ESBD_468475_1762814302502_HUB Vendor Results_715-04.xlsx

This is a HUB Vendor Results spreadsheet for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) in response to RFO #306-26-0136 for the E-Read Texas Program. The solicitation seeks a qualified contractor to develop and deliver a comprehensive e-book and audiobook content platform and mobile application serving 218 public libraries across Texas, with potential expansion to 250 additional eligible libraries. The deliverables include 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 incumbent provider Baker & Taylor, LLC. The platform must support approximately 19,000 titles consisting of 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. The initial contract term runs through September 30, 2027, with options to renew for two additional two-year periods. Critical milestones include library sites preparation by February 20, 2026, participating libraries going live by March 1, 2026, and content transfer completion by April 30, 2026.

The anticipated annual budget is $500,000, with expected annual purchases of 2,000 e-books and 1,500 downloadable audiobooks. A mandatory Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting goal of 21.1% requires respondents to submit a comprehensive HUB Subcontracting Plan. The search identified 18 certified HUB vendors across various service categories including digital media production, publishing, audiovisual services, and interactive experience design. Insurance requirements include $1,000,000 Commercial General Liability per occurrence and $500,000 Professional Liability. Vendors must demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience providing similar services and obtain TX-RAMP certification for data handling while complying with Texas Data Center Services hosting requirements. The current platform provider Boundless is reaching end-of-life in December 2025.