Justification and Approval For Other than Full and Open Competition

Plan ID Number: 2026-COP-0015

Form Updated 4/14/2023

Justification & Approval For Other than Full and Open Competition

As a legislative branch agency, the Library is subject to the competition and advertising requirements of 41 U.S.C. § 6101. Like the Competition in Contracting Act and the FAR, 41 U.S.C. § 6101 does not require competition when a contracting officer certifies that only one source or brand-name item is available, when dictated by public exigency, or when otherwise authorized by law.

This document sets forth the justification and approval for award of a contract or order by means providing for other than full and open competition per 41 U.S.C. § 6101, LCR 7-210, and, as applicable, FAR 6.302, FAR 13.106-1, FAR 8.405, and FAR 16.505. Contracting without competition shall not be justified on the basis of a lack of advance planning or concerns related to availability of funds.

This form shall be used to support instances where competition will be limited to a single source, a limited number of sources, including where a brand name product is required.

Part 1 – Identification

1. Contracting Agency and Activity: Library of Congress, Copyright Office

Office of General Counsel/Copyright Claims Board

2. Nature of Action Being Approved Contract (or modification) LoC or Leg Branch Order (or modification) GSA Schedule or GWAC Other

Plan ID Number: 2026-COP-0015 Contractor (or Brand Name): NIC Technologies Estimated Value (Base and all options):

Period of Performance: 09/26/2026-09/25/2028

3. Description of Supplies or Services Required to Meet Library Needs

The Library of Congress (Library) requires contract support to operate, maintain, and host the electronic filing and case management system to handle documents filed with or generated by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB).

The underlying software that the electronic CRB (eCRB) system is built on is the property of NIC Technologies and is licensed by the Library. NIC Technologies designed the system to meet the specific needs and requirements of the CRB that permits individuals and entities outside the LOC to register and use the system. The purpose of the Library’s requirement is to continue the cloud hosting and support, including maintenance for the existing eCRB system so that the Library can maintain the eCRB system that is already in place. The Library requires the support and maintenance to receive technical and security updates, in order to keep the eCRB system up to date. The Library is not requesting new features, but rather is requesting support to operate the systems that have already been put in place.

The operations and maintenance support includes:

Cloud hosting, operating and maintenance of the system including work stoppage and work degradation.

Training Library personnel in using and administering the system and provide customer support to internal and external users.

Justification and Approval For Other than Full and Open Competition

Plan ID Number: 2026-COP-0015

Form Updated 4/14/2023

Part 4 – Competition Advocate Approval (Required for actions valued at greater than $750,000)

Approved. Based on the information, determinations, and certifications provided by the program office and the contracting officer, and in accordance with the instructions below, I approve contracting without competition for this requirement.

Option periods: No Yes, through

Not Approved. As explained below, I do not approve contracting without competition for this requirement.

Comments or instructions:

Name Title Signature Date