Responses_to_Questions_regarding_the_Solicitation.docx

MCC-15-RFQ-0122

CPA Messaging Requirement Response to Questions Received Regarding Solicitation posted on FBO

1. We have not created any messaging documents for government entities previously. However, the messaging documents we have produced for the private sector have included messages addressing the government market. Will this negatively impact our score?

· Answer #1 –No, past performance can only positively impact your evaluation.

2. Can you share a budget number with us?

· Answer #2- At this time, we cannot share the government estimate for this project.

3. Is there an incumbent and if so, can you share their name with us?

· Answer #3- This is a new requirement. Therefore, there is no incumbent.

4. We have been in business a little over two years, but we have very experienced former corporate marketing executives on our team. Do we need to be an established business for at least three years in order to participate in this RFQ?

· Answer #4- In order to participate, your business should be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.sam.gov), have a CAGE Code, TIN or EIN Number, and D-U-N-S number.

5. Can you share with us the names of any vendors who have already submitted a proposal?

· Answer #5- No, this is proprietary information.

6. Has the MCC done this type of research in the past (is there an incumbent)?

· Answer #6- MCC does have messaging we use regularly. But, this is a new requirement and there is no incumbent.

7. Can you help me understand who the messaging will be targeted towards? Who is it supposed to persuade? Is it the press? Is it anyone interested in foreign policy?

· Answer #7- Messaging will be used by MCC employees to address questions received from press and other interested parties.

8. When do you expect to provide written answers to bidder questions?

· Answer #8- An email will be sent notifying all who submitted questions when the amendment is posted.

9. What documents besides Standard Form 1449 require signed certification?

· Answer #9- Only the SF 1449.

10. For all the FAR clauses and non-disclosure agreement forms included – are these provided for reference or do you expect firms to sign and submit back to you as part of the RFP process?

· Answer #10- They are provided for reference and may be signed at the time of award.

11. Do you require contractors to offer pricing/labor categories from their General Services Administration (GSA) schedule?

· Answer #11- No.

12. Related to section B.3: what is the ceiling price for the contract?

· Answer #12- At this time, we cannot share the government estimate for this project.

13. Related to section C.3: Do you have current messaging developed?

· Answer #13- MCC does have messaging we use regularly, but we are looking for refreshed, compelling language agreed upon by senior staff as outlined

14. Related to section C.3: How many interviews total do you expect the contractor to support?

· Answer #14- Approx. 10 internally; open to proposals on external interviews possible within the timeframe outlined.

15. Related to section C.3: How many tailored messaging documents do you expect as part of the deliverable?

· Answer #15- We are looking for concise, agency-wide topline messaging, perhaps a pocket card, and topline messaging for 3-4 key focus areas (Power Africa, data, etc.)

16. Related to section C.3: Do you have any research to inform messaging?

· Answer #16- We have not completed research but welcome proposals that incorporate some external research possible within the proposed timeframe.

17. Related to section C.3: In terms of external stakeholder interviews, do you expect your partner to secure the interviewees?

· Answer #17- We can recommend external interviewees and welcome additional suggestions. We expect our contractor to schedule and conduct those interviews.

18. Related to section C.3: Do you expect your agency partner to support broader message training and cadence beyond the CEO and Deputy CEO?

· Answer #18- Perhaps in the future but not within the timeline and deliverables outlined here.

19. Section E.2 notes presentations should be prepared with PowerPoint but section L.5 notes specific requirements for formatting in a Word document. Can you clarify? What is the largest file size your inbox can receive?

· Answer #19- Section E.2 notes refer to the deliverables and section L.5 is the specific formatting for the quote provided in response to this solicitation.