Informal Bid - Newspaper Digitization Project - 508

Background
The Houston Public Library, specifically the African American History Research Center, is seeking proposals for archival digital conversion services. The goal of this contract is to digitize bound and unbound newspapers to preserve historical records and provide access to these materials.

Work Details
The contractor will provide digitization services for 2 bound newspapers (up to 20" x 16") and 175 unbound newspapers (11" x 16") using non-destructive overhead array cameras or scanners. The total estimated page count for both bound and unbound issues is approximately 10,300 pages.

The specifications include:
- Bound page count: approximately 2800-4000 pages, varying per issue (25-77 pages including advertisements and supplements).
- Unbound page count: approximately 3500-6125 pages, with each issue being a two-page spread folded and uncut (20-35 pages per issue).
- Scanning requirements: color scans at a resolution of 800 dpi in two formats - uncompressed TIFF format for preservation and JPG/JPEG derivative for access.
- Digital files must be organized in a hierarchical directory structure as specified by the library, following the format: Publication-year-month-day-fileNumber.filetype.
- No image restoration or retouching is allowed on master files.
- The vendor must maintain digital image logs for at least six months.

Handling requirements include secure storage of physical materials with protection against human error and unforeseen threats, maintaining archival climate control standards at a regulated temperature of 68°F with only a 2°F variation. Imaging must be performed by personnel experienced in handling special collections or archival materials. Deliverables (TIFFs and JPGs) are to be provided on external hard drives or an approved cloud service.

Period of Performance
The vendor must start services on or before November 8, 2024, and all deliverables must be completed and returned to the Houston Public Library by May 30, 2025.

Place of Performance
The work will be performed at a location that maintains archival climate control standards as specified by the library.