U.S. Navy Publishes Solicitation For Non-Web-Based Ebook Lending Library

UPDATED: Amended RFP 

If the U.S. Navy asking about a non-web-based ebook library sounds familiar, good memory. 11 months ago the they published a RFI (request for information) asking, “how an interested contractor could provide an all-inclusive, expandable, and non-web-based eBook lending library.”
Yesterday, an RFP (request for proposals) from vendors to develop the service.
We thought some of you might find the RFP of interest especially pages 2-6. A copy is embedded below and also available here where updates will also be posted.
Responses are due by July 1, 2013.
From the Document:

eBooks in the current publishing and library marketplaces is dependent on customers having reliable internet access and sufficient bandwidth for file transfer. While underway, sailors on surface going vessels DO NOT have access to sufficient bandwidth continuously, and sailors deployed on submarines have NO access to recreational internet connections. Submariners also have a severely limited Library Multimedia Resource Center (LMRC) collection because of storage restrictions. LMRCs that are able to store a physical library collection could be greatly expanded by providing access to electronic editions of reading materials. All sailors, surface and submarine, also have restrictions on personal gear storage, and may not be able to pack and store every electronic device they wish to use while underway.
Library services ashore and aboard ships are a mission essential component of the U.S. Navy’s MWR services. The Navy General Library Program (NGLP) has provided on shore customers with access to a web-based digital lending library since 2003.

eBook Lending Library, U.S. Navy Solicitation by LJ’s infoDOCKET

Additional info and updates will be posted here.

Filed under: Companies (Publishers/Vendors), Libraries, News, Publishing