030ADV25Q0188 Questions and Answers.docx

Solicitation # 030ADV25Q0188 Questions and Answers

Question 1: Braille Sample Page Limit Page 46, Section L Technical Volume 1) states: Volume 1: Technical Volume (shall not exceed 15 pages in length, not including resumes).

We interpret this limit to apply only to the narrative portion of the Technical Volume, and not to the .brf file of the Braille sample, which may require additional pages due to formatting requirements.

Clarification Requested:

Can you please confirm whether the 15-page limit applies to the .brf Braille sample file, or is the sample excluded from the page count?

Answer 1: The Braille sample file is excluded from the 15-page limit.

Question 2 : Requirement for Braille Sample Format Section L, Volume 1). Technical Volume 1.B states: Offerors shall submit a braille sample as a .brf file, which shows format of braille in accordance with NLS specifications and transcription based on UEB code. The sample shall comply with the requirements stated in Section C of the solicitation and Attachment D. Offerors shall use pages of Attachment A to create the braille sample.

We understand that submission of the .brf file is required. However, we want to confirm whether an embossed (hard copy) version of the Braille sample must also be submitted.

Clarification Requested:

Can you please confirm whether the Braille sample must be submitted only as a .brf file, or should an embossed hard copy also be provided?

Answer 2: The .brf file suffices. Hard copy if not required.

Question 3: Tactile Graphic Sample Content (Attachment B – Blue Conference Rooms) Page 46, Section L states:

Offerors shall submit a tactile graphic sample, produced as a 2-page foldout, Attachment B. Conference rooms shown in blue within the .pdf must be included in the tactile graphic.

Attachment B does not clearly indicate any individual conference rooms shown in blue. The map shows quadrant borders in blue, green, yellow, and red, but it is unclear whether the blue-bordered area is what the instructions are referring to.

Clarification Requested:

Can you please clarify what is meant by “conference rooms shown in blue” within the .pdf?

Answer 3: Section L has been updated to remove the “conference rooms shown in blue” statement.

Question 4: Foldout Format for Tactile Graphic Sample Page 46, Section L Volume 1). Technical Volume A. Tactile Graphic Sample states:

Offerors shall submit a tactile graphic sample, produced as a 2-page foldout.

A 2-page foldout may not be sufficient to meet braille/tactile spacing requirements for the provided floor plan. We believe a 4-page foldout would be more appropriate to present the content in an accessible and accurate format.

Clarification Requested:

Would a 4-page foldout be acceptable for the tactile graphic sample, in lieu of the specified 2-page foldout?

Answer 4: Yes, a 4-page foldout is acceptable.

Question 5: Cover Instructions for Tactile Graphic Sample Attachment C (NLS Spec 801) and Page 8 Section C of the solicitation state:

Produce front and back pages in print and braille, on braille paper, in lieu of using special covers. NLS will provide the print text for the first and last page as a .pdf. Contractor shall edit the text of the front page to indicate the final number of braille volumes as needed.

No specific cover text or content was provided for the sample materials. We are currently preparing the sample cover per the guidelines in Spec 801 using placeholder text.

Clarification Requested:

Should we have received cover content for the sample, or is it acceptable to proceed using the guidelines in Spec 801 with placeholder text?

Answer 5: Placeholder text is fine.

Question 6 : Tactile Graphic Production Methods Page 5, Section B.3.3. Pricing lists Tactile Graphic on Swell Paper and Tactile Graphic on Tiger Paper in the pricing table.

The solicitation references the use of Tiger and Swell paper for tactile graphics. We want to clarify whether these are required production methods, or if acceptable alternatives may be considered.

We currently use UV Laser Line and Thermoform processes for producing tactile graphics. Thermoform offers a similar tactile experience to Swell, and UV laser line is a precise and durable method that has been effective in our previous NLS productions.

Clarification Requested:

Would either UV Laser Line or Thermoform be considered acceptable alternatives to Tiger and Swell? Or are Tiger and Swell specifically required for compliance under this contract?

Answer 6: Yes, this would be acceptable.

Question 7: Sample Delivery Address Section G.5 (LC52.211-2 Deliveries to the Library of Congress, Capitol Hill Campus – June 2021) This section outlines delivery and checkpoint protocols, but it is unclear what is the shipping address for the tactile and Braille production samples.

Clarification Requested:

Can you please provide the exact address to which the tactile and Braille production samples should be shipped?

Answer 7:

ATTN: Amanda Mita, Head, Information Services The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave., SE Washington, D.C. 20540-4960 image1.png