Speechwriter Services

Quote packages are due electronically to janice.marshall@dot.gov by 3:00pm local time on Friday, February 10, 2012. Vendors are cautioned that they must have an active Central Contractor Registration profile in order to be considered for award. The anticipated performance start date is on or around March 14, 2012. 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; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is DTMA-91-Q-2012-0011 and is issued as a Request for Quotations. This RFQ is 100% set-aside for Small Businesses. The NAICS code is 541820 with a small business size standard of $7M. This RFQ is for the procurement of one Speechwriter for a fixed price performance period of one year. The primary place of performance is U.S. Department Transportation Maritime Administration Headquarters at 1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E., Washington, D.C. with the exception of necessary local travel and occasional telework as approved by the Director of Congressional and Public Affairs. On-site workspace, equipment, and office supplies will be provided by MARAD. The provisions at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications--Commercial Items, 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Items and 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders--Commercial Items apply to this acquisition and are attached. Background The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration works in many areas involving ships and shipping, shipbuilding, port operations, vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety. The agency is also charged with maintaining the health of the merchant marine, since commercial mariners, vessels, and intermodal facilities are vital for supporting national security, and so the agency provides support and information for current mariners, extensive support for educating future mariners, and programs to educate America's young people about the vital role the maritime industry plays in the lives of all Americans. The Maritime Administration also maintains a fleet of cargo ships in reserve to provide surge sealift during war and national emergencies, and is responsible for disposing of ships in that fleet, as well as other non-combatant Government ships, as they become obsolete. The Maritime Administration's Office of Congressional and Public Affairs must expend significant efforts to promote the use of waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system, and the viability of the U.S. merchant marine. This office uses a variety of methods to inform the public about the Department's initiatives including, but not limited to speeches by agency officials, topic-specific articles, informational brochures, news releases, stakeholder briefings, online content and other one-way and interactive communications tools. The Maritime Administration's Office of Congressional and Public Affairs requires the services of a speechwriter primarily to prepare speeches and talking points for the Administrator and Deputy Administrator, who make a high number of presentations and speeches for the administration, but also to assist in the development of material in these other areas to ensure a uniform agency message. The Administrator and Deputy Administrator speak on a range of topics related to the maritime industry including, but not limited to: U.S. Flag matters, Merchant Marines, piracy, the Recovery Act, ship recycling and environmental stewardship, the Ready Reserve Force, the U. S. Maritime Academy, cargo preference, Maritime Security Program, Title XI, and other administration priorities. Scope Activities undertaken as a result of this solicitation will include writing and editing speeches, articles, informational brochures, news releases, web content, and other written materials. The consultant speechwriter will report to the Public Affairs Officer. He/she will work directly with senior department officials to write, edit, and circulate speeches for approval. Objective The objective of this solicitation is to ensure that sufficient resources are available to support MARAD's Public Affairs Office primarily in the area of speechwriting. Functions Become familiar with MARAD's mission, programs and activities. The contractor will use this knowledge to create written materials to communicate these programs and initiatives effectively to public audiences. Write and edit speeches, news releases, topic-specific articles, publications, web content, and other materials as assigned, drawing upon at least three (3) years of experience writing professionally about topics for consumption by the media, stakeholders and the public, preferably in a transportation or maritime-related field. The contractor should have a portfolio of articles, speeches and/or other writing samples that demonstrate his or her prior professional writing experience. Interview and work closely with MARAD senior leadership and program experts in order to write effective speeches, talking points, articles, and other documents that accurately reflect and effectively communicate the programs and objectives of the organization and its leadership. Review publications and materials written by other authors and make recommendations for improvement, or assume ownership of draft documents and make improvements based on the organization's goals, stakeholder needs, and the highest standards for accuracy and excellence. The contractor will be skilled in working with program staff to understand and communicate their programs effectively to the media and the public. Deliverables and Schedule The consultant speechwriter will produce approximately five speeches per week (as needed) for the Administrator and Deputy Administrator, usually, but not always, shorter than 1,500 words. The individual must be sufficiently flexible to participate in meetings and conversations on short notice. The contractor will be expected to submit fully completed products for printing on tight deadlines with reasonable, but often limited lead time. Reporting Requirements The contractor will provide written and oral reports during meetings and upon request. The contractor will also provide written documents fulfilling the above tasks as assigned. Quote Submission Instructions Interested parties shall submit a fixed price quote for services described above for the period of one year from time of award. The response package shall also include the following: 1. For a company quote submission: At least two references (for the company) for the same or similar type and complexity of the services required in the RFQ for work performed during the previous two calendar years. The references should include the current and accurate Point of Contact information along with a description of the services provided. The resume of the proposed individual which includes work history for the previous two calendar years. A choice previously prepared writing product (two page limit) for the individual offered. 2. For quote submissions by an individual: A resume which includes work history for the previous three calendar years which represents work experience for the same or similar type and complexity of the services required in the RFQ. The resume should include two references for the relevant work performed during the previous two calendar years including current and accurate POC information. The submission must also include a choice previously prepared writing product (two page limit). Note: Selected offerors may be requested to prepare a writing sample based on information provided, after an interview, as part of the quote evaluations.