E2 - Q and A.docx

Questions and Answers

Question 1.) Could you please confirm if the vendor will be responsible for developing the creative content for the advertising and promotional materials, or will the D&B provide the necessary assets.

Answer 1.) The Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will provide all advertising material and imaging, EXCEPT, the materials needed for the physical banner that will be hung on the back wall of the stadium during DCI events. Again, imaging will be provided for this item.

Question 2.) Is there an estimated budget allocated for the advertising package, or are we working within specific parameters that we should be aware of?

Answer 2.) Vendors are to provide their best price possible. You must use your own research to find what price works best for your company.

Question 3.) Regarding providing VIP credentials and tickets for Sponsor personnel during Drum Corps International World Championships events, how should we coordinate the distribution of these credentials and tickets?

Answer 3.) Vendor is to communicate with Marine Drum and Bugle Corps point of contact after award in order to establish a process to distribute tickets, select recruiting booth space and coordinate with DCI for other on-site details when at performance venues.

Question 4.) Would the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps prefer monthly reporting on activities and deliverables? Other than what’s mentioned, would you like those monthly reports to include?

Answer 4.) Monthly reporting is not necessary. Instead, the vendor should be willing to have a flexible line of communication. Communication requirements may differ monthly, as potential performances are established by DCI.

Question 5.) Regarding the use of language in advertising and promotional materials, are there any specific guidelines or restrictions we should adhere to when representing "The Commandant’s Own” as the official corporate sponsor of Drum Corps International? Would the vendor be provided the branding guidelines of the D&B?

Answer 5.) All images, logos, video, and audio will be provided for the vendor to use by The Marine and Bugle Corps. DCI must communicate to vendor in what sizes and file types they require for graphics, timelines and for items along with coordinating details.

Question 6.) Is there an incumbent for this project? What is the contract number and Value?

Answer 6.) The incumbent for this project is Drum Corps International Contract number M0026421P0098 Question 7.) Is there more information regarding Sponsor Agreement and Rights Packages? Specifically, what is the scope of CLIN 001, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001 to accurately price?

Answer 7.) Please review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for all information pertaining to this requirement. CLINS 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001 and 4001 will require the same agreement package every year.

Question 8.) What is the time frame of each CLIN?

Answer 8.) Period of performance is as follows:

CLIN 0001: 1 May 2024 – 30 April 2025 CLIN 1001: 1 May 2025 – 30 April 2026 CLIN 2001: 1 May 2026 – 30 April 2027 CLIN 3001: 1 May 2027 – 30 April 2028 CLIN 4001: 1 May 2028 – 30 April 2029

Question 9.) Is there a time frame for which the advertising should run for each CLIN?

Answer 9.) Advertisement shall be constant throughout the year and especially during specified DCI sanctioned events.

Question 10.) Do we need to utilize any specific platforms for each CLIN? In the RFI, specific platforms are listed, such as Facebook and YouTube. Which CLIN’s will this apply to?

Answer 10.) Platforms are to include, but limited to, DCI.org, Facebook, YouTube, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram. These platforms shall provide advertisement year-round for ALL CLINs.

Question 11.) Where is the Performance of Work Statement listed on the RFQ?

Answer 11.) The PWS can be found in the attachments for this RFQ. If unable to find, contact Sergeant Diaz at email: ramiro.diaz@usmc.mil

Question 12.) Apart from SPRS ratings, what other factors will significantly impact the evaluation of proposals? Are there any qualitative aspects or innovation considerations that could distinguish a proposal despite a lower SPRS rating?

Answer 12.) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter/offeror whose quote/offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous and provide the greatest overall benefit (best value) to the Government.

The basis for award is:

PRICE AND OTHER FACTORS per FAR 13.106-1(a)(2) with the evaluation procedures per FAR 13.106-2 which includes COMPARATIVE.

EVALUATIONS OF OFFERS.

To be selected for Award, a prospective awardee must:

- Conform to all matters with respect to the solicitation: quote/offer must address each salient characteristics, specification/requirement, and each deliverable.

- Have Satisfactory Past Performance: to be evaluated in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(3)(ii) and DFARS 213.106-2(b)(i).

- Quote a Fair and Reasonable Price: in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a) the Contracting Officer will analyze and determine if the apparent successful prospective contractor quoted price is fair and reasonable.

Question 13.) Could you share common challenges or shortcomings experienced in previous contracts related to this RFQ?

Answer 13.) There have been no issues in the past with this requirement.

Question 14.) Given the emphasis on maximizing deliverables within budget constraints, can the contracting officer provide examples of prioritized deliverables or share insights on which deliverables are considered essential versus desirable?

Answer 14.) All deliverables are required and the inability to conform to the solicitation will result in a company’s quote not receiving consideration for award.