Attachment 2 - Sole source JA Expana Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition document issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Contracting Services Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The DLA Troop Support Subsistence activity seeks to procure a firm-fixed-price contract for Internet Premium Access Database Expana subscription services supporting 10 users. The estimated contract value is redacted for FY27 funding, with a performance period of one year or 12 months from contract award or October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The requirement will be solicited on an unrestricted basis through SAM.gov in accordance with FAR Subpart 13.5 as a sole-source action, restricted to Expana Markets (also known as URNER BARRY PUBLICATIONS, INC.), the only responsible source capable of providing the required brand-name Expana Markets database. The database provides real-time protein pricing, forecasted prices, and market commentary to support the Subsistence Prime Vendor Program operations and enable DLA to verify market prices and trends in the food industry without delays that could negatively impact customers.

The contracting officer determined that no other vendor can modify, extend, or replace existing Expana licenses without replacing the entire system, causing loss of capability, pricing validation delays, and significant duplication of cost. Market research conducted in 2025 identified only one viable source—McKinsey & Company—among three businesses responding to a sources sought notice, with no reasonable expectation of small business participation. The justification references 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.103-1(d) as authority for the sole-source acquisition. The contracting officer certified the justification as complete and accurate as of February 25, 2026.