Synthetic DNA Data Storage- Library of Congress Request for Information

This is a Request for Information (RFI). The Library of Congress (LOC) reserves the right to cancel this RFI and any corresponding solicitation issued in the future. This RFI shall not be construed in any way to be a solicitation and is for informational purposes only. The Library of Congress, hereinafter referred to as the “Library” or “LOC”,” is exploring innovative preservation methods for its digital collections.

The LOC is seeking to determine the feasibility of utilizing synthetic DNA data storage for the long-term preservation of a subset of the Library’s digital collections. Currently, the Library manages over 1 billion unique objects of digital preservation data (~31 petabytes) via traditional storage methods. For redundancy, it may be reasonable for this portion of data to be permanently stored on a less accessible medium, like synthetic DNA.

The Library aims to demonstrate the feasibility of DNA as a high-density, scalable, and durable medium for digital data storage. At this time, the Library wishes to examine the feasibility of this method on a small subset of its digital collections. To be successful, a variety of data formats—including video, audio, text, and images— must be encoded onto synthetic DNA, errors must be detected/recorded, preservation techniques must be validated and select data must be recalled/read with high fidelity.

This work will contribute to the growing field of DNA-based data storage while pushing the boundaries of access and preservation. At this time, the Library has no preference regarding the synthesis approach of the vendor. Vendors may use either the ‘base by base’ (short oligo model), the ‘DNA assembly’ (long oligo model), or any other synthesis approach to achieve the desired outcomes written within the Statement of Objectives.

In the future, it is likely that the Library will explore all methodologies as part of its effort to determine the most appropriate processes for its specific use-case. The Library’s contracted services will support desired outcomes, including: The successful writing of 1.0Tb of the Library’s digital data in various formats (video, audio, images, text) onto synthetic DNA. To determine the accuracy of the synthetic DNA writing process (error detection) without having to read each batch in full.

The documentation of successful processes, shortcomings, error rates, timelines, potential solutions, risks, trends, and technological improvements throughout the period of performance as they pertain to synthetic DNA data storage. Proof of concept for the potential indefinite storage approach of the Library’s data on synthetic DNA. The successful recall and reading of selected collection items that have been encoded onto synthetic DNA.

The isolation of a subset of the data will be carefully curated and stored in ceremonially appropriate vessels, providing both a functional and artistic display of the stored information. This will be done in support of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. See full details of this Request for Information in the attachements section.