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Digital Talking Book (DTB) Production for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

ID: 030ADV25R0019 • Type: Solicitation

Description

Posted: May 2, 2025, 12:29 p.m. EDT

The purpose of this amendment 01 is to post the government's responses to questions that were submitted by interested offerors. Please review the attached MS excel spreadsheet entitled, "030ADV25R0019 - Questions and Answers_Release.1" for a complete list of all Q&As.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

(End of Amendment 01)

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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 written solicitation will not be issued. 030ADV25R0019 is issued as a Request For Proposal (RFP).

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-03. Refer to the attached solicitation documents for a full description of required items.

National Library Service (NLS) provides reading materials in audio and braille formats to U.S. residents and U.S. citizens living abroad who are unable to use conventional print materials because of visual and physical limitations. NLS anticipates growing its English and foreign language collections. The contractor shall provide narration, mastering, and constructing of Digital Talking Books in English, Spanish, French and other foreign languages as assigned, from standard or complex source material.

The contractor shall provide a DTB consisting of a set of audio and metadata files in compliance with ANSI/NISO Standard Z39.86 2002 and NLS Specifications #1201, #1202, #1203, #1205, and #1206. Additionally, the contractor shall follow QA201801- Instructions for Applying Navigation Markers, and QA202501- Guidelines for Image Descriptions where applicable. A list of specifications and supplemental guidelines are provided in Section J. All NLS Specifications and guideline documents can also be found at ht- tps://www.loc.gov/nls/about/organization/standards-guidelines/contract-specifications/. (See Attachment J-7 for a list of DTB Definitions).

Posted: April 15, 2025, 8:47 p.m. EDT
Background
The National Library Service (NLS) provides reading materials in audio and braille formats to U.S. residents and U.S. citizens living abroad who are unable to use conventional print materials due to visual and physical limitations.

NLS aims to expand its English and foreign language collections, requiring contractors to assist in the production of Digital Talking Books (DTBs).

Work Details
The contractor shall provide narration, mastering, and construction of Digital Talking Books in English, Spanish, French, and other assigned foreign languages from standard or complex source material.

The DTB must consist of audio and metadata files compliant with ANSI/NISO Standard Z39.86-2002 and NLS Specifications #1201, #1202, #1203, #1205, and #1206. The contractor must also adhere to QA201801 for Navigation Markers and QA202501 for Image Descriptions where applicable.

Historical production data indicates a need for approximately 1171 standard books and 469 foreign language books in FY23, with expectations for growth in future years.

Period of Performance
The contract will have a period of performance spanning five years from August 11, 2025, to August 10, 2030.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed at the Library of Congress located at 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington DC 20540-9411.

Overview

Response Deadline
May 22, 2025, 11:00 a.m. EDT Due in 18 Days
Posted
April 15, 2025, 8:47 p.m. EDT (updated: May 2, 2025, 12:29 p.m. EDT)
Set Aside
None
Place of Performance
Washington, DC 20540 United States
Source
SAM

Current SBA Size Standard
$11 Million
Est. Level of Competition
Average
Vehicle Type
Indefinite Delivery Contract
On 4/15/25 Library of Congress issued Solicitation 030ADV25R0019 for Digital Talking Book (DTB) Production for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled due 5/22/25. The opportunity was issued full & open with NAICS 512240 and PSC T016.
Primary Contact
Name
Claire Merwin   Profile
Phone
None

Secondary Contact

Name
David Leonard   Profile
Phone
None

Documents

Posted documents for Solicitation 030ADV25R0019

Question & Answer

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Additional Details

Source Agency Hierarchy
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS > LIBRARY OF CONGRESS > CONTRACTS SERVICES
FPDS Organization Code
0300-030ADV
Source Organization Code
500047911
Last Updated
May 2, 2025
Last Updated By
dleonard@loc.gov
Archive Date
June 6, 2025