TTS Magazine Subscription Pilot (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 National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), has issued a Special Notice indicating its intent to award a sole-source contract to Zinio, LLC for Text-to-Speech (TTS) magazine subscriptions. This acquisition, justified under FAR Part 13 and FAR subpart 6.3, aims to provide NLS with unrestricted access to Zinio's TTS magazine catalog and convert materials into accessible formats compatible with the NLS BARD systems. Firms believing they can meet all outlined requirements must submit a capability statement by March 13, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Purpose & Justification
The NLS requires a contractor to provide reading materials in recorded and braille formats to eligible U.S. residents. The Justification and Approval (J&A) document states that Zinio, LLC is the only known vendor capable of providing unlocked TTS magazine files that can be integrated into the NLS BARD system. Market research indicates that other TTS services are proprietary, which would lead to substantial duplication of costs and increased expenses for the Library of Congress.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will:
- Provide NLS with unrestricted access to an up-to-date catalog of TTS magazine subscriptions via an online platform or digital file delivery.
- Convert selected magazine materials into accessible formats, adhering to the Synthetic Speech Magazine Audio File Specification.
- Deliver unrestricted, accessible magazine files to NLS within fourteen (14) business days of selection via the Production Data Exchange (PDE).
- Correct any rejected titles within five (5) business days.
- Provide a monthly list of available magazines and notify NLS within seven (7) business days if a selected magazine is discontinued.
- Report production delays of five (5) days or more to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
- Designate a Project Manager (PM) with at least three (3) years of relevant experience and experience managing two (2) similar projects.
- Ensure delivered files become the property of the Library of Congress for perpetual posting on its BARD application.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice)
- Proposed Contractor: Zinio, LLC
- Department/Agency: Library Of Congress
- Response Due: March 13, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time
- Published: February 19, 2026
- Place of Performance: Washington, DC
Submission Requirements for Interested Parties
Any firm that wishes to be considered and believes it can meet all criteria outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) shall submit a capability statement demonstrating its ability to satisfy all requirements. Statements must be submitted electronically to both the Contracting Officer and Contracting Specialist. Key Personnel Resumes are due with any potential proposal submission.
Contact Information
- Contracting Officer: James Robinson (jarobinson@loc.gov)
- Contracting Specialist: Brenda Kinlay (bkinlay@loc.gov)