FBO: Federal Business Opportunities

Request for Information: International Short Message Service (SMS) Services. The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is seeking information from providers of SMS services on their solutions to distribute text messages to international audiences who opt-in to receive these messages via mobile devices. These solutions should include SMS gateway management, list management, message tracking and reporting, marketing, 24/7 monitoring and support. The BBG has so far identified the following three methods to transmit content via SMS, but is also interested in learning if there any other options: 1) Cost per unit – BBG procures credits that are drawn upon when mobile users access BBG content.Users do not have to pay for messages received. 2) Associated Advertising – BBG permits selected advertising to be placed adjacent to BBG content. BBG does not pay for messages transmitted, and users do not pay for messages received. 3)Menu driven service – BBG pays a fee for a broker to negotiate and arrange for select phone companies within preferred national markets to include BBG content in their primary SMS menus (BBG would pay for set up and monthly maintenance, users would pay for access) These options would be available to audiences as opt-in via a web page or through the users actual device using a long number. Those who are interested must have a proven history of at least two years in distributing content via SMS services or any other alternative method to mobile users in a variety of countries around the world. Please limit submissions to this RFI to five (5) pages with the highlights, capabilities, products or services that are presently available, approach to the above requirement, and pertinent experience. Any questions regarding this Notice shall be in writing and received by December 31, 2008. Questions may be submitted via email or facsimile to Mr. Berel Dorfman , Office of Contracts (CON/CR), e-mail: Bdorfman@bbg.gov, or facsimile at (202) 260-0855. The BBG must receive all submissions before 2:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, January 15, 2009. No telephone responses of a firm's statements of interest, capabilities, and pertinent experience will be accepted by the BBG. This Public Notice is not a RFP, IFB, or RFQ.