Audiovisual Encoders - Test Program

This public notice is a follow-on public post from the previous Request for an Information (RFI). The link to the RFI in question is: https://sam.gov/opp/cc60f55467214377a9e59cba3753d451/view The Library of Congress (Library) requires contract support to provide archive quality video encoders (encoders) to the National Audio Visual Conservation Center (NAVCC), located on the Packard Campus in Culpeper, VA. The Library preserves and provides access to the world's largest collection of films, television and radio broadcasts, videos and sound recordings. The campus contains a 415,000 square foot facility, housing audiovisual digitization laboratories, a film perseveration laboratory, physical storage for physical audio-visual media (including vaults for nitrate film), multi-petabyte-capacity data center for storage of digital files, screening and listening rooms, a large theater, and audio listening theater. The encoders mentioned herein are essential to the daily operation of NAVCC's programs and preservation activities. This is to notify the public of the Library's intent to test the vendors encoder platforms that could potentially meet the need. Specifically, the Library intends to test encoding platforms that produce files compliant with the Library's JPEG2000/MXF OP1a archive file type, the MPEG-4 viewing file type, create and read SHA-1 file validation checksums on all media files created, produce supporting metadata files about the media files created, interoperate successfully with the Library's existing Indelt (SAMMA-branded) videotape robots, and work with the existing PrepCart system. Information and the specifications on these Indelt robots are publically available online. The Library intends to enter into loan agreements for encoding equipment vendors identified as potentially compliant with the Library's requirements to be shipped to the Library's NAVCC facility in Culpeper, Virginia. This will only be considered for encoder equipment that is capable of interfacing with the Library's existing Indelt (branded SAMMA) robots. Robot functionality requires a specific Windows program (entitled SAMMA Robot) to run at the same time that an encoder is encoding to command the robots, and to interface with the PrepCart functionality to gather metadata regarding the video being migrated and including it with the files output by the encoder. This is to ensure the ability of encoders to function as the current equipment does to minimize interruption of migrations during implementation of the anticipated Library acquisition to purchase encoders and systems integration services for the encoders and associated support equipment. The actual solicitations are not expected until early Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024, respectively. Based on previous RFI responses and further market research, the Library was able to identify vendors whose equipment may be compatible with the Library's current robot system. Therefore, the Library intends to test the capabilities of these machines through an equipment loan agreement. Specifications are attached. This is a follow-on post from the original RFI, this is NOT an official solicitation. The Library is not seeking to obtain proposals or quotes at this time as a result of this notice. The Library is seeking to simply test the hardware from potential Offerors through a machine loan agreement as a way to expand the market research. No contract shall be awarded as a result of this follow-on post. An official solicitation will be forthcoming at a later date. This notice solely constitutes market research. Capable hardware/software of encoders are requested to ensure successful interfacing with the Library's current Indelt robotic systems. Vendors that are approved to send their equipment through the loan agreement will N0T be paid to provide their machines as loans, but will be given the capabilities results with the robot interface testing, and other tests NAVCC intends to perform, as consideration for the loan. All aspects of the loan shall be considered at cost, and no purchase of the loaned encoder systems shall be made as a result of this loan and testing pilot. If any businesses other than those already identified are interested in participating please contact the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist listed in this public notice. All interest shall be considered, but not all machines may be tested, depending on compatibility. However, the Library shall make a good faith effort to assess the potential capability before rejecting any potential encoders for loan. In addition, the Library welcomes feedback on the attachments. Offerors are encouraged to ask questions or provide further information so that the Library may understand the marketplace for encoders and the system integrations to be performed in the future. Your comments and feedback may or may not be utilized in the final documentation. Under no circumstances shall any expenses be repaid, unless approved for the loan agreement and that expense is stated in the loan agreement, as a result of contractor engagement with this notice. If any businesses are interested in participating in this pilot testing and loan agreement effort, please contact the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist listed in this public posting. For those interested in this loan program, the following information must be provided for each piece of equipment being loaned (including any potential support equipment): Serial numbers of the encoder and all potential support equipment and parts Make and model numbers of the encoder and all potential support equipment and parts A description as to whether businesses interested in this program desire to unpack and install the equipment (as well as repack and uninstall the equipment once the program is over) or whether the businesses prefer Library employees to handle this (further details are outlines in the attached Loan Agreement) Attachments: Loan Agreement Library of Congress Moving Image File Encoder Requirements Library of Congress Moving Image File Specifications Test Plan to be used Against Loaned Encoders