National Transportation Library Digital Repository Platforms
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 Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically the National Transportation Library (NTL) in coordination with the Office of the Chief Digital and Information Officer, is conducting market research for a single, integrated digital repository system. This Sources Sought notice aims to identify commercial solutions to manage and provide public access to NTL's digital collections, replacing its current disparate platforms. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Responses are due by April 30, 2026.
Scope of Work
The NTL seeks to replace its existing two-platform system (Repository and Open Science Access Portal - ROSA P) with a single, efficient commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution. The desired system must provide robust capabilities for managing digital collections and offering public access. Key requirements include:
- General: Integrated cataloging and public interface, bi-directional APIs, reporting, self-service submission, support for large files and various types, data migration, OAI-PMH, persistent identifiers, and FAIR Principles compliance.
- Cataloging Interface: Ability to duplicate/modify records, restrict deletions, create templates, batch cataloging, flexible metadata schemas (Dublin Core, DCAT-US 3.0), controlled vocabularies (TRT), authority control, nested collections, and record linking.
- Public Interface: Advanced search, sort/filter, browsing, file previews, metadata export, image galleries, themed exhibits, pan/zoom, version control for datasets, and clear copyright/licensing.
- Administrative, Security, and Technology: User account management, role-based security, web-based architecture, online documentation, development/testing environment, configurable front-end, patching/updates, PIV card/Login.gov integration, FedRAMP authorization, and .gov URL compatibility.
Submission Requirements
Vendors are required to complete a detailed questionnaire, providing information on:
- Company details (UEI, contacts).
- Product information (FedRAMP links, file limits, COTS status).
- Technical capabilities across the four requirement categories (General, Cataloging, Public, Admin/Security/Tech), indicating current capability and providing explanations.
- Narratives on additional features and AI capabilities.
- Business classification (NAICS codes, small/large business status).
- GSA Schedule and SAM registration details.
- Pricing models for initial migration, start-up, maintenance, modules, customization, training, and support.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- Response Due: April 30, 2026, 03:00 PM EDT
- Published: April 1, 2026
- Place of Performance: Washington, DC 20590, United States
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research purposes only. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) does not intend to award a contract based on this notice, but the information gathered will inform potential future solicitations. Vendors should use the provided questionnaire to demonstrate their platform's features, technical specifications, and pricing models.