Phong Che

Phong Che serves as the primary contracting lead for the Contracts Services office within the Library of Congress, overseeing the acquisition of mission-critical information technology and media services that enable the preservation, digitization, and public access to the nation’s cultural heritage. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions, Phong specializes in complex contracts for digital preservation systems, metadata management platforms, accessibility-compliant media delivery solutions, and large-scale archival digitization services. Their work directly supports the Library’s mandate to modernize its technological infrastructure while ensuring equitable access to historical collections for all users, including those with disabilities. Phong maintains longstanding relationships with a select group of specialized contractors, including the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Accessibility Services Inc., and the University of Washington, reflecting a focus on organizations with deep expertise in accessibility, archival science, and digital curation. These partnerships are characterized by collaborative, long-term engagement rather than transactional procurement, often involving performance-based contracting and iterative delivery models to meet evolving preservation needs. Castro & Company, LLC, and Utah State Library Division are also key collaborators, underscoring a preference for mission-aligned entities with proven experience in cultural heritage technology. Phong’s contracting portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside preferences. While there is no formal socioeconomic targeting, the selection process consistently prioritizes vendor capability, technical excellence, and demonstrated experience in accessibility and digital stewardship over size-based certifications. This approach ensures that the most qualified organizations—regardless of size or status—are selected to meet the Library’s high standards. The procurement focus centers on NAICS categories related to information technology services, digital content management, and accessibility consulting, with particular emphasis on services supporting metadata standards, digital preservation architectures, and ADA-compliant user interfaces for archival platforms. Phong’s technical expertise lies at the intersection of library science, digital accessibility, and federal IT procurement, ensuring that acquisitions align with both federal compliance requirements and the Library’s unique mission.