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 separate written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number 95T813-22-Q-0005 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ) for the acquisition of Broadcasting Services, in support of the US Agency for Global Media 330 Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C., 20237.

US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), Prague, Czech Republic, is seeking Marketing Representative for Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo.

The Marketing Representative shall provide, but is not limited to, the following:

1. The Marketing Representative shall be responsible for a wide variety of marketing and affiliate relations activities in the US Agency for Global Media’s (USAGM) Regional Marketing Office in Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo promoting placement of the full range of USAGM programs on local radio and TV stations, cable systems, networks and Internet throughout the designated region. The Marketing Representative is also responsible for media research, coordinating promotional marketing and training activities and maintaining close contacts with language services, the Regional Marketing Office, and headquarters.
2. Solicit prospective affiliates for USAGM/VOA/RFERL/Current Time from the ranks of private and state- run broadcasters, cable operators and Internet providers in the designated area.
3. Negotiate placement of advertising for USAGM programs in the local media.
4. Arrange with local companies for supplemental purchasing and delivering of equipment to USAGM affiliates.
5. Arrange with local companies for technical assistance for USAGM affiliates in resolving signal delivery and other technical problems.
6. Arrange with local companies for installation of USAGM satellite receiving equipment.
7. Occasionally, travel on assignments to affiliate stations throughout the designated area at the direction of the Regional Office Director. Visit necessary offices in preparation for negotiations with information ministries and local officials. Assist in negotiating terms for contracts and grant agreements with potential affiliates.
8. Coordinate with Regional Marketing Officer to establish and maintain affiliate database within the region.
9. Monitor and research media developments in assigned regions. Advise the Regional Marketing Officer on strategies for expanding affiliations and improving affiliate services. Develop marketing strategies, organize advertising campaigns and design of promotional materials.
10. Organize affiliate workshops and conferences.
11. Maintain frequent and regular contacts with current and potential affiliates. Contact should be bi-weekly at minimum and more if the situation warrants. Respond to inquiries about affiliate programs.
12. Provide the Regional Marketing Officer with a weekly report of his activities.
13. Record and dub USAGM programs for distribution to affiliate stations when requested.
14. Search for FM frequencies where necessary.
15. Monitor rebroadcasting of USAGM programs on affiliate stations.
16. Monitor and/or troubleshoot payments to USAGM affiliates or advertising vendors.

The Marketing Representative may not contract and obligate Agency funds without the permission of an Agency employee.

The Marketing Representative must have his/her own laptop and cell phone.

All work is to be performed from the contractor`s residence, no office or housing allowance will be paid.

Language proficiency (speaking/reading/writing): English, Serbian (in addition, optional - Montenegrin, Albanian and Bosnian).

All local taxes and work permits are the responsibility of the Marketing Representative.

USAGM will pay all invoices on a monthly basis within 30 days of receipt of a proper invoice from the Marketing Representative.

Effective date for this procurement will be determinated.

Offers will not be accepted from agents; from individuals only.

Please submit cover letter, current CV, English language writing sample, Attachment A – price schedule and Attachment B – past performance references to Contracting Officer Adam Gartner at [email protected] before COB 5 November 2021.

Basis for award:

This procurement will utilize the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection procedures. This is a competitive LPTA Solicitation in which price is the most important factor. By submission of its offer, the Offeror accepts all Solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements. All technically acceptable offerors shall be treated equally except for their prices. Failure to meet a requirement may result in an offer being determined technically unacceptable. Offerors must clearly identify any exception to the solicitation and conditions and provide complete accompanying rationale.

The Government reserves the right to make a selection based upon the initial proposals submissions and make award without discussions - the offeror should submit its best terms in the initial proposal. For the purpose of award, the government shall evaluate offers based on the evaluation factors described below:

(i) Technical Proposal

a. Experience – 1 year minimum in working in sales or marketing position,

b. Capability – ability to distribute radio/TV/digital news and information to a broad and diverse audience in the media market of Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo. Able to speak/write English and Serbian (additional plus for Albanian, Montenegrin and Bosnian).

Base period is six (6) months. Option period: Prior to the end of the Base Period, this agreement may be extended, confirmed in writing, for one (1) additional year under the same terms and conditions as the base period.

The total duration of the Agreement including extension shall not exceed 18 months.

The Government shall select the awardee based upon the evaluation of the offeror’s price and technical acceptability. The non-cost evaluation factors are all of equal importance. Thus, the failure to meet any one of the technical factors will prelude award to the offerors submitting the proposal.

The government shall choose the lowest -priced and technically acceptable offer for award.

Rejection of Unrealistic Offers:

The Government may reject any proposal that is evaluated to be unrealistic in terms of program commitments, including contract terms and conditions, or unrealistically high or low in cost/price when compared to Government estimates, or are unbalanced, such that the proposal is deemed to reflect an inherent lack of ability to distribute the programming.