Library of Congress - NLS Audio Narration Industry Day
ID: 2025-NLS-0000Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

LIBRARY OF CONGRESSLIBRARY OF CONGRESSCONTRACTS SERVICESWashington, DC, 20540, USA

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/c1e765f5354d4a009b653f81d3f14d89/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Library of Congress is hosting an Industry Day for the National Library Service (NLS) to discuss an upcoming solicitation for Audio Narration services. This event aims to inform potential contractors about the requirements for producing Digital Talking Books (DTBs) in English and Spanish, focusing on the scope of work, pricing structures, casting challenges, and quality assurance standards. The NLS plays a crucial role in providing accessible reading materials for individuals with visual and physical limitations, and this solicitation is part of their effort to expand audio narration services. Interested parties must RSVP by January 23, 2025, and can attend the event either in person or virtually on January 30, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Jennifer Zwahlen at jzwa@loc.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Jennifer Zwahlen
    jzwa@loc.gov
    Files
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    Attachment 1 - NLS Audio Narration Industry Day 2025 - 12-09-2024 - pp. 2.pdf
    The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is hosting an Industry Day to inform audio narration producers about an upcoming procurement opportunity for creating Digital Talking Books (DTBs) in English and Spanish. The NLS provides accessible reading materials for U.S. residents with visual and physical limitations, maintaining a substantial collection of over 170,000 audio and braille titles. In past fiscal years, NLS produced significant numbers of narrated books and is now preparing to expand its audio narration services, including complex material that may require the casting of diverse voices. The contract for these services will be competitive, with new solicitations expected to open in March 2025. Producers are encouraged to bring expertise in multiple languages and diverse backgrounds to the project. Detailed requirements for conforming to established standards will be provided as part of the solicitation process. NLS aims for a broader representation of the American populace in its audio productions while streamlining its production workflow from selection to quality assurance and distribution via its BARD platform.
    Attachment 2 - Specification 1201 - 08-2017 - pp. 13.pdf
    The document outlines the narration specifications for audio materials produced for the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) within the Library of Congress. It details requirements for narrators, emphasizing audition standards, narrative characteristics, and the importance of emotional delivery in alignment with the text's intent. Key criteria for narrators include conversational delivery, emotional expression, and adherence to source material accuracy, including correct pronunciation and faithful representation of text. The document prohibits the use of multiple narrators for individual titles while allowing exceptions for multi-title Digital Talking Books and magazines. It outlines guidelines for handling narrative elements such as omitted text, relocated notes, and reading protocols for various types of annotations. Quality assurance procedures are mandated for contractors, ensuring compliance via inspections and reviews. Monitoring during recordings is required to maintain accuracy, with a dedicated reviewer needed for approval. The document serves as a crucial reference for maintaining high-quality audio outputs, ensuring inclusive access to literature for visually impaired individuals while adhering to federal and quality standards. The comprehensive specifications highlight the government's commitment to producing accessible resources for underserved populations.
    Attachment 3 - Specification 1202 -03-2019 - pp.15.pdf
    The document outlines Specification 1202, detailing the requirements for mastering digital audio files for digital talking-books (DTBs) for the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). It specifies standards for audio quality, file formatting, and announcements that must accompany the recordings. Key revisions from previous versions include updates on technical characteristics, file naming conventions, and special instructions for bilingual and multi-title recordings. The specifications prohibit the conversion of audio from compressed formats or analog recordings, emphasizing the use of uncompressed linear PCM audio. It details technical requirements, including sound levels, background noise thresholds, and acceptable audible characteristics to ensure clarity and intelligibility in recordings. Additionally, it establishes protocols for quality assurance, contractor responsibilities, and inspection processes to maintain compliance with NLS standards. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive guide for contractors engaged in producing accessible audio content, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to specific standards in the production of DTBs. The careful attention to detail in sound quality and recording accuracy reflects the commitment to providing high-quality resources for visually impaired and physically handicapped individuals, aligning with government mandates on accessibility and inclusion.
    Attachment 4 - Specification 1203 - 01-2019 - pp. 31.pdf
    The document titled "Attachment 4 - Specification 1203" from January 2019 outlines specific requirements and expectations for federal and state/local procurement processes related to a government Request for Proposals (RFPs) and grants. The focus is on ensuring compliance with established standards and guidelines, emphasizing the need for contractors to demonstrate capability in delivering services or products that meet quality and regulatory criteria. Key points include specifications about technical qualifications, the submission process for proposals, evaluation criteria for bids, and the importance of adherence to budget constraints. Additional details cover timelines for project milestones, reporting obligations, and potential consequences for non-compliance. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive framework for entities seeking to participate in government contracts, ensuring transparency and accountability while promoting efficient allocation of public resources. This specification is critical for fostering competition among bidders and ensuring that awarded contracts achieve their intended outcomes while aligning with governmental objectives.
    Attachment 5 - Specification 1205 - 11-2007 - pp. 27.pdf
    The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress has established specifications for producing Protected Digital Talking Books (PDTB). This service caters to U.S. residents unable to read standard print due to visual or physical limitations, delivering approximately 2000 books and 70 magazines annually in audio and braille formats. The document outlines requirements for products, emphasizing high-quality standards, user-friendly design, and equipment durability to withstand various handling conditions. Strict guidelines govern the creation, encryption, and packaging of PDTBs, including the use of specific filenames, delivery formats (e.g., CD-R), and comprehensive quality assurance inspections. Contractors submitting bids for production must ensure compliance with these specifications to meet NLS's consumer-responsive needs. The document serves as a critical reference within the context of federal contracts, detailing expectations for contractors involved in producing accessible media while ensuring user accessibility and satisfaction.
    Attachment 6 - Specification 1206 - 06-2019 - pp. 12.pdf
    The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), a division of the Library of Congress, provides a free library service for individuals unable to read standard print due to visual or physical limitations. This document outlines Specification 1206:2008, detailing the requirements for uploading digital talking books and magazines to NLS servers as part of a quality assurance process. Key elements include access protocols, upload locations, and specific file transfer procedures. Producers must request access to the NLS upload server, use either Secure Copy (SCP) or Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) for uploading files, and adhere to strict naming conventions for directories and files. This ensures accurate management of approximately 2,000 annual audio book and magazine titles produced by NLS. The detailed procedures aim to maintain high quality and reliability, essential for serving the specific needs of blind and physically handicapped patrons. Compliance with this specification is critical for contractors seeking to produce and submit materials to NLS, ultimately supporting the program's mission to enhance access to reading materials for eligible users across the United States.
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