76 -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (Braille and Recorded Books and Magazines)

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. It is the intent of the Library of Congress to change the method of solicitation for Braille and recorded books and magazines. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) intends to solicit using negotiation techniques and the tradeoff process. This will replace the current method of using sealed bids. Request for Proposals (RFP) will replace the Invitation for Bids (IFB). Listed below are some of the differences you may expect to see. The basic statement of work has not changed, and is not provided here. Please review and provide feedback by September 5, 2006 to Contracting Officer Jackie Johnson ([email protected]) with a CC to Contracting Officer's Technical Representative John Bryant ([email protected]). IFB to RFP Changes: 1. Offerors will be required to submit separate technical and price proposals as one package. 2. Price proposals are not public and are negotiable 3. Offerors will receive a technical evaluation score based on technical factors stated in the RFP. They may include all or some of the following: Past performance,Experience,Production capacity, and Quality Assurance Program. 4. The basis of award is the tradeoff process in accordance with FAR 15.101-1. This process allows for award when it is in the best interest of the Government to consider award to other than the lowest priced offeror or other than the highest technically rated offeror. 5. Multiple awards may be made. Government Estimates for Braille books: 600/year, 450 pages each, 50 copies per title. Government Estimates for Braille magazines:33 titles/year, 456 issues, 695 copies per issue. Government Estimates for Audio books: 2,000/year, 670 minutes each, 925 copies per title. Government Estimates for Audio magazines: 45 titles/year, 678 issues, 5,272 copies per issue. Subcontracting Issues: The Library is concerned that if all potential vendors fully subcontract out, there may be a capacity problem with the subcontractors that may adversely impact delivery. At this time, the Library has not identified a fair way of managing this potential issue, so we welcome your comments/suggestions. Contract Type: The Library is considering an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) fixed price contract under FAR Part 16.504. This is subject to change, and we welcome your comments/suggestions.