Inactive

This is a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain capability statements and potential feedback for an upcoming Library of Congress (LOC) requirement. The solicitation is not expected until Quarter 3 o... This is a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain capability statements and potential feedback for an upcoming Library of Congress (LOC) requirement. The solicitation is not expected until Quarter 3 of fiscal year 2021. Specifically, the Library of Congress (Library) requires automated materials handling and sortation equipment to sort bound items and pamphlets of various sizes and shapes as part of collections management operations supporting the following activities: sorting, arranging, and sizing. A book could range in size from 5 to 30 inches tall and thickness varying from a few-page-pamphlet to a 10-inch spine. Materials are to be shelved onsite (by personnel unrelated to the purchase of the sorting equipment) by the LC classification scheme or transferred to off-site facilities inside containers of 10 different dimensions by size. The scale and variability of the collection is notable. On average the Library moves more than 400,000 items through its circulation process and transfers at least 300,000 items to offsite storage. The handling and sortation equipment for the Library’s collections supports the Library’s strategic goal to acquire, preserve, and provide access to a universal collection of knowledge and the record of America’s creativity. The Library is considering and performing market research on two separate processes for utilizing automated materials handling and sortation equipment and may elect to utilize equipment for either or both processes, possibly based on feedback provided by vendors. - - - Process 1: For onsite operations, the main activities include sorting and arranging by LC classification. The sortation could read the LC Classification directly or a barcode number that can be tied back to the Library’s Integrated Library System (ILS) database. The LC Classification # is printed on the spine of each book. The equipment would need to read the classification number and, utilizing a predetermined list, sort the books by storage location. A book could range in size from 5 to 30 inches. If possible, the equipment would also sort by size for books smaller than 5 inches and larger than 16 inches. The current LC Classification breakdown is as follows: A B1 - BJ1403.D37 2008 BJ1403.E34 - BT99 BT100 - BV5077.E85 F43 BV5077.E85 F4613 - BX9999 C1 - CT end D1.A2 - D762.O94 L36 D762.P3 A3 - DA537.T DA538.A - DC146.B5 A12 DC146.B5 A12 - DD491.L396 G6 DD491.L397 H44 - DG975.G16 DG975.G18 - DK511.M13 DK511.M28 - DS149.5 DS150 - DX E FOR A GRAPH OF THIS INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT. - - - Process 2: The offsite processing is a high-volume operation with a daily throughput of between 3,000 – 3,500 items, including material in many formats. Materials are sorted by height based on which corresponding box they fit in. There are 10 dimensions of containers (all dimensions are in inches), as follows: FOR A GRAPH OF THIS INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT. - - - The Library is seeking input on the machines/processes that may fulfill these goals. In order to obtain this information, the Library is seeking capabilities statements 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. The Library is also seeking input on the following specific questions related to the provided information that could be included in the submitted capabilities statement: Question 1. Is there an off the shelf capability for sorting books by sizes? Question 2. Are their size/weight limitations to the books sent through the machine? Question 3. 3.A. How big is the machine? 3B. What sort of perimeter space does it require? 3C. Are there floor weight limitations related to the machine? 3D. Are the machines large enough that permits might need to be obtained or building modifications might be required? Question 4. What are the power requirements? Question 5. 5A. Is it modular (i.e. can we add to it as we expand)? 5B. Could the same machine conduct Process 1 and 2, as described above (for example Process 1 for 4 hours a day and Process 2 for 4 hours)? 5C. Can you provide a parts list? 5D. How could we utilize the equipment across multiple rooms/spaces? Question 6. How is it shipped/installed? Question 7. 7A. What maintenance is required? 7B. Does the vendor provide a maintenance service plan? 7C. What is the standard life cycle of your product? 7D. What are other ongoing costs to support the machine? Question 8. 8A. What information technology requirements are there? 8B. Does it require a connection to the internet (either permanent or intermitent) 8C. Can it work with preloaded data and no active internet connection? 8D. Do you have an IT security accreditation for your product? Question 9. Could it determine size by just looking at the book? Question 10. Could it determine location without a barcode, simply a Call Number/Classification Number printed on the spine? Question 11. Can it determine the condition of a book? Question 12. Can the equipment handle delicate material? Question 13. Can you provide a rough order of magnitude on the price of the machine, installation, and maintenance? This is not a detailed price proposal, but a very rough range estimate. - - - All capabilities statements received shall be reviewed to help the Library inform its possible future solicitation decisions relating to this requirement. Statements should answer as many of the questions above as possible, but all statements shall be reviewed regardless. 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 proposals or quotes at this time as a result of this notice. The Library is seeking simple capability statements from potential offerors as a way to perform supplemental market research. No contract shall be awarded as a result of this RFI. An official solicitation will be forthcoming at a later date. This notice solely constitutes market research. Capability statements are being requested to query the market, but they shall not be considered quotes or proposals. 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. Please send any questions/feedback and/or capability statements to the Contracting Officer listed on this notice.