U.S. Air Force Wants to Learn About Companies That Can Provide Them With a Secure, Pre-Loaded E-Reader

We tracked the development of the U.S. Navy’s NeRD secure, pre-loaded e-reader device for nearly two years before it was introduced in May.
Now the U.S. Air Force wants to learn about companies that are capable of supplying them with their own secure and pre-loaded e-reader device.
A week ago the U.S. Air Force, specifically the U.S. Air Force Libraries, published a “Sources Sought Synopsis” that includes a list of requirements for the device.
Here’s a list of what the USAF is looking for:

• Size – Approximately 6 ” x 4 ” x 3/8″ thick; lightweight, approximately 7.5oz.

• Shape – 6″ diagonal screen; 16 level grayscale; 600×800 resolution; Readable in low-light conditions; LCD or e-ink; Touchscreen; ability to manipulate the font size and type and bookmark the last page accessed.

• Color – Black/Gray preferred.

• Strength – Durable cover; washable; durable to withstand extreme heat, cold and humidity; include durable, washable compatible case for protection and storage.

• Power (voltage) – 110v; Lithium-ion Battery, minimum battery life of 5 reading or use hours; achieves full recharge within 3 hours; minimum memory to hold a minimum of 200 titles. Shall include detachable power cord.

• Device shall be static with no ability to enter/store credit card, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), access Wi-Fi, Internet, or download any other products/materials or enter any PII information (ie, credit card info) to purchase additional content.

• Technical requirements: A secure non-web based e-reader – customers cannot access operating system, make changes, delete or add titles; provides access to 200 pre-loaded e-books; titles are from a variety of sources such as New York Times best seller lists, large publishers, and small or university presses; electronic collections provide access to a broad, diverse recreational and educational reading materials.

• Device shall not have ability to add/delete content once the eBooks are loaded onto the device; device must be protected against deletion and/or alteration of any titles.

• Device shall not have camera capabilities.

• Provide a list of available titles for e-reader device.

• Include warranty information.

• Standard Operating Procedures to be in English.

The deadline for interested companies to respond is next Monday (August 11, 2014).
The complete listing is accessible here.

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