A02_JA_Final_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition (FAR RFO 12.102(b)) submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, for a sole source procurement from Elsevier B.V. of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The procurement involves a firm fixed price purchase order for fiscal year 2026 with four option periods, covering one-year online subscription access to the Freedom Collection of the Elsevier (ScienceDirect) platform containing engineering and scientific journals. The base period runs through December 31, 2026, with options extending through December 31, 2030. The justification cites 41 U.S.C. §1901 as statutory authority for sole source procurement, arguing that Elsevier is the sole manager of the ScienceDirect database and uniquely qualified to provide technical support for IP address modifications and access issues. Market research documents ten prior contracts with Elsevier on a sole source basis, with one full and open competition. A notice of intent to solicit sole source was published on SAM.gov on January 13, 2026, with no capability statements received from other vendors. The government estimates cost based on procurement history, though the specific price is redacted. Fair and reasonable cost determination relies on price analysis comparing the Independent Government Estimate to other government contracts, with no Certified Cost or Pricing Data required as this is a commercial product. The Contracting Officer, Ryan R. Larrison, approved the sole source procurement on January 27, 2026.