“Terra Video Production” – Modification to a Previous Presolicitation Notice

• Synopsis – Posted on Nov 26, 2002
• Modification 01 – Posted on Dec 03, 2002
• Modification 02 – Posted on Dec 11, 2002

General Information

• Document Type: Modification to a Previous Presolicitation Notice
• Solicitation Number: 903-16943-gag
• Posted Date: Jan 09, 2003
• Original Response Date: Jan 17, 2003
• Current Response Date: Jan 17, 2003
• Original Archive Date: Jan 09, 2004
• Current Archive Date: Jan 09, 2004
• Classification Code: T — Photographic, mapping, printing, & publication services

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 210.Y, Greenbelt, MD 20771

Description

THIS NOTICE CONSTITUTES AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE COMBINED SYNOPSIS/RFQ FOR Terra Video Production.

Companies shall acknowledge all amendment(s) in their quote. This notice serves as the official amendment to subject synopsis/RFQ and a written amendment will not be issued. The purpose of this amendment is to clarify statement of work and to extend the due date.

1. What is the purpose of the Terra Video? Who is the target audience? At the cognitive level, the target audience is “educated lay people”. This may be senior managers at NASA Headquarters, persons on Capitol Hill, and perhaps even museum exhibit developers. The audience should take away the message that NASA’s Terra Mission is proving to be a great success and has already returned information and data for the taxpayer’s investiment. Moreover, the audience should learn something about Terr’s measurement capabilities and the new things Terra has taught us about our world as well as how this new knowledge is relevant and potentially useful to the viewing audience.

2. Has the scope and script for the Terra video been set? No, not yet. The scope and script will be done in collaboration with the winning contractor, the Terra Project Scientist, and five Terra instrument team leaders, and the Terra Mission science writer. Subsequently, selection of visual materials will be made in consultation with the contractor.

3. What assets will NASA provide for doing this job? NASA is providing all of the Terra data visulaizations and any cartoon animations needed to illustrate key scientific concepts. NASA will provide all footage in a digital format at HD resolution. Original file formats will be varied, including TIFF, TARGA, and QuickTime.

4. Are there examples of the assets NASA will provide that contractors can review? Yes, to review examples of the types of visual assets NASA has, check out the Terra home page at http://terra.nasa.gov as well as browse through the Earth Observatory’s page at http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov Features, Natural Hazards, Images and Data, and Images of the Day section. For the news and feature stories, in particular, be sure to review the images and data visualizations. What data visualizations NASA provides will be similar to these, but probably fine-tuned for this purpose.

5. What assets will the contractor provide? The contractor will provide video editing and production expertise as well as any equipment needed to produce and edit the video. NASA recognizes that, in order to enhance the viewing experience of the video, there may be some need for additional graphics, titles or subtitles, graphics between fades, credits, etc., all of which will be provided by the contractor. NASA will provide the main visual elements, but there may still be some need for other graphical elements and so contractors should speak to their ability to produce such graphics in their proposals. Similarly, there may be a need to include video footage or stock photography. Any stock photos needed or art elements needed to complement the Terra video will be provided by the contractor.

6. What about voice narration? NASA does not have any voice talent assigned to this project and would like to choose the voice talent in consultation with the contractor. Please note that a celebrity narrator is not required; just a good voice. If a recognizable celebrity can be used and is shown to not be a significant cost drive, then that will be a consideration. Note: there can be no copyright constraints on distribution of the finished audio-visual assets.

7. Why does NASA alse require digital, high definition copies of all resources if the final product is in standard definition video? NASA requires digital copies of all files because NASA intends to pursue other dissemination avenues in addition to VHS tapes. For instance, some or all of the video may be published on the Web, on CD or DVD, on interactive kiosks in museums or science centers, etc. So, the goal is to extend the utility of the finished product beyond just an analog format. Similarly, the intent is to try to leave room for extending the shelf life of the video by retaining the capacity to update certain elements within the video without having to do a complete re-render of the job. Along those lines, the optin has to remain open for later production of the entire video in high definition if NASA has interest and resouces to do so.

8. In what format should copies of the digital files by provided to NASA? The digital files delivered to NASA must be, as specified in the statement of work, in either uncompressed or losslessly compressed files. The files may be in any industry standard format.

9. Will the contractor need to provide luma key, chroma key, picture in picture and like edits? There may be some picture in picture or superposition work required in working with the graphic or data visualization elements provided by NASA, depending upon the scope and script of the video. It is not likely that there will be a need for any chroma key or luma key or super impose work. Include a paragraph highlighting the contractor’s technological capabilities and work experience in that type of work.

10. What are the criteria for selection? Contractors should articulate their previous work experience, particularly where revelent to the Terra video product. They should summarize the video editing and production expertise of the personnel. They should describe their technological capabilities, highlighting any leading-edge technologies that they feel may be particularly advantageous to NASA in this project. Estimated cost will also be a primary factor in selection.

11. Should proposals include a sample of work? While a demonstration sample is not required, contractors are encouraged to submit a sample of their work on CD, DVD, or VHS tape. The due date for receipt of offers is extended to January 17, 2003. Documents related to this procurement are available over the Internet and are in Microsoft Office 97 format and reside on the World Wide Web (WWW) server which may be accessed using a WWW browser application. The Internet site, or URL, for the NASA/GSFC Business Opportunities home page is http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=CL&pin=51

Original Point of Contact

Deborah A. Bittner, Contract Specialist, Phone (301) 614-5609, Fax (301) 614-5619, Email Deborah.A.Bittner.1@gsfc.nasa.gov

Email your questions to Deborah A. Bittner at Deborah.A.Bittner.1@gsfc.nasa.gov

Current Point of Contact

Deborah A. Bittner, Contract Specialist, Phone (301) 614-5609, Fax (301) 614-5619, Email Deborah.A.Bittner.1@gsfc.nasa.gov

Email your questions to Deborah A. Bittner at Deborah.A.Bittner.1@gsfc.nasa.gov