The following companies have been succesful in the recent Tender for the Provision of Access Services.
Q: Would it be possible for companies to submit a response for part of one lot only e.g. English language subtitling only excluding Welsh language subtitling.
A: No, it is not possible to submit a response for part of one lot. All tenderers must be able to deliver the whole requirements of each lot for which a tender is submitted.
Q: There are numerous references to the "Signiant" file transfer system. Where can we find out more about the product and would S4C expect the successful company to invest or pay a yearly subscription?
A: Signiant is a tool for fast file transfer which reduces latency to virtually zero allowing very fast file transfer. The successful tenderer (subtitle provider) will have access to a portal for upload of files to S4C. All that is required by the successful tenderer for use of the service is an internet connection, all licensing costs are paid for by S4C. For consistency it is envisaged that the same system will be used when S4C re-locates its Presentation and Playout operations to the new BBC building in Central Square.
Q: In what format does S4C expect the pricing for loading & archiving files of subtitled programmes to appear?
A: These costs should be incorporated in the hourly price for subtitling.
Q: Do you expect the successful company to adapt, load and archive subtitle files for Heno & Prynhawn da, and if so how do S4C expect a price for the work?
A: Yes, we expect the successful company to adapt, load and archive subtitle files for Heno & Prynhawn da. The costs for doing this should be incorporated in the hourly price for the general subtitling. We expect a maximum of 435 hours of programming in any one year, which will require this service.
Q: Is it a requirement that the successful company views subtitles during the BIST recording process or is the expectation that the responsibility is only to supply a modified file?
A: The successful company is responsible for ensuring accurate subtitles, and therefore this should be an important part of the linguistic and technical checking process / workflow.
Q: Requests have been made for information regarding TUPE disclosure.
A: The information required by Regulation 11 of the TUPE Regulations 2006 will be provided upon receipt of a signed non-disclosure agreement. Those bidders that have requested TUPE information will be sent an NDA via email in due course.
A: We have added Appendix 5 – Basic Information Form as a Word document to the list of documents above.
