VIPC RFI-SS_05SEPT2024.pdf

Approved for Public Release 24-MDA-11883 (3 Sep 24)

Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought/Market Research Synopsis

Reference Number: MDAVIPCRFI2024 “MDA Visual Information and Production Centers”

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Approved for Public Release 24-MDA-11883 (3 Sep 24)

1.0. General Information:

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is issuing this synopsis as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support this requirement for Visual Information Production Center (VIPC) services as detailed in section 3.0 Requirements below. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this acquisition is 541430 “Graphic Design Services” (size standard of $9,000,000). All business sizes under the applicable NAICS may consider submitting a response to this notice.

This synopsis is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation and submission of any information is purely voluntary. The Government assumes no financial responsibility for any cost incurred in responding. The results of this market research will contribute to determining the method of acquisition and to determine the capabilities of interested businesses in providing required products and/or services. Based on the responses to this synopsis, requirements may be set aside for small businesses, procured through full and open competition or through other appropriate acquisition methods.

Interested business concerns should submit the required information from section 5.0 Submission Instructions. Please read through the all sections of this this RFI so you have full and complete understanding of what the Government is seeking before providing your capability statement based on the instructions provided below.

Interested business concerns must be capable of performing as the prime contractor, agency or enterprise-wide, i.e., at all MDA locations. Enterprise-wide includes, but is not limited to the geographic locations of a) National Capital Region (NCR) (including Fort Belvoir, Virginia); b) Huntsville, Alabama; c) Dahlgren, Virginia; d) Colorado Springs, Colorado; e) Fort Greely, Alaska; f) Vandenberg AFB, California. Additionally the VIPC supports (limited) on-demand requirements at other MDA locations around the globe with either in-house production or short term temporary duty (TDY).

2.0. Background:

The MDA is an organization within the United States Government’s Department of Defense (DoD) responsible for developing and fielding the Missile Defense System (MDS) to defend the United States, its deployed forces, friends, and allies from missile attacks in all phases of flight.

In support of this effort MDA, requires VIPC services providing high quality, regionally-executed graphic design, photography, videography, documentary (non-analytical) flight test support, printing and production services for the Agency’s geographically dispersed locations identified above.

The MDA VIPC Office reports to the Agency’s Chief of Staff (CoS) who is a member of the Director’s Special Staff and Command Group. The CoS Office provides VIPC support to the Agency through high quality, regionally-executed visual information and production capabilities.

Services provided by VIPC at all 5 regional offices include: full service graphic design for both digital and print media, high volume color printing and document production; full service photography and videography, video development, editing and production; photo realistic animation and modelling; documentary (non-analytical) flight test photography and videography and A/V production design and support for ceremonies and events. These services are performed in both unclassified and classified environments.

VIPC administration in addition to daily operations to include: Operation and maintenance of a complex Motion Media Lab featuring real-time digital video editing suites, High-speed fiber-channel SAN storage and an integrated Digital Asset Management system.

3.0. Requirements:

All Interested businesses with the potential capacity to perform the listed functions should submit a tailored Capability Statement describing their ability in addressing the following requirements:

3.1: Potential sources must have relevant experience in both size and scope operating a full service multimedia organization in a DoD/Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) environment. The Visual Information and Production Centers (VIPC) requirements includes the following tasks:

3.1.1: Manage day-to-day operations at 5 VIPC offices geographically dispersed at 4 locations across the United States providing high quality, full service graphic design for both digital and print media, high volume color printing and document production; full service photography and videography, video development, editing and production; music composition and soundtrack creation, photo realistic animation and modelling;

documentary (non-analytical) flight test photography and videography and A/V production design and support for ceremonies and events. Work is executed in both unclassified and classified environments up to Top Secret.

3.1.2: Implement an Organizational Structure to monitor, review and assign high volume of incoming work requests using the existing MKO (SharePoint) portal-based work request system as-well-as monitor progress, schedule and quality/accuracy of completed products with the ability to quickly reprioritize and support rapidly emerging Agency requirements.

3.1.3: Provide key management personnel to ensure successful standardized VIPC operations at all 5 offices.

3.1.3.1: Contract Program Manager (CPM): Oversee entire contract operations ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, sub-contractor management, timelines, budgets and primary Point of Contact (POC) between the Contractor and MDA Contracting Office.

3.1.3.2: Contract Operations Manager (COM): Provides direct support to the Government PM as the interface handling day-to-day operations, coordination of resources, workflow, and ensuring efficient execution of tasks to meet project milestones and customer deadlines.

3.1.3.3: Contract Technical Manager (CTM): Responsible for technical integrity of VIPC operations, provide expert guidance hardware, software, emerging computer (Windows and Mac O/S), camera and multimedia technologies ensuring technical environment meets highest standards of cost, schedule and performance while adhering DoD/DISA Cyber requirements.

3.1.4: Provide overall contract management: to effectively administer daily operations at 5 offices with staffing, performance, schedule, cost, and interface with Procurement Contracting Officer/Contracting Officer Representative/Functional Integrator

(PCO/COR/FI).

3.1.5: Provide a highly skilled workforce (Graphic Designers, Production Technicians, Videographers, Photographers, Animators, Modelers, and Audio Visual (AV) Support Staff) that meets special qualifications in areas below:

3.1.5.1: Graphic Designers – professional level artistic skill to develop inventive and imaginative ideas to create high quality, visually appealing, original art work from rough concept to highly refined finished product, both in printed and digital formats in a variety of styles from freehand illustration to digital manipulation using current industry standard software Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) Master Collection graphic design software [(Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, etc.) and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Visio, etc.)].

3.1.5.2: Production Designers – skilled in basic design and composition with commercial production techniques to fully utilize high speed digital print production capabilities (page imposition, script automation, data merge) on systems like Xerox Versant 180 digital color presses (and similar emerging technologies), various binding, punching and cropping devices; large format color printing, DVD mastering and replication, etc.

3.1.5.3: Videographers/Video Editors – professional level skills to creatively set up and shoot high quality video in a wide variety of environments and situations both classified and unclassified using high end HD up to 4K professional cameras, action cameras (e.g. GoPro) and specialty cameras; special lighting and green screen production as-well-as basic maintenance and troubleshooting.

Videographers will also have professional studio quality video editing skills utilizing Final Cut Pro and Adobe CC Master Collection (Premier, After Effects, Lightroom, Photoshop) in an Apple based hybrid editing environment.

3.1.5.4: Photographers – professional level expertise to fully utilize Nikon Digital camera systems (D5/Z9), action cameras and other platforms; providing professional studio, ceremony and event photography, complex flight tests, technical activities and shooting in remote locations; with digital editing utilizing Adobe Creative CC Master Collection software (Photoshop, Lightroom); and basic camera maintenance and troubleshooting.

3.1.5.5: Animators and Modelers – professional level 3-D animation and modeling of hardware and scenarios with expert level knowledge of Cinema 4D (C4D), Redshift, RedGiant, After Effects, etc. using a hybrid Apple based environment and render farm.

3.1.5.6: A/V Lead – expertise and knowledge to execute broadcast quality ceremonies and events fully utilizing production lighting using Phillips Strand Lighting NEO Light Control Board, sound and audio control using a Yamaha M7CL, production video switching using a Black Magic Design Broadcast Panel ATEM 2 M/E, and video format and resolution conversion and connectivity with additional skills in music composition and audio production of soundtracks and special effects.

3.2: Visual Information Design and Production: Provide professional quality graphic design product for all MDA locations. Includes creation of original artwork, design and layout; text processing; page mark-up; graphic scanning, digital forms development; digital signage; large and small format printing; sign making; mounting and laminating; and any other creative design support.

3.2.1: High speed digital printing and production – Each VIPC office operates between one and four state of the art, high speed digital color presses to providing lower cost, managed print and production services to Agency customers utilizing digital color press printing methodology, file preparation, efficient use of dedicated front-end raster image processors (RIPs), job cueing, PDF file format efficiencies and document finishing configuration (automatic punching, binding, folding, etc.) to produce executive-level products.

3.3: Motion Media Services: Video Support, Design, and Production; Photography;

Animation and Modeling; Audio Visual Support (A/V): Provide a wide range of professional media services to plan, coordinate, and execute photography and videography support requirements for both local and TDY locations including both CONUS and OCONUS.

3.3.1: Video Support, Design and Production – provide professional quality videographers that are expertly versed with current and emerging technology, and skilled with professional HD/4K video cameras and related studio and field equipment.

3.3.1.2: Provide video producer/project lead services to recommend creative concepts that are imaginative/inventive used to then develop detailed storyboards and scripts. The video producer is also responsible to coordinate individual requirements and schedules between the customer and production staff to ensure projects remain on schedule.

3.3.1.3: Provide professional video editing to assemble creative, broadcast quality, final video products from a variety of image sources using specialized, industry standard hardware and software. End products may include music, special sound effects and or professional narration.

3.3.1.4: Provide professional audio support for video and motion graphic products in the form of; custom sound tracks with integrated sound effects, commercial (licensed) music backgrounds, and narration, including original music composition.

3.3.1.5: Provide content and operate/maintain agency wide IPTV channel (MDA TV and Situational Awareness).

3.3.2: Photography: Provide professional quality photography support using high-end Digital Single Lensed Reflex Cameras (DSLR) (Nikon D5/Z9) cameras in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments to include; ceremonies, group activities, official portraits, VIP visits, hardware transport and loading, architectural photography and special projects.

3.3.2.1: Provide professional editing and processing of digital photographs to produce highly refined finished product. Maintain a meta-data embedded, keyword searchable archive of all photographs in accordance with records management policies and directives.

3.3.3: Animation and Modeling: Provide professional quality animation and modeling support using industry standard software and hardware (Cinema 4D, Motion, AfterEffects, etc. in hybrid Apple based environment and render farm.

3.3.4: A/V Support: Provide dedicated A/V support (Unclassified and Classified), with additional surge capability, to facilitate and execute broadcast-quality, auditorium A/V requirements in support of conferences, senior level meetings, ceremonies, and events.

3.4: Documentary Non Analytical Flight Test Photography and Videography:

Provide ancillary professional-quality documentary (photography and HD video) support of Agency flight test activities at test ranges and event locations around the globe. Test locations include various environments including operating from aircraft, ships and remote land bases. Some requirements include operating in close proximity to highly explosive material and toxic propellants.

3.4.1: Plan, coordinate, and execute photography and videography support requirements for both CONUS and OCONUS TDY locations.

3.4.2: Work with the MDA Directorate for Test (DT), the testing program offices (THAAD, GM, Aegis, etc.), and test ranges to determine specific requirements.

3.4.3: Develop a Motion Media Plan for each test event. The plan will be based on the operational requirements and will include a list of required equipment (i.e., detailed hardware plan), deployment plan, deployment inventory, camera positions, view angle lenses, shooting plan, power requirements, network requirements, fiber optic runs, and office/space requirements.

3.5: Potential sources must demonstrate specific experience and skills in operating a sophisticated digital media environment tailored for MDA and the Department of Defense networks (DODIN). This includes proficiency in managing Apple-based computer systems compliant with DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) for cybersecurity.

The potential sources must also have expertise in administering Jamf Pro Mobile Device Management (MDM) servers and Reprise License Management (RLM) license management servers, ensuring efficient and secure device management and software licensing. The Motion Media Team processes a large volume of digital imagery requiring both real-time access and long term archival storage. Experience in managing Storage Area Networks (SANs), digital/media asset management systems (DAM/MAM), and animation render farms is essential to support high-volume, high performance media production and storage. These capabilities are critical for maintaining operational security, efficiency and compliance within the MDA/DOD Information Network.

3.5.1: Manage Apple Computers and Professional Software - VIPC Motion Media is macOS based and compliant with Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Apple macOS Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG).

3.5.1.1: Authorized staff responsible as System Administrators for macOS devices used by VIPC Motion Media including specifications of, configuration, interoperability/compatibility, Apple software licensing and STIG compliance, including regular security patch management and software updates.

3.5.1.2: Apple Professional Software licenses core to VIPC Motion Media operation are managed utilizing Jamf Pro and Apple Business Manager (ABM).

3.5.1.3: Apple Push Notification service (APNs) is core to VIPC Motion Media MDM as an encrypted and authenticated communication tool. Executed in coordination with agency IT staff to insure APNs function on the agency ULAN.

3.5.1.4: Maintain Jamf Pro Server - hosted within the agency’s Unclassified Local Area Network (ULAN) on a data center Windows virtual server.

3.5.1.5: Apple Professional Software used by VIPC Motion Media includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, and Compressor. Additional Software includes:

Adobe After Effects – Animation and post production Adobe Substance – 3D modeling and animation Adobe Photoshop – Image creation and manipulation Maxon Cinema4D (C4D) – 3d modeling and animation Maxon Redshift – Textures and Rendering Maxon Red Giant – plugin effects Various plugins – C4Depot, DEM Earth, VUE, Turbulence, Video

Copilot, etc.

3.5.1.6: Maintaining Apple ProRes family of professional codecs used for capture and post production.

3.5.2: Software License Management – Reprise License Management (RLM) Maintain Motion Media License Management within the agency ULAN for applications requiring reoccurring authentication. Manage a macOS hosted RLM server providing license management for all applicable Maxon and E-on software.

3.5.3: Storage Area Network (SAN) and Digital Asset Management (DAM) Quantum StorNext SAN: Manage hundreds of terabytes of data resident on agency data center arrays. Data on these arrays is accessed using a proprietary managed file system.

Manage the StorNext file system and access through Quantum Meta Data Controllers (MDCs). Maintain VIPC Motion Media Fabric comprised of multiple 32GB/sec fibers providing physical connection to the data center arrays. Manage dedicated SAN metadata network with discrete workstation secondary 1 GB NICs on dedicated low latency vLAN.

3.5.4: Digital Asset Management (DAM) Quantum CatDV: Exhibit proficiency in database management and familiarity with specific DAM software platforms and metadata standards to manage multi-terabytes of thousands of media assets cataloged with metadata in CatDV or similar system, providing fast access/recall of a video media library dating back to 1980’s with rapidly expanding current media assets. The CatDV server is integrated with the Quantum StorNext managed file system facilitating automated data management for archival and retrieval.

3.5.5: A/V Production and switching hardware Black Magic Production Hardware:

Experience in using and troubleshooting auditorium A/V interface gear:

ATEM 4 ME 4k production switch 3 ATEM Control surfaces 4k 80in 80out Video Hub

5 dual SSD 4k digital media Hyper Decks Various interfaces and monitoring for live event production

3.6 Working in a Cyber Security environment: As Apple Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Apple system administrators VIPC technical staff are responsible for maintaining 100% uptime and cyber compliance of MDA Apple computer systems in a Zero Trust environment through direct collaboration with the agency’s IT cybersecurity and Windows server framework teams and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) management, as well as assuring proper network and boundary waivers are in place for client machines to maintain continuity of operations with cross platform functionality to ensure parity between the Windows and macOS ecosystems at all times.”

Potential sources will be expected to demonstrate relevant “experience/skills” and provide qualified personnel with required certifications to manage and maintain Apple computers in compliance with DISA/MDA ULAN cyber security requirements. Sources must demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of balancing cyber security requirements while maintaining Apple systems to meet high quality/high optempo requirements supporting; video production, modeling/animation, render farm, post production, sound/audio affects, narration, live events and flight test. Task, tools and competencies necessary to meet these requirements include but are not limited to:

3.6.1: Apple Business Manager (ABM) 3.6.1.1: Manage and maintain configuration and integration with Jamf Pro Server

3.6.1.2: Generate, acquire, manage and maintain certificates and tokens necessary for ABM integration with Jamf Pro server within MDA ULAN

3.6.1.3: Manage volume licensing for Apple consumer and professional software within ABM for Jamf integration and distribution

3.6.1.4: Use Apple Configurator to facilitate out of the registration and configuration of new Apple devices

3.6.2: Jamf Pro Server operation for configuration and patch management

3.6.2.1: Create and manage configuration profiles and policies maintaining DISA STIG compliance on all VIPC Apple devices

3.6.2.2: Generate audit compliance and inventory documentation as required

3.6.3: Jamf Pro Server management on a Windows Virtual Machine (VM) 3.6.3.1: Maintain current version, incremental updates and security patches of

Jamf Pro Server on MDA/IC provided VM server

3.6.3.2: Managing ABM tokens and MDA certificates for secure encrypted interaction between Jamf Pro Server and ABM

3.6.3.3: Coordinate updates and backup with MDA/IC such as Tomcat and MySQL

3.6.3.4: Manage Jamf SMB distribution points and associated policies

3.6.4: MDA ULAN Privileged Access Account 3.6.4.1: Maintain CompTIA Security+ certifications for required VIPC technical

Staff

3.6.4.2: Maintain Privileged Access Management (PAM) accounts for MDA

ULAN Administrator privileges for required VIPC technical Staff

3.6.5: Certificate/Tokens 3.6.5.1: Significant requirement to maintain current certificates and tokens across all aspects previously mentioned; ABM, Jamf, Apple workstations, Quantum SAN, and Network

3.6.5.2: Time sensitive distribution requiring timely ongoing creation and management scheduling

3.6.6: Core Cyber Security Tenants 3.6.6.1: Operational experience maintaining core cyber security tenants such as

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS), Patch Management, etc.

3.7: Potential use of the AbilityOne Program: Consistent with the Government’s commitment to provide employment opportunities for those with disabilities, it is the intent of the Government to have the contractor utilize AbilityOne to the maximum extent practicable during the performance of work for this requirement. At least 10% of the total dollars obligated against this requirement is planned to be utilized for services provided by AbilityOne nonprofit agencies that employ people who have significant disabilities and are affiliated with the SourceAmerica, central nonprofit agency under the AbilityOne Program (www.abilityone.gov). Potential sources can communicate with SourceAmerica to identify qualified nonprofit agencies and use subcontracting opportunities with qualified AbilityOne nonprofit agencies. To assist potential sources in finding qualified AbilityOne nonprofits, contact: primecontractor@sourceamerica.org.

Potential sources should describe its proposed use of this program, including how the potential sources will effectively utilize AbilityOne Non-Profit Agencies and its anticipated annual goals.

The current planned potential use is to meet or exceed an AbilityOne usage of 10% of the total requirement value.

4.0. Requested Information:

4.1: This announcement is published for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation, request for proposal (RFP), or invitation for bid, and does not obligate the Government to acquire any products or services. Neither unsolicited proposals nor any kind of offers will be considered in response to this synopsis. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for any acquisition under this synopsis. All costs associated with responding to the synopsis and any follow-up information requests will be solely at the responding party’s expense. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with preparing or submitting the requested information.

4.2: The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any contractor’s input resulting from this synopsis. The information provided may be used in developing an acquisition strategy, a statement of work, statement of objectives, or a performance work statement. Some information resulting from this synopsis may eventually be included in one or more RFPs, which will be released to industry as applicable.

4.3: Proprietary information is neither sought nor desired by MDA. Capability statements that do not include proprietary information is preferred. However, if such information is submitted, it must clearly be marked “proprietary” on every sheet containing such information, and the proprietary information must be segregated to the maximum extent practicable from other portions of the response (e.g., use an attachment or exhibit). Respondents are responsible for adequately marking propriety information contained in their response.

4.4: Any subsequent actions resulting from the evaluation of the information provided in response to the synopsis may be synopsized at a future date. If synopsized, information detailing the specific requirements of this procurement will be included. Not responding to this synopsis does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Contract Opportunities website at http://beta.sam.gov. It is the responsibility of the potential respondents to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

4.5: The Government may use third party, non-Government (i.e., contractor) support personnel as subject matter experts in the review of responses received, including the review of any marked or unmarked proprietary information provided. These personnel are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements to protect proprietary information. A submission of a response to this synopsis constitutes the Respondent’s acknowledgement and agreement that the information provided in the response, including any marked or unmarked proprietary or source selection information, may be disclosed to these third party, non-Government support personnel.

5.0. Submission Instructions:

The Government is requesting respondents that believe they can meet the requirement to provide sufficient information in the form of a white paper that demonstrates recent experience (within 4 years) of providing effort to meet the capabilities as noted in Section 3.0 of this synopsis.

Interested sources are requested to submit a brief tailored Summary of Demonstrated Capabilities (no more than 50 pages total) that clearly addresses the ability to perform each of the functions listed in Section 3.0. The response shall include previous scenarios and examples of past projects and deliverables that demonstrate experience and success in each of the interest areas. If a particular interest area falls outside of previous experience, it should be acknowledged as being new and include a description of how it would be approached. In addition to providing a response for each interest area, interested sources must also address the following Market Survey Questionnaire:

5.1: Administrative Information:

5.1.1: Company Name 5.1.2: Mailing Address and Website 5.1.3: Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code 5.1.4: Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number 5.1.5: Location of facility(s) 5.1.6: Subcontracting Plan (if applicable) 5.1.7: Company Business size (if small business include socioeconomic category data)

5.2: Person(s) responding to this synopsis:

5.2.1: Name 5.2.2: Title 5.2.3: Company Responsibility/Position 5.2.4: Telephone Number/Fax Number 5.2.5: Email Address

5.3: Security:

5.3.1: Do you have a Facility Security Officer (FSO)? If so, provide contact information.

5.3.2: Is your company foreign owned, either directly or indirectly? If so, what is the country of origin and is the company fully or partially owned?

5.3.3: Do you have foreign national employees? If so, what is the country of origin?

5.3.4: Has your company implemented an Operations Security (OPSEC) Plan?

5.3.5: Does your company have experience with Program Protection planning?

5.3.6: Is your company currently able to transmit unclassified data in accordance with

U.S. Government data encryption requirements?

5.3.7: Does your company have experience in complying with DD Form 254, Contract

Security Classification Specification?

5.4: Core Competencies/Core Lines of Business for DoD-centric Research and Development:

5.4.1: Briefly describe your company's demonstrated core competencies or existing lines of business under the realm of current in-house capability/capacity to perform the work, staff expertise, including their availability, experience, and formal training.

5.4.2: Examples of prior completed Government projects of similar nature (contract numbers, references, and other pertinent information).

5.4.3: Interested sources may only provide one submission per CAGE code. Multiple capabilities may be submitted within one submission. All capabilities must be provided within the confines of the page limits provided in Section 5.0 above. If your company has different business sectors that hold different CAGE codes, each sector can submit a capability package. In addition, each CAGE code must provide separate facility clearance documentation. If teaming, use the Prime Contractor’s CAGE code in the response.

5.4.3: Submission of propriety and other sensitive information must be identified and marked appropriately. Submitted material will not be returned.

5.5: Does your business have General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract? If so, are the referenced services in this synopsis available on your GSA/FSS schedule/contract (please provide schedule number and associated data)?

5.6: Interested parties who consider themselves qualified to perform the above-listed services are invited to submit a response to this synopsis. All responses must be in PDF electronic format and emailed to mda.redstone.msk.mbx.vipc-contracts@mail.mil. All responses must be received not later than September 22, 2024, 16:00 PM CDT. Responses shall be marked as follows: “MDA Visual Information and Production Centers Synopsis” and include the reference number indicated above. Typed format for responses shall be no smaller than Times New Roman 12 point font with one-inch margins on top, bottom, and sides. The response should contain the following information:

5.6.1: Synopsis Title 5.6.2: Vendor company name 5.6.3: Address 5.6.4: Vendor point of contact (POC) name 5.6.5: Email address 5.6.6: Vendor phone number 5.6.7: Vendor DUNS number 5.6.8: Vendor CAGE Code

5.7: Questions concerning this synopsis should be submitted electronically to mda.redstone.msk.mbx.vipc-contracts@mail.mil. Email correspondence should include “MDA Visual Information and Production Centers Synopsis” and the reference number indicated above.

All information received in response to this synopsis that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly, and responses to this synopsis will not be returned. An electronic acknowledgement of the vendor’s synopsis response submission will be provided. If the vendor does not receive an acknowledgement within one work day, the vendor should notify the Acquisition POCs at mda.redstone.msk.mbx.vipc-contracts@mail.mil to ensure successful delivery.

5.8: Additional Instructions for Small Business: U.S small businesses responding to this synopsis are expected to demonstrate compliance with the Limitations on Subcontracting Clause of FAR 52.219-14 should the work be set-aside by articulating the portions of work that the small business intends to perform as well as articulate the portions that subcontractors or teaming partners (if applicable) will perform. Responses must include business size and business socio-economic category of all subcontractors or teaming partners identified to perform work associated with the NAICS applicable to the requirements of this announcement. The prime small business responding to this synopsis must include their past experience in managing subcontractors on similar requirements, and include subcontractor or teaming partners past experience applicable to requirements specified in this synopsis.

6.0. Questions:

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to mda.redstone.msk.mbx.vipc-contracts@mail.mil. These questions and the Government’s responses shall be made available to industry via http://beta.sam.gov. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. The Government may contact respondents on a case-by-case basis regarding their submissions, such as to ask clarification questions, or to learn more about the market.

Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.

7.0. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Provisions:

FAR 52.215-3 “Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes”

(a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this solicitation or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(b) Although “proposal” and “offeror” are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal.

(c) This solicitation is issued for the purpose of information or planning purposes and to identify businesses capable of performing/providing the requirements.