IRANIAN-AMERICAN COMEDIAN

Notice Information Solicitation: BBG50-Q-15-00013 Reference Number: VOA-PNN Agency/Office: Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), Office of Contracts (CON) Title: PURCHASE ORDER NON-PERSONNEL SERVICE Synopsis: (i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6 and Subpart 13 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; Request For Quotes (hereinafter RFQ) are being solicited and a written solicitation will not be issued. (ii) This solicitation is issued as a RFQ Under solicitation number BBG50-Q-15-00013, for Non-Personnel Service. The award will be made using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. (iii) This RFQ incorporates provisions and clauses of those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-82, Effective 07 May 2015. The results of this requirement will be a firm fixed priced (FFP) Purchase Order with a Base Term and option for increased quantity. (iv)This procurement is being issued as a 100% small business set-aside. The North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 711510, with a small business size standard of $7.0 M. v. There will be one Contract Line item (CLIN) for twelve (12) episodes (per year with no guaranteed minimum quantities purchased beyond the Base Year. (vi) The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), Office of Contracts (CON) located in Washington, D.C. anticipates awarding one Non-Personal Services Purchase Order as described in the attached RFQ/Statement of Work (SOW) for user rights (i.e. satellite rights, broadcast rights, reproduction rights, educational/screening rights, excerpting rights, abridgement rights; and one copy of the music sheet, if any, at no additional cost) for Voice of America, Persian News Network Division, located at 330 Independence Avenue, Cohen Building - Room 1460, SW Washington, DC 20237. (vii) A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Purchase Order (PO) will be awarded for the Base Term of one (1) year beginning July 1, 2015 to August 30, 2016 (viii) Instructions to Offerors - Commercial FAR clause applies to this acquisition (ix) The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerers-Commercial Items, applies to this RFQ. FAR provisions and clauses may be obtained from the Internet Web address at: http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html. It is the responsibility of the Vendor to be familiar with the applicable clauses and provisions. The clauses may be accessed in full text at these addresses: http://acquisition.gov/far/ and http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html (x) All offers shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. (xi) FAR clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions and any addenda applies to this acquisition. (xii) FAR clause 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial items applies to this acquisition. (xiii) FAR clause 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity-Separately Priced Line Item applies to this acquisition. (xiv) FAR clause 52.227-17 Rights in Data-Special Works applies to this acquisitions. (xv) Quote Submission: Interested independent Contractor(s)/Vendor(s), who are capable of providing these services, should submit an offer which identifies your capabilities as noted below. The Contractor shall demonstrate the ability and experience in providing the required services. (a) Submission of offer: Submit a signed and dated offer to the office specified in this RFQ at or before the exact closing time. At a minimum, offers must show: (1) A cover page that includes the name, physical and email addresses, and telephone number of the Offeror; the RFQ number; DUNS number and Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code; or NATO Cage Code (NCAGE) number on your quote; Submittal time which should be before or at the time specified in the RFQ YOU MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE SAM REGISTRATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS REQUIREMENT UNLESS YOU ARE EXEMPT. If you do not have a DUNS, CAGE, or NCAGE, first register for DUNS at https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/viewiUpdateHome.htm. Next, register for NCAGE or CAGE at http://www.dis.dia.mil/Forms/Form_AC135asp the instructions for US based organizations will take you to https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM). Please select "Emergency" for Block 5 "PRIORITY/PRIORITE"; (2) A CD with samples of Comedy sketches (3) Offerors shall limit their response to six (6) or less pages. Pages shall include: (a) Technical: (Resume/Curriculum Vitae) no more than two (2) pages - 1. Should evidence the Offeror's pertinent past performance (b) Past Performance no more than three (3) pages. 1. Should include at least three (3) recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references with relevant information (i.e. dates, locations, Points of Contact information, contract numbers, scope of work etc.) to make any inquiry/validation a quick and easy process. (c) Pricing on a page by itself no more than one (1) page - 1. Quote that states the Offerors's proposed fixed price. - 2. Price(s) for all of the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) shall be in the English language and in United States Dollars (USD) (4) Prices for listed CLIN(s) shall be in the English language and in USD. (5) Acknowledgment of receipt of Amendments to Request for Quote (if applicable); (6) Period for acceptance of offers. The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for one hundred and fifty (150) calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation. (7) In the event Offerors did not complete the responsibility and certification portion of the SAM registration they shall include completed copy of the provision at FAR Subpart 52.212-3 (Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items) with their offer. This provision can be found at the following website https://www.acquisition.gov/Far/; if requested by an Offeror, a copy of FAR subpart 52.212-3 will be provided by the Contracting Officer. 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Items, (ix) Evaluation - Commercial Items (Jan 1999) (a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose offer conforms to the RFQ and will be most advantageous to the Government. Price and other factors are also considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: EVALUATION FACTORS: (Evaluation Factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified Offerors in comparison to other Offerors. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to lowest). The Government will award a Commercial Items, Firm-Fixed-Price, Non-Personal services Purchase Order with Option for increased quantity (subject to the availability of funds) resulting from this RFQ to the responsible Offeror whose offer conforming to the RFQ will be most advantageous to the Government, based on : The evaluation factors that will be used to determine award will be (1) technical capability, to include a resume that meets the qualifications listed in the Statement of Work (SOW) Requirements paragraph, (2) past performance, and (3) price. For past performance Vendors shall provide at least two-three (2-3) relevant past performance references with the quote(s). Reference information shall include agency or business name, contract number, dollar amount, point of contact (include phone number and email address), for which your company has provided the same or similar relevant services. Firms without a record of relevant past performance shall affirmatively state that no relevant past performance is available. Such firms will receive a neutral rating that will be evaluated neither positively nor negatively. Relevant past performance is defined as performance of contracts of similar size, scope, and complexity as this requirement performed within the past three (3) years. The Government reserves the right to obtain and use past performance information from sources other than those listed in the quote, to include prior dealing with the government and personal knowledge of the company. All evaluation factors other than price, when combined, will be evaluated as significantly more important than price. Technical ability includes work experience, education, specialized training, price, and past performance. Basis for Award: The procurement is being conducted under FAR Subpart 13. Best value is defined as the expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the Government's estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement, in accordance with FAR 2.101. The Government reserves the right to make a selection based upon the initial quote submissions so the Offeror should submit its best terms in the initial quote. The Government may also determine to make no award. A single vendor/contractor will be selected who is deemed responsible in accordance with FAR 9.104-1 and whose offer provides the Government with a best value solution. All questions regarding this RFQ should be submitted by email to apaul@bbg.gov and are due by June 17, 2015 Eastern Standard Time (EST) at 3:00 p.m. Responses to questions will be provided no later than June 20, 2015. Pursuant to FAR 15.305(a) (2) (iv), in the case of an Offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the Offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance, and (x) Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items which is completed by registering in the System for Award Management (SAM) Website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. Proposals must also include contractor's DUNS Number, prompt payment terms, and correct remittance address, if different from mailing address. OFFERORS MUST BE REGISTERED WITH SAM PRIOR TO CONTRACT AWARD. (xi) The FAR clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition with addendum to the clause. The addendum is as follows: CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE: The Contracting Officer will appoint by letter a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) who will have the responsibility of ensuring that the work conforms to the requirements of the Contract and such other responsibilities and authorities as may be specified in the letter of authorization or this Contract. It is understood and agreed, in particular, that the COR shall not have authority to make changes in the Scope or Terms and Conditions of the contract unless and only to the extent that such authority is specified in the letter of authorization or the Contract. THE RESULTANT CONTRACTOR IS HEREBY FOREWARNED THAT, ABSENT THE REQUISITE AUTHORITY OF THE COR TO MAKE ANY SUCH CHANGES, IT MAY BE HELD FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES NOT AUTHORIZED IN ADVANCE, IN WRITING, BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER, MAY BE DENIED COMPENSATION OR OTHER RELIEF FOR ANY ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED THAT IS NOT SO AUTHORIZED, AND MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE GOVERNMENT, TO TAKE ALL CORRECTIVE ACTION NECESSITATED BY REASON OF THE UNAUTHORIZED CHANGES. (End of Clause) (xiii) Reserved (xiv) Reserved (xv) The Date and time and place offers are due: To ensure consideration for this requirement, please cite the solicitation number on your offer. Questions must be submitted electronically to apaul@bbg.gov . The due date is Monday, June 17, 3:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time Primary Point of Contact: Name: Althea A. Paul Title: Contract Specialist (Contractor) Address: Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) 330 Independence Avenue, S.W. Cohen Building, Room 4360-0025 Washington, DC 20237 Phone: (202) 382-8040 Email: apaul@bbg.gov Final Offers and electronic work-sample should be emailed to: Name: Adrienne R. Washington Title: Contract Specialist Email: RFQsubmissionARW@bbg.gov CD with comedy sketches should be sent by courier by due date and time to: Adrienne R. Washington, Contract Specialist Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) Office of Contracts 330 Independence Avenue, S.W. Cohen Bldg. Rm. 4630-0024 Washington, D.C. 20237 (xvi) The name and telephone number of the individual to contact for information regarding the solicitation: Same as above Place of Contract Performance: Broadcasting Board of Governors, via satellite broadcast to Iraq. STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency, is a fast-moving, multi-cultural organization that encompasses all U.S. civilian international broadcasting. The BBG is comprised of the Voice of America, which delivers high quality, multimedia programming in 44 languages to audiences worldwide; the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti); the International Broadcasting Bureau, which provides transmission, administrative, and other support service; and three grantee organizations - Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa), and Radio Free Asia. The Office of Persian News Network (PNN) has a requirement for exclusive, non-transferrable license and rights for Iranian-American comedy sketches for inclusion into its information programming Specific User Rights sought: 1. Satellite rights: i.e., the rights to transmit the program(s) via Agency satellites, as an integral part of the Agency's regular Persian language programming. 2. Broadcast rights: to deliver the program(s) and the music contained therein (if any) in the following ways: Satellite television, Internet, and other digital distribution platform. 3. Reproduction rights: The right to duplicate program(s) solely for the purpose of making Licensee's masters. The Licensee will receive from Vendor/Licensor, broadcast quality master(s), preferably DV25 or DVCAM, with industry standard color bars, 16:9 aspect ratio, split track audio, and countdown. 4. Educational/Screening Rights: The right to conduct non-theatrical, non-commercial video projection screenings of the program(s) before audiences at U.S. government premises. 5. Excerpting Rights: Licensee shall have the right to review each episode upon its receipt, and shall request that Licensor make cuts or edits to the Program content solely for the purposes of either (i) editing any inappropriate content which may be deemed vulgar, indecent, or offensive, or (ii) technical or timing reasons or (iii) in the event that in Licensee's good faith determination, such content may violate the law, or expose Licensee to legal action, which request shall be in writing, shall contain the reason for such requested edits, and shall also contain specific instructions regarding the items to be edited (the "Edit Notes"). In the event that, upon Licensee's such request, Licensor refuses or is unable to make such cuts or edits and return the edited Episode(s) no later than thirty (30) calendar days, The Licensee shall have the right to make such cuts or edits to the Programs, but solely to the extent stated in the Edit Notes. Licensee has the right to create excerpts of program(s) for broadcast, and for promoting and advertising the exhibition of the Programs. Licensor shall edit and provide such excerpts to be used for such purposes. Licensee shall not edit or modify the Programs in any other manner or for any other purpose without first (i) providing Licensor the opportunity to make such edits, or (ii) obtaining Licensor's written consent. 6. Abridgement Rights: Licensee has the right to shorten the program(s) to fit an abbreviated broadcast time slot as per the terms. 7. The right to acquire one copy of the music cue sheets (if any) an/or dialogue script(s), at no additional cost. 8. The Licensee may not sell or provide individual Programs to any source. None of the above-mentioned rights in any way limits or extinguishes the copyright protection of the Licensor 9. The Licensor warrants that it has the authority to grant the Agency the rights as stated above, and that no additional clearances would be required for the Agency described use of the Program(s) 10. All other rights of every kind in and unto the Programs are reserved unto the Licensor except as specifically set forth above.