Cube-Tec CD Inspector DDP Upgrade (Intent to Sole Source)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Library of Congress (LOC), specifically the NAVCC Audio Lab, has issued a Special Notice indicating its intent to award a sole source contract to Cube-Tec North America, LLC for a Cube-Tec CD Inspector DDP Upgrade. This critical upgrade will enable the extraction of audio CDs in the industry-standard Disc Description Protocol (DDP) format, preserving essential metadata for long-term archiving. Firms believing they can meet the requirements must submit a capability statement by March 4, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Background
The NAVCC Audio Lab requires contract support to implement mission-critical functionality for its existing Cube-Tec CD Inspector and Dobbin media archiving systems. Currently, the CD Inspector system only allows audio extraction in WAV format, which omits vital metadata. The upgrade to DDP format is necessary to capture complete disc images, including UPC/ISRC codes and checksums, ensuring the integrity and accurate replication of the Library's recorded sound collection.
Scope of Work
The contractor shall develop, test, install, and configure required software components on both Cube-Tec CD Inspector and Dobbin systems. Key deliverables include providing DDP capture and file processing capabilities, implementing cue-sheet export through Renamer FPU and Dobbin Metadata FPU, and supplying two refurbished Cube-Tec optical disc drives. The contract also includes annual software support for all components and a one-year warranty covering parts, labor, software support, and repair/replacement of faulty hardware. Work will be performed offsite with remote access.
Contract Details
- Type: Special Notice (Intent to Sole Source)
- Intended Contractor: Cube-Tec North America, LLC.
- Period of Performance: June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2031 (5 years)
- Estimated Value: Over $350,000 (implied by J&A threshold)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source Justification)
- Place of Performance: Washington, DC (Library of Congress), with work performed offsite/remotely.
Sole Source Rationale
Cube-Tec North America, LLC is identified as the only responsible source capable of supplying, supporting, and enhancing the Cube-Tec CD Inspector system. This is due to the proprietary nature of the system's hardware and software components. Only Cube-Tec has authorized access to the proprietary source code and the technical expertise required for system enhancements and updates. Using any other vendor would compromise system integrity, void warranties, and result in substantial duplication costs.
Response & Deadlines
- Capability Statements Due: March 4, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.
- Submission: Electronically via email to the Contracting Officer, James Robinson (jarobinson@loc.gov), and Contracting Specialist, Brenda Kinlay (bkinlay@loc.gov).
- Published Date: February 5, 2026.
Special Requirements
The contractor must be a Cube-Tec-certified software and equipment engineer with a minimum of five years of experience in upgrading, configuring, and testing Cube-Tec products, specifically the CD Inspector and Dobbin systems. The Library will conduct market research during the contract period to identify potential competitors for future procurements.