Brand Name_RUFO-25-00161signed 090825_Redacted.pdf

OPOAM 3016.505-90(a)(2)(iii) Justification for Brand Name

Exceeding the micro-purchase threshold and up to the SAT pursuant Pursuant to FAR 16.505(a)(4)

JEFO No. FY25-00209 Rev. 2/2022

JEFO No.: FY25-00209

Date: September 8, 2025 PR Number: RUFO-25-00161

1. Agency and Contracting Activity.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Procurement Operations (OPO), Departmental Operations Acquisitions Division II (DOAD II), prepared this justification for Brand Name.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

OPO intends to procure a brand name specification for FEDLINK Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Roll Call subscription services in accordance with FAR 16.505(a)(4)(i)(ii). The exception is based on FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B), only one source is capable of providing the CQ Roll Call License because the CQ Roll Call License is unique or highly specialized and is a brand name item peculiar to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Congressional Quarterly is the only subscription that has extensive insight into the federal budget process. The platform tracks the federal budget from the first draft through the appropriations process, so you understand how the agency will be funded and what work should be prioritized. It provides indexed and searchable video footage of the House and Senate floor, law tracking tools that quickly identify small changes in huge drafts of legislation, complete verbatim transcripts of hearings complete within three days of the close of the hearing, and up-to-date Congressional contact information with built-in capacity to plan and coordinate communication to customizable lists. DHS/OPO intends to solicit the CQ brand name software licenses from authorized resellers via the Library of Congress (LOC) FEDLINK contract using the ordering procedures at FAR 16.505.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s need (including the estimated value).

DHS/OPO prepared this justification for an exception to fair opportunity for the purchase of CQ Roll Call Licenses and License Maintenance. The anticipated total cost is

Contract Period Period of Performance Estimated Value Base Period 09/29/2025-09/28/2026 Option Period 1 09/29/2026-09/28/2027 Option Period 2 09/29/2027-09/28/2028

TOTALS

4. Identify the Brand Name and supporting rationale.

(b) (4)

(b) (4)

OPOAM 3016.505-90(a)(2)(iii) Justification for Brand Name

Exceeding the micro-purchase threshold and up to the SAT pursuant Pursuant to FAR 16.505(a)(4)

JEFO No. FY25-00209 Rev. 2/2022

CQ Roll Call is the The U.S. Congressional finance and reporting application. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) employees utilize this software as a publication for budget news. The associated laws and bills are archived creating a library of information, what is coming up on budget information, congressional testimony, hearing transcripts, other items from similar congressional matters.

Department of Homeland Security, Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) conducted market research on the following companies that could potentially fill this requirement such as Bloomberg Industry Group, and Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Inc. Switching to an alternate brand (other than the CQ product) would add no value to the Government, may cause a disruption in services, and possibly be a costly mistake with serious consequences for processing employees' payroll/personnel actions. CQ is currently embedded in OCFO's, as well as components', budget reporting infrastructures. A change in this software would require changes in existing IT equipment and require significant cost and employee retraining.

5. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer will determine that the anticipated costs to the Government are fair and reasonable based on comparison of the proposed price with the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE). This is a direct quotation from the only responsible requestor. The Library of Congress (LOC) IDIQ will be used to request quotations.

6. Any other facts supporting the justification.

CQ Roll Call system licensing upholds DHS's high-security compliance standards, essential for integration with both internal and external government systems, and it effectively serves the needs of the federal government.

7. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the Brand Name before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made.

The Government conducted market research in efforts to identify additional potential sources available to meet the subject requirements. Bloomberg is a competitor that provides similar services requested under this effort. However, the alternative subscription lacks the ability to report many of the required budgetary reports necessary.

The alternative does not offer the wide range of budget specific content that is critical for the CFO Office. Although Bloomberg may offer similar features, this solution does not fully meet the Government's needs. This procurement will be a Sole Source Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) order to maintain providing assistance and recommendations around CQ subscription services. There are no further actions the agency can take without incurring a significant cost increase.