(Redacted) Sole Source JA - Gale Middle School Search.pdf

This is a Department of the Air Force Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition document for a sole-source contract award.

The 772 Enterprise Sourcing Squadron (AFMC) is awarding a contract to CENGAGE LEARNING, INC. (CAGE: 72BG3; UEI: GVF9XNR1HF79) for a 12-month base period database subscription providing Gale's reference content with age-appropriate videos, newspapers, magazines, and primary sources for grades 6-12, supporting the Department of Air Force Library Program. The contract includes three optional 12-month renewal periods, with an estimated total value spanning the base year (30 September 2026 – 29 September 2027) and three option years through 29 September 2030. The justification is based on an Individual basis under the dollar value threshold of $10M.

The sole-source award is justified under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) (only one responsible source) and 41 U.S.C. 1901 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). Market research and a Sources Sought Notice (FA80522608072026A, issued 7 August 2026 with 17 August 2026 response deadline) identified that CENGAGE LEARNING, INC. is the exclusive provider of the required Gale In Context: Middle School subscription with proprietary exclusive content unavailable through alternative sources or distributors. Only CENGAGE LEARNING, INC. responded to the Sources Sought Notice demonstrating capability to meet all 19 technical requirements, including 300+ topic pages, multimedia content delivery, customized usage rights, and government-specific pricing. The justification documents that no alternative sources capable of providing the required customized subscription and exclusive content were identified. Going forward, the Government will conduct market research before each subsequent acquisition to determine whether additional authorized distributors or licensing changes warrant reevaluation of competition feasibility.