RFP C-L-M (030ADV25R0053).pdf

PAGE 1 OF1. 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

030ADV25R0053 12-08-2025

01-07-2026

5:00PM EST

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

LA 325

101 Independence Av SE Washington DC 20540-9411

Submit Invoices through NLSadmin@loc.gov Washington DC 20540

See CONTINUATION Page

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

James Robinson

030ADV25R0053 Section B

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 LC52.216-3 CONTRACT TYPE (JUN 2016)

This solicitation is for a Multiple-Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract with firm-fixed-price task orders issued under the resulting IDIQ.

Each Multiple-Award IDIQ contract shall have a separate ceiling with a maximum value of $250,000.00 and a minimum guarantee of $1,000.00.

(End of Clause)

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 5.00 YEAR _______________

Performance Area I - Braille Music Transcription Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-19-2026 POP End: 08-31-2028

0002 5.00 YEAR _______________

Performance Area II - Braille Music Proofreading Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-19-2026 POP End: 08-31-2028

GRAND TOTAL _______________

030ADV25R0053 Section C

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Braille Music Transcription & Proofreading IDIQ

Statement of Work

C.1. Project Title

Braille Music Transcription and Proofreading IDIQ Contract

C.2. Overview / Background

The Library of Congress (Library) requires contract support to transcribe documents into braille. Assignments are typically delivered in digital formats. Each year, the music section of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) must acquire new titles for its collection in accessible formats, including braille, large print, and audio.

This work may be carried out through contracts with individual transcribers, authors, commercial entities, or other qualified producers -though only a limited number exist in the United States. Materials produced in braille include instructional materials, music appreciation texts, and sheet music specifically designed for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The NLS acquires these materials for its music collection to ensures they are available to its patrons.

C.3. Scope

C.3.1 This contract requires the contractor to transcribe sheet music and directly associated texts into braille, and to produce both hardcopy and electronic versions.

C.3.2 This contract requires the contractor to proofread existing digital braille music files generated from digital scans against the original hardcopy braille scores, and to make corrections where discrepancies exist. The contractor shall also ensure that digital files are formatted with a maximum of 26 lines, with line 26 blank, and no more than 25 lines of braille code per page, each not exceeding 40 cells in length.

C.4. Performance Areas – Braille Proofreading and Editing

This IDIQ contract includes Performance Area 1 – Braille Transcription Services and Performance Area 2 – Braille Proofreading and Editing. The Library may order the full range of braille transcription, proofreading and editing services described in the following performance areas, as required under specific task orders.

C.4.1. Performance Area I – Braille Transcription The contractor shall transcribe musical works designated by NLS in specific task orders. The Library may provide electronic and/or hardcopy source materials as Government Furnished Property (GFP) or Government Furnished

Information (GFI), delivered by email, U.S. mail, or other electronic transfer methods. The Library may also require the contractor to supply source material for transcription as part of a task order.

All transcription services shall comply with the latest versions of the U.S. Library of Congress Braille Music Specifications (800 series) and the current Braille Authority of North America (BANA) standards. The BANA Music Braille Code governs in the event of discrepancies.

Specifications 800: Braille Books Pamphlets October 2014: https://www.loc.gov/nls/about/organization/standards-guidelines/contract-specifications/

Braille Authority of North America (BANA) Music Braille Code: https://www.brailleauthority.org/music-braille-code

C.4.1.1. Minimum Transcription Requirements (Braille Music and Text)

1. Transcription of method books and instructional music books, including popular anthologies or collections, may be required as specified in task orders. Text transcription may include materials in German, French, English, and Italian language materials.

2. All transcription of text-only source material must conform to the Unified English Braille (UEB) standard.

3. Text in braille music scores shall be transcribed in uncontracted braille.

4. Lyrics transcribed in separate volumes, when books include melody/chords/lyrics, shall include respective melodies and chord symbols.

5. Each transcribed file must be provided in. brf.

6. The .brf files must include 25-line pages.

7. Each line shall have 40 cells.

8. The names of submitted .brf files should uniquely and clearly identify the content of each file.

9. The resulting .brf file from each assigned task must be made available via digital download from a shared folder online or emailed to the COR specified in each task order.

C.4.2. Performance Area II - Proofreading and Editing

This performance area covers the proofreading and editing of digitized Braille music scores files by comparing them with their original hardcopy sources.

The Library may order proofreading and editing services to verify the accuracy of, and correct errors in, digital files of braille music works or related texts. The contractor shall compare the digital file with the original braille hardcopy, with specific source materials identified in each task order. The Library will provide these materials to the contractor. If the original hardcopy is too damaged or poorly transcribed to produce a useable digital file, the proofreader shall notify NLS.

The proofreader shall maintain a record of all changes made.

Proofreading may be done as follows:

1. Using a braille display with an 80-cell Braillant, the proofreader places one hand on the device and the other hand on the hardcopy braille. When a discrepancy is found, the proofreader moves the cursor to that corresponding location in the digital file and makes the necessary correction; or

2. Using a Braillo 300 embosser with the Duxbury computer program, the proofreader can emboss a copy of the digital file. The proofreader then compares the embossed copy with the original hardcopy by placing one hand on each. When discrepancy is identified, the proofreader uses the Duxbury grid to correct or reformat the digital file as necessary; or

3. Using another method proposed by the contractor and approved by the Library.

The current NLS standard for braille music pages is a maximum of 25 lines per page, with no more than 40 cells per line.

When older scores contain 29 or 30 lines per page or lines exceeding 40 cells, the proofreader shall rearrange the braille to conform to the NLS standard page size. The contractor shall ensure that bar-over-bar scores (multiple staves), are properly aligned and appear on the same page. Reducing pages from 30 lines to 25 lines may require the creation of new running headers and page numbers at the top of each page, and removal of the old headers that would otherwise appear mid page.

An important consideration in any keyboard score is the direction in which the intervals of chords are to be read.

Typically, intervals of left-hand chords are read upward from the brailled note, but the correct direction for right-hand chords cannot be assumed. Current transcriptions read the right-hand chords from the top to bottom, and a transcriber’s note is included to remind the braille reader of that direction. Older scores do not include such indications;

however, an experienced braille reader can usually determine the correct direction based on finger marks, harmonic logic, and other cues. To assist a less experienced readers, the proofreader must add a simple note to the file clarifying the intended reading direction. The proofreader may also add other information to aid understanding, and any such additions must be documented in the proofreader’s list of changes.

C.4.2.1. Minimum Proofreading Requirements (braille music and text)

1. Proofreading of music scores, method books, instructional music books, popular anthologies or collections, may be required as identified in task orders.

2. Text transcription may include German, French, English, and Italian language materials.

3. A proofreader’s report with a list of edits and changes made will be provided

4. The .brf files must conform to 25-line pages

5. Each line shall have 40 cells

6. Older scores with 29 or 30 lines per page, and lines longer than 40 cells, will be rearranged to conform to the requirements 4 and 5

7. Bar-over-bar score (multiple staves) must “line up” and appear on the same page

8. Shortening pages from 30 lines to 25 lines may require creation of running headers and page numbers at the top of each new page, and removing the old headings that would be somewhere in the middle of a transcribed page.

9. If in the original score, a transcriber’s note is missing about the direction in which intervals of chords are to be read, a simple note about the direction in which the intervals are to be interpreted will be added.

C.5. Schedule of Events and Deliverables

Specific requirements and delivery schedules will be identified in each task order.

The Contractor shall provide program management and oversight of this contract and all task orders issued hereunder to include:

1. Quality control of services and deliverables

2. Project planning, implementation, and reporting

3. Detailed invoicing with itemized prices.

4. Regular meetings with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and other Library staff members to discuss contract issues and the status of the work streams, documentation and minutes of key discussion points/decisions.

5. Management of contractor on-boarding and exiting processes based on Library procedures, including any required background investigations

The Contractor shall provide a quarterly status report (QSR) to the designated COR covering performance on each active order under this contract. The QSR shall be submitted in contractor’s format but shall, at a minimum, include: a summary description of each active order; the obligated value and potential value including any options; the period of performance; the schedule of deliverables, identifying those completed and those pending; and any outstanding issues.

C.6. Staffing

Transcribers, proofreaders, and editors under each task order shall be designated as key personnel and shall:

1) Be Library of Congress certified in braille transcription;

2) Hold a braille music certification, full level for most tasks, or a minimum of associate level for selected tasks;

3) Experience in transcribing or proofreading braille;

4) Knowledge of literary braille (EBAE, UEB);

5) Knowledge of music braille (as it was done in the past, as well as current rules);

6) Some knowledge of French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc., as well as styles of classical and popular European and American music from various eras.

Additional key personnel shall be identified in individual task orders. All key personnel shall be approved by the Library’s designated COR prior to the start of any task. In the event of a vacancy in a key position, the contractor shall identify a qualified replacement within 14 days and provide the designated COR with the proposed replacement’s resume for approval.

C.7. Government Furnished Property and Information (GFP and GFI)

The Library will identify specific GFP or GFI in each task order, or may require the contractor to purchase materials for transcription on behalf of the Library (see Section B). All contractor-acquired materials shall become property of the Library, unless otherwise specified in the task order. All GFI, GFP, and contractor-acquired materials shall be returned or delivered to the Library upon completion of the task order requirements.

C.8. Intellectual Property and Data Rights

The Library shall retain the right to reuse, distribute, or copy any contractor deliverables created under any task order issued pursuant to this contract, in accordance with Library Clause LC52.227-1 as incorporated herein.

C.9. Organizational Conflict Of Interest

In the event that NLS requires support to proofread or edit materials transcribed under this contract, the original transcription contractor will be considered to have a conflict of interest and shall not perform proofreading or editing of documents they originally transcribed. Contractor awarded transcription tasks will therefore be prohibited from submitting proposals for, or performing, proofreading and editing of their own prior transcriptions.

030ADV25R0053 Section G

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 LC52.201-3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION (AUG 2015)

This contract will be administered by:

Library Contracting Officer: Robinson, James Address: Contracts & Grants Directorate Library of Congress

LA 325

Washington DC 20540-9411 Phone: (202) 707-9053 Email: jarobinson@loc.gov

Library Contract Specialist: Kinlay, Brenda Address: Contracts & Grants Directorate Library of Congress

LA 325

Washington DC 20540-9411 Phone: (202) 707-9354 Email: bkinlay@loc.gov

Library Contracting Officer Representative: Provided at time of award Phone: Provided at time of award Email: Provided at time of award

Contractor Contract Administrator: Provided at time of award Phone: Provided at time of award Email: Provided at time of award

G.2 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.

(End of Clause)

030ADV25R0053 Section J

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Identifier Description Pages

J1-Attachment Sight_Singing_2 3 Pages

J2-Attachment PianoAdv_2_technique 4 Pages

J3-Attachment GuitarMeth_2 4 Pages

J4-Attachment GuitarMeth_3 3 Pages

J5-Attachment Pricing Schedule 1 Page

J6-Attachment First Order Project 1 Page

030ADV25R0053 Section L

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

FAR Number Title Date

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT NOV 2024

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING AUG 2020

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

2016)

L1. General Instructions to Offers: This is a competitive FAR Part 13.5, source selection solicitation utilizing best value tradeoffs. Each competing contractor, hereinafter referred to as “Offeror”. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror that provides the best value to the government. The offeror is required to adhere to the submission instructions provided herein. This section discusses general offer submission instructions, offer requirements, and information regarding the formatting of offers.

L2. Proposal Submission and Questions

1. All proposals shall be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer, James Robinson, at jarobinson@loc.gov and the Contract Specialist, Brenda Kinlay, at bkinlay@loc.gov no later than the response date specified in the solicitation, as specified in Block 8a. Offerors must comply with the submission instructions specifying the format and content of the proposal. If the proposal does not comply materially with the submission instructions, the Government reserves the right in its discretion to determine that the offeror is ineligible for the award.

1. Questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the contracting officer no later than the questions due by 12/23/2025 by 5:00PM, Eastern Time . The Government will provide answers to questions of a substantive nature to all offerors. Questions shall be submitted to the following two emails: bkinlay@loc.gov and jarobinson@loc.gov.

2. It is the Government’s intention to award without engaging in discussions/clarifications if possible. The Government will furnish responses to substantive questions posed by all offerors. The questions received will be addressed publicly through the solicitation-amendment procedure. While the questions and answers will be made public, the identity of the inquiring businesses will remain confidential. It is advisable to phrase your questions thoughtfully. The Government reserves the right to disregard any questions received after the stated due date; however, it may, at its discretion, respond to late-submitted questions that are deemed important or time-sensitive.

L3. Proposal Format –

1. Submission of Offers - Offers shall not be submitted via Zip files. Offers shall be submitted electronically in either Microsoft Office or Adobe formats. Offers shall show the solicitation number, the name, address, and telephone number of the offeror. Each page must be numbered and labeled with the name of the offeror, the SAM Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number, the solicitation number, proposal section number, and a unique proposal number. The format for all documents must be 8.5 x 11-inch pages, single-spaced, 1-inch margins, Times New

Roman 12-point font in text. The email containing your offer shall contain the RFQ number in the subject line.

The total maximum file size of all attached files shall not exceed 20MB due to restrictions on the Government’s email system. If needed, offerors may submit multiple emails and ensure they are clearly identified. Separate electronic files shall be provided for each proposal section as follows:

1. Volume I – Technical Approach

2. Volume II – Key Personnel Resumes

3. Volume III – Past Performance

4. Volume IV – Price

The following page limits apply to each volume:

Volume/Title Maximum Pages

Volume I – Technical Approach Limited to 10 pages, excluding the cover letter, tables of contents, drawings, graphics

Volume II – Key Personnel Resumes Limited to 5 pages for each key personnel

Volume III – Past Performance No page limit

Volume IV – Price No page limit

L4. Content of Proposals:

Any submitted offers must contain the following separate volumes, in the stated order, as indicated:

1. Volume I - Technical Approach (limited to 10 pages). The offeror shall submit a Technical Approach that outlines and documents (in a narrative form) the offeror’s ability to perform the requirements of this solicitation as well as its attachments. A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. The technical approach may be enhanced with charts, tables or other documents, if necessary for conveying the methods the offeror proposes to use to accomplish the contract.

Offerors shall provide a technical approach for transcription, proofreading, or both. At a minimum, this submission shall include a detailed explanation of the proposed transcription and/or proofreading processes, communication methods, underlying assumptions, and quality control procedures.

The technical approach (narrative) must thoroughly demonstrate that the offeror understands the requirements and can provide the capacity for transcription and/or proofreading processes.

Offerors shall not simply restate the statement of work, as broad general statements that merely mimic the requirements, repeat, paraphrase are unacceptable.

2. Volume II - Key Personnel (5-page limit) Key personnel resumes shall be included. Offerors shall provide resumes for each key personnel being proposed. Key personnel resumes must reflect the minimum qualifications outline in Section C. Offerors shall submit qualifications for the Lead Transcriber if proposing transcription services, for the Lead Proofreader if proposing proofreading services, or for both roles if proposing to perform both. These submissions shall include resumes, certifications, and any other relevant supporting information. The key personnel resumes are limited to five (5) pages per key individual.

3. Volume III – Past Performance (no page limit) All offerors shall submit a past performance volume. Past performance assesses how well the offeror has executed previous projects, emphasizing the quality of work and its ability to meet performance expectations. The offeror shall provide up to three (3) past performance references for work that is substantially similar to the requirements of this solicitation. Past references shall be from the past five (5) years and shall involve federal contracts, state contracts, or private business contracts. Each reference shall include the point of contract’s name, email address, and phone number, the contract number, the agency or company name, and a description of the work performed, including how it is similar in scope to the work required under this solicitation.

The references themselves shall submit the past performances and send it to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist listed above. References submitted by the offeror themselves shall not be evaluated. There is no page limit for this past performance volume.

4. Volume IV – Price (No page limit). Offerors shall submit their pricing plan as part of their proposal. Offerors shall include a complete copy of J5 - Attachment - Pricing Schedule document and include it as their official pricing proposal for either transcription, proofreading or both. The offeror shall enter propose prices for transcription services, proofreading services, or both. Offerors may choose to include price escalations for each ordering year or maintain the same prices for all five years of the contract. In addition, Offerors shall submit separate pricing proposals for the work outlined in J6 – Attachment -First Order. Offerors shall proposed pricing for the transcription, the proofreading or both. The prices proposed for these projects must match the Offerors’ Year One IDIQ-level pricing. Pricing shall remain firm and fixed for the full duration of the contract. Offerors shall provide firm-fixed pricing for each year of the contract period.

(End of Provision)

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

Offerors may submit a protest directly to the Contracting Officer or to the Government Accountability Office. Protests filed with the contracting officer will be decided promptly, and may be appealed to the Library’s Senior Procurement Executive for purposes of conducting an independent review of the contracting officer’s decision.

(End of Provision)

030ADV25R0053 Section M

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

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

M1. Competition Type This competition solicitation falls within the scope of FAR 13.5. The Government expects to award a single Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the procurement of Proofreading and/or Transcribing Digital Scores. This is a Best Value Tradeoff (BVTO) competition.

M2. Evaluation Factor For this competition, the following evaluation factors will be used to determine the ‘Best Value Tradeoff” for the Government.

5. Volume I – Technical Approach

6. Volume II – Key Personnel Resumes

7. Volume III – Past Performance

8. Volume IV - Price

All factors listed in descending order of importance. The non-price factors when combined, are significantly more important than price.

1. Volume I - Technical Approach:

The Government will evaluate the offeror’s proposed technical approach and information to access the ability to which the offeror demonstrates an understanding and capability to fulfill the requirements of Section C of this solicitation.

Offers that present a clear and appropriate technical approach, effective communication strategies with Library’s CORs, and well-defined quality control procedures will receive favorable ratings. Offers that exceed the stated requirements in a beneficial way manner may also be evaluated more favorably.

Offerors shall not merely restate the solicitation requirements but present a rational for fulfillment of the requirements.

Offerors that merely restate the solicitation requirements may be rated as unacceptable.

2. Volume II - Key Personnel Resumes:

The Government will evaluate the resumes of all proposed key personnel to assess which offeror has demonstrated its experience, qualifications, and expertise to perform the requirements of the solicitation. Offerors that provide key personnel resumes that exceed the minimum criteria established in the solicitation may be evaluated more favorably.

3. Volume III - Past Performance:

The Government will evaluate the past performance information submitted in accordance with Section L of the solicitation to assess the level of risk of the offeror’s ability to successfully perform the contract. The Government will review records contained in the Offeror Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to assess the likelihood that the offeror can successfully perform the required work. The Government reserves the right to contact and use information provided by the references and any other sources (including its own knowledge of previous performance).

The Government reserves the right to give greater weight to the offeror’s past performance on previous government contracts. The offeror will be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably on past performance if no relevant information on past performance is provided by the offeror or obtained by the Government. If the information in the

030ADV25R0053 Section M past performance reference is confusing, or it is not clear how it relates to the project, it may be discarded. The Government is not responsible for correcting or investigating errors in past performance references; if the information cannot be verified or contains discrepancies, it may be excluded from evaluation.

4. Volume IV - Pricing:

The Library will evaluate proposed prices at both the IDIQ level and for the first Task Order to assess fairness and reasonableness. The Library reserves the right to conduct a price analysis if necessary. The proposed price for the first Task Order will serve as the offeror’s total evaluated price. Awards at the IDIQ level or for any Task Order may be made to an offeror other than the lowest-priced, if a higher price is determined to provide a better result and represent the best value to the Library. Proposed prices for transcription and/or proofreading will be evaluated separately, which may result in awards for transcription only, proofreading only, or both.

M3. General The Library intends to make awards without conducting discussions of proposals but reserves the right to seek clarifications or hold discussions with all, some, or none of the offerors, at its discretion and based on the initial quality of the proposals. The Library reserves the right to award to an offeror other than the lowest-priced. The Library also reserves the right to waive minor irregularities in proposals when doing so would not adversely affect the proposal process. Under no circumstances, shall proposal preparation costs be reimbursed as a result of this solicitation, including situations involving full cancellation of the solicitation. The Library reserves the right to conduct a comparative analysis of proposals and perform a price analysis if required.

M4. System for Award Management:

To be eligible for an award from the Library, your business must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). If your business is not registered at the time of proposal submission, in accordance with FAR 4.1102(a), it may not be eligible to receive a contract unless alternative methods can be used to determine contractor responsibility.

Regardless, your business must be registered in SAM by the time of contract award. Registration in SAM is free and can be completed at https://www.sam.gov. For assistance with registering or renewing your business, help is available at the Federal Service Desk located at http://fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

(End of Provision)

End of Document