Urdu TV Programming - News 360
Agency: Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG)
Solicitation Number: BBG50-73-R-17-0003
Posted Date: February 22, 2017
Original Response Date: March 8, 2017
Product or Service Code: D399 - IT AND TELECOM- OTHER IT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Set Aside: N/A
NAICS Code: 515120
Contracting Officer Address:
Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG)
Attn: Cherylynn Peters
330 Independence Avenue, SW Suite 4360
Washington, DC 20237
United States of America
Notice Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested, and a written solicitation document other than this announcement/solicitation will not be issued. A contract will be awarded using simplified acquisition procedures in FAR Part 13.5.
(ii) Solicitation No. BBG50-73-R-17-0003 is hereby issued as a request for proposals (RFP).
(iii) The Solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-095 effective January 13, 2017.
(iv) This acquisition is unrestricted. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 515120, with a small business size standard of $38.5 million.
Statement of Work:
(v) The Broadcasting Board of Governors is seeking a television news network or networks to provide the services described in (vi) and (vii) below.
(vi) The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), Office of Business Development, seeks to create a dialogue between the United States and the citizens of Pakistan. To accomplish this goal, the BBG/IBB seeks one or more popular and widely viewed television news networks, hereinafter referred to as the "Network Provider." A Network Provider is defined as a full-time television network with a one year minimum of operating experience that broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days per week, with a majority portion (more than 50%) of its programming focused on news and current affairs, with nationwide coverage in Pakistan, via terrestrial, direct-to-home satellite or cable. The BBG seeks a Network Provider in Pakistan to broadcast a 24 minute (length of show can be shortened or extended 1 minute based on Network Provider's preference) original news program provided by Voice of America® (VOA®), five nights weekly, Monday through Friday, between 18:00 and 23:00 local time, and to a target audience of 15+ years of age. The first original airing of the VOA program will be on or about March 27, 2017.
The title of the program is "News 360." The program is intended as a fast-paced news and current affairs broadcast covering international stories, including those from the United States to South and Central Asia. The program will be produced by VOA in the Urdu language and BBG owns all data rights in the program. Program topics will be relevant to current events and developing international political trends, such as U.S.-Pakistan relations, regional issues and conflicts, current news and analysis of U.S. politics, economic issues, technology/lifestyle trends, regional and international politics, and affairs of the Pakistani/Muslim diaspora, among other relevant topics. The show will also feature exclusive interviews of policymakers and experts in various fields.
A sample of the program is available at the following link:
https://youtu.be/YOE4ssJZUQg
VOA-provided content shall be approximately 24 minutes in length (exact length to be determined by mutual agreement), with program breaks. The length of the program breaks are negotiable and will allow the Network Provider to insert or place several minutes of advertising content adjacent to the VOA program, subject to BBG rules and regulations. With the advertising content, the VOA program will have a maximum total running time of 30 minutes. Advertising revenue, if any, from the sale of advertising content shall be retained by the Network Provider exclusively.
Commercial airtime in and around the VOA program may be sold by the Network Provider or its related associates as the Network Provider solely decides, with the following exceptions:
The Network Provider shall not place advertising in or around the BBG content that promotes:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Firearms or ammunition
- Any sexually-explicit goods or services
- Political parties, candidates or issues.
- Extremism, terrorism or violence.
The Network Provider shall not use advertising that states explicitly or impliedly any endorsement by the BBG, Voice of America (VOA), or any of its networks or grantees. The Network Provider shall supply all personnel, equipment, and transmission services to receive and rebroadcast the "News 360" program in its entirety, without pre-emption, alteration, abridgement or excerption. However, the Network Provider shall have the right to decline to run the BBG content, so long as BBG is notified in advance of the intent and reason, and may recommend changes to program format or content. No alterations shall be made, however, without the prior written agreement of the Contracting Officer (CO), the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or the Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative (ACOR) VOA Urdu content production management.
Network Provider will only be paid for the original airings of the VOA program that are run to from start to completion and to the satisfaction of the BBG.
The Network Provider shall inform the BBG in advance of any planned alteration of the program's scheduled broadcast airing or other technical or administrative issues post award. The Network Provider and the BBG shall provide each other with point of contact information for notification purposes.
The BBG will transmit VOA programming to the Network Provider via satellite, Internet/File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or other means. The technical details of the transmission to the network(s) and feed transmission times will be mutually agreed upon after contract award- once a Network Provider is selected by the BBG.
The Network Provider shall broadcast the original airing of VOA's program at an agreed-upon fixed time Monday through Friday between the hours of 18:00-23:00 local time. The timeslot for the show shall be agreed upon by both parties prior to contract award.
ORIENTATION BRIEFING:
Within fifteen (15) calendar days of award, the Network Provider(s) must participate in an orientation briefing (introductory and/or kick-off meeting) with BBG. The purpose of this meeting will be to initiate the communication process between BBG and the Network Provider(s) by introducing points of contact, at least one of whom should be able to communicate in English. The Network Provider shall identify key task participants and explain their roles, review communication ground rules, and assure a common understanding of requirements and objectives. This meeting can occur via teleconference, web, Skype for business, or other medium agreed-upon by the BBG and the Network Provider POCs.
(vii) The anticipated award date under this Solicitation is March 23, 2017 with the first broadcast airing on or about Monday, March 27, 2017.
Period of Performance: Duration of this proposed award shall be twelve (12) months beginning March 27, 2017 ending March 26, 2018, with two (2), one-year option year periods available to be exercised at the sole discretion of the BBG. The subsequent options, if exercised by the BBG will follow sequentially for a total contract duration not to exceed thirty-six (36) months.
(viii) The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (JAN 2017) applies to this acquisition. FAR provisions and clauses may be obtained from the Internet Wed address at: http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html. Interested Offeror(s) should submit a proposal identifying capabilities as instructed in paragraph (ix) below.
(ix) The provision at FAR Subpart 52.212-2 Evaluation of Commercial Items (OCT 2014) is hereby incorporated by reference into this combined synopsis/solicitation and the following evaluation procedures will be used for this acquisition. FAR provisions and clauses may be obtained from the Internet Web address at: https://www.acquisition.gov/. This requirement will be evaluated on best value as follows:
(a) Technical Approach:
Each Offeror is required to submit a Technical Proposal. Each Offeror must provide a detailed narrative on its broadcasting history; program content; broadcasting medium and capability to reach nationwide coverage in Pakistan. Each Offeror shall also provide a one-week sample of the Network Provider's broadcast schedule 24-7 with titles and brief descriptions of each program from January 2017.
Each Offeror shall structure its Technical Proposal to convey to the BBG how the Offeror's transmitting equipment/facilities, content; audience demographics and market share can satisfy the technical requirements in a straightforward and concise manner.
Each Offeror shall state in its Technical Proposal any restrictions that will limit their ability to broadcast the BBG provided program. "Restrictions" include but are not limited to, language, coverage and power limitations, terms or conditions of pre-exist broadcasting agreement(s), and laws of the country where the BBG program is broadcast.
BASIS FOR AWARD
The BBG's evaluation of the proposals will be based on best-value principles using "tradeoffs" (factors other than price alone). Accordingly, the award will be made to the responsible and technically acceptable Offeror whose proposal provides the greatest overall value to the Government. The best value determination will be accomplished by evaluating each offeror's technical capability (based on their strengths, weaknesses and risks), past performance and price. In this evaluation, the Network Provider's technical proposal is more important than past performance and price. Past performance is more important than price. However, if the technical capabilities and past performance are equal among the offerors' proposals then price will become the determining factor.
The Government reserves the right to make a selection based upon the initial proposal submissions and make award without discussions with Offerors. The Offeror should submit its best terms in the initial proposal.
For the purpose of award, the BBG shall evaluate offers based on the evaluation factors described below:
(I) Technical Factors
a. The Network Provider's technical ability to receive and broadcast the BBG content (details of broadcasting station; location; broadcasting power; and reach), and by which means (terrestrial, direct-to-home satellite or cable).
b. The percentage of news and current affairs (including talk, documentary, and public affairs) programming the Network Provider currently broadcasted during the schedule submitted.
c. Network Provider's target demographic age range for programming in the 18:00-23:00 time period (broken down by program) in schedule submitted.
d. The Network Provider's cumulative ratings data from a commercially recognized research firm for the month of January 2017.
(II) Past Performance
Using Attachment A, The Network Provider shall submit recent past performance information. Three (3) past performance examples of current or previous contracts within the past three (3) years immediately preceding the issuance of this Solicitation is considered recent. Past performance information must include name of agency, business, or customer serviced or being serviced, name, telephone number and email address of agency, business, or customer point of contact; contract number, value of contract, nature of work performed, and the period of performance.
(II) Price Factor
The Government's budget for this requirement for the base period will not exceed One Million and One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($1.1M and for each of the two option periods will not exceed Three Million, Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($3.3M).
Network Providers should be aware in disclosing the Government's maximum budget set aside for this requirement the Technical factors are the most important followed by Past Performance with Price being the least important. However, if the technical capabilities and past performance are equal among the Offerors' proposals then Price will become the determining factor.
(x) Network Providers shall submit a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items with its proposal which is completed by registering in the System for Award Management (SAM) website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. This provision can be found at the following website: https://www.acquisition.gov/; if requested by a Network Provider, a copy of FAR Subpart 52.212-3 can be obtained by contacting the Contracting Officer. Network Providers must be registered in SAM prior to award.
(xi) FAR 52.212-4, "Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items applies to this acquisition with addendum to the clause.
(xii) FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation by reference and the proposed subsequent contract as well as the following clauses contained in FAR clause 52.212-5:
_X_ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).
_X_ (33)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Mar 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).
_X (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).
_X_ (42) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Aug 2011) (E.O. 13513).
_X_ (44) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).
_X_ (54) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).
FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)
The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days
(End of clause)
FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)
(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Network Provider within 30 days from the date the contract expires provided that the Government gives the Network Provider a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.
(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.
(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed two (2) years and six (6) months years.
Additional FAR provisions and clauses incorporated by reference and applicable to this solicitation and the proposed subsequent contract are:
52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)
FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)
FAR 52.202-1 Definitions (NOV 2013)
FAR 52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984)
FAR 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement To Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights (APR 2014)
52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2016)
52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (JUL 2013)
52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)
52.225-17 Evaluation of Foreign Currency Offers (FEB 2000)
52.222-56 Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan (MAR 2015)
FAR 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran-Representation and Certifications (Oct 2015);
52.232-18 Availability of Funds (Apr 1984)
52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013)
52.233-1 Disputes (MAY 2014)
52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sept 2006)
(End of clause)
(xiii) In consideration of the transmission services outlined in the final contract, BBG will pay the Network Provider on a monthly or quarterly basis, subject to mutual agreement. These payments will be in arrears, within thirty (30) calendar days, upon presentation of a proper invoice. The Network Provider shall provide invoices at the end of each period for services provided during the preceding period. A "proper" invoice as outlined in FAR 32.905 shall include:
(i) Name and address of the Network Provider.
(ii) Invoice date and invoice number. (Network Provider should date invoices as close as possible to the date of mailing or transmission.)
(iii) Contract number or other authorization for supplies delivered or services performed (including order number and contract line item number).
(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price, and extended price of supplies delivered or services performed.
(v) Shipping and payment terms (e.g., shipment number and date of shipment, discount for prompt payment terms). Bill of lading number and weight of shipment will be shown for shipments on Government bills of lading.
(vi) Name and address of contractor official to whom payment is to be sent (must be the same as that in the contract or in a proper notice of assignment).
(vii) Name (where practicable), title, phone number, and mailing address of person to notify in the event of a defective invoice.
(viii) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The contractor must include its TIN on the invoice only if required by agency procedures. (See 4.9 TIN requirements.)
(ix) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.
(x) Any other information or documentation required by the contract (e.g., evidence of shipment).
Such invoice shall accurately reflect the actual number of original airings of the VOA program the Network Provider provided (and the cumulative duration of broadcast time during the period being billed), the Total price for each original airing of the VOA program, and the extended price for the original airings of the VOA program and shall be transmitted by E-mail (PDF format only) to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) of the Contracting Officer - listed as the "Administrative Contact" on the Contract Agreement. All invoices shall be clearly typed in English and include a unique invoice number for reference purposes. All invoice payments made by the BBG will be in accordance with the U.S. Government's "Prompt Payment Act."
(xiv) A Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) assigned rating is not applicable to this acquisition.
Proposal Submission:
(xv) Proposals shall be received no later than 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at BBG, 330 Independence Ave, SW Suite 4360 Washington, DC 20237 USA or via email to: Cherylynn Peters, cpeters@bbg.gov and Alisa Martine amartine@bbg.gov No FAX PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f).
All Network Providers shall submit the following:
(i) One technical Proposal which addresses the technical factors described
(ii) Past Performance Attachment A
(iii) One price proposal for the number of original airings for each year period (base period plus 2, one year option periods).
Offeror shall provide its Total price for each original airing of the VOA program within the period of performance. (Base + two option years). Offerors shall list a proposed time between the hours of 18:00-23:00 local time for the original airing of the VOA program. While reviewing proposals, the BBG will take the Total price for each original airing of the VOA program and multiply it by 260 original airings to determine the total price of the contract for each period listed below. The BBG requires each Network Provider to provide a Total price for each original airing in the base year and each option year period.
• Base Period: March 27, 2017 - March 26, 2018
• Option 1: March 27, 2018- March 26, 2019
• Option 2: March 27, 2019-March 26, 2020
The technical and price proposals must be submitted separately. No price information should be contained in the technical proposal.
To facilitate the award process, all proposals must include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows:
"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition."
Proposals will only be accepted from Network Provider principals only - no proposals from agents will be accepted. Proposals submitted shall remain valid for a period of 90 days from submission.
Documents submitted in response to this Solicitation must be fully responsive to and consistent with the requirements of the solicitation. Failure to comply with all the requirements of the Solicitation may result in the offer being considered unacceptable for award.
(xvi) Any questions or concerns regarding this Solicitation shall be submitted via email by 1:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 to Cherylynn Peters, Contracting Officer at cpeters@bbg.gov and Alisa Martine, Contract Specialist at amartine@bbg.gov. Questions which are submitted after 1:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, will not be addressed. Questions will not be accepted via telephone or facsimile. Responses to the questions submitted, in accordance with the aforementioned instructions will be sent via an amendment to the Solicitation only, which will be posted to FEDBIZOPPS (www.fbo.gov).
Points of Contact: Cherylynn Peters, Contracting Officer cpeters@bbg.gov or via phone +1-202-382-7866 or Alisa Martine, Contract Specialist at amartine@bbg.gov or via phone +1-202-203-4176.
Cheryl Peters , Contracting Officer, Phone 202-382-7866, Fax 202-382-7877, Email cpeters@bbg.gov - Alisa Martine, Contract Specialist, Phone 202-203-4176, Fax 202-382-7877, Email amartine@bbg.gov
