Chilton Nat Geo-JA_Redacted.pdf

Department of the Air Force: Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

CUI

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I. Agency and Contracting Activity (RFO 6.104-1(a)(1)):

772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron JBSA-Kelly Annex, San Antonio, TX

II. Nature and/or description of the action being approved (RFO 6.104-1(a)(2)):

The Department of War (DoW) Libraries has a requirement for Chilton's and National Geographic (Magazine, Kids, People, Animal, World, and various media formats) package subscription. This will be a new contract to fulfill the expiring contract FA805225P0002, which will be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract. The purpose of this action is a sole source contract to

( CAGE code: UEI:

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs (RFO 6.104-1(a)(3)):

This subscription package must provide Chilton's Automotive Repair Manuals and National Geographic. Must include backfiles and unlimited simultaneous access to content by users.

The Chilton's Auto Repair database will provide information on repairing over 2,600 vintage vehicle makes and models with comprehensive automotive expertise. This car repair database must be directed toward DIY repair including information in full text, diagrams, specification tables, troubleshooting guides, photos, illustrations, multimedia (videos and animation), and ASE test prep.

The National Geographic database will include National Geographic Kids, National Geographic People, Animals, World, & National Geographic issues/content that is from current date to back issues from 1888. Content will include full-text books, magazines, videos, maps and National Geographic images. National Geographic Kids will include the complete run of the magazine from the first issue in 2009 to the present and provide authoritative, age-appropriate digital content suitable for younger students in subjects like English Language Arts, social studies, and science. Database must allow access to previously purchased eReference books and materials on the platform when retrieving information/searches for DoD Library customers. Tools must feature 160 million full-text articles from leading books, journals, magazines, newspapers and primary sources, multimedia assets including videos, podcasts, tutorials and images, daily updates of new content. These databases must cover subject matter with a specific focus on business practices, literary resources, environmental studies, and world cultures. The information must be provided in a simple user interface that allows users to search an individual database or the entire collection. Interface must offer a browser by subject with a visual topic map/finder graphic alternative to getting a list from a regular search feature. Users should be able to browse by topic or preform detailed searches. They will also use the Access My Library mobile application that is customizable app that allows users to save article, citation, and links. Must have a notes and highlight feature to articles/topics that can be downloaded or printed by the customer for later usage . Databases must work seamlessly with Google and Microsoft customer personal accounts for saving information for later usage.

This contract will have a period of performance (PoP) of a 12- month base period plus two (2) 12-month option periods. The total estimated value of this acquisition including all options will be $

Base Period:

CLIN 0001 - Chilton's Subscription Base, Qty: 1, total: $ PoP: 15 June 2026 - 14 June 2027 CLIN 0002 - National Geographic Subscription Base, Qty: 1, total: $ PoP: 15 June 2026 - 14 June 2027

Option Period 1:

CLIN 1001 - Chilton's Subscription Option Year 1. Qty: 1, total: $ PoP: 15 June 2027 - 14 June 2028 CLIN 1002 - National Geographic Subscription Option Year 1 Qty: 1, total: $ PoP: 15 June 2027 - 14 June 2028

Option Period 2:

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CLIN 2001 - Chilton's Subscription Option Year 2. Qty: 1, total: $ PoP: 15 June 2028 - 14 June 2029 CLIN 2002 - National Geographic Subscription Option Year 2, Qty: 1, total: $ PoP: 15 June 2028 - 14 June 2029

The estimate was derived from the Independent Government Estimate provided from the customer. Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) DoD O&M funds, will be used for this requirement.

IV. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(4)):

RFO 12.201-1 Simplified Procedures, 41 U.S.C. 1901

For RFO 12.201-2 [ Click the arrow (to the right) and select from both drop-down lists. ] or delete if not using RFO 12

V. Rationale for Use of Authority (RFO 6.104-1(a)(5)):

The only contractor that can fulfill this requirement is:

CAGE code:

UEI:

Based on market research, ( is the only known source that can satisfy the Government's requirements and is intended to support the DoW research and educational information and materials. Gale confirmed that they do not have any authorized resellers. is the only source that can meet the Government need.

The databases are vital to the ongoing mission of the DoW libraries mentioned above. While other vendors may have collections that provide similar materials, no other vendor provides this comprehensive list of educational and recreational subjects.

The Chilton's database focuses on DIY repair specifically meeting DoD Library user needs. Chilton's Auto Repair Manuals has been exclusive/propietary to ( for over 20 years. DoW/DAF has contracted for this product for over 20 years.

This product is used on a daily basis by DAF Auto Hobbies and by home mechanics. National Geographic is also exclusive/ proprietary to ( has exclusive partnership for the digital content/publishing copyrights to the Chilton's Automotive Repair Manuals and the National Geographic content. National Geographic does give current to 3 years digital content to other vendors such as EBSCO but not full content like gives access to.

The databases subscription offers an all-encompassing collection and services that provide high quality resources that can be accessible in all locations. The depth and breadth of the databases make it the only feasible supplier that can meet the DoW libraries' need and provide customers with an all-inclusive database. There are no other comparable services that would cover all of these aspects in one place with the same functionality and access.

VI. Integrated Market Analysis and Efforts to Solicit Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(6), (8), and (10)):

A Sources Sought notice was posted on SAM.gov on 8 May 2026 for 6 days to seek out any qualified vendors that could meet this requirement. The Sources Sought notice closed on 14 May 2026. Only one vendor (the incumbent) expressed interest and submitted a response. This vendor is ( CAGE code: and UEI: This vendor is considered a Large Business. confirmed that they do not have any authorized resellers. Gale is the only source that can meet the Government need.

We reviewed the vendor's capability statement, website, and past performance history to determine vendor's potential of fulfilling this requirement listed above. ( is the only vendor that can fulfill this requirement. See

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Section V, for reference.

( is the incumbent of contracts and As of 13 May 2026, a Green score was found in SPRS and two CPARS were found from 2022-2023 with an overall rating of Satisfactory performance.

VII. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost (RFO 6.104-1(a)(7)):

The Contracting Officer is responsible for evaluating, determining, and documenting the anticipated contract cost/price is fair and reasonable in accordance with RFO Subpart 15.4, Contract Pricing.

VIII. Any Other Facts Supporting the Justification (RFO 6.104-1(a)(9)):

Based on extensive market research, ( is the only known vendor capable of meetings this requirement.

IX. Actions to Overcome Barriers to Competition (RFO 6.104-1(a)(11):

For the three expired contracts: and - Sources Sought notices were posted on SAM.gov, with only one capable offerer responding. In the future, the Contracting Office will continue posting Sources Sought notices to survey the market to determine if there are any viable vendors capable of fulfilling this requirement. The result of the market research will dictate the acquisition strategy.

At this moment, ( states: " is the exclusive provider and distributor of these resources.

No third-party vendor is authorized to provide identical access, licensing rights, or platform functionality for these products."

AFSVC/VCL will continue to survey the market for vendors to obtain competition through publishers' advertisements, annual professional conferences, vendor demonstrations, customer suggestions and new publication reviews in conducting its survey.