment.

Contractor must be able to develop a capability prepared to disseminate messages with an order of magnitude in the 1500‐2000 over a 5‐day period with a reach of 10,000 ‐20,000 for CJSOTF directed messaging.

Contractor shall establish this capability within 30 days of obtaining the contract and maintain operability for duration of the contract.

Contractor should maintain 200 personas developed to disseminate CJSOTF provided PAI with the ability to grow as required. Personas should appear to be based in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, or regional diaspora.

Furthermore, contractor should have 100‐200 personas for long term steady state messaging to disseminate content daily based on themes and narratives. Personas should appear to be based in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, or regional diaspora.

1.4.4.1 – This task states: “The contractor shall identify and provide CJSOTF‐OIR with detailed, local information types, sources, and procedures to be used in obtaining, organizing, analyzing, and incorporating this information into content.”

Question: How much content will need to be developed? Note that content production is not part of the deliverables in Attachment 3 – Deliverables Crosswalk.

Answer: The content will be dependent on mission requirements and is flexible based on the environment. Some maybe steady drumbeat and others may require surge like capability.

1.4.4.1 – This task also states that “The contractor shall develop content that demonstrates an understanding and reflection of local and regional perspectives to include the use of indigenous terms and dialects.”

Question: : How much content and in what form will need to be developed? Note that content production is not part of the deliverables in Attachment 3.

Answer: Content should be deliverable over Online Platforms and in some cases Radio through the vendors networks. The exact number of deliverable messages is less of a concern to the user than the ability to propagate the content to specific audiences when required.

1.4.4.2 ‐ This task states: “The contractor shall plan, conduct, disseminate and assess influence efforts…” o What are the deliverables for this task? 1.4.4.2 in Attachment 3 – Deliverables Crosswalk mentions ‘provide support for population survey’, which is not related to content planning, development, dissemination, etc.

Answer: This will be included in RFI survey either monthly or quarterly dependent on the operating environment.

1.4.4.4 – This task references the provision of weekly SITREP reports.

Question:

o SITREP reports are listed as a requirement, however they do not appear in any of the deliverable tables. Can you provide a comprehensive list of expected deliverables?

Answer: Consider this as a requirement as a deliverable weekly.

1.4.4.5 – This task states: “The contractor will develop quarterly communication plans based on customer operational requirements." However, 1.4.3.3 states that the "contractor shall provide an annual media strategy for each developed program or approved campaign plan for CJSOTF‐

OIR".

o Can you clarify the discrepancy between 1.4.4.5 and 1.4.3.3?

Answer: They are two different plans 1.4.4.5 will be nested within 1.4.3.3.

1.4.4.6 – This task states: “The contractor shall develop and distribute content including, but not limited to, the following products and dissemination channels. Production and dissemination subject to change as per government instruction.”

Question:

o Can you clarify the specific deliverables for this task in terms of content produced, length, number of dissemination platforms, etc.?

o Is this, as per 1.4.4, only twice quarterly or more often? This question applies to each 1.4.4.6a, b, c, d, e, and f.

Answer: Content should be tailored towards online viewing (less than 3 minutes).

Some longer‐form videos may be required but will be limited. This is something that we can come to terms based on the reach and extensions of the various proprietary personas / networks.

1.4.4: Task 4 – Provide Consultation on Content Development & Dissemination

This task states: “Upon request, but not to exceed twice quarterly, the contractor shall assist in the development of content for major campaigns...” However, in 1.4.4.6, it states that: “contractor shall develop and disseminate content … [with] production and dissemination subject to change as per government instruction.”

Questions:

o Is the contractor expected to message regularly, or only twice quarterly?

o If regularly, how often, how many pieces of content are expected, what forms of media are expected, on what platforms, etc.?

Answer: Contractor must be able to develop a capability prepared to disseminate messages with an order of magnitude in the 1500‐2000 over a 5‐day period with a reach of 10,000 ‐

20,000 for CJSOTF directed messaging.

Contractor shall establish this capability within 30 days of obtaining the contract and maintain operability for duration of the contract.

Contractor should maintain 200 personas developed to disseminate CJSOTF provided PAI with the ability to grow as required. Personas should appear to be based in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, or regional diaspora.

Furthermore, contractor should have 100‐200 personas for long term steady state messaging to disseminate content daily based on themes and narratives. Personas should appear to be based in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, or regional diaspora.

Question on subtasks:

o 1.4.4.6 (b) mentions influencer media network production – stating guidance for social media content will be provided to the contractor by USG. However, on the first page of the PWS in Part 1, 1. General, it states "The USG shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein; such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor, who in turn is responsible to the USG.”

Does this mean that the USG rep works only with the contractor and does not directly guide the content producers or influence networks?

Answer: The USG rep will only work with the contractor and will not directly guide content producers.

The vendor should provide organic themes and narratives that fit within requirements of the USG.

o Section 1.4.4.6e mentions TVCs:

How many are to be produced and how often?

Where are they to be distributed? If on selected commercial websites or

TV, does the client expect to pay advertising fees? And if so, should these fees be included in the cost of the contract? Or are they separate?

Answer: The client will work pay advertising on a select basis online. This will require collaboration with other vendors and the client but can be coordinated for specific requirements to reached specified target audiences on a case by case basis.

Traditional TV is no a requirement for this contract (typo).

(In relation to 1.4.4.6): PRS #3 – 1.4.5 Consultation and Content Development o PRS #3 1.4.5 indicates that 5 monthly visualization products to include memes and video as required, however the quantity is not specified in 1.4.4.6.

Can you clarify the quantity and duration of the products? A meme is significantly different than a 1‐min YouTube clip, which is significantly different than a 10‐min video for television.

o PRS #3 1.4.5 also states that “the contractor should will use organic social media, radio, and television platforms to project content under CJSOTF‐OIR approved narratives in line with the aforementioned guidelines.”

Can you confirm who creates this content – is it the contractor or provided to the contractor from the customer?

How much must be created, and in what duration?

Does the customer have a list of the requested TV platforms?

Will the USG be willing to buy time to air content on TV? And if so, does the contractor purchase or USG?

Answer:

A) The visualization products will likely change monthly, so no I cannot provide an exact number because it is dependent on what content is required.

B) Content is provided by the vendor. The customer may also provide some content. The vendor should be expected to provide steady messaging over SM platforms based on themes and narrative provided by CJOSTF‐OIR . The USG will not buy time or air content on TV. The vendor may be required to provide TV like content that will be placed on TV via other government means.

1.5 Period of Performance

o This section mentions ‘Food Catering’ (5.1.1 and 5.1.2 also discuss food and sample menus and scheduled prep and serve time). Can you clarify?

o Given the confusion here with food catering, can you confirm the opportunity to renew is for one 12‐month?

o Also, can you confirm when the period of performance should begin following the notice to proceed (NTP)?

Answer: All of this is typo there is no requirement for food services.

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: Client Support

o Does this include 24/7 content production support?

Answer: No. There may be cases where the client requires immediate responses or to push dynamic content, but those will be either planned closely with the vendor or in only extremis circumstances.

1.6.5 Place of Performance ‐ this section notes that the "Place of Performance is any location

Special Operations Command Central assigns SOJTF‐OIR an area of responsibility. The contractor shall be required to travel to CONUS and OCONUS U.S. bases in the AOR and personnel shall be located at CONUS and OCONUS locations."

How often do you anticipate the contractor needing to travel to CONUS and OCONUS bases? And which bases may these be? We understand if it's uncertain at the moment, but want to ensure we budget appropriately so any guidance is helpful.

Answer: The contractor shall establish an office in Iraq and expect to travel to

US/Iraqi bases in Erbil regularly. The contractor should be prepared to travel to any future location of CJSOTF‐OIR.

The contractor shall be prepared to travel to bases in the US to include Fort

Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and MacDill Air Force Base.

1.6.7 Security Requirements

o Does the badging requirement apply to sub‐contractors and contract service providers? And if so, does it apply only when subcontractors are working at a USG facility? Or when in their own offices? What if the personnel work on multiple projects?

Answer: This does not apply to sub‐contractors.

Only primary contractors are required to have badging. This is an internal process that can be done by CJSOTF‐OIR.

Working on multiple projects is authorized barring governments are FVEY partners.

4.3 Equipment – this section stipulates that “The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS. Contractor remains owner of all leased equipment, the USG will not purchase leased equipment. Contractor is responsible for providing insurance for all Contractor furnished equipment, ownership of risk remains with the

Contractor."

Can you clarify what leased equipment is?Is this leased equipment by the contractor or the USG?

Answer: The vendor may have to lease equipment as to meet various contractual obligations. The USG will not pay or leasing or buy this equipment from or for the vendor.

5.3 . iWatch training

Is the iWatch training provided by the Client for the contractor to train their staff?

Answer: My understanding is this was a requirement for the 408th. iWatch training is not really applicable to this contact.

Attachment 1 – Anti‐Terrorism (AT) Level I Training and Operational Security (OPSEC) Standards

Is the AT Level 1 training only required for Expat personnel holding a security clearance or does it also apply to local staff?

Answer: This only applies to personnel holding a security clearance.

Attachment 3 – Deliverables Crosswalk o The Task Numbers in the Attachment do not correlate to the numbers in the

PWS. For example, 1.4.4.2 in the PWS is about production; not support for population surveys as per Attachment 3. Can you clarify the deliverables and their associated PWS tasks?

Answer: It is clear that when the PWS was updated to add the requirement for content development and dissemination that “Attachment 3” wasn’t updated. I don’t have “Attachment 3”and don’t have the latest copy of the deliverables.

Nonetheless, once the contract is awarded we can have a common sense discussion on requirements on what is feasible.