The Washington State Library is pleased to announce the release on June 1, 2009 of an RFP (Request for Proposals) for downloadable audiobook eContent services. The goal of this RFP is to secure one or more contracts for services to expand the reach of downloadable audiobooks content to libraries throughout Washington State, including public, academic, and K-12 libraries.

The RFP is available online through WEBS (Washington’s Electronic Business Solution) at www.ga.wa.gov/webs and from the Office of the Secretary of State’s “current procurements” page: www.sos.wa.gov/office/procurements.aspx. All questions about the procurement process and about this project in general, should be directed to RFP Coordinator and Project Manager, Will Stuivenga, who can be reached at [email protected] or 360.704.5217. Additional information is available on the project web page.

The deadline for proposals in response to the RFP is 4:30 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time, June 30, 2009. During the month of July the project advisory committee will actively review any proposals that are received and will make recommendations for awarding one or more contracts. Barring unforeseen delays, an actual project launch, with libraries signing up to participate, could occur by August 1, 2009. A “go live” date for any new service(s) would follow as soon as possible, given custom implementation and service development requirements.