Specialized Book Cradle System

This is a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain capability statements and potential feedback for an upcoming Library of Congress (LOC) requirement. Specifically, the Library of Congress (Library) requires support to procure a specialized book cradle system (book cradle) to be used in the digitization of collections materials from the Library’s collections.

The book cradle will need to completely support a book that when opened at 180 degrees that measures at a minimum of 24x32 inches and support books or other materials completely flat during image capture with glass. Allow the ability to customize the distance between the plates that support the book to accommodate a range of book sizes and accommodate being used with or attached to a Digital Transitions “Auto-Column” or Cambo RPS columns by design and not require any additional customizations.

The book cradle will also require the ability to adjust height of book cradle to accommodate a range of thickness of books and cultural heritage materials. In order to obtain this information, the Library is seeking capabilities statements, rough orders of magnitude estimates, input on the Statement of Work, or any other information your business would care to provide in order to help the Library understand the possible solutions available on the commercial marketplace.

All information received shall be reviewed to help the Library inform its possible future acquisition decisions relating to this requirement. Participation in this RFI is voluntary only and is no guarantee of future business. As an RFI, this is NOT an official solicitation. The Library is not seeking to obtain official proposals at this time as a result of this notice. The Library is seeking outside information from potential offerors as a way to perform supplemental market research.

No contract shall be awarded as a result of this RFI. This notice solely constitutes market research. Under NO circumstances shall any expenses be repaid as a result of contractor engagement with RFI this notice. Offerors are encouraged to ask questions or provide feedback so that the LOC may enhance its understanding to reflect a more accurate business environment. Attached is a draft Statement of Work.

Offerors are encouraged to provide feedback on this document as well, and all comments/questions/suggestions shall be considered (this is not a guarantee that they will be answered or reflected in the final solicitation). Finally, rough orders of magnitude in terms of pricing is also being asked for. Please note, these would be estimates only and serve only the purposes of market research. These are NOT official quotes, but are considered to be high level rough ballpark estimates of other marketplace solutions. Please send any questions/feedback and/or capability statements to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist listed on this notice.