Questions and Answers - 030ADV21Q0211.pdf

USASH Bibliographic Record Cataloging Questions and Answers to 030ADV21Q0211

Q1: Would the Library accept proposals based solely on alternative workflows that have worked well with other government departments? For example, onsite digital surrogate creation by the contractor to allow for cataloging to be done offsite (via telework or contractors offices’) using remote machines supplied by either the Library or contractor set up by LCIT to ensure all security levels are met or cataloging via VPN and/or other secure applications that allow secure connections to Voyager.

A1: In accordance with Section L.2 (c), offerors shall propose their technical approach to the solicitation.

Q2: Is telework an option for the duration of the period of performance?

A2: Yes

Q3: Can resumes be included as an appendix since they are outside of the page limitation stated in Section L.2. Volume 1?

A3: Yes, resumes may be included as an appendix and do not need to adhere to a stated page limit.

Q4: May a smaller, legible font be used for graphics and tables (10pt instead of 12pt)? (Ref.

Section L.2.)

A4: Yes, as long as it is legible.

Q5: Is this work currently being performed and, if so, who is the incumbent?

A5: This work is not currently being performed.

Q6: If this work is currently being performed, is it onsite or at contractors’ homes? If telework is being performed are there any additional requirements such as picking up materials? (Ref.

Section F.2.)

A6: This work is not currently being performed. However, contractor staff may perform the work on telework and/or onsite at the Library of Congress. The contractor’s staff will have the option to telework using Library of Congress “charge accounts” that allows them to telework with up to 60 books at any given time. The requirements of this contract should be completed by staff local to the D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas.

Q7: Can Master’s Degree in a related discipline be substituted for a Master’s degree in Library Science? (Ref. Section C.8)

A7: Yes, but other qualifications must be met.

Q8: Do the Catalogers need to have experience in original cataloging? (Ref. Section C.8.2.)

A8: Yes. The contractor will be required to complete descriptive and subject elements from scratch, i.e. original. If they don’t have any “original” cataloging experience, they will not be able to complete the work independently.

Q9: Will the Government accept knowledge and understanding of other similar ILS applications, such as Sirsi or Ex Libris’ Alma, for experience with Voyager? (Ref. Section C.8.2.)

A9: The contractor must have the ability to work in Voyager.

Q10: Will the Government permit the use of OCLC and copy cataloging? If yes, what percentage of the work does the Government anticipate will be copy cataloging? (Ref. Section C.3)

A10: No.

Q11: If this work is currently being performed by an incumbent, could the government please provide the current contract value?

A11: This work is not currently being performed.

Q12: Is the offeror required to fill out and submit the Reps and Certs as part of the submission?

If yes, in which volume should they be submitted to the Government? (Ref. Section K)

A12: No. However, the offeror may submit reps and certs as part of the Volume 1 Appendix alongside the personnel resumes.

Q13: Is it the Government’s intent that the catalogers need 5 years of experience, and the PM need 2 years of experience? (ref. Section C.8)

A13: Yes

Q14: How many people are performing this work currently?

A14: This work is not currently being performed.

Q15: The first option year has 2,592 and then it decreases in each out year. Will more items be added since there is a large backlog?

A15: The totals are based on the expectation of the Library’s budget for the out years.

Q16: Is it the Government’s intent to provide access to the RDA tool kit and Cataloger’s desktop for each person working on this contract?

A16: Yes

Q17: Section B requires Unit Prices and Totals which are the Quantity times the Unit price.

Would the Government please confirm that you intend to award a Firm Fixed Price amount per CLIN/Year?

A17: The government intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract as stated in Section B LC52.216-3 Contract Type.

Q18: Given the low yearly production requirements, would the Library consider having the PM also performing cataloging duties?

A18: Yes. However, if the PM will be performing cataloging duties they must meet both the qualification/skills identified in Section C.8.

Q19: Are the quantities for each CLIN listed on page 4 Section B, supplies and Services and Prices/Costs of the solicitation correct?

A19: The quantities are correct. Please see answer to question 15.