030ADV25R0019.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

See SCHEDULE

030ADV25R0019

Leonard, David (202) 707-1536 05-22-2025 11:00am EDT

Contracts and Grants Directorate Library of Congress

101 Independence Ave. SE LA 325 Washington DC 20540-9411

X

N/A

X

DELIVERY

See Sections D&F for delivery instructions.

Contracts & Grants Directorate Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave SE 101 Independence Av SE Washington DC 20540-9411

Submit Invoices via email to nlsadmin@loc.gov Washington DC 20540

See CONTINUATION Page

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

Leonard, David

030ADV25R0019

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 LC52.212-2 SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE AGREEMENTS (JUL 2017)

B.2 LC52.216-3 CONTRACT TYPE (JUN 2016)

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 LC52.211-1 DELIVERIES (APR 2015)

D.2 LC52.231-1 PAYMENT OF POSTAGE FEES (MAY 2015)

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 LC52.215-5 PLACE AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (JAN 2019)

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 LC52.201-2 ORDERING OFFICERS (OCT 2013)

G.2 LC52.201-3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION (AUG 2015)

G.3 LC52.232-1A LIBRARY OF CONGRESS INVOICE INSTRUCTIONS (OCT 2016)

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 LC52.201-1 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY (JAN 2016)

H.2 LC52.203-1 CONTRACTOR PUBLICITY (OCT 2013)

H.3 LC52.204-3 INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY (JUL 2024)

H.4 LC52.204-4 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE FITNESS (SEP 2024)

H.5 LC52.237-1 KEY PERSONNEL (AUG 2014)

H.6 LC52.237-2 CONDUCT OF WORK (MAY 2015)

H.7 LC52.239-1 INFORMATION SECURITY (APR 2021)

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.2 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE

ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2025)

I.3 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

030ADV25R0019

I.4 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

I.5 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

I.6 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I.7 LC52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEV) (FEB 2016)

I.8 LC52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE

ORDERS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEV) (MAY 2015)

I.9 LC52.216-2 FAIR OPPORTUNITY (FEB 2020)

I.10 LC52.227-1 ASSIGNMENT OF COPYRIGHT TO THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS (DEC 2001)

I.11 LC52.232-25 PROMPT PAYMENT (DEV) (JUL 2013)

I.12 LC52.233-1 52.233-1 (DEV) DISPUTES (MAY 2014)

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 LC52.215-1 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS - BEST VALUE TRADE-OFF (JUL 2016)

L.2 LC52.233-2 PROTESTS TO THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS (DEC 2013)

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 LC52.215-2 EVALUATION - BEST VALUE TRADE-OFF (FEB 2020)

030ADV25R0019 Section B

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 LC52.212-2 SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE AGREEMENTS (JUL 2017)

The Library does not agree to licensing agreements or any other provisions that attempt to: (1) replace an order as the governing contract; (2) establish new or supplemental payment terms; or, (3) affect the legal relationships of the parties.

Notwithstanding any clauses in this contract or order, or the contractual vehicles against which the order is placed, that establish order of precedence, the rights and obligations provided by this contract or order take precedence over the rights and obligations set forth in any licensing agreements provided to the Library.

The Library’s incorporation of a licensing agreement into this contract or order excludes all terms of the licensing agreement that contravene, modify or conflict with the terms of 36 C.F.R. 701.7 available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=87a865ce2bd109313a951a3d477895d8&mc=true&node=se36.3.701_17&rgn=div8.

(End of Clause)

B.2 LC52.216-3 CONTRACT TYPE (JUN 2016)

This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The Government may place Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Orders.

Contract Minimum: $1,000.00

Contract Maximum: $67,000,000.00

This IDIQ’s Period of Performance will be 5 years, consisting of a single, five-year ordering period. Prices for each task order will be developed using the rates identified in Attachment J-1. In the event a task order period of performance crosses contract years, the entire order price must comply with the annual pricing that is current at the time the order starts. No blended rates should be included at the order level (i.e., no mixed or cross-year pricing).

(End of Clause)

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

5.00 YR __________________ __________________

Digital Talking Book (DTB) Narration and Mastering Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-11-2025 POP End: 08-10-2030

GRAND TOTAL __________________

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=87a865ce2bd109313a951a3d477895d8&mc=true&node=se36.3.701_17&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=87a865ce2bd109313a951a3d477895d8&mc=true&node=se36.3.701_17&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=87a865ce2bd109313a951a3d477895d8&mc=true&node=se36.3.701_17&rgn=div8

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 Background

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 has over 170,000 audio and braille titles in its collection and adds over 5,000 titles annually.

NLS provides a collection of reading material in braille and audio format available to residents of the United States and American citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle or read standard print material because of a temporary or permanent visual or physical limitation.

NLS contracted for the following quantities of narrated and mastered books in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. These numbers are provided for historical context only.

Standard books produced:

• FY23: 10/01/2022 - 09/30/2023 – 1171 books

• FY24: 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024 – 1757 books

Foreign Language books produced:

• FY23: 10/01/2022 - 09/30/2023 – 469 books

• FY24: 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024 – 301 books

Complex books produced:

• 10/01/2022 - 09/30/2023 – 20 books

• 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024 – 21 books

Rush books produced:

• 10/01/2022 – 09/30/2023 – 0 books

• 10/01/2023 – 09/30/2024 – 0 books

NLS anticipates growing its foreign language collection. Below is a sample list of languages NLS may reserve for assignment. This list is not inclusive and is a small sample for contextual purposes. The producer could be asked to source any language at any time for assignment.

Language Books Assigned Annually Amharic 3 Arabic 2 Armenian 2 Burmese 2 Cherokee 2 Chinese (Mandarin) 2 Czech 4 Haitian Creole 2 Hmong 4 Japanese 4 Kinyarwanda 2 Nuer 2 Pashto 2 Persian 3 Swahili 4

Tagalog 3 Tamil 2 Twi 2 Yoruba 3

The average completed NLS book was approximately 650 minutes. Less than 1% of books assigned were considered complex.

C.2 Product Categories

C.2.1 Performance Area 1 – Standard

The content is generally streamlined fiction and or non-fiction narrations with reasonable mark-up. Standard books don’t generally require major research or pre-production work as far as exploring context, language, pronunciations, or researching regional references. All works in English are considered to be standard audio narration

C.2.1.1 Product Category 1 - English DTB

Narration and Digital Talking Book (DTB) creation from the source material in the English language. This can include either a single title or multiple titles per DTB.

C.2.1.2 Product Category 2 - Spanish DTB

Narration and DTB creation from the source material in the Spanish language. This can include either a single title or multiple titles per DTB.

C.2.1.3 Product Category 3 – French DTB

Narration and DTB creation from the source material in the French language. This can include either a single title or multiple titles per DTB.

C.2.1.4 Product Category 4– Foreign Language other than Spanish and French

Narration and DTB creation from the source material in any foreign language other than Spanish and French, This can include either a single title or multiple titles per DTB.

C.2.2 Performance Area 2 - Complex Complex titles feature characteristics such as nonlinear text and/or the presence of multiple languages and/or content re- quiring extensive research prior to narration. Complex titles previously assigned by NLS include Dungeons and Dragons reference guides and manuals that contained significant non-linear text/formatting and required significant research. NLS anticipates that less than 3% of all titles assigned per contract ordering period will be complex.

C.2.2.1 Product Category 1 - Complex English DTB

Narration and DTB creation from complex source material in the English language. This can include either a single title or multiple titles per DTB.

C.2.2.2 Product Category 2 - Complex Spanish DTB

Narration and DTB creation from complex source material in the Spanish language. This can include either a single title or multiple titles per DTB.

C.2.2.3 Product Category 3- Complex French DTB

Narration and DTB creation from complex source material in the French language. This can include either a single title or multiple titles per DTB.

C.2.2.4 Product Category 4 - Foreign Language other than Spanish and French

Narration and DTB creation from complex source material in any foreign language other than Spanish and French.

This can include either a single title or multiple titles per DTB.

C.3 Scope

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).

Periodically NLS may update the specifications. The contractor may receive additional communication with interpretive guidance. If, in the opinion of the contracting officer, such a change is substantive a contract modification will be made.

Note: References to duplication found in specifications #1202, #1203, #1205 and #1206 do not apply to this contract.

C.3.1 Specifications

C.3.1.1 Specification 1201 - Narration

The contractor shall narrate the source material specified in the Production Data Exchange (PDE) in compliance with Attachment J-2 - Specification 1201.

The contractor shall make narrator casting decisions at their own discretion unless a special instruction requires the use of a specific contractor or narrator (for example, to maintain consistency across a series). In the event that it is not possible to use a specific narrator, the contractor shall request instructions from the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) before proceeding.

NLS reserves the right to revoke the approval of a narrator at any time, without cause or notice. Should the narrator's approval be revoked, the producer will no longer be authorized to use that narrator on future assignments. The contractor will still be responsible for performance.

C.3.1.2 Specification 1202 - Digital Talking Book Mastering

The contractor shall master the narrated source material specified in the PAR in compliance with Attachment J-3 - Specification 1202.

C.3.1.3 Specification 1203 - Construction of Digital Talking Books

The contractor shall construct the DTB from the mastered source material specified in the PAR in compliance with Attachment J-4 Specification 1203.

• Navigation o Contractors will refer to guideline document Attachment J-1 - QA201801 for applying navigational markers. The contractor shall determine the appropriate level of navigational markup according to the guidelines. Navigation schemes judged by the Quality Assurance Section (QAS) of NLS to be inconsistent with the guidelines will result in a rejection. Any questions about the specific navigational requirements for a particular book should be directed to the COR in writing.

C.3.1.4 Specification 1205 - Protected Digital Talking Books

The contractor shall generate an encrypted version of the mastered DTB in compliance with Attachment J-5 - Specification 1205.

C.3.1.5 Specification 1206 - Uploading Digital Talking Books and Magazines

The contractor shall assemble and upload the complete DTB package in compliance with Attachment J-6 - Specification 1206. The complete DTB package consists of an un-encrypted DTB, encrypted DTB, and the primary audio files.

http://www.loc.gov/nls/about/organization/standards-guidelines/contract-specifications/

Following upload to the designated NLS server, a complete DTB package will be considered submitted for acceptance when it has been checked in, and printed source material (if applicable) has been received by NLS, whichever is later. Check in is the submission of the DTB via the electronic platform determined by the production controller or COR. (See section C.4.2 Reporting.)

C.3.1.6 Warranty

The contractor shall be responsible for correcting DTB packages that are discovered, after acceptance, to be non-conforming to the specifications or conditions referenced in the contract for a two (2) year warranty period. The warranty period shall extend to the last day of the twenty-fourth month from the date the DTB package was most recently accepted.

C.3.1.7 Submission to NLS

After uploading the complete DTB package, the contractor shall submit an annotated copy of the NLS-provided source material (if source material provided is hard copy) to the NLS QAS by a shipping method other than the United States Postal Service (USPS) in order to comply with NLS security requirements. This copy shall contain approximate time markings for each chapter as well as markings to indicate the beginning and end of each file. For standard books, the contractor shall submit this copy within 48 hours of check in. For rush books, this copy shall be submitted within 24 hours of check in. The contractor is responsible for all shipping costs.

C.3.2 Retention of Government Property

C.3.2.1 DTB Package and Master Recordings

The complete DTB package and the master audio files are the property of the Library of Congress. During the warranty period, the contractor shall securely store the DTB package and master audio files and ensure that such material is not used for any purpose other than contract fulfillment. The contractor shall bear all associated storage and maintenance costs. At the end of the warranty period, the contractor shall return all such material to NLS, at contractor's expense, or, at NLS' election, contractor shall securely dispose of such material.

C.3.2.2 Copyright Restriction The contractor shall not retain any copyrights in work produced or provided under this Contract. The contractor hereby transfers and assigns to the U.S. Government the copyrights and related rights in all data produced and/or provided under this contract as stated in LC52.227-1. If a subcontractor refuses to accept terms affording the Government those rights, the contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer of the refusal and shall not proceed with the subcontract award without authorization in writing from the Contracting Officer.

C.3.2.3 Source Material

Source material may consist of NLS-provided content including but not limited to formats such as print, pdf, electronic publication, etc. used in narration for the purpose of converting text to audio. All source material is property of the Library of Congress.

During the warranty period, the contractor shall securely store all source material and ensure that it is not used for any purpose other than contract fulfillment. The contractor shall bear all associated storage and maintenance costs. At the end of the warranty period, the contractor shall return all remaining source material to NLS, at contractor's expense, or, at NLS' election, contractor shall securely dispose of such material.

C.4 Production Time Standards

The Estimated Production Time table (ESTPT), shall be used by the COR to determine the due date for each complete submission package.

Recorded Books Estimated Production Time (ESTPT) Table

The following delivery schedule is based on the book’s estimated number of minutes, urgency, and difficulty factor. The contractor shall make a request in writing to the COR, should more time be required. The COR may approve or disapprove the request.

Estimated

Minutes

Standard ESTPT in Days Priority ESTPT in Days Rush ESTPT in Days

N D VD N D VD N D VD

1-176 43 51 58 30 37 45 15 23 31

177-352 48 56 63 35 42 50 20 28 36 353-528 53 61 68 40 47 55 25 33 41 529-704 58 66 73 45 52 60 30 38 46 705-880 63 71 78 50 57 65 35 43 51 881-1056 68 76 83 55 62 70 40 48 56 1057-1232 73 81 88 60 67 75 45 53 61 1233-1408 78 86 93 65 72 80 50 58 66 1409-1584 83 91 98 70 77 85 55 63 71 1585-1760 88 96 103 75 82 90 60 68 76 1761-1936 93 101 108 80 87 95 65 73 81 1937-2112 98 106 113 85 92 100 70 78 86 2113-2288 103 111 118 90 97 105 75 83 91 2289-2464 108 116 123 95 102 110 80 88 96 2465-2640 113 121 128 100 107 115 85 93 101 2641-2816 118 126 133 105 112 120 90 98 106 2817-2992 123 131 138 110 117 125 95 103 111 2993-3168 128 136 143 115 122 130 100 108 116 3169-3344 133 141 148 120 127 135 105 113 121 3345-3520 138 146 153 125 132 140 110 118 126 3521-3696 143 151 158 130 137 145 115 123 131 3697-3872 148 156 163 135 142 150 120 128 136 3873-4048 153 161 168 140 147 155 125 133 141 4049-4224 158 166 173 145 152 160 130 138 146 4225-4400 163 171 178 150 157 165 135 143 151 4401-4576 168 176 183 155 162 170 140 148 156 4577-4752 173 181 188 160 167 175 145 153 161 4753-4928 178 186 193 165 172 180 150 158 166 4929-5105 183 191 198 170 177 185 155 163 171 5102-5282 188 196 203 175 182 190 160 168 176 5283-5459 193 201 208 180 187 195 165 173 181 5460-5636 198 206 213 185 192 200 170 178 186

5637-5813 203 211 218 190 197 205 175 183 191 5814-5990 208 216 223 195 202 210 180 188 196

Normal (N) = Standard narration in any language Difficult (D) = Standard narration in any language with extensive formatting Very Difficult (VD) = Difficult narration with extensive formatting

NLS determines the difficulty factors in performance area 1 and complexity in performance area 2 by the amount of research required to prepare for narration of the source material. Major indicators of these differences can be frequency of non-linear text and/or foreign language or other language that requires research.

Some characteristics of the three types of titles in performance area one:

• "Normal" narration might require little research and be a straightforward read.

• "Difficult" narration might contain linear text but require some additional research for language present. Some extensive mark-up may be required.

• "Very Difficult" narration might contain non-linear text and/or language that requires research. Extensive mark-up may be required. (Very Difficult titles previously assigned by NLS include cookbooks that contain non-linear text as lists, charts, or graphs).

All complex titles will use the "Very Difficult" estimated production timeline.

C.4.1 Receipt and Acceptance

Each complete submission package must be received by the due date indicated on the Producer Data Exchange (PDE). NLS will review complete DTB packages as they are received. NLS will post the results of the review to the PDE. Acceptance is defined as NLS approval of the complete DTB package. A book shall be invoiced only after acceptance.

Following submission of a complete DTB package, NLS intends to review for acceptance or rejection within a reasonable timeframe.

Results of the review will be made available to the contractor through the PDE. If a producer has not received feedback for submission within 60 days, the producer should contact their Production Controller in writing for a status update.

C.4.2 Reporting

If applicable, contractors shall ensure that any information entered the in the PDE is accurate and, where applicable, matches the information entered into the open package file (OPF). If an error is suspected in the PDE, the contractor shall contact the COR. Failure to do so may result in a rejection, delaying completion.

The information reported through the PDE and the format for reporting this information is subject to change by NLS; however, con-tractors will be notified of any changes prior to their implementation.

C.4.3 Quality Standards The contractor is required to perform quality control inspections of all work performed as required by the attached specifications. The results of inspections conducted shall be documented, retained by the contractor, and provided to NLS upon request.

C.5 Government Furnished Materials

C.5.1 Print Copies, OPF, and Access to the PDE

NLS will provide the contractor with two print copies or an electronic version of the source material for each title assigned, along with available bibliographic information (metadata) required for the package file (OPF). NLS will also provide the contractor access to a PDE website.

C.5.2 PDE Assignment Data For each book assigned, the producer shall access all relevant assignment data via the PDE. The contractor shall use the information as provided where applicable, in the narration and markup of the book. If, in the opinion of the contractor, any assignment data requires revision, they can submit the request in writing to the COR. Approved changes will be incorporated into the PDE.

Rejection of proposed changes will be made in writing.

The contractor is responsible for the accuracy of the PAR and must report any inaccuracies they find to the COR. Any errors found in the final product delivered to NLS will lead to a rejection.

C.5.3 OPF and Meta Data The producer is responsible for the accuracy and correctness of all the dc:metadata and x-metadata. An inaccuracy in an initial OPF provided by NLS does not relieve the producer of responsibility for correctness. The producer shall contact NLS if the content provided is inaccurate.

C.5.4 DTB Production Tools

NLS provides software in an “as is” condition for encryption and validation of DTBs. Contractors may use these and other tools that may be provided by NLS at their discretion. The validators, in particular, are the same validators that NLS uses to confirm the validity of the submitted DTB package. Use, non-use or failure of these tools does not negate contractor responsibility to conform to the requirements or specifications of this contract.

C.6 Security Information

All contractor personnel who access Library information technology systems (such as the PDE) must have passed or be able to pass a US federal government check as described in LC52.204-4 within three months. Library information technology systems may also re-quire multi-factor authentication.

C.7 Management and Staffing

The contractor shall have employees with qualifications, expertise, and experience in relevant disciplines to support the Library's requirements. The Contractor's staff shall have the necessary training and experience for the performance of services under this contract.

C.7.1 Key Personnel

The following position is considered key personnel:

Project Manager

The contractor shall provide a Project Manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer.

The Project Manager and alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Project Manager or alternate shall be available between business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

Qualifications for key personnel are listed below:

• The Project Manager (and alternate) shall have a minimum of 3 years of experience with the company.

• The Project Manager (and alternate) shall have a minimum of 5 years doing similar work with similar scope.

C.8 Deliverables/Task Schedule

Task Due Date Kick Off Meeting 5 days after contract award

Monthly Status Meetings Monthly

Each deliverable will be identified in each individual order.

030ADV25R0019 Section D

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 LC52.211-1 DELIVERIES (APR 2015)

All deliveries submitted to the CO or the COR or other Library personnel designated to receive deliverables shall clearly indicate the following information:

a. Agency/Requiring Library Service Unit and MAIL STOP/Room Number

b. Description of information/data being submitted

c. Contract Number

d. Contractor Name and Address

(End of Clause)

D.2 LC52.231-1 PAYMENT OF POSTAGE FEES (MAY 2015)

All postage and fees related to submission of information, including forms, and reports, etc., to the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or other persons designated to receive, shall be paid by the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

030ADV25R0019 Section F

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 LC52.215-5 PLACE AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (JAN 2019)

Place of Performance: The work for this requirement shall be performed at the contractor’s facility approved by NLS or the facilities of approved subcontractors. An NLS approved facility shall be capable of producing recordings that meet NLS technical specifications.

The overall period of performance shall be as stated in section B.

The contractor is responsible for determining its hours of operation in fulfilling the requirements of this contract. The Library’s standard operating hours are from 8:30 AM through 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. The contractor shall coordinate with the COR for any work to be conducted at Library facilities.

030ADV25R0019 Section G

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 LC52.201-2 ORDERING OFFICERS (OCT 2013)

(a) Contracting officer’s ordering representatives, “Ordering Officers,” specifically designated for this contract are authorized to place orders expressly within the terms and conditions of this contract and not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.

(b) Specifically, Ordering Officers may not:

(1) Make any changes to the terms or conditions of the contract or agreement;

(2) Order or accept supplies or services not expressly within the scope of the contract or agreement;

(3) Issue instructions to the contractor to perform work that is outside the scope of the contract or agreement;

(4) Split purchases to avoid single purchase limits specified in the ordering officer’s designation letter; or

(5) Further delegate Ordering Officer authority.

(c) The Library is not obligated to pay for orders for products or services not included within the scope of this contract and clause.

(d) The following Library employees are designated as the contracting officer’s ordering officers under this contract:

Name Title Contact Information

TBD TBD TBD

G.2 LC52.201-3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION (AUG 2015)

This contract will be administered by:

Library Contracting Officer: Leonard, David

Address: Contracts & Grants Directorate

Library of Congress

101 Independence Ave SE

Washington DC 20540-9411

Phone: (202) 707-1536

Email: dleonard@loc.gov

Library Contract Specialist: Merwin, Claire

Address: Contracts & Grants Directorate

Library of Congress

101 Independence Ave SE

Washington DC 20540-9411

Phone: (202) 707-0887

Email: cmerwin@loc.gov

Library Contracting Officer Representative: Provided at time of award

Address:

Phone: Provided at time of award

Email: Provided at time of award

Contractor Contract Administrator: Provided at time of award

Address: Provided at time of award

Provided at time of award

Provided at time of award

Provided at time of award

Phone:

Email:

G.3 LC52.232-1A LIBRARY OF CONGRESS INVOICE INSTRUCTIONS (OCT 2016)

The Contractor must prepare and submit invoices electronically to: nlsadmin@loc.gov. The Contractor may submit payment requests using other than electronic means only when alternate procedures are authorized by the contracting officer in writing.

030ADV25R0019 Section H

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 LC52.201-1 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) APPOINTMENT AND

AUTHORITY (JAN 2016)

(a) Performance of work under this contract is subject to the technical direction of the COR. The term “technical direction” includes, without limitation, direction to the contractor that directs or redirects the labor effort, shifts the work between work areas or locations, and/or fills in details and otherwise serves to ensure that tasks outlined in the contract are accomplished satisfactorily.

(b) Technical direction must be within the scope of the contract specification(s)/work statement. The COR does not have authority to issue technical direction that:

(1) Constitutes additional work outside the contract specification(s)/work statement;

(2) Constitutes a change as defined in the “Changes” clause of this contract;

(3) Causes an increase or decrease in the contract price, or the time required for contract performance;

(4) Changes any of the terms, conditions, or specification(s)/work statement of the contract;

(5) Interferes with the contractor's right to perform under the terms and conditions of the contract; or

(6) Directs, supervises or otherwise controls the actions of the contractor's employees.

(c) Technical direction may be oral or in writing. The COR must confirm oral direction in writing within five workdays, with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

(d) The Contractor shall proceed promptly with performance resulting from the technical direction issued by the COR.

If, in the opinion of the contractor, any direction of the COR or the designated representative falls within the limitations of (b) above, the contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer no later than the beginning of the next Government work day.

(e) Failure of the Contractor and the Contracting Officer to agree that technical direction is within the scope of the contract shall be subject to the terms of the “Disputes” clause of this contract.

(End of Clause)

H.2 LC52.203-1 CONTRACTOR PUBLICITY (OCT 2013)

The Contractor, or any entity or representative acting on behalf of the Contractor, may not refer to the equipment or services furnished pursuant to the provisions of this contract in any news release or commercial advertising, or in connection with any news release or commercial advertising, without first obtaining explicit written consent to do so from the Contracting Officer. Should any reference to such equipment or services appear in any news release or commercial advertising issued by or on behalf of the Contractor without the required consent, the Government will consider institution of all remedies available under applicable law.

H.3 LC52.204-3 INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY (JUL 2024)

(1) Computer Security Policy. The Library requires anyone using or accessing its digital assets (including networks, servers, workstations, systems, data, web pages, and email) to protect them and use them only for official business, and only in accordance with Library regulations and applicable Library bargaining agreements. Unauthorized or inappropriate use may be grounds for termination or other contractual remedy.

(2) Privacy Policy. No one has the right to privacy while using any Library computer system, including internet or email services. Usage may be monitored.

(3) Level of Access. The Library’s Host Office will determine the level of access to the Library’s IT equipment, staff and software needed to successfully perform under this contract. Access may include, for example, email, word processing, internet, and intranet.

(4) Mandatory IT Security Training. Contractor staff must successfully complete mandatory information systems security training and access forms prior to use of or access to any of the Library’s digital assets.

(a) The required training is available on the Library’s learning management system, LOC Learn, at https://www.loc.gov/extranet/cld/. Library staff will provide further instructions upon onboarding.

(b) Contractor staff with access to Library digital assets shall complete the information systems security training annually. The training is available on the Library intranet at https://www.loc.gov/staff/cld/.

(End of Clause)

H.4 LC52.204-4 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE FITNESS (SEP 2024)

“Contractor employee fitness” means fitness based on character and conduct for work for or on behalf of the Government as a contractor employee.

Work under this contract is unclassified. However, the Library of Congress shall conduct background investigations of contractor personnel who will have 1) regular, ongoing, unescorted access to the Library’s buildings, grounds, or collections, 2) access to Library information technology systems, and/or 3) access to Library information not available to the public, including information determined to be Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), to ensure they meet basic standards of honesty and trustworthiness pursuant to Library regulations. The Library does not determine the fitness of employees to work for the contractor firm that hires them. The Library’s interest is in determining whether contractor personnel should be granted greater access than the general public to Library facilities, Library information technology systems, and/or non-public Library information.

(1) Any access to non-public Library facilities, Library information technology systems, and/or non-public Library information will require a contractor employee fitness determination. All initial, existing, and reciprocal contractor employee fitness determinations will be subject to continuous vetting. Continuous vetting will vary based on position risk level. An example of continuous vetting is outlined in Trusted Workforce 2.0 (https://www.performance.gov/trusted-workforce/ and https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Continuous- Vetting/).

(2) A favorable contractor employee fitness determination requires completion and successful adjudication of a security application request (release forms, fingerprints, and a full background investigation). To facilitate the fitness determination, the prospective contractor employee shall submit to the Library complete and accurate information as identified on the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS)’s eAPP (https://eapp.nbis.mil) or other system as provided by the Personnel Security Division (PSD). Contractors should anticipate a minimum of two weeks for the process, provided all requested information is timely, accurate and complete and that no adverse information is https://www.loc.gov/extranet/cld/ https://www.loc.gov/staff/cld/ https://www.performance.gov/trusted-workforce/ https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Continuous-Vetting/ https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Continuous-Vetting/ https://eapp.nbis.mil/ received. A background investigation generally will require that the candidate has cumulatively resided in the United States for at least three of the past five years. This requirement is subject to certain exceptions assessed on a case-by-case basis by PSD in accordance with established federal personnel vetting standards.

(3) After the contractor employee fitness determination, each contractor employee with a favorably adjudicated background investigation shall be enrolled in and subject to the Library’s continuous vetting process. Enrollment in the Library’s continuous vetting process also requires enrollment in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Record of Arrest and Prosecution Background (“Rap Back”) program, which provides the Library with notification of any criminal activity by the enrollee. Upon enrollment in Rap Back, the Library shall provide each enrollee with a notification of their rights with respect to the collection and use of their fingerprints and to the accuracy of the information obtained from Rap Back, as well as a copy of the FBI Privacy Act Statement that describes how FBI may use their fingerprint images.

(4) The fact that the Library may conduct background investigations and continuous vetting on assigned contractor personnel does not relieve the contractor of the responsibility to provide qualified, reliable personnel of sound character and conduct. This includes providing contractor personnel who can maintain compliance with the Library’s requirement of a drug-free workplace and federal laws regarding controlled substances (see the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C.

§ 801 et seq. for the definition of controlled substances). In the event that drug testing is required for a contractor employee to obtain a favorable fitness determination, the contractor will be responsible for bearing the costs of such testing, conducting the testing in a manner consistent with federal vetting standards, which are based on the testing protocols published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and providing the results to the Library.

(5) The Library may require removal of contractor staff from Library facilities and revocation of access to Library information technology systems and non-public Library information if investigative results raise concerns regarding a contractor employee’s fitness or the contractor employee is non-compliant with the Library’s instructions or requests for information during the vetting process. In such cases, the Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will notify the contractor of the unfit determination and need for the contractor employee to return all government equipment such as badges, keys and network tokens if issued. Contractor management staff may be required to escort the contractor employee from Library premises.

(6) The contractor will ensure the COR and CO are notified of all changes to those contractor personnel performing work on this contract that require non-public access.

(End of Clause)

H.5 LC52.237-1 KEY PERSONNEL (AUG 2014)

The personnel designated as key personnel in this contract are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts or as soon as possible if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employ of the contractor, the contractor shall notify the contracting officer and identify proposed substitutions. No diversion or substitution shall be made by the contractor without written consent of the contracting officer.

The following personnel have been identified as Key Personnel in the performance of this contract:

Position/Labor Category Name

Project Manager

Alternate Project Manager

H.6 LC52.237-2 CONDUCT OF WORK (MAY 2015)

The personnel employed by the Contractor shall be capable employees qualified in this type of work. The Contractor shall be responsible for all damage to Library property by the activities of his employees resulting from these operations.

The Contracting Officer may require removal from work on this contract any employee(s) that may be deemed incompetent, careless, insubordinate, unsuitable, or otherwise objectionable, or whose continued employment is deemed contrary to the public interest or inconsistent with the best interest of or the security of the Library.

(End of Clause)

H.7 LC52.239-1 INFORMATION SECURITY (APR 2021)

The work to be conducted is considered Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) pursuant to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-53 (rev 4) or current version. The Contractor shall ensure that all non-public Library information processed under this contract shall be protected from unauthorized use and mishandling by the Contractor. Information includes both hard copy (paper) formats and soft copy (stored in electronic form, e.g., hard disks, tapes, flash drives, CD-ROM/CD-R, etc.)

(a) The Contractor shall store hard copies and soft copies contained on removable media (e.g., tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, CD-ROM/CD-R, etc.) in a government-approved storage container per the direction of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or the Library of Congress Project Manager when not under the direct control of Contractor Key Personnel.

(b) The Contractor shall treat any information developed on security vulnerabilities and any Government provided non-public information as “CUI”.

(c) The Contractor personnel shall label and protect this information as “Security Category: Moderate”, placing this designation in the footer.

(d) The Contractor shall ensure that all documents designated “Security Category: Moderate”, “Security Category:

High” and “Limited Official Use Only” are not emailed to or from an external email system. These documents may only be emailed between Library of Congress email accounts, or within a secured corporate email network.

(e) The Contractor shall ensure that all documents designated “Security Category: Moderate”, “Security Category:

High” and “Limited Official Use Only” are shredded, burned, or otherwise destroyed before being disposed of in accordance with applicable corporate and federal records management policies.

(f) The Contractor shall dispose of all documents designated “Security Category: Moderate”, “Security Category: High” and “Limited Official Use Only” remaining in the Contractor’s possession at the end of the contract term.

(g) The Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor workstations used to process Library information utilizes anti-virus and anti-spyware utilities that are configured to continuously monitor and to automatically update as well as having automatic operating system patching in place.

(h) The Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor workstations used to process Library information employ a firewall that can either be software running on the workstation or a stand-alone firewall that protects the workstation from unauthorized access from any other devices, including devices on the Contractor’s corporate network.

(i) The Contractor shall ensure that all Library information that is labeled “Security Category: Moderate”, “Security Category: High” and “Limited Official Use Only” is encrypted using a Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS) 140-2 validated application configured in FIPS mode. This includes information stored on internal hard drives and removable devices (e.g., CD-Rs, flash drives, etc.)

(j) The Contractor must provide a written list of anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, encryption products, versions and proof of licenses, along with the automatic operating system patching status, MAC address (if applicable) and user name for each system being used to process Library information.

(k) In accordance with NIST SP 800-61 (rev 2, as updated), the Contractor shall report to infosec@loc.gov, the Contracting Officer, and the COR any adverse events (adverse events are currently defined as events with a negative consequence, such as system crashes, packet floods, unauthorized use of system privileges, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and execution of malware that destroys data) that are computer security related or computer security incidents (computer security incident is currently a violation or imminent threat of violation of computer security polices, acceptable use policies, or standard security practices) concerning Library CUI within 24-hours of its discovery.

The contractor shall coordinate its response to such an event or incident with the Library.

(l) The Contractor shall not provide any government-furnished non-public documents, information, or licensed material in any form to anyone other than the Contracting Officer, the COR, or the Library of Congress Project Manager without the written approval of the Contracting Officer, the COR, or the Library of Congress Project Manager during the period of this contract or at any time afterwards.

(m) The Contractor shall not release any government documents or information related to IT Security in any form without the written approval of the Library’s IT Security Group.

(n) The Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor personnel sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs).

(o) The Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor personnel complete the Library of Congress IT Security Awareness Training on an annual basis.

(End of Clause) http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsFIPS.html http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsFIPS.html mailto:infosec@loc.gov

030ADV25R0019 Section I

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

FAR Number Title Date

52.203-3 GRATUITIES APR 1984

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE AUG 2020

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

NOV 2023

52.233-1 DISPUTES MAY 2014

52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY JUL 1995

52.243-1 CHANGES—FIXED PRICE ALTERNATE I (APR 1984) AUG 2018

52.245-1 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY SEP 2021

52.253-1 COMPUTER GENERATED FORMS JAN 1991

I.2 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES

OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN

2025)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204–23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab Covered Entities (DEC 2023) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115–91).

(3) 52.204–25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115–232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015).

(5) 52.232–40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business…