CLASS JA Library_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for Other Than Full and Open Competition authorizing acquisition of online scientific and engineering literature database subscriptions through sole-source contracting. The contracting activity is the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Information Technology Section (AFRL/PZLET), with multiple programs identified as beneficiaries including the AFRL Library Council, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), and Air Combat Command (ACC). The acquisition is a Class J&A covering multiple periodical and literature purchase orders, each twelve months with optional additional years, to be executed as Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) agreements. The contract actions covered utilize 3400 Operations & Maintenance and 3600 Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation funds, with anticipated budget for all actions established through fiscal years 2022–2024 (specific amounts redacted).

The justification cites 10 USC 3204(a)(1) as statutory authority, establishing that only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The unique requirement stems from each publisher's exclusive copyright and content not available from other vendors—each provides peer-reviewed academic literature in specific scientific and engineering disciplines essential to multiple organizations' missions. No viable alternatives exist; market research confirmed no resellers could meet the requirement at government rates without substantial cost duplication, and transitioning to alternatives would create unacceptable access delays affecting approximately 5,053 users across the AFRL Library Consortium. An Intent to Award Sole Source notice was posted on SAM.gov on November 6, 2024, and a Sources Sought notice was posted April 4–May 22, 2025; four vendors responded but were evaluated as unable to fulfill requirements due to lack of Open Access publishing rights or increased costs as third-party resellers. The contracting officer must determine fair and reasonable pricing using historical cost analysis for each individual award.