This is a Sources Sought Synopsis published by the United States Air Force (the Government or USAF). There is no solicitation available at this time. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. The purpose of this sources sought notice is to conduct market research to determine whether there are businesses available capable of providing an alternative product that meets the characteristics below. The Air Force anticipates procuring this product as a 1-year FY24 base effort.

The projected period of performance for this subscription is:

Base Year: 30 September 2024 – 29 September 2025

Responses to this sources sought notice will assist in a determination of whether it is in the best interest of the Government to proceed with a competition.

FSC: 7630

NAICS: 519290 - Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services

Size Standard: 1000 employees

Subscription name: DoDL Reader Advisory

Description: DoD Libraries require access to a subscription that provides a Reader Advisory with reading recommendations for all age groups and encourages reader success in young readers. This database should cover fiction and non-fiction titles and use “appeal” factors to match books to readers. Reader Advisory should be able to integrate with the DoD Integrated Library System (DoDILS). Search functionality should be by keyword, Boolean/phrase, options to limit by keyword or phrase, capability to cite, export, and Permalink functionality sustainable URL to return to original article. Customer convenience services should include online help, option to save, print, email, save search histories and results DoDL is looking for a current provider for commercial off the shelf access a Readers Advisory.

Product Characteristics an equal item must meet to be considered:

1. Must be able to provide a Reader advisory with online research tools from professionally curated sources that offer trusted information for a balanced, global perspective and insights.
2. Must be able to provide a Reader advisory with reading recommendations for all age groups and encourages reader success in young readers.
3. Must be able provide a Reader advisory with cover fiction and non-fiction titles and use “appeal” factors to match books to readers. The database for grades K-8 should match books to specific Common Core standards.
4. Must be able provide a Reader advisory to assist users to identify non-fiction texts that are just right for their reading level.
5. Must be able to provide a Reader advisory with audiobook recommendations, complete series information, appeal language to describe books, read-alike information, professional book reviews, reader ratings and reviews, recommended “Reads” lists, award winner lists, book discussion guides, genre overviews, readers advisory guides, teaching guides, Common Core support.
6. Must be able to provide a Reader advisory with Lexile numbers. Lexile numbers provide an estimate of the result’s reading difficulty and the approximate grade-level reading ability required for comprehension.”
7. Must be able to provide a Reader advisory with the benefits of “On The Shelf” feature shows titles available at the customer’s library, popular, professional and reader reviews all in one place, browsing by topic, age, reading (Lexile) level, reading lists, such as “Top 10” and “Best of’, “How Do I?” tab links to common FAQs, downloadable quick lists of recommended books by topic, Common Core Standard documents, and curricular guides by grade or unit.
8. Access to information must be seamless, minimal response time between query initiation and query results, and search results within 5-10 seconds.
9. Must be provide Keyword search, product search, A-Z product list, and the ability to limit by major category. Search functionality should be by keyword, Boolean/phrase, options to limit by keyword or phrase, capability to cite, export, and Permalink functionality sustainable URL to return to original article.
10. Must be provide customer convenience services should include online help, option to save, print, email, save search histories and results, recommendations drafted by librarians and teachers, common FAQs, and ability to browse by topic, grade, Lexile level.
11. Must be able to interface with all 4-service branch library and Military OneSource websites and Library Integrated Library System (digital catalog) using industry standard authentication methods to ensure only eligible patrons can access resources from any internet connected computer browsers and mobile devices.
12. Must work with contract POC to establish authentication methods to provide optimal accessibility for all eligible patrons.
13. Security between the Website and server must be Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3 .
14. Must be able to supply or allow retrieval of database usage statistics by Branch of Service (Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Military OneSource/Other, and Navy).
15. Must have HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) with long duration deployed on the servers to mitigate/prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
16. Website certificates should be RSA 2048-bits (SHA256withRSA).
17. VCL must be able to test the platform to evaluate if it meets requirements. Must provide username and password to view content on platform.

The Government will consider responses received within 3 days of issuance of this notice. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a full and open competitive procurement or a small business set aside competitive procurement. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this announcement.

If the Government competes this requirement, a synopsis shall be issued utilizing the combined synopsis/solicitation procedure identified in FAR 12.603. If this effort becomes a Small Business Set-Aside, FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting, will apply. Therefore, small businesses that want to be considered for a small business set-aside should demonstrate how they intend to comply. A determination not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is an administrative decision by the Government that is solely within its discretion.

Contractors should be aware of the following information:

1. Contractors must include the following information:
   1. Points of contact, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers.
   2. Identification as a large U.S. business, a small U.S. business, or a foreign business. Please note that size indicated should be based on the NAICS code for this effort listed above.
   3. Identification of any other socioeconomic status including: Women-Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Small Business, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business or HUBZone.
   4. Company CAGE Code or UEI.
   5. Capabilities Statement
2. This requirement is not intended for specific brand name products. Offerors are encouraged to suggest products other than those that may be specifically referenced by brand name. Responses must address how alternate product meet the product characteristics specified above.
3. Submitted information shall be UNCLASSIFIED.

Any information submitted by respondents to this sources sought synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Government will not reimburse the respondents for any costs associated with their response. This synopsis does not constitute a Request for Proposals nor does its issuance restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. The Government reserves the right to contact the submitting parties, on an as required basis, for further clarification on material provided. Respondents should not construe this notice as a commitment by the Air Force for any purpose. Responses shall be emailed to Courtney Perry at courtney.perry.5@us.af.mil no later than 15 September 2024, 3:00 PM CDT. Any questions should be directed to Courtney Perry through email.

Attachments/Links