QUESTIONS BY VENDORS and ANSWERS BY END-USER (revised).pdf

1. Will the contractor need to carry over any previously recorded episodes into the new podcast listings?

Answer: No

2. Will the podcast Host be selected by or provided by the Dean of the Academic Board?

Answer: The podcast host is currently slated to be the Dean himself, but is subject to change. If it changes, the Dean will select them.

3. Will we have the same Host for each episode?

Answer: Right now the plan is to have the same host, but is subject to change.

4. How many guests will there be per episode (this affects equipment assignment as well as post-production)?

Answer: 1 to 2 guests are expected per episode, with an occasional exception being possible. No equipment is needed to be provided by the contractor as recordings will be completed by the West Point visual information team.

5. Will episodes be divided into segments or acts with multiple guests?

Answer: Potentially, depending on the episode contents and advice from the vendor.

6. How much detail do you expect to see in the company quote regarding line items?

Answer: Your company quote and the SF1449 must have the same info. You cannot have different info on the quote that might contradict what you annotated on the SF1449. Do NOT quote what’s not requested.

If it’s not annotated, listed, posted, nor requested on the PWS/ SF!449… do NOT provide a quote for it.

7. Are there specific RSS Directories expected by the contract? (i.e iTunes/Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Pandora, Amazon Music & Audible) or would you expect that to be determined after the contract has been awarded? Answer: Expectation is all major RSS directories.

8. In what format are the analytics needed (i.e. on a per-platform basis, in a basic spreadsheet, or in a comprehensive all-in-one form)?

Answer: This can be worked out after the contract is awarded based on collaboration between the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and the vendor.

9. Our NAICS Codes are 512120, 512191, 611430, and 711510. We noticed that in 2022 the 519130 code change to 516210. Would you like us to add that 516210 code to our Assertions in SAM?

Answer: Each vendor is responsible for identifying and assigning to themselves whichever NAICS Codes are applicable to their own organization. We have no say as to which code(s) you use as long as you are assigned to the specific code we select for the purpose in question. If you are not assigned to the code in question, we cannot select you for the project in question. You can assign any applicable NAICS Code to your own company by updating your registration info at SAM.gov.

10. Is there a maximum Episode TRT (Total Run Time)? Is so, what is it? (We're assuming an episode will be 60 minutes or less but we need specific info).

Answer: Episodes will not run longer than 60 minutes and would likely average 20 – 45 minutes.

11. What is the expectation for the style and format of the podcast series or will that be determined once a vendor is selected?

Answer: Determined once the vendor is selected. Preliminary concepts are developed, but advisement is needed.

12. Specifically... is content, theme, and style of the series pre-determined or will the vendor be expected to act in advisory role to help create the compelling and meaningful content?

Answer: Preliminary concepts are developed, but advisement is needed.

13. Is your expectation that the vendor will function simply as technical support and will not be involved in developing of the series theme and style?

Answer: The vendor is expected to be involved in both.

14. The scope includes host and guest prep --- is there a host already defined for the podcast - or - is the contractor expected to host?

Answer: Host will be provided and may change from time to time.

15. Similarly, with regard to guests --- will the contractor be responsible for securing guests - or - will another party be responsible for that? If it's another party, who will it be?

Answer: Guests will be provided by COR.

16. Is there an estimate for how long each podcast episode would be (30 min., 1hr, etc.) ?

Answer: This will be due, in part, to the vendor recommendations per episode.

17. Is the goal for this podcast to be audio-only, or is video also desired? (NOTE: Video can be recorded remotely.)

Answer: Audio is primary with video as supplement (raw content for both will be provided since the West Point Visual Information Team will complete all recording and video support.

18. With regard to graphics, it is clear that an audiogram and promo graphic is desired -- would it be desirable to have access to a suite of clips/audiograms/graphics from each show, rather than a single of each? In my working experience, multiple of such assets are preferred as it allows for the most diverse social promotion, to the extent that West Point wishes to promote socially.

Answer: This would be helpful for the vendor to pitch (re. "Best practices.").

19. To the extent that West Point desires "branding and marketing advisory" services and insight… what are they looking for - in particular?

Answer: Advice on a myriad of decisions for the podcast that will drive growth in reach.

20. Let's say, in a year, the appropriate contacts from West Point sit back and say "Wow, I'm really glad we did this because _______." In your opinion, and from what you've learned in the build-up to this RFQ, what fills that blank?

Answer: Expanded reach to target audiences and dependability of the vendor to provide hands-on services to decrease the admin burden on the COR and West Point.

21. Will you need the contractor to source the guest for each episode? Answer: No

22. Will you need the contractor to provide a host for the podcast? Answer: No

23. Are the concepts / topics of each Podcasts known in advance? If they are not, how / when will they be known (the day of product..., the day before production..., etc.) ?

Answer: Yes, they will typically be known about 2 weeks out from recording.

24. Will the contractor be responsible for developing the audio footage or will it be provided?

Answer: They will NOT be responsible for recording. The raw recording content will be provided.

25. Will the Contractor (vendor) provide the recorded audio for editing, mastering, distribution, etc. ?

- - - - - OR - - - - -

The recording audio for use in the podcast should be considered part of the "full edit and review process" for each episode?

Answer: They will NOT be responsible for recording. The raw recording content will be provided by the end-user for the contractor to execute.

26. What is the form of payment for this project (government check, credit card, direct deposit, etc.)?

Answer: Contractors (vendors) can only receive payment via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfers). The use of a Government Credit Card or Government Check is strictly prohibited for any contract over the Micro-Purchase Threshold ($3,500.00 for Services of any kind). All Contractors (vendors) are required to be 100% fully registered in PIEE (Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment) (https://piee.eb.mil/) by NO LATER THAN 30 DAYS from when the contract is awarded to your company (Net 30 Terms). Anyone that is not will simply not be able to participate in this project nor receive payment (no exceptions).

NOTE: All questions pertaining to PIEE must be directed solely to them. We have no control nor say in how to register with them. You will need to contact them directly for instructions and information. (https://piee.eb.mil/).

https://piee.eb.mil/