Purchase of Turntables, Tonearms, and Custom Plinths
ID: 2025-LGR-0150Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)

PSC

SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING EQUIPMENT (5835)
Timeline
    Description

    The Library of Congress is seeking proposals for the procurement of Technics (Panasonic) SP10R turntables, tonearms, and custom plinths to replace outdated audio equipment that has been in service for over 25 years. This initiative aims to enhance the Library's archival capabilities for preserving and accessing its extensive audiovisual collection, as the Technics SP10R system is uniquely suited to meet the specific requirements for playback of fragile analog recordings. The contract will be awarded based on the lowest-priced technically acceptable proposal, with a submission deadline set for April 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Eastern Time). Interested vendors should direct their proposals to the primary contact, James Robinson, at jarobinson@loc.gov, or the secondary contact, Brenda Kinlay, at bkinlay@loc.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    James Robinson
    jarobinson@loc.gov
    Brenda Kinlay
    bkinlay@loc.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of Technics SP10R turntables and related equipment for the National Audiovisual Conservation Center (NAVCC) of the Library of Congress. With current turntables over 25 years old and no longer supported, the NAVCC seeks to upgrade to these archival-grade systems to enhance their preservation capabilities. Key requirements include the supply of ten Technics SP10R turntables with custom plinths designed for larger transcription discs and ten SME M2-12R tone arms, ensuring compatibility with existing equipment. The contract encompasses a three-year warranty for the turntables and plinths, along with a ten-year warranty for the tone arms. The contractor must handle shipping costs and provide customer support with a prompt response time. The contract is a firm-fixed-price agreement aimed at securing all-inclusive pricing, which covers shipping, handling, and overhead. The RFP indicates the necessity of adhering to regulations as per the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), with specific clauses emphasized for compliance. Overall, this initiative reflects the Library’s commitment to preserving and facilitating access to audiovisual heritage through modern technology.
    The document is an amendment to a solicitation issued by the Library of Congress for the procurement of Technics (Panasonic) SP10R Turntables and related equipment. The amendment includes an additional option (CLIN -0002) for future purchases of supplies, specifically two turntables, customized plinths, and tone arms, which the Library may order separately before the expiration of the contract line item. The document outlines important procedures for acknowledging this amendment, clarifies contract administration details, and specifies the delivery schedule for the items, with a contract period extending through 2028 for warranty options. The submission deadline for quotes remains set for April 22, 2025. This amendment supports the Library's ability to make pre-priced purchases while ensuring the terms of the existing contract remain unchanged. Overall, it emphasizes the Library's procurement protocols for necessary supplies and services.
    The document outlines the Justification and Approval for a brand-name only procurement by the Library of Congress to acquire new Technics turntables, specifically the Technics SP10R model, alongside SME M2-12R tone arms. The Library requires these high-end audio systems to replace outdated Simon Yorke turntables, which are no longer supported after over 25 years of service. The procurement is justified under federal regulations as the unique capabilities of the Technics system are deemed essential for the preservation and accessibility of the Library's extensive audiovisual collection. The document emphasizes the urgency and necessity of this procurement, noting that no alternatives exist that meet the Library’s specific archival standards for playback of fragile analog recordings. The library's action plan includes future considerations for potential competition by allowing authorized resellers to provide quotes for the Technic products. The contracting officers certify the need for this contract, affirming that it represents the best value to the government through a lowest-priced technically acceptable approach, while ensuring fair and reasonable pricing is obtained.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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