Q&A_M67854-19-Q-5232.pdf

Q&A M67854-19-Q-5232 03 April 2019

Filming location and environment:

Q1. How many shooting events are expected throughout the period of performance? How many days are expected for each event? How many training video shoots are expected for each event?

A1. We are planning two videography events, each one will be 5 days long (Mon - Fri), shooting 45-50 videos each week. The tentative dates are 3-7 Jun and 22-26 Jul. A block of rooms has been reserved as an option for on-base accomodation for each planned event.

Q2. For clarification, are there 100 videos total or 100 videos for each filming event?

A2. 45-50 videos per event times two events. Tentatively scheduled for 3-7 Jun and 22-26 Jul.

Q3. How many filming events will there be to complete the videos?

A3. Two. See above.

Q4. What will the filming environment be?

A4. In a covered building aboard the Camp Lejeune, NC Ammunition Supply Point (ASP).

Q5. Who will choose the filming location? Will it be the PMA or will the video crew choose the filming location?

A5. The government has selected the Ammunition Supply Point (ASP) at Camp Lejeune, NC.

Q6. Can we have multiple crews working simultaneously produce multiple videos at the same time?

A6. Would rather have one team for continuity's sake, but not opposed to the idea. The filming location is in a secure area with restricted access, therefore setup will only be required on the first day.

Q7. Will all of the filming be done in the same location or in multiple locations at Camp Lejeune?

A7.All filming will be done at the Ammunition Supply Point (ASP) at Camp Lejeune, NC.

Q8. If location is already pre-determined, what is the lighting condition of the location? I.e.

Exterior/interior/dimly or well lit facility etc.

A8. Plan for dim light in an enclosed building.

Q9. Will film days be consecutive shoot days or will there be multiple trips to set location?

A9. We are planning two events; one for 3-7 June and another from 22-26 July. Each event will last the entire week (Mon-Fri) for 9-12 hours per day. The area will be secure and filming conducted in a restricted access building, therefore no need to tear down the equipment each day.

The room will be secured at the end of the filming day.

Q10. The documentation seems to imply that the Government expects all filming and editing to occur at the same time on location. Is this an erroneous assumption?

A10.Yes, the filming will be done on location and the editing can be accomplished over the next few weeks.

Q11. How big will the room/area be where the contractor will be shooting?

A11. Approx. 20 feet x 30 feet.

Q12. Is there a requirement to have a prior security clearance? Any special requirements to access the location?

A12. No security clearance required. Access regulations are being accessed but should not cost the vendor. Background checks may be performed and instructions will be distributed upon availability.

Q13. Is the location designated for the capture of videography interior or exterior? Will the awarded firm be able to scout location prior to production?

A13. Indoors and yes.

Q14. Will the contractor personnel require training and personal protective gear for filming live ammunition and will the government provide both?

A14.No training, besides a general safety brief is required. Personal protective gear will not be required. The government personnel will handle the ammunition.

Q15. Will live video footage be recorded in one location or multiple locations?

A15. One location.

Q16. Is "the Government's desired production rate of 10 videos per day" in reference to physical production only (i.e. excludes post production such as edit, VO, motion graphics, VFX)

A16. Yes, that is correct.

Q17. Will the Government use live or dummy ammunition types during filming?

A17. Live ammo. Only government personnel will handle the munitions.

Q18. Would we have access to our Talent and Locations for 12 hour shoot days, both weekdays and weekend? To be more specific, if we were to build our Shoot Calendar with the goal of filming say July 15th - 24th (10 days straight), part of that calendar will go through the weekend.

Would we have access to the base and necessary personnel to work through the weekend?

A18. Plan on having access to the site for five days (Mon-Fri) and 9-12 hours per day. We will be shooting 45 videos the first week increment, and 45 videos the second week increment.

Video formatting and associated:

Q19. Is the PM AMMO interested in considering AR/VR training videos & animation?

A19. No, not at this time.

Q20. How many DVD copies will be required?

A20. One set of DVD's for all videos is sufficient.

Q21. Are we producing just the 100 videos as listed on the sample list provided? Or is there any potential that more videos may be necessary?

A21. No, the initial list should be the total produced.

Q22. Are we certain all scripts will be between 1-5 minutes. The sample script provided seems more like an 8 minute script by our word count.

A22. We are estimating the average script to be about 3-4 min. Some will be longer and some less.

Q23. Of the videos, can you give us an approximate breakdown of how many are less than 1 minute, between 2-3 minutes, 5 minutes in length, etc.?

A23. No, just plan on 4 min to be the average.

Q24. The RFQ mentions that the government expects a production rate of 10 videos per day in Attachment 2 FAR 52.212-1. Can the government better define this statement, as the term “production” is often used differently by different industries and bureaucratic systems?

A24. An average of 10 videos are to be filmed per day, equaling a production rate of 10 videos per day. Editing for the final product can occur after the filming session.

Q25. The file type is as mp4 and also listed deliverable as a DVD with a menu listing all videos on that DVD. Is the contractor delivering mp4 files digitally and also authoring DVDs that can be read by a DVD player with created menus and buttons for playback?

A25. No, the contractor is just putting mp4 files on a disc with a text file that lists all videos on that DVD? The mp4 files must be capable of playback, pause, etc.

Q26. DVDs - authored for playback in DVD player or just used as media to hold Mpeg4 videos?

A26. Media to hold mp4 files

Q27. DVDs - one for each video (100 DVDs), or categorized by weapon type (groups of 10 or so on each)?

A27. As many as can fit on a DVD.

Q28. Is there any way to be provided one of the scripts the contractor will be shooting prior to the RFQ submission deadline of 4 April at 0900?

A28. A sample script was provided as Attachment 4.

Q29. Are the graphics expected to be basic title/text/color or involved animations?

A29. Basic

Q30. The SOW 3.2 said each video shall be 1-5 minutes in length, however, our reading of the sample script provided in Attachment 4 ran for 8 minutes 30 seconds, allowing for no gaps or pauses.

Have the scripts for the 100 ammo types been timed?

A30. Yes, most are around 3-4 minutes.

Q31. Does the Government prefer DVDs that are playable DVDs or Data DVDs? Playable DVD’s work in a DVD player, Data DVDs contain mp4 video files accessible via computer.

A31. Data DVDs

Q32. Will a 1920x1080 HD MP4 video file be acceptable for final delivery?

A32. Yes. Per section 3.2 of the statement of work (attachment 1) the video file should be DR Video Bitrate (720p) 6.5 Mbps or greater.

Q33. Does the Government anticipate the training videos being an integration of original video, graphics, ammunition types images, screen shots and text on screen with Government personnel?

A33. No. Just filming the script.

Q34. Will you accept reviews of video cuts to be done electronically via vimeo.com <http://vimeo.com> ?

A34. Only secure networks should be used to transmit video.

Q35. It is more cost-effective to offer synthetic voice-overs, but we can also offer live voice-over services. Is there a preference or will it be a decision based on which is the lower cost?

A35. There is no technical preference for either method and the Marine Corps is not willing to pay a price premium for live voice-overs if synthetic voice-overs are less expensive and done in a manner which satisfies the solicitation requirements.

Q36. In addition to the DVD’s, we normally provide 2 hard drives with Encoded Quicktimes, all raw footage, backup files and audio files. Is there anything else that I need to keep in mind in terms of final deliverables?

A36. No.

Q37. Do you see these videos as being delivered with Voice Over + On-Screen Text (motion graphics), in order to best tell each story? Or do you anticipate the need for Sync Sound, allowing our Talent to deliver part or all of the script?

A37. No on screen text (like closed-captioning) is expected. The videos should have a synthetic or professional voiceover.

Q38. How do you plan on visually showing the many defects mentioned in the M67 script? For example, will we be able to show grenades and/or packing with missing lot numbers, illegible markings, non-standard containers, containers with punctures, containers with water damage and dry rot, loose or damaged safety pins, missing diamond crimp, incorrectly formed safety lever, damaged fuze protectors, rust and corrosion, leaking grenade contents, loose fuze, etc.? In order to show exactly what the inspector should be looking for, these defects will need to be visible in the video.

A38. We do not plan to show all of the defects mentioned in the M67 script. We will show them how it should look and if it doesn't look that way, they will know it's defective. If there is any doubt, they will place the item in an approved holding area and ask for guidance from a supervisor.

Q39. For the introductory paragraph about the general use of hand grenades, will you provide stock footage of grenades being used in training exercises or battle scenarios? Or would we need to also shoot footage of all the ammo being used for each introductory segment?

A39. No. The introductory paragraph is only intended to give a verbal description of the items while the viewer is looking at the item.

Q40. In Attachment 4 G881 Draft Narrative Script, Script Reference: “The Grenade produces casualties by high velocity projection of fragments…" Will we be required to film the detonation of the grenade?

A40. No.

Q41. Will all prop materials be provided? i.e., Will the damaged container referenced in the script and other props be provided?

A41. Yes.

Q42. What experience will the military spokesperson have in front of the camera?

A42. The video should have a synthetic or professional voiceover.

Script:

Q43. Will the Program Manager Ammunition (PM Ammo) provide a closing transition script to be placed at the end of each video? i.e. For further information or questions, please call xxx.xxx.xxxx or go to www.xxx.mil http://www.xxx.mil

A43. Yes.

Q44. Will viable still photographs of the ammunition types be provided for integration with the other videographed materials?

A44. Not necessary.

Q45. Will pronunciation guides for ammunition types, acronyms, etc. be provided to enhance voiceovers?

A45. If necessary, yes.

Q46. The current sample script that was provided by the Government with the Solicitation is an instructional script with notes, etc. Does the Government plan to use only instructional scripts for the voiceovers?

A46. Yes.

Q47. Will the Government consider scripting services in order to finalize the scripts for professional voiceover?

A47. The scripts will not need scripting services.

http://www.xxx.mil/

Q48. Please confirm that Contractor is responsible for adding professional voiceover.

A48. Yes, the contractor will be responsible for live or synthetic voiceover for each video.

Q49. Will all the scripts be similar style/length to the sample script submitted with the Solicitation?

A49. Yes.

Q50. Is there any way to be provided one of the scripts the contractor will be shooting prior to the RFQ submission deadline of 4 April at 0900?

A50. A sample script was provided as Attachment 4.

Solicitation:

Q51. Are case studies a requirement?

A51.Examples of previous experience are required.

Q52. Under Experience; do examples have to be 5 minutes in length?

A52. 3 to 5 examples are required under this factor detailing experience. Video examples are not explicitly directed and length is not dictated.

Q53. Under Experience; for examples, will training videos receive a higher rating then non-training videos?

A53.Attachment 3, Evaluation-Commercial Items, section 2. Experience Factor:

(1) For purposes of this procurement, the Marine Corps values experience in producing training videos and video graphic training aids more than general experience in videography;

Q54. Under Experience; for examples, if no training videos are submitted, would our experience be irrelevant?

A54.Attachment 3, Evaluation-Commercial Items, states that training videos are valued higher than general experience. General experience will still be considered.

Q55. Are video links acceptable (specifically Vimeo.com) for examples of videography tasking?

A55. No.

Q56. Does the Government prefer Offeror’s propose a Quantity of 1 pricing for the 1 CLIN, or a Quantity of 100 pricing for the 1 CLIN?

A56. The price quoted for CLIN 0001 should include filming of all 100 items for a firm, fixed price to the Marine Corps without any separately priced items (e.g., travel).

General:

Q57. Does the Government have an anticipated valuation for this contract action?

A57. There have been no previous contracts for this service which would have created a public record of historical prices paid. The Marine Corps has developed a cost estimate for internal budgeting purposes, but is not intending to disclose that estimate to offerors in order to preserve the opportunity to negotiate a best price, should an award not be made based on initial proposals.

Q58. Has the Government contracted similar inspection processes recordings in a videographed format suitable for playback on any media platform type? If formerly contracted, who was the contractor, when was the contract awarded, and the value of the contract?

A58. This is our first contract for this type of filming.

Q59. Has the Government internally developed similar inspection processes recordings in a videographed format suitable for playback on any media platform type?

A59. No.

Q60. If there are existing ammunition inspection process videos of any type that capture the inspection points available, can they be shared to show the current type of video used or desired?

A60. No, because none have been previously produced.

Q61. Where will the ammunition inspection process videos for this solicitation be distributed, deployed or shared? In other words, online on the Marine Ammunition Knowledge Enterprise or other platforms?

A61. Online by various means such as the MAKE and MarineNet Video Services.

Q62. What is the Government’s desired completion date for the project?

A62. By 31 October 2019.

Q63. The SOW states "A post award teleconference shall be scheduled "for" 30 days after contract award." For clarification, did Government mean the post award teleconference shall be scheduled 30 days after contract award or "within" 30 days of contract award?

A63. Within 30 days.

Q64. My company has a standard 2 million dollar production insurance package, which occasionally I have to augment for specific commercials that may have Pyrotechnics, Stunts, Underwater Filming, Cars, Aircraft etc. Do you anticipate the need for any additional insurance coverage beyond the normal television commercial production plan?

A64. No.

Q65. Is “Talent” going to be provided by your team, or would we be casting talent separately?

A65. We will have Marines and civilian technicians holding the munitions and pointing to the parts of the munitions/packaging being described.

Q66. Do I need to budget for any additional talent costs?

A66. All onscreen talent will be Government personnel. In the event of professional, live voiceover the contractor would be responsible for procuring that talent.

Q67. How many rounds of review should I bid for during edit, and how much time should I allow for reviews & feedback on your end when I’m building the calendar?

A67. Let's shoot for one round, two max and the government reviews & feedback will be as expeditious as possible (not knowing how long it will take to review).

Q68. Are the videos required to be 508 Compliant for this contract action?

A68. No

Q69. Will the Government consider accepting a GSA schedule for this solicitation?

A69. The Marine Corps does not intend to entertain proposals offering to perform a task or delivery order against a GSA schedule contract and intends to award a separate contract based on the terms and conditions expressed in the solicitation. The Marine Corps reserves the right to refer to GSA schedules when evaluating the prices offered by any Offeror.

Q70. Regarding Craft Service and Meals, should I budget to have those brought in for my crew or would we need to go through base personnel?

A70. There are multiple fast food restaurants within 7 miles of the filming site on base.

Q71. What is the government's preferred tone for these videos? (I.e. Straight forward and educational, or high energy and entertaining)

A71. Somewhere in between but leaning mostly to the professional/educational.

Q72. Is it possible to get a picture of the area being used to film prior to the RFQ submission deadline of 4 April at 0900?

A72. No pictures are available of this location.