Ency Brit - JA Redacted_Redacted.pdf

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

May 2026 Page 3 of 5May 2026 Page 3 of 5

Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

CAGE: 20523

UEI: DJ4PJ1BD2B9

Based on the results of market research, Encyclopaedia Britannica is the only source capable of providing authorized digital access to Encyclopaedia Britannica and its complete proprietary content. Encyclopaedia Britannica is the exclusive creator, publisher, copyright holder, and distributor of all content produced under the Encyclopaedia Britannica brand. No other contractor, reseller, or third-party vendor possesses the legal authority or intellectual property rights necessary to provide this content or grant licensed access to the complete digital publication.

To substantiate its exclusive capability, Encyclopaedia Britannica provided a Sole Provider Confirmation Letter, dated January 21, 2026 affirming that Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. is the exclusive producer of all content created, published, and distributed under Encyclopaedia Britannica brand and copyright. The letter further confirms that Encyclopaedia Britannica retains all associated intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademarks, and licensing rights, for its written articles, multimedia content, and all other published materials. As such, no alternate source is authorized to reproduce, license, or provide equivalent access to this proprietary content.

Because the requirement is specifically for licensed digital access to Encyclopaedia Britannica official publication, the Government cannot obtain the required content from another source without infringing upon Encyclopaedia Britannica exclusive intellectual property rights. No other contractor can provide an equivalent product that satisfies the Government's requirement for authentic, complete, and licensed access to Encyclopaedia Britannica digital content. Accordingly, Encyclopaedia Britannica is the only responsible source capable of meeting the Government's requirements.

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

Market Research Report was conducted to identify potential sources capable of satisfying the Government's requirement for Encyclopaedia Britannica Online for DoD Libraries. Historical acquisition data confirmed that the current requirement has been successfully fulfilled by Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc. under Contract FA805223P0026 for the period 1 September 2023 through 31 August 2026. The historical review also identified no previous alternate sources capable of providing direct access to Encyclopaedia Britannica proprietary digital content.

To maximize competition, the Government issued a Sources Sought Notice on SAM.gov from 16 July 2026 through 24 July 2026. The notice requested capability statements from interested vendors and required respondents to demonstrate their ability to satisfy all minimum requirements. Specifically, vendors were required to demonstrate the capability to provide:

1. Must be able to provide online research tools from professionally curated sources that offer trusted information for a balanced, global perspective and insights

2. Must be able to provide a password and username authenticated URL for access

3. It includes over 87,000 articles, over 23,000 biographies and over 44,600 images and maps, 2,150 animations, videos and sound clips

4. Fit for serious academic studies about also fit for general studies

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

May 2026 Page 5 of 5

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)):

Due to the absences of alternative sources that can provide the required licensed content, there are no duplicated costs associated with a follow-on acquisition; however, the Government would be harmed by the loss of continuous access to Encyclopaedia Britannica unique digital resources and exclusive analytical content.

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

Prior to each subsequent acquisition, the Government will continue to conduct market research to verify whether additional authorized sources or changes to licensing and distribution rights have occurred. If Encyclopaedia Britannica authorizes additional distributors or licensing partners in the future, the Government will reevaluate its acquisition strategy to determine whether competition is feasible.