TTS Magazine Subscription Pilot (Intent to Sole Source)

The Library of Congress has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to sole source a text-to-speech magazine subscription pilot program to Zinio, LLC under simplified acquisition procedures and other than full and open competition authority. This notice was posted on February 23, 2026, and represents the Library's effort to provide the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled with access to a catalog of TTS magazines in accessible formats. The acquisition is being conducted as a Justification and Approval for other than full and open competition, with the estimated contract value exceeding $350,000. The Library has determined that Zinio is uniquely positioned to meet the requirement based on its status as the only North American provider offering unlocked, transferable TTS magazine files compatible with the Library's systems. However, the Library is providing notice of this intent and an opportunity for other qualified vendors to submit competing capability statements.

The primary objective is to expand magazine access for the NLS's 500,000+ eligible patrons by leveraging TTS technology to supplement existing human-narrated content distributed through the Braille & Audio Reading Download application system. Any firm believing it can satisfy the requirements outlined in the Statement of Work must submit a capability statement demonstrating its ability to meet all criteria by March 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time via email to the contracting officer and contracting specialist. The contractor will be responsible for providing unrestricted catalog access, converting materials into BARD-compatible audio format, delivering monthly catalog updates by the first Friday of each month, and furnishing selected magazine files within fourteen business days of request. The contract period is anticipated to run from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029, and all delivered materials become the property of the Library of Congress for perpetual distribution. Eligible contractors must be able to meet strict delivery schedules, maintain continuous qualified personnel, and ensure all subcontracted deliverables are fully approved and monitored by the NLS.