Advertising Support Services

Solicitation Number: HSCG23-10-I-PAE003 Notice Type: Sources Sought Synopsis: THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. There is no solicitation available at this time. This synopsis is issued for the sole purpose of conducting market research in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10. When responding to this Sources Sought Notice refer to Draft PWS posted 26 March 2010. This effort is to seek qualified sources capable of filling the requirements of a full-service recruitment-advertising agency for the U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting Command (CGRC). The Coast Guard Recruiting Command is seeking information from industry regarding approaches and related risks associated with the Coast Guard Recruitment Advertising Program. The contractor shall be capable of providing management, supervision, personnel, material and equipment needed to plan, create, design, produce, place, evaluate and measure the effectiveness of advertising in support of CG military recruitment. Such services/support may include account management, marketing research, planning and analysis, image advertising, and lead management services. The advertising agency would be required to utilize all available media formats, including television, radio, magazine, newspaper and Internet (national, regional, and local), direct mail, outdoor, transit, promotional material (posters, brochures, etc.), videotape and film. The lead management services include inbound telephone (integrated voice tracking system), electronic (email) fulfillment services, and applicant screening qualification by direct applicant engagement. The acquisition strategy has not been determined at this time. The current contract type is a firm fixed price and was awarded utilizing FAR 15. The NAICS code is 541810 and the size standard is $7 million in annual revenue. Other Direct Costs (ODC) for media campaigns may range between $1.0M to $3.5M. They are reimbursable upon confirmation of media placement by providing proof of performance documentation. Campaigns may last 6 months or longer. The proposed estimated $6.6 million annual contract will include developing strategies for maximizing use of budget, conducting market research and analysis, recommending ad budgets and media mix, and integrating all advertising activities. We are striving for a Firm Fixed Price contract with reimbursable Other Direct Costs line item(s). The current strategy is a IDIQ contract with a period, not to exceed 60 months with task orders. The projected start date is 10 September 2010. Request you provide your ideas/suggestions based on the attached draft Performance Work Statement. If you are interested in competing for this requirement, please indicate your interest by sending an e-mail (only) no later than 8 April 2010 to wayne.a.brim@uscg.mil and include the following information in your Capability Statement. The Capability Statement should include the following elements and should not exceed 12 pages 1. Prospective Offeror Identification: a. Company name and commercial and government entity (CAGE) code b. Address c. Phone Number d. Fax Number e. Email address f. Point of Contact information g. A website address that provides additional information about the prospective business h. Identify your company type: i.e. a large or small, small disadvantaged, 8a, veteran owned small business, service disabled veteran owned small business, woman-owned small business, Native American and/or HUB zone business. Include your company's North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Note: This Sources Sought Notice is open to large businesses, small businesses and all other social economic businesses. Competition and set-aside decisions may be based on the results of this market research. i. Provide your company's DUNS number. 2. Past performance information shall include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers, email address, and other relevant information). Offer shall furnish this information for at least three (3) contracts, ongoing or completed within the last three years, for like or similar services, held with the U.S. Coast Guard, other Government agencies, or private industry. Describe the project in detail, the dollar size of the project, services provided by subcontractors and how delivery or performance schedules were met. Like or similar contracts are defined as full service advertising projects. 3. Your capability statement should demonstrate a firm understanding of the requirements, addressing the following, at a minimum: a. Provide a brief history of your business, to include organization structure, experience as a full service advertising firm, operational controls, accounting controls, subcontracting management and technical skills of staff., b. Address innovative approaches you would recommend. c. Describe production, technical equipment and facilities the firm owns or has access to and has used. d. Describe how you will accomplish Advertising Support Services for meeting the requirements identified in the draft Performance Work Statement posted 26 March 2010. e. Describe subcontracting services previously utilized. f. Describe how your current commercial/federal contracts are structured. g. Furnish evidence of previous successful management and execution of other national personnel recruiting advertising programs. ALL PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS MUST RESPOND TO THIS SYNOPSIS VIA INTERNET E-MAIL NO LATER THAN 8 APRIL 2010. TELEPHONE REQUESTS FOR SOLICITATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The solicitation, when issued, will be available on the Internet at www.fbo.gov. NO SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME.