Audiovisual Support for Podcasts, Audio/Video PSAs, In-store Audiocasts, and Related Activities

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE to determine the availability of potential service-disabled veteran owned small businesses that can provide the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) of the U.S. Department of Human Services (DHHS) with Audio-Visual Services. The AHRQ is seeking potential sources from qualified service-disabled veteran owned businesses, under the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code 541870 that have a current GSA schedule for these services. The services include audio visual support for Podcasts, Audio/Video PSAs, in-store Audiocasts, continuation of AHRQ's Healthcare 411 series, and Related Activities. AHRQ anticipates awarding a single one-year contract with four one-year options. Assistance is sought for audiovisual services that will help AHRQ to effectively communicate it's research findings and evidence-based information to clinicians and patients. Audiovisual communications provides AHRQ with the optimal balance of innovation and strategic targeted messaging. AHRQ's proven success through such programs as Healthcare 411, which is the Agency's audio news service, emphasize that audiovisual communication is an effective way to disseminate vital health information, thus affecting behavioral change and improvements overall to our health care system. Over the past 3 years, AHRQ has grown this Healthcare 411 program into a vital resource for more than 400 professional health care organizations and their members, and more than 180 radio stations nationwide. Via Healthcare 411 programming, AHRQ estimates that its messages potentially reach five million listeners annually. Other projects, such as AHRQ's health reminders announcement campaign, air in hundreds of grocery stores and reach over 400 million shoppers and health care consumers annually across the Nation. Through AHRQ's audiovisual program, the Agency is effectively reaching the ears and eyes of our country's consumers and clinicians to let them know that AHRQ is their trusted resource for evidence-based health care information. AHRQ also develops PSAs to convey targeted messages to the public regarding healthcare. The Contractor will be responsible for continuation of AHRQ's Healthcare 411 series-- producing podcasts and radiocasts (referenced hereafter as podcasts)--up to 78 podcasts annually of varying lengths (estimated at 52 one-minute and 26 ten-minute podcasts'airing weekly and bi-weekly), posting podcasts to and maintaining the related Web site, and ensuring that all content complies with Federal standards, including compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition, the contractor will develop and distribute at least 3 30-second video PSAs with associated audio for broadcast over television and radio, and12 to18, 30-second audio messages for distribution through commercial in-store networks. Due to the need for immediate response, on-site recording, and quick content changes, the contractor must be located within a 50-mile radius of the Washington, DC metro area. Contractor must also have demonstrated experience in podcast and video PSA production, successful work in podcast distribution/posting via Web sites, and past experience, capability, and/or business relationship to enable distribution of audio PSAs to specific in-store networks (such as grocery store chains). Contractor must also demonstrate capacity and demonstrated capability to provide on-site recording at AHRQ providing all necessary equipment, lighting, and materials. AHRQ has a soundproof broadcast studio (no lighting or recording equipment. In your submittal please include the following Business information: a. DUNS and TIN b. Company Name, address and main business number c. Current GSA Schedules d. Type of Company (i.e. service disabled veteran owned) as validated via the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) e. Point of contact, phone and email address of individuals who can verify the demonstrated capabilities identified in the response. Interested Service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses should submit their capability statements (no more than 10 pages in length) to Mary B. Haines, Division of Contracts Management, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, Maryland, no later than 12 noon prevailing local time, on January 21, 2009. Capability statements should be tailored to this request and identify the source's specific capabilities to complete this requirement, including information on key staff experience and a description of corporate experience with similar projects. Capability statements should be submitted in an original and two (2) copies. Hard copies only will be accepted. Capability statements will not be returned and will not be accepted after the due date. Submission shall be limited to 15 pages. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), this request is for planning purposes only, and does not constitute and Invitation for Bid, a Request for Proposal, a Solicitation, A Request for Quotes, or an indication the Government will contract for the items contained in the Sources Sought. This request is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request.