Sibelius-BrandName_J_&_A.pdf

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Brand Name Justification & Approval

Music Notation Software

1. Contracting Agency: Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), 4800 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22350-1400

2. Authority Cited: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold Contracting Officers may solicit from one source if the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available

3. Description of Action: A firm-fixed-price contract is planned. The period of performance will include a

12-month base period and two 12-month option periods. FY18 Operating and Maintenance (O&M) funds are available to cover the estimated base year cost.

4. Description of Supplies and Services Required to Meet Agency’s Needs: DoDEA has a continuing need for music notation software that is compatible with our current version of Windows. DoDEA’s current version of music notation software, Avid-Sibelius 7.5, is not supported on Windows 10. DoDEA requires music notation software that possesses the following functions:

1) Layout feature allowing students to add data without physically rearranging the score (punch recording).

2) Automatic creation of separate instrumental parts and updating them each time the score is changed. That is, eliminating the need to update each part separately.

3) Display option that can be changed into a page layout, enabling students who think linearly about the piece they are writing. They can see what they are doing and are not distracted by other musical elements, enabling them to create a layout that works for their composition.

4) Function allowing four different input methods: midi, microphone, keyboard, and fret board.

5) Function turning a score into an audio file and which also accepts midi files and turns them into scores and/or audio files.

6) Function allowing a view of the entire document at once or zooms into a page or measure

7) Function tracking score changes

8) Function allowing teachers to create worksheets, posters, and classroom materials from the following six categories:

Elements of music

Song writing and arranging

Repertoire of over 400 pieces for voice, piano, and other instruments

Multiple keyboard pieces suitable for study or arranging or performance

Reference of over 200 scales and modes

Posters and flashcard games that include notes, keys and instrument identification.

5. Reason for Exemption: Based on extensive market research into this niche market, only one music notation software, Avid-Sibelius version 8, meets DoDEA’s requirement. Other music notation software did not meet all the required functions.

6. Effort to Obtain Competition from as Many Sources as Practicable: DoDEA will synopsize this contract action of FBO.gov, as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and issue a competitive solicitation among resellers of the Avid-Sibelius version 8 software.

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7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Price: Adequate price competition among resellers is anticipated and will determine price fair and reasonableness.

8. Market Research: Several resellers of the required software have been identified and three are listed as small businesses.

9. Interested Sources: Software resellers.

10. Actions Taken to Overcome Barriers to Competition: DoDEA subject-matter experts continually monitor developments in music notation software. If a new type of software that meets DoDEA’s requirements comes on the market, DoDEA will ensure that full and open competition occurs.

Contracting Officer Determination

Contracting Officer: I certify that the facts and representations included in this Justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. Based on the information provided above, in accordance with

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) I hereby determine that the proposed brand name source is the only source reasonably available.

Nina Lin, Contracting Officer

Date:

March 1, 2018 Nina Lin

Digitally signed by Nina Lin

DN: cn=Nina Lin, o, ou, email=Nina.Lin@hq.dodea.edu, c=US

Date: 2018.03.01 16:41:23 -05'00' mailto:email%3DNina.Lin@hq.dodea.edu