Broadcast Quality Video Transport for CDC Broadcast Studios Connectivity

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the CDC Broadcast Studio opportunity, clarifying technical requirements, operational procedures, and logistical details.

• Broadcast Volume: Transmission volume varies significantly; while historically high (e.g., 20 live remote interviews per day during COVID), current needs are much lower (one event in the last six months, four scheduled events per year).
• Scheduling & Coordination: CDC staff will provide media outlets with connection details (circuit ID). Media outlets are responsible for all event scheduling and coordination.
• Monitoring Access: CDC personnel require access to a portal to view transmission status and a trouble number for outages.
• Distribution Methods: While Encompass Digital Media fiber switching is the current method, vendors are encouraged to propose more efficient alternative transmission methods.
• Inbound Feeds: Expected inbound feeds include network interviews, media feeds, and live event connections to other HHS studios (FDA, NIH).
• Government Facilities Connectivity: Other HHS studios (FDA, NIH, HHS) may connect as inbound feeds, utilizing connections through the Washington AVOCC (Verizon fiber switch hub). The vendor will assist in creating these connections.
• Equipment Space: CDC will provide adequate rack space (approx. 6RU), power, and environmental controls within their engineering core for vendor equipment.
• Video/Audio Format: Preferred video format is 1080p with two embedded audio channels.
• Multi-language Support: Some events (e.g., Satellite Media Tours) may require transmission in both English and Spanish, with CDC experts speaking to stations in the respective languages. Transmission coordination remains in English.
• IP-Based Transport: CDC is planning a potential upgrade to 4K-UHD. Vendors may propose IP-based transport methods if they meet technical requirements.
• Redundancy: If an ISP-dependent transmission method is proposed, the vendor must provide the ISP service. Redundant ISP connections are not required if a single connection meets all technical requirements.
• Signal Path Clarification: CDC provides its connection point (e.g., EDMI Fiber Circuit ID) to the station/network. The media outlet arranges and covers costs for the signal path beyond CDC's link. CDC is not involved in these arrangements or costs. For Satellite Media Tours, separate paths may be used for English and Spanish. There are no return signals to CDC. The number of technical "hand-off" points depends on the specific station connected to.

These clarifications refine technical expectations and operational responsibilities, potentially influencing vendor proposals regarding transmission methods, equipment, and service offerings. No changes to due dates or submission rules were indicated.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Quotations (RFQ) seeks pricing for labor, materials, and supplies to establish, operate, and maintain high-definition (1.5G HD-SDI) broadcast transmission and reception services for the CDC Harkin Global Communication Center. The goal is to ensure reliable, high-quality broadcast video connectivity for delivering agency messages to the public via media outlets.

• Furnish, install, configure, and test transmitting and receiving equipment within 15 calendar days of award.

• Establish two (2) independent HD transmit signal paths and two (2) independent HD receive signal paths.

• Ensure signal transport meets commercial broadcast-quality video standards.

• Provide continuous 24/7 monitoring and maintenance of broadcast signal paths and associated equipment.

• Perform routine preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and corrective action for service disruptions.

• Comply with cybersecurity requirements, including routing traffic through a Trusted Internet Connection (TIC) if CDC business data is transmitted over fiber lines.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: April 15, 2026 – April 14, 2031 (Base Period: April 15, 2026 – April 14, 2027, with four Option Periods).

• Deadline for Questions: March 10, 2026, by 12:00 PM EST.

• Deadline for Quotes: March 17, 2026, by 1:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Email questions to Javier Aponte at zsm9@cdc.gov. Submit quotes via email.

• Evaluation Basis: Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Offers will be evaluated for price reasonableness and technical acceptability.

• Technical Qualifications: Demonstrated experience in installing, configuring, and maintaining HD broadcast transmission systems, including HD-SDI signal transport; capability to design and maintain redundant signal paths; experience integrating new equipment without service disruption; expertise in fiber optic circuit provisioning and troubleshooting; ability to perform end-to-end system testing; and capability for preventive maintenance and rapid response to service interruptions.

• This is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• The solicitation includes extensive cybersecurity requirements, including FIPS 140 validation for encryption, and requires adherence to HHS/CDC policies and standards.

• Vendors must provide a list of staff working under the acquisition and ensure all employees sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

• Applicable FAR and HHSAR clauses are incorporated by reference.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Fiber Optic Connectivity opportunity, clarifying requirements and offering flexibility on certain aspects.

• Installation Timeline: The 3-business-day installation requirement is flexible. The government can accommodate up to 30 days for installation/activation, provided there is overlap with existing video services.
• Video Handoff: The signal from the CDC system will be a BNC cable with a 3G HD-SDI signal and embedded audio. The CDC will supply the video processing equipment, patchbays, and connections to the vendor-supplied encoder. The option to upgrade to 12G single link UHD video in the future is desired.
• Encoding Equipment: Vendors are responsible for supplying all necessary equipment to transmit and receive the 3G HD-SDI signal. The CDC will not supply encoding equipment at their location.
• Fiber Optic Length: The requirement is for Broadcast Transmission services, continuing existing services. There is no need to install a new signal path via fiber. Existing operational fiber circuits through ATT Fiber and an internal CDC campus path can be re-used.
• Technical Documentation: Drawings and technical documents are not explicitly provided but the existing signal path involves ATT Fiber to the CDC Demark, then an existing fiber path to CDC Studio racks.

This Q&A clarifies installation flexibility and the scope of vendor responsibilities regarding equipment and fiber paths. It confirms the continuation of existing services and the re-use of existing fiber circuits, potentially impacting cost and logistical planning for bidders.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Quotations (RFQ) is issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to obtain pricing for labor, material, and supplies for broadcast quality video transport services. The CDC intends to award a Firm Fixed-Price contract.

• Establish broadcast-quality video connectivity for live or recorded national media interviews.

• Provide two (2) independent HD-SDI (1.5GHz) outbound and two (2) independent HD-SDI inbound signal paths.

• Ensure continuous 24/7 monitoring and maintenance of broadcast connections.

• Install necessary transmitting and receiving equipment within three (3) business days of contract award.

• Provide a detailed equipment list prior to installation.

• Comply with cybersecurity requirements, including coordination with CDC CyberSecurity Program Office, routing through a Trusted Internet Connection (TIC), and adherence to applicable CDC and federal cybersecurity policies.

• All contractor employees must complete mandatory CDC training and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2031 (Base Period: March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027; Option Periods One through Four extend to February 28, 2031).

• Deadline for Questions: February 23, 2026, by 12:00 PM (noon) EST.

• Deadline for Quotes: February 25, 2026, by 1:00 PM EST.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to Javier Aponte at zsm9@cdc.gov.

• Basis of Award: The Government will evaluate quotes based on price reasonableness and technical acceptability, using a Lowest-Priced, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procedure.

• This is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are effective through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-06.

• No telephonic quotes will be processed.

• The Government intends to award a purchase order without discussions.