Braille Mailing Containers
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
This solicitation seeks a contractor to supply two types of braille mailing containers—standard and large sizes—for the National Library Service (NLS), which provides braille and audio books to individuals with print disabilities. The procurement involves approximately 80% standard-size and 20% large-size containers. The contractor must apply specified preprinted text and imaging, submit preproduction samples for approval, and ensure all products meet required standards before full production. The contract follows FAR subpart 13.5 Simplified Acquisition Procedures and is awarded based on best value, considering product samples, technical approach, quality assurance, past performance, and price, though the relative importance of these factors is not disclosed. Proposals are to be submitted electronically by June 30, 2026, to the designated Contracting Officer and Specialist at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Key documentation attached includes detailed container requirements, a past performance questionnaire, and a pricing schedule. The solicitation is identified as 2026-NLS-0043, and the acquisition is categorized under NAICS code 31499, with no set-aside restrictions noted. The contract emphasizes adherence to quality through sample inspection and compliance verification before proceeding to full production.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Washington, DC, 20540, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
This SAM listing was edited on 06/16/2026 to add a Questions and Answers document.
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Notice: This is a competitive solicitation for commercial products and commercial services adhering to the requirements of FAR subpart 13.5, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This is for the procurement of Braille Mailing Containers to two (2) types of braille mailing containers, standard sizes and large sizes.
The National Library Service (NLS) produces books and magazines in braille and audio formats for individuals who are unable to read standard print due to visual or other physical disabilities. Most of these books and magazines are circulated to patrons through the mail. Braille books are primarily distributed in multi-volume format to libraries and utilize braille mailing containers for shipment to individual patrons.
The contractor shall furnish two (2) types of braille mail containers in accordance with the requirements set forth in this contract. The total quantity shall consist of approximately eighty percent (80%) standard-size mail containers and twenty percent (20%) large-size mail containers. The contractor shall apply all required preprinted text and/or imaging to each braille mail container as specified. Prior to full production, the contractor shall produce and submit preproduction control samples in both standard and large sizes for inspection and approval by the Library. The contractor shall perform all necessary inspection and testing of preproduction samples to ensure compliance with contract requirements before proceeding to full production. Upon receipt of written approval from the Library, the contractor shall proceed with the full production of braille mail containers. All production units shall confirm the approved samples and contract specifications.
The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror that provides the best value to the government. For this competition, the following evaluation factors will be used to determine the “Best Value Tradeoff” for the government:
- Volume I – Product Samples
- Volume II - Technical Volume
- Technical Approach
- Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)
- Volume III - Past Performance
- Volume IIII - Price
In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(a)(2)(iii), the Library is not required to state the relative importance assigned to each evaluation factor and subfactor.
The following attachments are included in this notice:
- J1 - Braille Volume Mailing Container Requirements Version 0.1.2 (2 Pages)
- J2 - Past Performance Questionnaire (3 Pages)
- J3 - Ordering Year Pricing Schedule (1 Tab)
- Question & Answer Document (1 Page)
All proposals shall be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer, James Robinson, at Jarobinson@loc.gov, and the Contracting Specialist, Brenda Kinlay, at bkinlay@loc.gov, no later than the response date specified in this solicitation.