R -- Continuation of Communications Campaign for American Jazz Masters Awards

(i)This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation/Request for Quotations (RFQ). Proposals are requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (ii) Solicitation No. is RFQ 04-08, which is issued as a request for quotations, under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of FAR Part 13. Just as the RFQ is electronically posted, so will any amendments to the RFQ. Consequently, it is the offeror's responsibility to view this site for any amendments. (iii) The RFQ and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2001-20. All referenced FAR clauses may be obtained via the Internet at URL http://www.arnet.gov/far/. (iv) Notice: This acquisition is set aside for small business. The NAICS code 541820 and the small business size standard is: $5 million. (v) The contract has one line item: Continuation of Communications Campaign for American Jazz Masters Awards during a five-month period. The anticipated award date is March 2004. A firm-fixed price contract will be awarded.(vi) DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS: Scope of Work: The contractor shall provide long-lead and short-lead media coverage of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Masters program for the five-month period beginning April 1, 2004, helping to increase the program's impact on the immediate communities it serves during this time and on the nation at large. Background: The NEA was created by Congress and established in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. The NEA provides national recognition and support to significant projects of artistic excellence, thus preserving and enhancing our nation's diverse cultural heritage. The NEA is especially proud of its American Jazz Masters Awards, which are the preeminent honor that America offers to jazz musicians. These Fellowships, of $25,000 each, are given to those consummate artists who have made definitive contributions to the evolution of the art form. Over the years, artists from Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis to Marion McPartland and John Lewis have been honored. Detailed Specifications. The contractor shall provide: Print and TV/radio coverage in national mainstream and trade media for the NEA Jazz Masters program during April, which is National Jazz Appreciation Month; Announcement of major non-governmental funding for the NEA Jazz Masters program in national print and electronic media at a time and in a manner to be determined in consultation with the NEA and funder; Announcement of the first committed venues in the national tour of NEA Jazz Masters in national media; Development of template documents to be used by presenting venues in conjunction with the NEA Jazz Masters tour; Appropriate local print and electronic press for the first performances in the program's planned 50-state tour of NEA Jazz Masters, to increase the effectiveness of these events in their localities and also to use those events to tell the story of the program through a variety of new outlets; Adequate personnel resources for interviews and other media-related activities during the course of the contract; Assistance to the NEA staff in preparing for the announcement of the next group of NEA Jazz Masters in autumn 2004; Regular reporting to the NEA on campaign progress and copies of clips, print, and broadcast. Period of Performance: The period of performance will be five months, anticipated to begin in April 2004. (viii) FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (Jan 2004) applies. (ix) The Government will award a purchase order to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the solicitation and reflects the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. The successful contractor must demonstrate established credibility within jazz media and mainstream media, and an understanding of the goals and objectives of the NEA Jazz Masters program. The following evaluation factors, in descending order of importance, will be used to evaluate offers: 1) proposed approach to performing the work; 2) budget information to support the proposed price--such as staffing plans; 3) past performance; 4) price. (x) Offerors shall complete and provide a completed copy of the provisions at FAR 52.212-3, Offer Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Jan 2004) with its offer. (xi) FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (Oct 2003) applies to this acquisition. (xii) FAR clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (Jan 2004) applies to this acquisition. Paragraph (b) of the clause incorporates by reference the following clauses: 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644); 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755); 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999); 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2002) (E.O. 11246); 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212); 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 1998) (29 U.S.C. 793); 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212); 52.232 33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003). (xiii) In addition, the following FAR clauses are applicable to this acquisition: 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998); 52.227-14; Rights in Data-General (June 1987). (xiv) NA. (xv) NA. (xvi) Proposals, consisting of: 1) a firm fixed price, which shall include all direct and indirect costs, profit, and any other factor that contributes to the total price; 2) budget information to support the proposed price--such as staffing plans; 3) proposed approach to performing the work; and 4) past performance information, may be faxed to (202) 682-5626 or (202) 682-5610. The National Endowment for the Arts continues to experience lengthy delays in the delivery of First-Class and Priority mail. Please consider using alternative delivery services. (xvii) Direct all questions or inquiries referencing this RFQ to William Hummel, Contract Specialist (202) 682-5417 or contracts@arts.endow.gov. Point of Contact: William Hummel, Contract Specialist (202) 682-5417, Fax (202) 682-5626, contracts@arts.endow.gov. Place of Performance: Washington, DC 20506.