TTS for DTB Pilot - Request for Information

The Library of Congress is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather capability statements, rough‑order‑of‑magnitude cost estimates, and feedback on a draft Statement of Work for a software system that will automate the creation of Digital Talking Books (DTBs) compliant with DAISY, ANSI/NISO Z39.86‑2002, and NLS specifications. The effort focuses on designing a TTS‑enabled pipeline that can convert commercial audiobooks and electronic text sources into fully compliant DTBs, handling navigation marker generation, XML/SMIL creation, batch processing, and integration with the NLS AWS environment. The agency is seeking input on technical approaches, potential challenges, and pricing estimates, but no contract award will result directly from this RFI. • Develop an automated workflow that ingests audio or text, synthesizes speech, and produces DTB‑compliant packages (XML, OPF, NCX, SMIL, resource files). • Ensure compliance with DAISY standards, NLS specifications 1201‑1206, and AWS‑based infrastructure, including encryption and metadata requirements. • Provide capability statements, rough cost estimates, and feedback on the attached draft Statement of Work; participation is voluntary and does not guarantee future award.