Library of Congress - NLS Multi-State Centers (East and West)
Closed Solicitation Posted
This opportunity was awarded. See its 2 award notices in the notice history.
- Solicitation number
- 030ADV25R0034
- Agency
-
Library of Congress
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541614 Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services
- PSC
- S215 Housekeeping- Warehousing/Storage
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Library of Congress is seeking two separate firm fixed-price contracts to operate Multi-State Centers (MSCs) for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), with one center serving territories east of the Mississippi River (Region 1) and another serving territories west of the Mississippi and overseas (Region 2). These centers will function as materials-support supply units providing comprehensive services including storage, distribution, and circulation of braille and audio books, specialized equipment, publications, and supplies to a network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries, and 13 advisory centers serving 274,000 readers out of a potential three million eligible individuals. The contract requirements include maintaining warehouse facilities (55,000-65,000 square feet for Region 1 and 35,000-45,000 square feet for Region 2), managing extensive inventories, performing interlibrary loans, duplicating materials, supporting currency reader distribution, and producing detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. The evaluation will use a best value trade-off methodology where non-price factors are significantly more important than price, focusing on technical capability, key personnel qualifications, transition plans, and past performance. The proposal submission deadline is September 15, 2025, following multiple amendments that extended the original deadline and added patron support services to the scope.
This procurement does not utilize any set-aside designations and is open to full and open competition under FAR Part 12 for commercial services. The contract structure includes a base period from December 2025 through November 2026, with nine optional one-year extension periods that could extend the contract through November 2035. The centers will handle substantial operational volumes, with Region 1 requiring 2,000 pallet storage capacity and shipping over 500,000 items in FY24, while Region 2 needs 900 pallet capacity and shipped over 200,000 items. Key operational responsibilities include managing approximately 4,500 device repairs per contract period, supporting NLS's annual production of approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, and maintaining specialized equipment inventories including digital talking book machines, braille eReaders, and currency readers. The centers will be located to serve their respective geographical regions, with specific facility requirements and the need for dedicated key personnel including directors, coordinators for various specialized functions, and reader advisors to support the comprehensive library services for individuals with visual or physical disabilities.
Notice text
9 versions
Update #9 · Latest ·
Amendment 0008 provides the revised Question & Answers document, Attachment J13 and corrects text in the Statement of Work.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0007: The purpose of this amendment is to add Patron Support/Engagement Services to the multistate centers. Please see the attached documents for more information
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0006: 1. Amends the Statement of Work in Section C.3.3.4. PERSONNEL to reference Attachment J12 Key Personnel Minimum Qualifications as indicated in red text. 2. Replace Attachment J12 Key Personnel Minimum Qualifications dated 5/21/25 with updated version 7/14/25 for position description updates as indicated in red text.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0005 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to insert the Scope as indicated in red text.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0004 provides the revised Question & Answers document, Attachment J13 dated 07/08/2025.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0003 answers questions recieved.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0002 extends the proposal submission deadline by 15 days from 07-02-2025 to 07-17-2025. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0001 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to correct numbering. Section C.3.1.11 CARTRIDGE STORAGE is changed to C.3.1.10 as indicated in red text. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 12 for commercial services utilizing some solicitation procedures of FAR Part 15.
The Library of Congress is seeking to award two stand-alone, definitive, firm fixed price contracts as a result of this competition. Specifically, the Library of Congress is seeking to award contracts for its multi-state centers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free public library service to eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle, or read standard print media because of visual or physical disability.
A cooperating network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries and 13 advisory and outreach centers circulate recorded and braille books to a readership of 274,000 (as of 2023) out of a potential three million eligible population. NLS produces annually approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, available both for download and in hard copy on demand. Users are informed about new books, magazines, and services through bimonthly publications, annual catalogs, and subject bibliographies produced by NLS and through various publications produced and circulated by the regional and sub-regional libraries, and advisory outreach centers.
Multistate centers (MSCs or Centers) function as materials-support supply units for NLS, serving network libraries in two specified geographical areas of the country:
Region 1 (MSC East): Services United States and territories east of the Mississippi
Region 2 (MSC West): Services United States and territories west of the Mississippi and overseas
The Centers provide upon request to network libraries and the other/opposite Center if stocks are low or depleted as necessary, the following: publications; equipment; supplies; and interlibrary loan services for all NLS mass-produced braille books, audio books and magazines that appear only on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system, and braille magazines. The Centers shall receive, store, shelve, duplicate, manage, and distribute all NLS-issued books, selected special collections including assigned back issues of braille magazines and volunteer-produced material (including cassette, digital, and braille books selected for limited distribution); store and manage duplicating masters such as open reel tape, and cassette, and have access to BARD to download books for which a patron or library needs a physical copy; store and ship sound reproducers and allied equipment; and store and ship publications and supplies. Books and magazines are narrated and duplicated at a high-quality professional standard. The quantity produced of any title is dependent on anticipated reader demand.
The Centers shall also serve as Duplication on Demand backup for Network Libraries; and receive, store and distribute support supplies to the network of libraries.
The administrative functions of the Centers include managing staff use of online, local and electronic information fulfillment systems, customer service, electronic inventory, information systems, purchasing, quality control, and safety. Centers support services require use and management of Web-based NLS applications. These specifications describe the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of these functions.
Region 1 (MSC East) shall also be responsible for markup and upload of regional, sub-regional and affiliates and foreign titles to direct into BARD and shall provide assistance and training to regional network libraries.
Region 2 (MSC West) shall also maintain playback devices, parts and hard copy Braille titles. Center shall perform repairs on playback devices internally and/or via volunteers.
The Library seeks to use this solicitation to make two separate awards, one for each Region.
Please see the attached documents for the official solicitation and its attachments.
Update #8 ·
Amendment 0007: The purpose of this amendment is to add Patron Support/Engagement Services to the multistate centers. Please see the attached documents for more information
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0006: 1. Amends the Statement of Work in Section C.3.3.4. PERSONNEL to reference Attachment J12 Key Personnel Minimum Qualifications as indicated in red text. 2. Replace Attachment J12 Key Personnel Minimum Qualifications dated 5/21/25 with updated version 7/14/25 for position description updates as indicated in red text.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0005 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to insert the Scope as indicated in red text.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0004 provides the revised Question & Answers document, Attachment J13 dated 07/08/2025.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0003 answers questions recieved.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0002 extends the proposal submission deadline by 15 days from 07-02-2025 to 07-17-2025. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0001 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to correct numbering. Section C.3.1.11 CARTRIDGE STORAGE is changed to C.3.1.10 as indicated in red text. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 12 for commercial services utilizing some solicitation procedures of FAR Part 15.
The Library of Congress is seeking to award two stand-alone, definitive, firm fixed price contracts as a result of this competition. Specifically, the Library of Congress is seeking to award contracts for its multi-state centers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free public library service to eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle, or read standard print media because of visual or physical disability.
A cooperating network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries and 13 advisory and outreach centers circulate recorded and braille books to a readership of 274,000 (as of 2023) out of a potential three million eligible population. NLS produces annually approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, available both for download and in hard copy on demand. Users are informed about new books, magazines, and services through bimonthly publications, annual catalogs, and subject bibliographies produced by NLS and through various publications produced and circulated by the regional and sub-regional libraries, and advisory outreach centers.
Multistate centers (MSCs or Centers) function as materials-support supply units for NLS, serving network libraries in two specified geographical areas of the country:
Region 1 (MSC East): Services United States and territories east of the Mississippi
Region 2 (MSC West): Services United States and territories west of the Mississippi and overseas
The Centers provide upon request to network libraries and the other/opposite Center if stocks are low or depleted as necessary, the following: publications; equipment; supplies; and interlibrary loan services for all NLS mass-produced braille books, audio books and magazines that appear only on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system, and braille magazines. The Centers shall receive, store, shelve, duplicate, manage, and distribute all NLS-issued books, selected special collections including assigned back issues of braille magazines and volunteer-produced material (including cassette, digital, and braille books selected for limited distribution); store and manage duplicating masters such as open reel tape, and cassette, and have access to BARD to download books for which a patron or library needs a physical copy; store and ship sound reproducers and allied equipment; and store and ship publications and supplies. Books and magazines are narrated and duplicated at a high-quality professional standard. The quantity produced of any title is dependent on anticipated reader demand.
The Centers shall also serve as Duplication on Demand backup for Network Libraries; and receive, store and distribute support supplies to the network of libraries.
The administrative functions of the Centers include managing staff use of online, local and electronic information fulfillment systems, customer service, electronic inventory, information systems, purchasing, quality control, and safety. Centers support services require use and management of Web-based NLS applications. These specifications describe the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of these functions.
Region 1 (MSC East) shall also be responsible for markup and upload of regional, sub-regional and affiliates and foreign titles to direct into BARD and shall provide assistance and training to regional network libraries.
Region 2 (MSC West) shall also maintain playback devices, parts and hard copy Braille titles. Center shall perform repairs on playback devices internally and/or via volunteers.
The Library seeks to use this solicitation to make two separate awards, one for each Region.
Please see the attached documents for the official solicitation and its attachments.
Update #7 ·
Amendment 0006 1. Amends the Statement of Work in Section C.3.3.4. PERSONNEL to reference Attachment J12 Key Personnel Minimum Qualifications as indicated in red text. 2. Replace Attachment J12 Key Personnel Minimum Qualifications dated 5/21/25 with updated version 7/14/25 for position description updates as indicated in red text.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0005 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to insert the Scope as indicated in red text.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0004 provides the revised Question & Answers document, Attachment J13 dated 07/08/2025.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0003 answers questions recieved.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0002 extends the proposal submission deadline by 15 days from 07-02-2025 to 07-17-2025. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0001 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to correct numbering. Section C.3.1.11 CARTRIDGE STORAGE is changed to C.3.1.10 as indicated in red text. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 12 for commercial services utilizing some solicitation procedures of FAR Part 15.
The Library of Congress is seeking to award two stand-alone, definitive, firm fixed price contracts as a result of this competition. Specifically, the Library of Congress is seeking to award contracts for its multi-state centers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free public library service to eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle, or read standard print media because of visual or physical disability.
A cooperating network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries and 13 advisory and outreach centers circulate recorded and braille books to a readership of 274,000 (as of 2023) out of a potential three million eligible population. NLS produces annually approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, available both for download and in hard copy on demand. Users are informed about new books, magazines, and services through bimonthly publications, annual catalogs, and subject bibliographies produced by NLS and through various publications produced and circulated by the regional and sub-regional libraries, and advisory outreach centers.
Multistate centers (MSCs or Centers) function as materials-support supply units for NLS, serving network libraries in two specified geographical areas of the country:
Region 1 (MSC East): Services United States and territories east of the Mississippi
Region 2 (MSC West): Services United States and territories west of the Mississippi and overseas
The Centers provide upon request to network libraries and the other/opposite Center if stocks are low or depleted as necessary, the following: publications; equipment; supplies; and interlibrary loan services for all NLS mass-produced braille books, audio books and magazines that appear only on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system, and braille magazines. The Centers shall receive, store, shelve, duplicate, manage, and distribute all NLS-issued books, selected special collections including assigned back issues of braille magazines and volunteer-produced material (including cassette, digital, and braille books selected for limited distribution); store and manage duplicating masters such as open reel tape, and cassette, and have access to BARD to download books for which a patron or library needs a physical copy; store and ship sound reproducers and allied equipment; and store and ship publications and supplies. Books and magazines are narrated and duplicated at a high-quality professional standard. The quantity produced of any title is dependent on anticipated reader demand.
The Centers shall also serve as Duplication on Demand backup for Network Libraries; and receive, store and distribute support supplies to the network of libraries.
The administrative functions of the Centers include managing staff use of online, local and electronic information fulfillment systems, customer service, electronic inventory, information systems, purchasing, quality control, and safety. Centers support services require use and management of Web-based NLS applications. These specifications describe the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of these functions.
Region 1 (MSC East) shall also be responsible for markup and upload of regional, sub-regional and affiliates and foreign titles to direct into BARD and shall provide assistance and training to regional network libraries.
Region 2 (MSC West) shall also maintain playback devices, parts and hard copy Braille titles. Center shall perform repairs on playback devices internally and/or via volunteers.
The Library seeks to use this solicitation to make two separate awards, one for each Region.
Please see the attached documents for the official solicitation and its attachments.
Update #6 ·
Amendment 0005 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to insert the Scope as indicated in red text.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0004 provides the revised Question & Answers document, Attachment J13 dated 07/08/2025.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0003 answers questions recieved.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0002 extends the proposal submission deadline by 15 days from 07-02-2025 to 07-17-2025. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0001 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to correct numbering. Section C.3.1.11 CARTRIDGE STORAGE is changed to C.3.1.10 as indicated in red text. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 12 for commercial services utilizing some solicitation procedures of FAR Part 15.
The Library of Congress is seeking to award two stand-alone, definitive, firm fixed price contracts as a result of this competition. Specifically, the Library of Congress is seeking to award contracts for its multi-state centers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free public library service to eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle, or read standard print media because of visual or physical disability.
A cooperating network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries and 13 advisory and outreach centers circulate recorded and braille books to a readership of 274,000 (as of 2023) out of a potential three million eligible population. NLS produces annually approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, available both for download and in hard copy on demand. Users are informed about new books, magazines, and services through bimonthly publications, annual catalogs, and subject bibliographies produced by NLS and through various publications produced and circulated by the regional and sub-regional libraries, and advisory outreach centers.
Multistate centers (MSCs or Centers) function as materials-support supply units for NLS, serving network libraries in two specified geographical areas of the country:
Region 1 (MSC East): Services United States and territories east of the Mississippi
Region 2 (MSC West): Services United States and territories west of the Mississippi and overseas
The Centers provide upon request to network libraries and the other/opposite Center if stocks are low or depleted as necessary, the following: publications; equipment; supplies; and interlibrary loan services for all NLS mass-produced braille books, audio books and magazines that appear only on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system, and braille magazines. The Centers shall receive, store, shelve, duplicate, manage, and distribute all NLS-issued books, selected special collections including assigned back issues of braille magazines and volunteer-produced material (including cassette, digital, and braille books selected for limited distribution); store and manage duplicating masters such as open reel tape, and cassette, and have access to BARD to download books for which a patron or library needs a physical copy; store and ship sound reproducers and allied equipment; and store and ship publications and supplies. Books and magazines are narrated and duplicated at a high-quality professional standard. The quantity produced of any title is dependent on anticipated reader demand.
The Centers shall also serve as Duplication on Demand backup for Network Libraries; and receive, store and distribute support supplies to the network of libraries.
The administrative functions of the Centers include managing staff use of online, local and electronic information fulfillment systems, customer service, electronic inventory, information systems, purchasing, quality control, and safety. Centers support services require use and management of Web-based NLS applications. These specifications describe the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of these functions.
Region 1 (MSC East) shall also be responsible for markup and upload of regional, sub-regional and affiliates and foreign titles to direct into BARD and shall provide assistance and training to regional network libraries.
Region 2 (MSC West) shall also maintain playback devices, parts and hard copy Braille titles. Center shall perform repairs on playback devices internally and/or via volunteers.
The Library seeks to use this solicitation to make two separate awards, one for each Region.
Please see the attached documents for the official solicitation and its attachments.
Update #5 ·
Amendment 0004 provides the revised Question & Answers document, Attachment J13 dated 07/08/2025.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0003 answers questions recieved.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0002 extends the proposal submission deadline by 15 days from 07-02-2025 to 07-17-2025. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0001 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to correct numbering. Section C.3.1.11 CARTRIDGE STORAGE is changed to C.3.1.10 as indicated in red text. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 12 for commercial services utilizing some solicitation procedures of FAR Part 15.
The Library of Congress is seeking to award two stand-alone, definitive, firm fixed price contracts as a result of this competition. Specifically, the Library of Congress is seeking to award contracts for its multi-state centers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free public library service to eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle, or read standard print media because of visual or physical disability.
A cooperating network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries and 13 advisory and outreach centers circulate recorded and braille books to a readership of 274,000 (as of 2023) out of a potential three million eligible population. NLS produces annually approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, available both for download and in hard copy on demand. Users are informed about new books, magazines, and services through bimonthly publications, annual catalogs, and subject bibliographies produced by NLS and through various publications produced and circulated by the regional and sub-regional libraries, and advisory outreach centers.
Multistate centers (MSCs or Centers) function as materials-support supply units for NLS, serving network libraries in two specified geographical areas of the country:
Region 1 (MSC East): Services United States and territories east of the Mississippi
Region 2 (MSC West): Services United States and territories west of the Mississippi and overseas
The Centers provide upon request to network libraries and the other/opposite Center if stocks are low or depleted as necessary, the following: publications; equipment; supplies; and interlibrary loan services for all NLS mass-produced braille books, audio books and magazines that appear only on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system, and braille magazines. The Centers shall receive, store, shelve, duplicate, manage, and distribute all NLS-issued books, selected special collections including assigned back issues of braille magazines and volunteer-produced material (including cassette, digital, and braille books selected for limited distribution); store and manage duplicating masters such as open reel tape, and cassette, and have access to BARD to download books for which a patron or library needs a physical copy; store and ship sound reproducers and allied equipment; and store and ship publications and supplies. Books and magazines are narrated and duplicated at a high-quality professional standard. The quantity produced of any title is dependent on anticipated reader demand.
The Centers shall also serve as Duplication on Demand backup for Network Libraries; and receive, store and distribute support supplies to the network of libraries.
The administrative functions of the Centers include managing staff use of online, local and electronic information fulfillment systems, customer service, electronic inventory, information systems, purchasing, quality control, and safety. Centers support services require use and management of Web-based NLS applications. These specifications describe the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of these functions.
Region 1 (MSC East) shall also be responsible for markup and upload of regional, sub-regional and affiliates and foreign titles to direct into BARD and shall provide assistance and training to regional network libraries.
Region 2 (MSC West) shall also maintain playback devices, parts and hard copy Braille titles. Center shall perform repairs on playback devices internally and/or via volunteers.
The Library seeks to use this solicitation to make two separate awards, one for each Region.
Please see the attached documents for the official solicitation and its attachments.
Update #4 ·
Amendment 0003 answers questions recieved.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0002 extends the proposal submission deadline by 15 days from 07-02-2025 to 07-17-2025. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0001 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to correct numbering. Section C.3.1.11 CARTRIDGE STORAGE is changed to C.3.1.10 as indicated in red text. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 12 for commercial services utilizing some solicitation procedures of FAR Part 15.
The Library of Congress is seeking to award two stand-alone, definitive, firm fixed price contracts as a result of this competition. Specifically, the Library of Congress is seeking to award contracts for its multi-state centers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free public library service to eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle, or read standard print media because of visual or physical disability.
A cooperating network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries and 13 advisory and outreach centers circulate recorded and braille books to a readership of 274,000 (as of 2023) out of a potential three million eligible population. NLS produces annually approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, available both for download and in hard copy on demand. Users are informed about new books, magazines, and services through bimonthly publications, annual catalogs, and subject bibliographies produced by NLS and through various publications produced and circulated by the regional and sub-regional libraries, and advisory outreach centers.
Multistate centers (MSCs or Centers) function as materials-support supply units for NLS, serving network libraries in two specified geographical areas of the country:
Region 1 (MSC East): Services United States and territories east of the Mississippi
Region 2 (MSC West): Services United States and territories west of the Mississippi and overseas
The Centers provide upon request to network libraries and the other/opposite Center if stocks are low or depleted as necessary, the following: publications; equipment; supplies; and interlibrary loan services for all NLS mass-produced braille books, audio books and magazines that appear only on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system, and braille magazines. The Centers shall receive, store, shelve, duplicate, manage, and distribute all NLS-issued books, selected special collections including assigned back issues of braille magazines and volunteer-produced material (including cassette, digital, and braille books selected for limited distribution); store and manage duplicating masters such as open reel tape, and cassette, and have access to BARD to download books for which a patron or library needs a physical copy; store and ship sound reproducers and allied equipment; and store and ship publications and supplies. Books and magazines are narrated and duplicated at a high-quality professional standard. The quantity produced of any title is dependent on anticipated reader demand.
The Centers shall also serve as Duplication on Demand backup for Network Libraries; and receive, store and distribute support supplies to the network of libraries.
The administrative functions of the Centers include managing staff use of online, local and electronic information fulfillment systems, customer service, electronic inventory, information systems, purchasing, quality control, and safety. Centers support services require use and management of Web-based NLS applications. These specifications describe the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of these functions.
Region 1 (MSC East) shall also be responsible for markup and upload of regional, sub-regional and affiliates and foreign titles to direct into BARD and shall provide assistance and training to regional network libraries.
Region 2 (MSC West) shall also maintain playback devices, parts and hard copy Braille titles. Center shall perform repairs on playback devices internally and/or via volunteers.
The Library seeks to use this solicitation to make two separate awards, one for each Region.
Please see the attached documents for the official solicitation and its attachments.
Update #3 ·
Amendment 0002 extends the proposal submission deadline by 15 days from 07-02-2025 to 07-17-2025. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
Amendment 0001 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to correct numbering. Section C.3.1.11 CARTRIDGE STORAGE is changed to C.3.1.10 as indicated in red text. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 12 for commercial services utilizing some solicitation procedures of FAR Part 15.
The Library of Congress is seeking to award two stand-alone, definitive, firm fixed price contracts as a result of this competition. Specifically, the Library of Congress is seeking to award contracts for its multi-state centers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free public library service to eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle, or read standard print media because of visual or physical disability.
A cooperating network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries and 13 advisory and outreach centers circulate recorded and braille books to a readership of 274,000 (as of 2023) out of a potential three million eligible population. NLS produces annually approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, available both for download and in hard copy on demand. Users are informed about new books, magazines, and services through bimonthly publications, annual catalogs, and subject bibliographies produced by NLS and through various publications produced and circulated by the regional and sub-regional libraries, and advisory outreach centers.
Multistate centers (MSCs or Centers) function as materials-support supply units for NLS, serving network libraries in two specified geographical areas of the country:
Region 1 (MSC East): Services United States and territories east of the Mississippi
Region 2 (MSC West): Services United States and territories west of the Mississippi and overseas
The Centers provide upon request to network libraries and the other/opposite Center if stocks are low or depleted as necessary, the following: publications; equipment; supplies; and interlibrary loan services for all NLS mass-produced braille books, audio books and magazines that appear only on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system, and braille magazines. The Centers shall receive, store, shelve, duplicate, manage, and distribute all NLS-issued books, selected special collections including assigned back issues of braille magazines and volunteer-produced material (including cassette, digital, and braille books selected for limited distribution); store and manage duplicating masters such as open reel tape, and cassette, and have access to BARD to download books for which a patron or library needs a physical copy; store and ship sound reproducers and allied equipment; and store and ship publications and supplies. Books and magazines are narrated and duplicated at a high-quality professional standard. The quantity produced of any title is dependent on anticipated reader demand.
The Centers shall also serve as Duplication on Demand backup for Network Libraries; and receive, store and distribute support supplies to the network of libraries.
The administrative functions of the Centers include managing staff use of online, local and electronic information fulfillment systems, customer service, electronic inventory, information systems, purchasing, quality control, and safety. Centers support services require use and management of Web-based NLS applications. These specifications describe the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of these functions.
Region 1 (MSC East) shall also be responsible for markup and upload of regional, sub-regional and affiliates and foreign titles to direct into BARD and shall provide assistance and training to regional network libraries.
Region 2 (MSC West) shall also maintain playback devices, parts and hard copy Braille titles. Center shall perform repairs on playback devices internally and/or via volunteers.
The Library seeks to use this solicitation to make two separate awards, one for each Region.
Please see the attached documents for the official solicitation and its attachments.
Update #2 ·
Amendment 0001 amends the Statement of Work in Section C to correct numbering. Section C.3.1.11 CARTRIDGE STORAGE is changed to C.3.1.10 as indicated in red text. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
_________________________________________________________________
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 12 for commercial services utilizing some solicitation procedures of FAR Part 15.
The Library of Congress is seeking to award two stand-alone, definitive, firm fixed price contracts as a result of this competition. Specifically, the Library of Congress is seeking to award contracts for its multi-state centers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free public library service to eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle, or read standard print media because of visual or physical disability.
A cooperating network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries and 13 advisory and outreach centers circulate recorded and braille books to a readership of 274,000 (as of 2023) out of a potential three million eligible population. NLS produces annually approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, available both for download and in hard copy on demand. Users are informed about new books, magazines, and services through bimonthly publications, annual catalogs, and subject bibliographies produced by NLS and through various publications produced and circulated by the regional and sub-regional libraries, and advisory outreach centers.
Multistate centers (MSCs or Centers) function as materials-support supply units for NLS, serving network libraries in two specified geographical areas of the country:
Region 1 (MSC East): Services United States and territories east of the Mississippi
Region 2 (MSC West): Services United States and territories west of the Mississippi and overseas
The Centers provide upon request to network libraries and the other/opposite Center if stocks are low or depleted as necessary, the following: publications; equipment; supplies; and interlibrary loan services for all NLS mass-produced braille books, audio books and magazines that appear only on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system, and braille magazines. The Centers shall receive, store, shelve, duplicate, manage, and distribute all NLS-issued books, selected special collections including assigned back issues of braille magazines and volunteer-produced material (including cassette, digital, and braille books selected for limited distribution); store and manage duplicating masters such as open reel tape, and cassette, and have access to BARD to download books for which a patron or library needs a physical copy; store and ship sound reproducers and allied equipment; and store and ship publications and supplies. Books and magazines are narrated and duplicated at a high-quality professional standard. The quantity produced of any title is dependent on anticipated reader demand.
The Centers shall also serve as Duplication on Demand backup for Network Libraries; and receive, store and distribute support supplies to the network of libraries.
The administrative functions of the Centers include managing staff use of online, local and electronic information fulfillment systems, customer service, electronic inventory, information systems, purchasing, quality control, and safety. Centers support services require use and management of Web-based NLS applications. These specifications describe the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of these functions.
Region 1 (MSC East) shall also be responsible for markup and upload of regional, sub-regional and affiliates and foreign titles to direct into BARD and shall provide assistance and training to regional network libraries.
Region 2 (MSC West) shall also maintain playback devices, parts and hard copy Braille titles. Center shall perform repairs on playback devices internally and/or via volunteers.
The Library seeks to use this solicitation to make two separate awards, one for each Region.
Please see the attached documents for the official solicitation and its attachments.
Update #1 ·
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 12 for commercial services utilizing some solicitation procedures of FAR Part 15.
The Library of Congress is seeking to award two stand-alone, definitive, firm fixed price contracts as a result of this competition. Specifically, the Library of Congress is seeking to award contracts for its multi-state centers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free public library service to eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad who cannot hold, handle, or read standard print media because of visual or physical disability.
A cooperating network of approximately 55 regional libraries, 26 sub-regional libraries and 13 advisory and outreach centers circulate recorded and braille books to a readership of 274,000 (as of 2023) out of a potential three million eligible population. NLS produces annually approximately 7,000 audio books and 400 braille books, available both for download and in hard copy on demand. Users are informed about new books, magazines, and services through bimonthly publications, annual catalogs, and subject bibliographies produced by NLS and through various publications produced and circulated by the regional and sub-regional libraries, and advisory outreach centers.
Multistate centers (MSCs or Centers) function as materials-support supply units for NLS, serving network libraries in two specified geographical areas of the country:
Region 1 (MSC East): Services United States and territories east of the Mississippi
Region 2 (MSC West): Services United States and territories west of the Mississippi and overseas
The Centers provide upon request to network libraries and the other/opposite Center if stocks are low or depleted as necessary, the following: publications; equipment; supplies; and interlibrary loan services for all NLS mass-produced braille books, audio books and magazines that appear only on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system, and braille magazines. The Centers shall receive, store, shelve, duplicate, manage, and distribute all NLS-issued books, selected special collections including assigned back issues of braille magazines and volunteer-produced material (including cassette, digital, and braille books selected for limited distribution); store and manage duplicating masters such as open reel tape, and cassette, and have access to BARD to download books for which a patron or library needs a physical copy; store and ship sound reproducers and allied equipment; and store and ship publications and supplies. Books and magazines are narrated and duplicated at a high-quality professional standard. The quantity produced of any title is dependent on anticipated reader demand.
The Centers shall also serve as Duplication on Demand backup for Network Libraries; and receive, store and distribute support supplies to the network of libraries.
The administrative functions of the Centers include managing staff use of online, local and electronic information fulfillment systems, customer service, electronic inventory, information systems, purchasing, quality control, and safety. Centers support services require use and management of Web-based NLS applications. These specifications describe the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of these functions.
Region 1 (MSC East) shall also be responsible for markup and upload of regional, sub-regional and affiliates and foreign titles to direct into BARD and shall provide assistance and training to regional network libraries.
Region 2 (MSC West) shall also maintain playback devices, parts and hard copy Braille titles. Center shall perform repairs on playback devices internally and/or via volunteers.
The Library seeks to use this solicitation to make two separate awards, one for each Region.
Please see the attached documents for the official solicitation and its attachments.
Files
Show all 27
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Library of Congress - NLS Multi-State Centers (East and West) | Award Notice | |
| Library of Congress - NLS Multi-State Centers (East and West) | Award Notice | |
| This notice | Solicitation |
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