Disaster Response and Collections Salvage Services

The Library of Congress (LOC) is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections. Library Services, the main service unit responsible for acquisition, organization, accessibility, security, and preservation of these collections needs services to address the need for salvaging and recovering collection materials in the wake of a large scale disaster. The purpose of the forum is to gather information before the requirements are created. The possible scale of services is from a minimum of 500 pieces to full scale recovery, including, but not limited to: on-site assessment of damage resulting from one or more natural or man-made catastrophic events; careful handling and securing removal of damaged library collections, and research materials from disaster sites via environmentally controlled, round-trip transportation to appropriate storage venues for subsequent freezing, air drying, vacuum freeze drying, or shipping to firms for single-item conservation treatment, as appropriate; cleaning or smoke removal; relocation of treated collections within their appropriate facilities; and other related services as may be required to responsibly recover LOC materials. Each vendor is expected to give a 20 minute presentation to an audience made up of LOC staff and other federal librarians. The vendor is expected to present data and answer questions concerning their capabilities related to disaster response, collections damage assessment, and collections salvage and recovery. Paper documentation for the audience is permitted. Written questions/comments received at forum will be addressed, if time permits. Each vendor is limited to three (3) attendees. Company and attendee names must be provided no later than close of business on June 23rd to Mark Wilson at mwilson@loc.gov. Questions regarding forum attendance may be addressed to Mr. Wilson by email or at 202.707.6940. GENERAL CONDITIONS: This is an invitation to industry vendors to give an informational presentation to The Library of Congress (Library) regarding the formulation of a catastrophic disaster recovery plan to salvage and preserve the Library's precious and priceless artifacts and historical material in case of a large-scale disaster emergency. This invitation is extended to any type of organization (public, private, commercial (for-profit) firms, non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, etc. The release of this Invitation Notice in no way obligates the Library to issue a solicitation or make an award.