Talking Book Software Fees-AMR-WB+ - Intent to Sole Source
ID: 2025-CIO-0113Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

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

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/df1a885423494dc1a919e85969dbb8f6/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Library of Congress intends to award a sole-source firm-fixed price contract to VoiceAge Corporation for the procurement of Extended Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband (AMR-WB+) software licenses. This contract is essential for ensuring high-quality audio transmissions for the Library's Digital Talking Books and related applications, as VoiceAge holds the exclusive patents necessary for these licenses. The contract, valued between $25,000 and $250,000, will be performed over a 12-month period at the contractor's facility in Washington, D.C. Interested parties can direct inquiries to James Robinson at jarobinson@loc.gov or Brenda Kinlay at bkinlay@loc.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    James Robinson
    jarobinson@loc.gov
    Brenda Kinlay
    bkinlay@loc.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    030ADV24Q0235.pdf
    The document outlines a federal procurement for a firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract focused on acquiring software licenses for the Extended Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband (AMR-WB+) audio codec, which is essential for the Library of Congress's National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. This software will enable high-quality audio processing for Digital Talking Books and related applications. The contractor is responsible for annual license provision over a five-year period, with minimum and maximum amounts set at $200.00 and $250,000.00, respectively. The procurement is aimed at ensuring compliance with various federal regulations, including licensing agreements, security measures, and accessibility standards. It mandates all deliverables to conform to Section 508 compliance, protecting information systems security, and mandates rigorous documentation procedures. The contract also details the procedure for invoice submission, administrative points of contact, and special contractual requirements ensuring adherence to contracting and procurement standards. Overall, this procurement demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and functionality in federal services for disabled individuals.
    J.1 Attachment - JA - Talking Book Software Fees - Redacted.pdf
    The document is a Justification and Approval for contracting without full and open competition by the Library of Congress. It outlines the need to procure Extended Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband (AMR-WB+) software licenses from VoiceAge, the sole source due to patent exclusivity. The Library requires these licenses to ensure high-quality audio transmissions for its Digital Talking Books and related applications. The justification emphasizes that competition is not viable as the Library's needs can only be met by VoiceAge's unique capabilities, backed by existing patents. Switching to another vendor could cause integration, cost, and performance issues. Additionally, the contract is vital for the ongoing functionality of critical wireless applications. The document confirms that the library will continue to monitor the market and evaluate alternatives in the future to foster competition while executing this contract, ensuring compliance with legal guidelines. The action is deemed urgent to prevent disruption of services and represents the best value for government resources due to the associated risks and costs of switching to another provider.
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    Talking Book Software Fees-AMR-WB+ - Intent to Sole Source
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