FY 25 0003 JA Limiting-Competition-under-SAT CQ.pdf

Control No: FY25 0003

Memorandum for Record – Limiting Competition at or below the Simplified

Acquisition Threshold

1. Contracting Activity: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Contracting Activity.

2. Description of Action:

Nature: New Requirement Follow-on Requirement

Contract Vehicle: Purchase Order Number ____TBA_______________________

Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Number _______________

Order/BPA# _______ against FSS Contract #_____ _________

Order #___________ against Multiple Award IDIQ Contract Name or #______________

Order #_______ against a single award IDC Contract

Modification # _______ to existing PO/TO/DO/Call Order

Pricing/Contract Type: Fixed Price Time & Materials/Labor Hours

Cost Reimbursable Hybrid

Funds: FY: 2025_Yes_

Name of Proposed Contractor(s) and Address:

Fiscal Note/ CQ Roll Call Inc.

1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW 6th Fl Washington, DC 20004

Brand Name Buy: Yes No

3. Description of Services or Supplies: The agency requires a subscription to Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Roll Call to facilitate its Congressional liaison function, which necessitates access to appropriation and authorization information provided by CQ Data Call. The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) needs five licenses for the Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Roll Call Subscription Services, along with current maintenance and technical support.

This purchase will be made under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). The agency intends to procure these services from CQ Roll Call, which is the publisher, copyright holder, and exclusive provider of its content available through CQ Roll Call.

Base Period: 3/15/2025 to 3/14/2026 Option Period 1: 3/15/2026 to 3/14/2027 Option Period 2: 3/15/2027 to 314/2028 Option Period 3: 3/15/2028 to 3/14/2029 Option Period 4: 3/15/2029 to 3/14/2030

Value: $15,450.00 Value: $15,550.00 Value: $15,650.00 Value: $15,750.00 Value: $15,850.00 Total: $78,250.00

4. Authority:

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1): For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), only one source reasonably available, urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization.

5. Reasons for Authority Cited:

This exclusive brand-name subscription is the only effective solution that can fully meet the agency's needs. Over the past five years, the DNFSB has relied on Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Roll Call under a previous contract, which is set to expire on March 14, 2025. Continuing this subscription service is crucial for enhancing our operational effectiveness and ensuring we remain well-informed. The importance of this resource cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts our ability to make informed decisions and execute our mission effectively.

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) has a critical and ongoing requirement for Legislative Tracking Subscription Services that deliver essential insights into legislative developments. This capability is vital for effectively managing our Congressional liaison function and fulfilling our mission. Access to timely information enables DNFSB to stay well-informed about the political landscape, along with the latest legislative actions and key issues being discussed, debated, and voted on in Congress.

CQ Roll Call Inc. provides an unparalleled centralized web platform, ensuring seamless access to and interpretation of this crucial information. The unique services offered by CQ Roll Call Inc. are specifically tailored to meet our needs, which is why we are pursuing a brand-name procurement for these services.

By choosing to purchase directly from CQ Roll Call Inc., DNFSB stands to save significantly. Relying on a reseller would merely add an intermediary, resulting in inflated costs due to a markup on services. Securing a direct contract with CQ Roll Call Inc. not only enhances our operational efficiency but also aligns with our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

6. Publicizing Contract Actions: For FAR Part 13 actions, the public display and synopsis requirements of FAR 5.101 and FAR 5.203 do not apply due to the $ threshold

Adriana Underdue Highlight

Adriana Underdue Highlight

Requirement to post justification in accordance with FAR 13.105(c), or FAR

Action is a brand name restriction, over $25K. It will be redacted and posted with the solicitation.

7. Market Research: CQ Roll Call Subscription Services are commercially available from CQ Roll Call Inc., the publisher and copyright holder of the content. As the exclusive provider, CQ Roll Call Inc. meets the government's needs for this information.

8. Other Facts: Not applicable. This requirement has no procurement history.

9. Technical/Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Typed Name: Tara Tadlock Date: March 10, 2025 Title: Chief of Staff

Signature:

X Right-Click "Signature Setup"

10. Contracting Officer Certification/Approval:

I hereby determine that the anticipated cost or price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based upon price analysis.

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that completing this purchase as a sole source is in the best interest of the Government. Additionally, I approve this justification to limit competition subject to the availability of funds and provided that the services or supplies herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

Typed Name: Adriana Underdue Date: March 10, 2025 Title: Contracting Officer

Signature:

X Right-Click "Signature Setup"

Adriana Underdue Highlight

Adriana Underdue Highlight