This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation opportunity from Library Of Congress was posted on June 16, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Braille Mailing Containers
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, under the Library of Congress, is seeking commercial braille mailing containers through a competitive solicitation adhering to FAR subpart 13.5, utilizing simplified acquisition procedures. The contract is structured as a single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) firm-fixed-price agreement with an estimated value ranging from $25,000 to $600,000 over two ordering years, from July 21, 2026, to July 20, 2028. The contractor must supply two standardized types of reusable braille mail containers—standard size (12W x 13L x 4H) at approximately 80% of the total volume and large size (12W x 19L x 4H) at 20%—with all units requiring specific preprinted text and imaging as outlined in Attachment J-1. Before full-scale production, the contractor must submit ten preproduction samples (five of each size) for inspection and approval, followed by a detailed technical proposal including a Quality Assurance Plan, schematic drawings in PDF format, and a comprehensive production timeline. All deliveries must adhere to strict packaging and labeling standards, including palletization, shrink-wrapping, and stacking constraints not exceeding 60 inches in height, with the contractor bearing full responsibility for shipping damage due to improper packing. Proposals must be submitted electronically by June 30, 2026, to the designated contracting officer and specialist, and must include four volumes: preproduction samples, technical approach and quality assurance plan (capped at 15 pages), past performance documentation, and a completed pricing schedule covering all ordering periods. Evaluation for award will be based on a best value tradeoff analysis considering preproduction sample quality, technical approach, past performance, and price, with no disclosed weighting per FAR 13.106-1(a)(2)(iii). In addition to SAM registration—mandatory for eligibility—the contractor must comply with numerous FAR clauses incorporated by reference, including contractual terms for commercial items, disputes, changes, and whistleblower rights, with key deviations from standard FAR language including a modified disputes threshold of $50,000 and expanded audit rights for the Librarian of Congress. The contractor must also flow down required clauses to subcontractors and ensure all materials are produced and inspected using a government-approved quality system, with NLS retaining rights to conduct
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Washington, DC, 20540, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
This SAM listing was edited on 06/16/2026 to add a Questions and Answers document.
----------------------
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.
More opportunities from Library Of Congress → Contracts Services
Same awarding agency
Find Active Opportunities Like This
Get AI-powered intelligence on the opportunities still open
Every page of the solicitation package shredded into a compliance breakdown
AI-powered matching based on your capabilities and past performance
Competitor and incumbent history on the requirement
Automated alerts on amendments, Q&A deadlines, and award
Join 650+ contractors already using CLEATUS