Digital Talking Book Machines - Library of Congress
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
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- Solicitation number
- 2027-NLS-0001
- Agency
-
Library of Congress
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334310 Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing
- Place of performance
- Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Library of Congress is conducting market research through a Request for Information regarding Digital Talking Book Machines (DTBM) model DA2 and associated support services, with responses due July 30, 2026. This is not an official solicitation and will not result in a contract award; the Library seeks pricing and sourcing intelligence to inform a future Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) procurement.
The anticipated future contract will be structured as an IDIQ with task orders for manufacturing new DA2 units and providing related support services. Performance Area 1 requires manufacturers to deliver devices meeting detailed specifications—including a device weighing less than 2 pounds with 10-year operational lifespan, 32GB minimum storage, WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, DAISY digital book format support, and 36,500 button actuation cycle durability—with 40-week production lead time and 24-month warranty covering material, workmanship, and construction defects. Contractors must also provide technical documentation, source code, spare parts within 60 days of order, and agile software development sprints (170 or 340 hours per sprint). Performance Area 2 is reserved exclusively for the incumbent HumanWare contractor to support approximately 63,000 existing DA2 units in inventory.
The RFI solicits feedback on pricing adjustment mechanisms for the future contract, asking potential offerors to advise on optimal pricing adjustment frequencies, benchmarking methodologies (including Bureau of Labor Statistics indices or real cost documentation), applicability across deliverables, and identification of components at higher risk for price fluctuation. Key personnel requirements include a Program Lead, Lead Engineer, Technical Support Lead, and Lead Developer, each with four years of relevant manufacturing, electronics, device support, or software development experience. All responses are preliminary; the Library provides no guarantee that feedback will be incorporated into the final solicitation.
Notice text
This is a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain information about manufacturing, sourcing, and shipping pricing related to the production and delivery of Digital Talking Book Machines (DTBM) and associated parts and support services. Specifically, the Library of Congress (Library) wishes to better understand how materials that comprise these machines are impacted by market fluctuations, shipping and freight uncertainties and costs, and other factors specific to the field.
Please see the attachments which include the draft Statement of Work (SOW), device specifications, draft deliverables and parts, and Questions for RFI Respondents. Respondents are highly encouraged to respond to the questions provided, ask questions, and provide other information they deem germane to the requirements and request so that the Library may enhance its understanding of the business environment.
As an RFI, this is NOT an official solicitation. The Library is not seeking to obtain official proposals at this time as a result of this notice. The Library is seeking outside information from potential offerors as a way to perform supplemental market research. No contract shall be awarded as a result of this RFI. This notice solely constitutes market research. Under NO circumstances shall any expenses be repaid as a result of contractor engagement with RFI this notice. All attachments are drafts and estimates and do not guarantee the specifications and terms of future contract opportunities. The Library does not guarantee that responses and suggestions are incorporated into future contract opportunities.
Respondents are encouraged to ask questions or provide feedback so that the Library may enhance its understanding of the business environment. Attached is a draft Statement of Work. Offerors are encouraged to provide feedback on this document as well, and all comments/questions/suggestions shall be considered (this is not a guarantee that they will be answered or reflected in the final solicitation).
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| DRAFT_DA2 Requirements - 06292026.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Questions for RFI Respondents_20260715.docx | DOCX document | |
| DRAFT_Deliverables - 20260708.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| SOW_2027-NLS-0001_DRAFT.docx | DOCX document |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Talking Book Machines - Library of Congress | Solicitation | |
| This notice | Pre-Solicitation |
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