99 -- Cassette Audio Books

The Library of Congress intends to negotiate non-competitively with Talking Book Publishers, Inc. (TBP) of Englewood, Colorado for the production and distribution of cassette audio books to a nationwide network of libraries that service blind and handicapped persons. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH) contracts out approximately 2000 audio books per year. These books are distributed to approximately 500,000 blind and handicapped patrons. It is the Library's understanding that all other Audio Book contractors with the capability to produce books consistent with NLS/BPH specifications are already working to a capacity that would not allow delivery of these additional titles in a timely manner ; while Talking Book Publishers, Inc. is the only vendor at this time that can provide master audio files to and audio cassettes for eighty-seven (87) different titles to be distributed to a nationwide network of libraries in a timely manner. Any other company that is capable of demonstrating the capacity to provide these audio books in the required digital format in the time required can apply or contact the Library for consideration. Interested firms or persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government must receive all such statements of interest by 12PM EST, Monday, August 13, 2007 to be considered. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed Contract based upon responses to this Notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any information received from interested firms/persons responding to this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any question regarding this Notice shall be in writing and submitted to the Contracting Officer, Arneen Dozier via E-mail at [email protected] .