Serials Subscription Supplier for WA State Library

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS), specifically the Washington State Library, is seeking a serials subscription supplier to manage periodical subscriptions for the Central Library in Olympia and 12 additional library branches throughout the state. The Request for Proposals (RFP) 25-08 seeks a contractor to purchase, coordinate, and maintain subscriptions for print and limited online publications, including newspapers, journals, and membership publications across various formats. Key deliverables include maintaining a searchable web-accessible database, handling orders and cancellations across multiple channels, providing claim and invoicing services, and offering comprehensive customer support. Contractors must possess at least 5 years of experience managing periodical subscriptions and be registered to do business in Washington. The evaluation will prioritize best value rather than lowest cost, with a pre-proposal conference scheduled for April 3, 2025, and proposals due on April 25, 2025. The contract period will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, covering approximately two years of serial subscription management.

The solicitation is specifically targeted to certified minority-, women-, or veteran-owned businesses, with a strong emphasis on supporting diverse business participation. The current subscription inventory, as detailed in the provided spreadsheet, encompasses approximately 300 unique serial publications covering diverse topics such as science, lifestyle, entertainment, automotive, technology, and regional interests. The maximum contract value is set at $100,000, with funding potentially coming from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Contractors must provide electronic payment capabilities, meet specific insurance requirements, and comply with state worker rights and civil rights standards. The contract includes provisions for comprehensive customer support, with telephone support required during standard business hours. The current subscription list includes publications from multiple library branches, suggesting a complex and diverse information resource management requirement for the Washington State Library system.