Produce a series of short movies for distribution to National Park Service websites and other on-line venues about current research and science activities within eight Pacific Northwest National Parks in Washington and Oregon.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-36. The solicitation number is Q9504090016, and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This Request for Quotation has been made available through www.fbo.gov to comply with the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(e)) and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 416), that requires contracting officers to disseminate information on proposed contract actions expected to exceed $10,000 or more, by displaying in a public place, or by any appropriate electronic means. Due to the limited amount of public places for positing at Olympic National Park, and the remote locations and accessibility of field sites, electronic posting of Fedbizoppos is utilized to comply with public posting and to promote competition to the extent practical. This solicitation is a small business set-aside. The NAICS code is 512110 with an associated small business size standard of $29.5 million (average gross revenue over past three years). It is the contractor's responsibility to be familiar with applicable clauses and provisions. Clauses and provisions can be found at http://www.arnet.gov/far. This solicitation will result in award of a firm, fixed-price contract. The National Park Service, Olympic National Park, has a requirement for production of nine short movies featuring eight National Park Service sites located in the Pacific Northwest states of Washington and Oregon. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this project is to introduce and educate new audiences (youth, students, teachers, web-users) through on-line movie presentations about current research and science activities, highlighting the diversity of natural and cultural resources in National Parks, and highlighting day-to-day operations of scientific field work. Creative visualization will be a collaborative effort with the contractor and the North Coast and Cascades Research Learning Network (RLN) staff, and will include natural-setting scenic shots, wildlife or other natural resources, on-camera staff interviews, and images of research activities in progress. It is the Government's intention that the contractor film candidates with engaging on-camera personality, who interact well with park field crews, who can be on-location to capture images or reshoot scenes as needed, and deliver finished products on a deadline. Each movie will follow a field crew conducting monitoring or studies (in biology, history, archeology, physical sciences, etc.) for a day at each of the following eight parks: (1) Olympic National Park, headquarters at 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362; (2) North Cascades National Park, headquarters at 810 State Route 20, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284; (3) Mount Rainier National Park, headquarters at 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304; (4) Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve, headquarters at 162 Cemetary Road, Coupeville, WA 98239; (5) San Juan Islands National Historical Park, headquarters at 4668 Cattle Point Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250; (6) Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, headquarters at 612 East Reserve Street, Vancouver, WA 98661; (7) Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Seattle Unit, headquarters at 319 Second Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104; and (8) Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, headquarters at 92343 Fort Clatsop Road, Astoria, OR 97103. TASK: Produce a total of 9 each, three to five minute movies: (A) one introductory movie about the RLN featuring all eight parks referenced above, and (B) one movie for each of the eight parks. SCOPE OF WORK: Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining any necessary filming permits from parks, and should coordinate with RLN staff because not all filming will require a permit. RLN staff will provide appropriate movie content, including the NPS mission statement, and other detailed park information, with the intent that the movies convey factual park information, the importance of why studying a particular resource is vital to achieving NPS goals, and show that science and research are performed in National Parks. The RLN will coordinate for the contractor, all on-site interviews with park staff, and will be present for most of the filming. The Government anticipates filming can be achieved in a day at each of the eight parks, and overnight stays in the field with NPS researchers or scientists will not be required. However, arrangements can be made for the contractor to stay in the field overnight by agreement of the RLN and NPS staff. Field work may require contractor's crew to cross difficult terrain and film in varying weather conditions. Upon contractor's submittal of "first draft" of the nine movies, allow six weeks for the RLN staff to review and comment. Final submittal shall include three master DVDs, raw footage, and edited video files. HD Video and Final Cut Pro format is preferred. COMPLETION DATE: The Government intends that filming be spread out during spring and summer 2010, rather than completed all at once. The contract performance period will be twelve months from date of award. The contractor must complete all work within the twelve-month performance period, providing final approved movies to Olympic National Park no later than the end date stated in the contract. DELIVERY: Final movies shall be submitted to the attention of Jerry Freilich at Olympic National Park, 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, Washington 98362. Full details of NPS computer formats will be provided after award. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SERVICE CONTRACT ACT WAGE DETERMINATIONS are applicable to this solicitation, as listed below, and can be viewed in full text on-line at http://www.wdol.gov. Select "SCA WDs." Search by state, then by county. Answer "no" to previously performed, and "no" to non-standard services. (1) Wage determination no. 05-2559 (Rev. 11) is applicable to Olympic National Park in Clallam County, Washington. (2) Wage determination no. 05-261 (Rev. 13) is applicable to North Cascades National Park in Skagit County, Ebeys Landing National Historical Park in Island County, and San Juan Island National Historical Park in San Juan County, Washington. (3) Wage determination no. 05-2567 (Rev. 12) is applicable to Mount Rainier National Park in Pierce County, Washington. (4) Wage determination no. 05-2441 (Rev. 7) is applicable to Fort Vancouver National Historical Park in Clark County, Washington; and Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Clatsop County, Oregon. (5) Wage determination no. 05-2563 (Rev. 10) is applicable to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Seattle Unit, King County, Washington. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS: Quoters shall submit a price proposal and separate technical proposal. The price proposal shall include, at a minimum, a lump sum price for each movie, and Quoters are encouraged to also provide a price breakdown in sufficient detail to support the lump sum amount quoted. The Government will evaluate quotations to determine cost realism. Cost realism relates to a contractor demonstrating that the proposed cost/price provides an adequate reflection of its understanding of the requirements of this request for quotation. The technical proposal should include, at a minimum, past performance and past experience, and address filming crew's experience or ability to work in the field, often crossing difficult terrain, in varying weather conditions. Past performance should include at least two professional references of similar work performed, including point of contact name, telephone number, email address if available, project title, project cost, and completion date; and include either a hard copy DVD of work samples, or website links where video(s) can be watched. Past experience should list key personnel contractor will assign to work on this project and their experience producing short videos in the field of natural and cultural resources and interpretation. Quoter's narrative about past experience is limited to two pages of text no smaller than twelve point font. Resumes of key personnel may be submitted, but are also limited to two pages of text no smaller than twelve point font. CLAUSES & PROVISIONS: The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, applies to this solicitation. The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation. Award will be made on the basis of best value, considering price, past performance, and past experience. A firm fixed price contract will result from this solicitation to the responsive, responsible offeror whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government. Quoters must convey to the Government that they are able to accomplish the work in a coordinated and timely fashion, such that all the requirements will be achieved. All evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined, are equally as important as cost or price. The government reserves the right to make award without discussions. Quoters must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database in order to be considered eligible for award. The CCR website is http://www.ccr.gov. Quoters must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications, Commercial Items, with its offer, or be electronically registered at the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website. The ORCA website address is http://orca.bpn.gov. Clauses and provisions incorporated by reference in this solicitation can be accessed on-line in full text at the following websites: htt://www.arnet.gov/far or http://www.ios.doi.gov/pam/aindex.html. The clauses at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, apply to this solicitation. The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition, and includes the following clauses: 52.219-06 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside; 52.219-28; 52.222-03 Convict Labor; 52.222-19 Child labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies; Post Award Small Business Program Representation; 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports; 52.225-01 Buy American Act - Supplies; 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases; and 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Central Contractor Registration; 52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965; and 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires. Quotations must be received no later than Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 4:30 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time. Quotations may be submitted by fax or email to the point of contact below. Submit quotations to the attention of the Contracting Officer at Olympic National Park, 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362. The point of contact for this solicitation is: Phaedra Fuller, Contract Specialist, Olympic National Park, telephone: +1 (555) 000-0000, email: contact@example.gov, fax: +1 (555) 000-0000. The government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Effective September 18, 2009: 1) MUST FILMING OCCUR OVER THE COURSE OF THE SUMMER MONTHS SO THAT MULTIPLE TRIPS ARE REQUIRED? No. NPS will work with the videographer to schedule as much filming as possible into the tightest time frame. This is a change from the original statement of work. Due to weather variables and the spatial separation of the northwestern national parks, the Government anticipated that it would be unlikely that all of the work could be accomplished in a single period of eight days, however, the vendor should include its own proposed filming schedule to accomplish all work. 2) ARE THERE SCRIPTS FOR THE PROPOSED SEGMENTS FOR THIS PROJECT? No. OR IS THE VENDOR GOING TO PROVIDE THESE SCRIPTS? The videos will each highlight the activities of a field researcher who will be shown conducting his or her own work. Although no script is involved, each video sequence will be scheduled and accompanied by an NPS liaison staffer. The liaison staff will provide a few leading questions to start the interview and the rest will follow ad lib. 3) IF THE VENDOR IS TO PROVIDE SCRIPTS/CONTENT FOR THIS PROJECT CAN YOU GIVE US SOME ADDITIONAL DETAILS AS TO THE TYPES OF RESEARCH AND SUBJECT MATTER THAT WILL BE COVERED AT EACH OF THE SITES? Vendor does not need to provide or follow a script. Research is all Park Service science projects in many disciplines: vegetation, wildlife, fisheries, coastal, physical science, climate, etc. See #2. 4) ALSO IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET DETAILS FOR SEASONAL RESTRICTIONS OR REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRINCIPLE PHOTOGRAPHY AT EACH LOCATION? There are no restrictions except those of weather and the time when field crews are doing their work, most of which is in the spring and summer. 5) HOW MANY SEPARATE RESEARCHERS WILL BE INVOLVED IN EACH SITE? WILL THERE BE ONLY ONE OR MULTIPLES FOR EACH SITE AND ITS RESEARCH? Normally a single researcher is in the field with a small crew of 3-4 individuals. 6) IS THERE ANY NEED FOR A IN FILED TALENT TO BE INVOLVED OR SHOULD WE EXPECT THAT THE INTERVIEWS WILL BE TO AN OFF CAMERA SOURCE? There is no more "Talent" involved than NPS staff. Some researchers are obviously more out-going or photogenic than others. NPS will try to select film subjects passionate about their work. Videographer's task is to convey that passion to audiences. 7) DO YOU EXPECT THAT THERE WILL BE THE NEED FOR EXTENSIVE GRAPHICS TO SUPPORT THE INFORMATION BEING DISCUSSED? No, there will be no props or visuals except the equipment used by researchers and nature itself. 8) IS THERE A BUDGETARY CAP THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION MUST MAINTAIN ON THIS PROJECT? While the government estimate cannot be divulged, the Government anticipates this project to be less than $25,000. The National Park Service expected there to be interest from film students and beginning professionals, willing to tackle a lower-budget project. 9) WHO WILL BE THE KEY CONTACT FOR THIS SERIES OF PROJECTS? Dr. Jerry Freilich, Coordinator of the North Coast & Cascades Science Learning Network +1 (555) 000-0000, contact@example.gov. 10) WHO WILL BE THE FINAL DECISION MAKER(S) FOR THIS SERIES OF PROJECTS. See #9. 11) IS THERE A DESIRE TO DELIVER THE SERIES IN ONE "GRAND" FINAL DVD OR WOULD IT SERVE THE ORGANIZATION BETTER TO DELIVER THE SERIES AS IT IS COMPLETED, WITH A FINAL COMBINED DVD MASTER WHEN ALL SEGMENTS ARE COMPLETED? Use of a single grand master is not required. Each individual video may be provided on its own DVD. 12) "IT IS THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION THAT THE CONTRACTOR FILM CANDIDATES WITH ENGAGING ON-CAMERA PERSONALITY, WHO INTERACT WELL WITH PARK FIELD CREWS, WHO CAN BE ON-LOCATION TO CAPTURE IMAGES OR RESHOOT SCENES AS NEEDED, AND DELIVER FINISHED PRODUCTS ON A DEADLINE." WHO DOES 'CANDIDATES' REFER TO? PAID ON-CAMERA TALENT THAT WE AS CONTRACTORS WOULD PROVIDE? OR MEMBERS OF THE NORTH COAST AND CASCADES RESEARCH LEARNING NETWORK (RLN) AND/OR THE PARK SERVICE RESEARCHERS AND STAFF? The "Talent" involved is NPS staff. All film subjects will be NPS staff. Some researchers are obviously more out-going or photogenic than others. NPS will try to select film subjects passionate about their work. Videographer's task is to convey that passion to audiences. 13) "CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ANY NECESSARY FILMING PERMITS FROM PARKS, AND SHOULD COORDINATE WITH RLN STAFF BECAUSE NOT ALL FILMING WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT." WILL THERE BE A FEE FOR THESE PERMITS? AND IF SO HOW MUCH? It is our understanding that permits will not be required because this work is solely for the non-profit use of the National Park Service and the work is being done at our direction. 14) "FIELD WORK MAY REQUIRE CONTRACTOR'S CREW TO CROSS DIFFICULT TERRAIN AND FILM IN VARYING WEATHER CONDITIONS." WILL 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES BE REQUIRED? IF SO SHOULD CONTRACTOR PROVIDE THEM? Nearly all of the field work is conducted in backcountry locations. Equipment will need to be transported via backpack on foot. Vehicles are not permitted in backcountry areas. Most filming will be conducted at locations within day-trip of front-country roads. Overnight (backpacking) may be helpful, but not required. If vendor anticipates spending nights in the back-country, that shall be stated in the quote, mainly as advance notice that arrangements will need to be made, and in some cases, may not be appropriate or authorized, as determined by the RLN or NPS staff. 15) EIGHT SHOOTING DAYS ARE MENTIONED FOR DOCUMENTING THE RESEARCHERS. SHOULD WE BUDGET FOR ADDITIONAL DAYS TO CAPTURE WILDLIFE AND SCENIC SHOTS, OR WILL THAT BE OBTAINED FROM EXISTING FOOTAGE? Eight days of field work should suffice for obtaining needed interviews. Additional footage is highly desireable and can be obtained on field days before and after the interview times. Additional days should not be needed to obtain wildlife shots. A very limited amount of existing video is on hand that may be usable to videographers doing this assignment. 16) IS THERE A BUDGET RANGE FOR THIS PROJECT? See #8. 17) WILL THE VIDEOS NEED TO BE CAPTIONED OR HAVE AND ASSISTED OR AUDIO DESCRIPTION? The National Park Service follows government-wide practice in ensuring that videos and similar media are accessible to all audiences. Close-captioning will be performed by NPS after delivery of the videos. Film makers do not need to be concerned with providing close-captioning in their delivered products. 18) "QUOTER'S NARRATIVE ABOUT PAST EXPERIENCE IS LIMITED TO TWO PAGES OF TEXT NO SMALLER THAN TWELVE POINT FONT." DOES THIS MEAN THAT THE OVERALL TECHNICAL PROPOSAL CAN BE LONGER THAN THIS? Yes. See #18. 19) "RESUMES OF KEY PERSONNEL MAY BE SUBMITTED, BUT ARE ALSO LIMITED TO TWO PAGES OF TEXT NO SMALLER THAN TWELVE POINT FONT." DOES THIS MEAN 2 PAGES OF TEXT FOR EACH KEY PERSONNEL? Yes. Each resume or summary of vendor's key personnel shall be limited to 2 pages of text, no smaller than 12 point font. Vendor should not submit a resume for every person it will assign to the project - but rather the person(s) who will be in a leading role, making decisions on behalf of the vendor. Some vendors may choose to submit an overall summary about key personnel or the firm's past experience, in lieu of resumes, which is fine, but that too is limited to 2 pages of text, no less than 12 point font. This is not the same as past performance.