QUESTIONS_for_T16SOL10021.pdf

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ATTACHMENT 2

QUESTIONS for T16SOL10021

The following comprise the most up-to-date questions regarding the solicitation activity:

1. Does the Smithsonian have any boundaries within the museum(s) that should not be included in proposed content, or, conversely, are there any mandatory inclusions?

a. THERE ARE NO MANDATORY INCLUSIONS. THERE ARE MANY

ITEMS WITH RIGHTS-DRIVEN AND PRACTICAL RESTRICTIONS.

BUSINESS PLANS SHOULD NOT FOCUS ON SPECIFIC ASSETS,

BUT INSTEAD SHOULD FOCUS ON CONTENT CATEGORIES,

DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES AND BUSINESS MODELS.

2. Would we have access to data regarding which exhibits are most popular, most repeatedly visited, etc…?

a. YES. HOWEVER, WE ARE NOT PLANNING TO PROVIDE THAT

INFORMATION AT THIS STAGE.

3. Are there any restrictions or policies governing inclusion of Smithsonian employees on camera?

a. YES. WE NEED THEIR PERMISSION. PARTNERS WOULD NEED

TO HANDLE ALL APPROVALS.

4. What will the process be for being assisted in compliance issues?

a. WE WOULD ASSIGN SOMEONE FROM SE.

5. What will the process be for securing rights regarding any and all

Smithsonian assets?

a. WE WOULD ASSIGN SOMEONE FROM SE; COSTS TO BE BORNE

BY THE PARTNER.

6. What are the restrictions on sponsorship in and around the content?

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a. NO TOBACCO OR FIREARMS OR ALCOHOL SUBJECT TO

APPROVAL. FEW RESTRICTIONS OFF THE MALL.

COORDINATION WITH AD SALES GROUP AND ADVANCEMENT

SO WE ARE NOT TRIPPING ON EACH OTHER.

7. Regarding statement "consumer facing AR / VR opportunities"; Does the

Smithsonian have any existing content license distribution channels that can be leveraged with this new content, or does the SE expect the partner will be responsible for all aspects of finding distribution channels?

a. WE WILL HELP WITH PROMOTION THROUGH OUR MEDIA

REACH, WHICH EXCEEDS 100 MILLION UNIQUE AUDIENCE

MEMBERS ACROSS MULTIPLE PLATFORMS, AND THROUGH

OUR NETWORK OF AFFILIATED MUSEUMS. BUT PARTNER HAS

PRIMARY RESPONSILBILITY FOR FINDING DISTRIBUTION

CHANNELS.

8. Does the Smithsonian foresee that all development costs will be incurred by the partner, or is this the responsibility solely of the SE partner?

a. PARTNER WILL COVER ALL COSTS.

9. Does SE reimburse cost for travel to distribution sites if that is necessary?

a. NO.

10. Would the selected partner be able to place a paid exhibit or station within a Smithsonian Museum or space?

a. IF IT IS COMPELLING ENOUGH AND THE MUSEUM AGREES.

THIS IS ALSO POSSIBLE THROUGH THE NETWORK OF

SMITHSONIANS 200 AFFILIATED MUSEUMS, AS WELL AS

THROUGH OUTSIDE MUSEUM NETWORKS.

11. Would the selected partner be able to add AR markers or plaques near or in front of current museum exhibits or works?

a. POSSIBLE TO EXPLORE INTEGRATION INTO EXISTING MOBILE

APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS, BUT UNLIKELY. THESE

BUSINESSES SHOULD BE ABLE TO GENERATE A PROFIT IN

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LOCATIONSPROFIT IN LOCATIONS OFF THE MALL, WHETHER

OR NOT THEY ARE ALLOWED INTO SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS.

12. Would the selected partner have permission to sell this experience in an online application store?

a. YES. AS LONG AS APPROPRIATE CONTENT APPROVALS ARE

BUILT INTO THE CONTRACT.

13. The following terminology was in the RFP documents. Please insert appropriate time frame. “Termination for Convenience. If at any time

Smithsonian deems that it would be in its best interest not to continue operations pursuant to this Agreement, Smithsonian may terminate this

Agreement for convenience upon at least [insert time period]’ advance written notice.”

a. WILL DEPEND ON EACH BUSINESS MODEL, AND HOW LONG

IT WOULD TAKE – IN PRACTICAL TERMS TO UNWIND.

PARTNER WILL HAVE INPUT INTO TIME PERIOD DURING

NEGOTIATIONS. TERM WOULD PROVIDE REASONABLE

ABILITY TO RECOUP INVESTMENT.

14. What is the expectation in terms of the concept details? Visual details to include illustrations, renders, photo real, best judgment? Are scale and measurement diagrams required at this stage?

a. NO. BUT PROOF OF ABILITY TO EXECUTE HIGH QUALITY

EXPERIENCES IS CRITICAL.

15. Do the grand challenges have particular museums that are to be addressed first?

a. NO.

16. Will the partner receive any direct feedback from the museum/curation teams on what can be used in Augmented Reality (editing or adding signage for application calls to action)?

a. IF THE VR OR AR IS IN THE MUSEUMS, THEN YES. IF NOT, SE

APPROVAL WILL BE DRIVEN BY FACTUAL ACCURACY, AND

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THE EXTENT TO WHICH THERE ARE REPUTATIONAL RISKS. SE

WILL ALSO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON CURRENT ENGAGEMENT

METRICS OF EXISTING AUDIENCES.

17. Will the selected partner have access to the X3d models and other data for 3d AR and VR builds?

a. YES. THAT IS PUBLIC DATA. BUT THERE IS NOT MUCH OF IT.

18. Will the partner have access to the proprietary solutions they are using from Autodesk for x3d?

a. NOT SURE. WE SHOULD NOT COUNT ON THAT.

19. Will the partner have access to any research findings related to museum traffic and interactive exhibits/apps?

a. PARTNER WILL HAVE ACCESS TO ALL OF SE’S AUDIENCE

DATA.

20. What are the rules of inclusion for augmented reality targets not associated directly with exhibits in the museums?

a. UP TO CURATORS IN EACH MUSEUM.

21. What are the rules of inclusion for augmented reality targets not associated directly with exhibits associated properties- approaches, doors, and public spaces adjacent to museum?

a. UP TO CURATORS IN EACH MUSEUM.

22. Will the selected partner receive guidance on possible inclusion attract video screens or instructional signage throughout museums?

a. YES.

23. What specific analytics are they most interested in? Single uses of apps?

Time in apps? Participation scales, social media shares, etc.

a. PROFITABILITY. SCALABILITY.

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24. Are there any visitor analytics and spending habits that Smithsonian can share at the outset of this RFP in order for the selected partner to be more specific in its recommendations and proposal?

a. JUST THE PUBLIC DATA. WE GET JUST UNDER 30 MILLION

VISITS A YEAR. BUT AGAIN, THESE AR AND VR EXECUTIONS

SHOULD BE EFFECTIVE AND PROFITABLE, EVEN IF THEY WERE

ONLY DEPLOYED IN NON-SMITHSONIAN LOCATIONS OFF

THE MALL. UNDER NDA, WE CAN PROVIDE DATA FROM SE

STORES, WEBSITES, ETC. TO PARTNERS WITH WHOM WE ARE

UNDER CONTRACT.

25. How many experiences is the partner expected to develop in the first year?

a. WE HAVE NO SET NUMBER. WE WANT PROFIT AND AUDIENCE

PROJECTIONS, AND QUALITY.

26. What is the royalty structure anticipated by the Smithsonian?

a. DEPENDS ON THE BUSINESS MODEL, AND THE UPFRONT

INVESTMENT REQUIRED BY THE PARTNER. REV SHARE

TERMS WILL BE NEGOTIATED BASED ON THE EXIGENCIES OF

EACH BUSINESS. BUT ABSOLUTE PROFIT AND QUALITY OF

EXPERIENCE ARE SE’S TWO PRIMARY METRICS FOR SUCCESS.

27. Would the Smithsonian consider teaming arrangements that utilizes the

AR/VR offerings of the subcontractor’s past performances?

a. ABSOLUTELY.

28. Would the Smithsonian accept strong performances of a contractor whose primary business is Federal sales and “app” development but not in the AR/VR realm?

a. NO. WE NEED PROOF OF ABILITY TO EXECUTE EXCEPTIONAL

CONTENT IN THIS SPACE.

29. Would the Smithsonian consider shifting the AR/VR development plan beginnings to late Summer of 2016 vice Spring to appropriately account

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30. Is there a specific area (subject matter) within the Smithsonian that the

Smithsonian would like to prominently emphasize with this proposal?

a. NO. PROFIT AND QUALITY ARE THE DRIVERS.

31. Is there an opportunity to create stand-alone areas within the

Smithsonian to create new, immersive experiences?

a. MAYBE. BUT BUSINESS MODELS SHOULD NOT DEPEND ON

THESE SPACES.

32. Will we have access to any Smithsonian’s speakers/friends of the

Smithsonian or benefactors for possible inclusions of newly created material?

a. IF APPROPRIATE COSTS ARE COVERED, AND THEY ARE

WILLING.

33. Are we allowed to bring in outside experts in certain areas to be included in new creations of content or is it preferred to use all Smithsonian personnel?

a. YES, WE USE OUTSIDE EXPERTS ALL THE TIME.

34. Does the Smithsonian have direct ties with The Department of Education in terms of distribution of new content/ideas for schools?

a. INDIRECT. BUT WE HAVE OUR OWN CURRICULAR PIPELINES.

35. Does all of this new content have to be run thru the Smithsonian website or can an arrangement be negotiated with an outside distribution portal to aid distribution?

a. EITHER IS FINE.

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36. Is the Smithsonian open or able to enter into Joint Ventures of

“Partnerships” with the goal of producing high-end product with an established, award-winning company?

37. Once proposals are submitted, will the Smithsonian engage with companies that have submitted to ask follow up questions or ask for additional information?

a. YES. COMPANIES THAT MAKE IT THROUGH THIS ROUND WILL

BE PART OF A SECOND ROUND OF DIALOGUE.

38. Can you tell us about the nine research centers and give some specifics on what they are focusing on with their research?

a. IT’S ALL ONLINE.

39. Does the Smithsonian charge patrons for any exhibits or “shows” within the Smithsonian or is everything free of charge under the Smithsonian umbrella?

a. WE HAVE SOME PAID EXPERIENCES. BUT THESE BUSINESSES

SHOULD BE PROFITABLE WHETHER OR NOT THEY GET ACCESS

TO OUR MUSEUM LOCATIONS ON THE MALL.

40. Is there an overview available that encompasses what is considered

“Smithsonian Content”?

a. NO. BUT OUR WEBSITE LISTS ALL OF THE MUSEUMS AND THE

BROAD CONTENT AREAS THEY COVER.

41. Can the Smithsonian forward any branding/logos that we might use in our presentation?

a. NO. BUT YOU CAN PULL SOME ART OFF THE WEB.

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42. Will Smithsonian fund all projects because paperwork says companies awarded contracts will also fund some projects? Is that the case and if so, I assume they will also share in proceeds generated?

a. SMITHSONIAN IS COUNTING ON PARTNER INVESTMENT TO

COVER THE COST OF THESE PROJECTS.

43. What is the timeline in terms of the Smithsonian deciding on proposals and when would the Smithsonian like the first exhibits/installations to be implemented?

a. RFP TIMELINE IS EXPLICIT. NO SET DEADLINES FOR

IMPLIMENTATION.

44. We noticed that the proposal indicates that (if) selected offeror were granted a project(s) with Smithsonian Enterprises (SE), that we would most likely be the merchant collecting money. Does SE envision selected offeror collecting fees/monies at the front entrance to a museum, or outside of a display/theatre/venue that we put in place.

a. NO. IN MUSEUMS THERE WOULD NEED TO BE WIRELESS

CREDIT CARD SOLUTIONS. BUSINESSES NEED TO BE

PROFITABLE WHETHER OR NOT THEY GET ACCESS TO OUR

MUSEUMS.

45. Has SE ever considered, or collected fees/monies on behalf of an outside/supplier before? We want to have a clear idea of this process would work, or has worked in the past.

46. In addition to hard copies, and digital copies/videos on a USB drive, would SE also be accepting of certain parts of our proposal being submitted in a Virtual Reality (VR) type headset that we would include along with our hard copy & USB digital copy and videos.

a. SURE.

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47. Is the Smithsonian going to select one partner to work with in their VR efforts, or would they be selecting a number of partners from the industry?

a. MULTIPLE IN DIFFERENT SECTORS.

48. Are there specific properties and or initiatives the Smithsonian is hoping to build their VR efforts around, or is the partner responsible for evaluating all of the Smithsonian IP and suggesting what areas to pursue in VR?

a. PARTNER SHOULD PROPOSE SECTORS.

49. What parameters are already in place with regard to timeframe, scope of work/budget? If this is something the partner will be helping do define, would the time spent advising in this manner be compensated?

a. NO COMPENSATION. JUST PARTNER INVESTMENT.

50. How will success be measured?

a. PROFIT AND QUALITY.

51. If the selected partner were to create VR experiences for the Smithsonian, would the selected partner be able to brand the content as a partnership between The Smithsonian and selected partner, and distribute exclusively on our player?

52. As a developer and manufacturer of VR and AR equipment but not content, is there a place or a means of offering our products to companies looking to address the content and will ultimately require hardware?

a. YOU CAN REACH OUT TO PARTNERS.

53. In Attachment B, “Notable Contract Concepts” – Section 6, Copyright: “The company shall be responsible for securing and clearing any and all applicable rights the Smithsonian does not have, including rights in Smithsonian content.”

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a. Question: What “Smithsonian Content” would the Smithsonian not already have rights to, and how does the Smithsonian anticipate that such content will be used in this project?

i. THERE ARE MANY ITEMS THAT WE DON’T HAVE MEDIA

RIGHTS TO, FROM HOLLYWOOD, ETC. LIST TOO LONG TO

PROVIDE.

b. If rights to such content cannot be secured, will the Smithsonian offer alternative content?

i. WE WILL CERTAINLY TRY.

c. Will the company or the Smithsonian be responsible for the costs associated with securing such rights, such as legal fees, registration fees, etc.?

i. PARTNER IS RESPONSIBLE.

54. In Attachment B, “Notable Contract Concepts” – Section 11, Compliance:

With respect to personally identifiable information (PII) and other

Smithsonian Data:

a. Is it correct that the company will only handle such data, but will not be required to store or create such data?

i. YES.

b. May the contractor procure a third party/subcontractor for utilization of credit card payments and other requirements as a

“merchant account?”

i. YES.

55. Can you point towards some AR and VR experiences that you feel are done well?

a. MANY. BUT DO NOT WANT TO PROVIDE A LIST.

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56. What is relative weight of SE’s interest between AR and VR experiences?

a. WE ARE LOOKING TO DRIVE REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES. OUR

INTEREST IS IN CREATING COMPELLING EXPERIENCES. IT IS

NOT FOCUSED ON A SPECIFIC PLATFORM.

57. May the projects be marketed globally?

58. Does SE have specific revenue goals for royalties and minimum annual guarantee?

a. NO. BUT OVERALL PROFIT NUMBERS AND REALISTIC TIME TO

PROFITABILITY WILL BE ONE OF THE PRIMARY SELECTION

CRITERIA.

59. For in-museum experiences, is the intention that these would these be licensed to Smithsonian affiliates by the selected company?

a. YES. WITH OUR HELP.

60. Is the only model that the Smithsonian is interested in for this to license the rights to a 3rd party to develop the content on their own?

a. NO. WE ARE WILLING TO CONSIDER OTHER MODELS. BUT

ALL MODELS MUST BE DRIVEN BY PARTNER INVESTMENT.

61. Are all companies bidding required to provide the funding for development vs a more traditional consulting model where it's time and materials contract for development?

a. YES. ALL PARTIES MUST PROVIDE THE DEVELOPMENT

FUNDING.