NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE FOR THE BLIND AND PRINT DISABLED (NLS) BUSINESS STUDY

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation in accordance with FAR Part 13.5.

The National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled, at the Library of Congress, requires contractor support to assist in researching a significant business model transformation.  The NLS administers a free national library program that provides braille and recorded materials to people who cannot see regular print or handle print materials. Established by an Act of Congress in 1931 to serve blind adults, NLS’s program was expanded numerous times: in 1952 to include children; in 1962 to provide music materials; in 1966 to include individuals with other physical disabilities that prevent reading regular print; and in 2016 to permit NLS to
provide refreshable braille displays. The NLS program is funded annually by Congress, and books and materials are mailed as “Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons” through a separate appropriation to the United States Postal Service.

After 94 years, and three generations of technology and service to blind and print disabled Americans, NLS again finds itself at the precipice of a potential business model transformation. NLS has gone through a modernization initiative since 2020 with significant results. However, with the ever-changing landscape of technology, (including the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies), and the ever-changing financial challenges experienced by the cooperative network of state libraries, NLS must revisit its business model. Opportunities remain for NLS to better engage with segments of the population who NLS could serve, such as students, veterans, and people with dyslexia and similar reading disabilities. Opportunities for new strategic partnerships are emerging, while current partnerships must be retained. Organizational structures and processes may require significant adjustments to take advantage of new possibilities. At the same time, NLS must continue to provide the highest possible levels of service to its most vulnerable populations, including individuals who are aging with late-onset conditions that make them eligible for NLS services.

To effect this potential transformation strategically and efficiently, NLS needs to gather input from industry, current and potential partners, network libraries and NLS users to plan and recommend a transformational business model. The effort will be comprehensive, from visioning and process road-mapping to multi-year phased implementation and integration, and it will incorporate people, process, information technology (IT) and physical infrastructure.

Offeror questions are due via email no later than 09/02/2025 at 12:00 PM EDT.  Answers to questions with be posted on SAM.gov as an amendment to the solicitation.

This solicitation incorporates a two phase advisory down select process (see Section L for more details).  The PHASE ONE proposal is due no later than 12:00 PM EST 09/10/2025.  PHASE TWO proposals are due no later than 09/29/2025 at 12:00 PM EDT.