QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

THIS IS A COMBINED SYNPOSIS/SOLICITATION FOR A COMMERCIAL ITEM PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMAT IN SUBPART 12.6 AS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE. THIS ANNOUCEMENT CONSITITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION; PROPOSAL ARE BEING REQUESTED AND A WRITTEN SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED. (ii) Solicitation No. BBG50-R-10-0066DDS is issued as a Request For Proposal (RFP) and a contract will be awarded using the contracting by negotiation procedures in FAR Part 15. (iii) This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect from the Federal Acquisition Regulations 2005-041, dated May 13, 2010. (iv) The North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541910. (v) The Broadcasting Board of Governors, International Broadcasting Bureau (BBG/IBB), Office of Contracts (CON) located in Washington, D.C. has a requirement for a Contractor to conduct qualitative research in Russia, Indonesia, Colombia and Ghana. The project will consist of research on the usage of mobile phones for news gathering. Contractor shall have demonstrated ability and experience in performing market research and public opinion polling services as outlined herein. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRE FIELDWORK: Research Project on Use of Mobile Devices for News Consumption The Voice of America is a U.S. based, publicly funded international broadcaster dedicated to providing objective news and information to audience in under-served media environments around the world. While traditionally focused on delivering its content via broadcast media, VOA is moving aggressively to expand distribution via new media platforms. In particular, recognizing the explosive growth of mobile telephony around the world VOA is attempting to reach audiences who are becoming accustomed to accessing news and information on mobile devices. To succeed in this effort, VOA requires a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of exactly how individuals are using mobile devices for news consumption. VOA envisions obtaining the required insights through a series of qualitative research projects in 4 test markets: Russia, Indonesia, Colombia, and Ghana. Research subjects would be active users of mobile devices (telephones or smart phones) to received news on a regular basis. For the purpose of this study, "News" is defined as timely information about current events, whether political, security-related, economic, or other; individuals who use their mobile phones solely to received highly specialized services such as traffic reports or sports scores would not be included in this study. "Regular" is defined as at least 3-4 times per week. In addition, VOA is specifically interested in individuals who seek news on their mobile via Internet-based services; mobile owners who seek news solely by listening to radio on their mobile devices would not be of interest for this study.Following are some on the main questions that his project is expected to address: - Where and when do people use mobile devices to access news? How frequently during the day do people use mobile devices for this purpose? Do they use them primarily at certain locations (i.e. in transit, at work, etc.) or is there no particular pattern? - How does usage of mobile devices for news interact with the usage of traditional media? Are mobiles starting to suppliant traditional media or do they complement them? - More specifically, does consumption of Web-based news via mobile suppliant or complement consumption of such products via desktop computers or laptops? - Is the use of mobiles associated with a particular kind of news? - How do mobile new users want the news presented? Is there a preference for short headline-style news alerts or an appetite for more detail? - Do users want news in text format, or audio or video? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? - How do practical factors (costs, ease of navigation, bandwidth limitations, display constraints) affect use of mobile devices for news consumption? - What changes, in terms of technology, cost, content, or presentation would make it more attractive for people to received news via mobile devices? - To what extent are mobile news consumption patterns affected by handset features and network bandwidth. Are there differences between people with smartphones, features phones, and more basic handsets? Between people with 3G/3G+ access versus others? - Aside from hard news, what other kinds of information do individuals seek via their mobile devices? These questions should be considered as a starting point, with the research pursuing other related avenues of inquiry as they arise. It is expected that in each country, the moderator of the focus groups shall have sufficient expertise in mobile technology and terminology used in the industry that he or she can authoritatively lead these discussions. The research should be conducted via the use of focus groups, with four focus groups of approximately eight individuals to be conducted in each of the countries listed above. In additional to the requirement that research participants be regular consumers of news via mobile devices (as defined above), the groups should have the following characteristics: (1) participants should be between the ages of 18 and 35; 92) any gender mix is acceptable; 93) all participants should have at least complete secondary level education. To the extent practical, two groups in each country should consist of respondents with advanced handsets (smartphones or feature phone) and access to 3G networks; two groups in each country should consist of respondents with more basic phones and access to 2.5G (GPRS/EDGE) networks only. CLIN 0001 - Qualitative Research on Use of Mobile phones for News Gathering - Qty 1 Lot Deliverables shall include: 1) For each country, a narrative report of 20-30 pages in length, illustrated with quotations, address the main research questions cited earlier and any other significant issues that are raised in the course of research. Each report shall also include demographic details (age, gender, occupation) of each respondent, as well as - again for each respondent - - the brand and model of mobile device(s) used, the mobile network(s) they normally use, and the approximate amount of money they spend monthly on mobile services. 2) A summary report, of 20-30 pages in length providing overall conclusions based on the research and noting similarities and differences between the countries covered in the study with respect to the topics of interest. 3) Audio tapes of each focus group. It is expected that the selected vendor will submit drafts of all of the above-mentioned deliverables for comment by VOA prior to the issuances of the final reports. Draft reports to be submitted to VOA within two months after commencement of fieldwork, and final report within three months of commencement of fieldwork. Delivery terms and point: FOB Destination, Washington, D.C. (vii) The provision at FAR 52.212-1, "Instruction to Offerors--Commercial Items" applies to this solicitation. Offerors responding to this solicitation shall submit the following items to the contracting officer: [1] Technical proposal with a narrative of the Offeror's understanding of requirement as noted above and a description of their capability to perform the tasks as stated above. [2] Narrative and detailed information on past experiences in conducting market research and public opinion polling. [3] Detailed information on past performance, including recent (within last 3 years from date of this notice) and relevant contracts for similar services and other references including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers, email addresses and other relevant information; [4] Price for the above listed CLIN; [5] a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, "Offeror Representations and Certifications--Commercial Items" and [6] Offeror's DUNS Number, prompt payment terms and correct remittance address, if different from mailing address. Offers shall be submitted on a SF-1449 signed by an official authorized to bind your organization. (viii) The Government will award a firm-fixed price (FFP) contract resulting from this RFP to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the RFP will be most advantageous to the Government, based on price, past performance and other factors in the solicitation. An award may be made without discussions. When combined, technical evaluation factors are more important than cost or price. The following technical factors shall be used to evaluate proposals and are listed in descending order of importance with the first two (2) factors being significantly more important than the last two (2): 1. Offeror's experience in conducting qualitative research in international settings; 2. Specific expertise in conducting research on new media in general and consumer use of mobile technology in particular; 3. Professional experience and expertise on the proposal project leader(s). 4. Offeror's past performance; (ix) Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items with its offer. Proposals must also include contractor's DUNS Number, prompt payment terms, and correct remittance address, if different from mailing address. The contractor must be registered on-line with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Web site at: http://www.ccr.gov/Start.aspx. The successful Offeror will be required to complete and submit an ACH form, for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), to the Contracting Officer before submitting their first invoice. (x) 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: (xi) FAR clause 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation by reference and proposed subsequent contract as well as the following clauses contained within FAR clause 52.212-5: 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995); 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Apr 2010); 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Aug 2009); 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (E.O. 11246); 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (38 U.S.C. 4212); 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (29 U.S.C. 793); 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (38 U.S.C. 4212); 52.222-39 Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of union Dues or Fees (E.O. 13201); 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Jun 2008) and 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (31 U.S.C. 3332) (xii) Additional FAR provisions and clauses incorporated by reference and applicable to this solicitation and the proposed subsequent contract are: (xv) Notice of Delay- If the Contractor becomes unable to complete the contract work at the time(s) specified because of technical difficulties, notwithstanding the exercise of good faith and diligent efforts in the performance of the work called for hereunder, the Contractor shall give the Contracting Officer written notice of the anticipated delay and the reasons therefore. Such notice and reasons shall be delivered promptly after the condition creating the anticipated delay becomes known to the Contractor but in no event less than thirty (30) days before the completion date specified in this contract, unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer. When notice is so required, the Contracting Officer may extend the time specified in the schedule for such period as deemed advisable. (xiv) There are no additional contract requirement(s) necessary for this acquisition other than those consistent with customary commercial practices. NOTE: See government-wide numbered notes 13 and 25. (xv) Failure to provide price of the above-required CLIN may result in the rejection of your proposal. Full text of all FAR clauses and provisions are available electronically at the following Internet address: (http://www.arnet.gov/far). Proposals shall be in writing and must be signed by an official who is authorized to bind the organization. Oral proposals will not be accepted. Questions must be submitted in writing to Diane Sturgis at contact@example.gov. Written questions must be submitted by 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time on July 20, 2010. Proposals shall be submitted with an original and three (3) copies. Proposals may be sent via courier or overnight delivery before the closing deadline below. Proposals are due to Diane Sturgis, Contract Specialist, Broadcasting Board of Governors, International Broadcasting Bureau, Office of Contracts, 330 C Street, SW, Room 4007E, Washington, DC 20237 before 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time on August 16, 2010. (xvi) Contact: Diane Sturgis, Contract Specialist, email: contact@example.gov or Facsimile +1 (555) 000-0000. All responsible sources may submit an offer that will be considered by the Agency.