Retail operation

The Library of Congress intends to enter into 5-year BPA contract with qualified vendors to procure products needed for resale in the Library's Gift shop, online store and other distribution channels and events. Products will be determined by Business Enterprises in accordance with its assortment needs based on the value, availability, breadth and depth of merchandise deemed most beneficial to the Library of Congress and its constituents. Under this procurement, the Library intends to make multiple awards. The approximate date of release of the RFP is March 12, 2013, and the approximate date of closing is April 12, 2013. Contract awards are tentatively scheduled to be announced in June, 2013.

Offerors will also be asked to submit technical and cost proposals for their resale product assortment responsive to the following requirements:

Requirements:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors:
1. Expertise in providing products for resale to cultural institutions as demonstrated by client list and professional references

2. Expertise in developing products and product assortments to reflect the Library's brand

3. Length of time in business providing resale products

4. Breadth and depth of assortment as compared to similar vendors providing resale products to the Library of Congress, federal retail operations or retail operations within a nationally recognized cultural institution

5.Ability to demonstrate sales growth for the Library of Congress, a federal retail operation or retail operations within a nationally recognized cultural institution

Contract awards will be authorized up to $150,000 per annum, but there is no obligation written or implied guaranteeing any set purchase amount.

Procurement Components and Incumbents:

Component/Contract Incumbents

Souvenirs - Charles Products, Commemoratives, Design Masters, David Howell

Totes - Bags By Mimi

Apparel - Crossroads Designs

Custom Ornaments - Design Masters

Custom Jewelry - David Howell

Books - Random House