ESBD_468475_1762814302067_HUB Vendor Results_715-35.xlsx

This file is a HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) vendor search results spreadsheet related to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Request for Offer #306-26-0136 for the E-Read Texas Program. The solicitation seeks a qualified contractor to develop and operate a comprehensive e-book and audiobook content platform with a mobile application serving 218 public libraries across Texas, with potential expansion to 250 additional eligible libraries. The selected vendor must provide a fully developed mobile application compatible with iOS and Android devices meeting WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, an online ordering system featuring e-book and audiobook content from major publishers, and technical support for content migration from the current Baker & Taylor provider. The platform must support approximately 19,000 titles (12,000 e-books and 7,000 audiobooks). The pre-submittal conference was held on November 17, 2025, with vendor questions due the same day and final responses required by December 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT. Contract award is anticipated in December 2025 or January 2026, with an initial term through September 30, 2027, and options to renew for two additional two-year periods. The vendor search identified nine HUB-certified vendors across various service categories, all with HUB eligibility confirmed.

The anticipated annual budget is $500,000, with expected annual purchases of 2,000 e-books and 1,500 downloadable audiobooks. The RFO includes a mandatory HUB subcontracting goal of 21.1%, requiring respondents to submit a comprehensive HUB Subcontracting Plan. Vendors must demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience providing similar services, obtain TX-RAMP certification for data handling, and comply with Texas Data Center Services hosting requirements. Insurance requirements include $1,000,000 Commercial General Liability per occurrence and $500,000 Professional Liability. Critical contract milestones include library sites preparation by February 20, 2026, participating libraries going live with the e-book app by March 1, 2026, and content transfer completion by April 30, 2026. The current Boundless application is reaching end-of-life in December 2025, necessitating immediate transition to the new platform.