Justification Cision Redacted.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

FAR 13.5 (Commercial Items Only)

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a “Sole Source Justification.”

Agency: GSA FAS TTSS Public Experience Portfolio – USAGov 1800 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20405

Contracting Activity: General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Administrative Services (OAS) Office of Internal Acquisition Division (OIA) 1800 F Street, NW Washington DC, 20405

This requirement supports GSA’s Public Experience Portfolio – USAGov, 1800 F Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20405. The Office of Internal Acquisition (OIA) proposes to enter into a contract on behalf of the previously identified office based on other than full and open competition.

2 . Nature and/or description of the item/service being procured and anticipated cost.

Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation FAR 13 -Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR 6.302-1(c)-Brand Name Justification, approval is sought to purchase one SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription for a specific brand name, "Cision." The SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription includes at a high level:

This requirement is for a Cision SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription that includes:

(1) Media Monitoring (Print, Online, and Blogs) and a Cloud-based database that captures all mentions and provides extensive media analytics available 24/7/365,

(2) Bilingual Press Release Distribution Services with dedicated and proven nationwide targeted mail groups, editorial review, and monitoring 24/7/365. Also, real-time metrics, analysis, and results are displayed in a cloud-based dashboard, database, or similar application that the government can independently access 24/7/365.

(3) This requirement does not include Social Listening Monitoring or a Social Listening tool.

Background - Cision In June 2016, Cision acquired PR Newswire®; however, PR Newswire remained a separate entity that was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cision. As such, PR Newswire continued doing business under its Brand name.

On January 1, 2021, PR Newswire was formally and fully merged into Cision and renamed PR Newswire Distribution Network.

Previously, USAGov had two separate contracts; Cision provided media monitoring, and PR Newswire® provided comprehensive, robust, and proven press releases and content distribution for USAGov’s identified target groups in English and Spanish. With this merger, USAGov requires one SaaS Renewal Subscription that includes bilingual press releases and content distribution, media monitoring (print, online, and blogs), and an online database that provides comprehensive media analytics available 24/7/365.

As stated previously, this requirement does not include Social Listening monitoring or a Social Listening tool.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value). Sole Source Justification Rationale in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii). ( Check one then provides rationale):

☐ Only one source reasonably available

☐ Urgent and compelling circumstances exists

☐ Exclusive licensing agreement exists

X Brand name - If the brand name requirement applies to a portion of the procurement, please identify that portion.

☐ Industrial Mobilization

☐ Other

Rationale:

This requirement is for a Cision SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription that includes:

(1) Media Monitoring (Print, Online, and Blogs) and a Cloud-based database that captures all mentions and provides extensive media analytics available 24/7/365, and

(2) Bilingual Press Release Distribution Services with dedicated and proven nationwide targeted mail groups, editorial review, and monitoring 24/7/365 with real-time metrics and analytics available to the government in a cloud-based application.

(3) This requirement does not include Social Listening monitoring or a Social Listening tool.

USA.gov Mission USA.gov, including its sister site, USAGov en Español, resides in GSA's Public Experience Portfolio – USAGov. Congressionally mandated, USAGov is the official federal government website and the front door to reliable government information.

USAGov's mission is to create, consolidate, and deliver timely, needed government information and services that allow anyone to find and understand government to access what they need—anytime, anywhere, any way they want, including USAGov's websites, social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube), chatbots, email delivery, and the USAGov contact center.

One of USAGov's critical responsibilities includes the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Support Function 15 and GSA's Continuity of Operations Planning.

At times of national crisis, such as a public health emergency or weather-related disaster, USAGov is at the forefront of providing the public with valid, trusted, critical information and services in conjunction with its governmentwide partners. A perfect example of this is creating landing pages in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of FY 2022, there were 9.26 million unique pageviews (both USA.gov and USA.gov/espanol).

Mission Impact Loss or delay of these services (Cision Renewal SaaS Subscription) would severely impact USAGov's mission as the official federal government website providing reliable government information, especially during times of national crisis, such as a public health emergency or weather-related disaster. Further, the loss or delay of these services could adversely impact USAGov's agency partners.

Contemplated Contract Type: Firm-fixed unit price for CLINs with quantities identified with not-to-exceed quantity limits and a Firm-fixed price for an annual media monitoring subscription.

This will be a single award contract for a base year with four (4) option years.

Period of Performance: The performance period begins from the date of award to 1 year thereafter with four (4) one-year option periods.

Period Time Total

Base Period 09/15/2023-09/14/2024

Option Period 1 09/15/2024-09/14/2025

Option Period 2 09/15/2025-09/14/2026

Option Period 3 09/15/2026-09/14/2027

Option Period 4 09/15/2027-09/14/2028

Total Estimated Value:

Note: The IGCE quantities are based on not-to-exceed (NTE) limits of one for mandatory CLIN 0001 and CLINs 0002 – 0005 based on an NTE quantity of 12 units.

For the Base Year and all Option Years, the cost of ordering quantities for Media Monitoring and Press Releases Distribution is expected to range from per year, which would result in a total value of .

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. The authority under which this J&A is made is pursuant to FAR 6.302.

In accordance with 41 U.S.C. 253(c) and/or 10 U.S.C. 2304(c), GSA has determined that the procurement requires a sole source in order to satisfy the Agency’s need. Specifically, the basis for other than full and open competition is that GSA requires a Cision SaaS Renewal Subscription for media monitoring and bilingual press release and content distribution that is robust and proven both for media monitoring and bilingual press release and content distribution 7/24/365. This is especially critical during times of national emergencies.

After extensive online Market Research using the following tools: SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) , Forecast of Contracting Opportunities (Posted Feb 8, 2023. No inquires received), GSA eLibrary Market Research, SAM.gov, previous procurements, internet, websites, FPDS-NG, G2.com (industry), and engaging with federal government agencies to find similar products, it was determined that Cision was the only source that could provide the level of service needed. USAGov has limited funding available to acquire the necessary level of service to meet its requirements identified in the Statement of Work (SOW). Further, we could not locate an alternative solution that could meet our needs.

5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

The government requires a total solution to meet its mission: (1) Media Monitoring (Print, Online, and Blogs) and a Cloud-based database that captures all mentions and provides extensive media analytics available 24/7/365 and (2) a comprehensive, proven, and an effective bilingual (English and Spanish) press release and content distribution system that maximizes our reach into our target audiences nationwide both in English and Spanish, with services available 24/7/365. This capability is critical during times of national emergencies.

The total solution will guarantee that USAGov can independently manage the comprehensive solution 24/7/354 to ensure relevant, accurate, and critical information and services are provided to the public 24/7/365 and enable the public to access what they need - anytime, anywhere, any way they want, including USAGov’s websites, social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube), chatbots, email delivery, and the USAGov contact center .

See the Background – Cision information identified in item number 2 .

There is an urgency to this procurement action as our PR Newswire® Contract expired on March 19, 2023. Press Releases and content distribution, especially during times of national emergency and in conjunction with DHS, is critical. Delaying this action would create an unsurmountable and negative impact on the public, USAGov, its agency partners, and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Support Function 15 and GSA’s Continuity of Operations Planning.

Acquiring these services under one SaaS Renewal Subscription is a solid business decision that improves analytics and coordination between the program offices, improves the return on our investment, and reduces contract oversight and management, including modification actions. Attempting to use a less than optimal solution would adversely impact on the program cost and USAGov’s mission.

Cision is uniquely qualified as it provides both media monitoring and robust and proven bilingual press release and content distribution with the January 2021 integration of PR Newswire® into the Cision environment and renamed PR Newswire Distribution Network.

Due to the ever-changing industry environment, USAGov will fully evaluate potential solutions before acquiring similar services.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2

On February 8, 2023, the upcoming procurement action was posted to the Forecast of Contracting Opportunities for a SaaS Renewal Subscription for Media Monitoring and Press Release Distribution Services. To date, no inquiries have been received from interested parties.

The J&A and the relevant solicitation documents will be posted to SAM.gov as required by FAR Subpart 5.2.

7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable .

Offerors will be solicited through SAM.gov, following FAR 13.106-1(b) requirements.

The contracting Officer will determine price reasonableness by comparing proposed prices to the current industry pricing. competitive prices received, historical pricing data, and the government’s IGCE.

8. A description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10)

Extensive online Market Research was conducted using the following tools: SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) , Forecast of Contracting Opportunities (Posted Feb 8, 2023. No inquires received), GSA eLibrary Market Research, SAM.gov, previous procurements, internet, websites, FPDS-NG, G2.com (industry), and engaging with federal government agencies to find similar products.

SBA Dynamic Small Business Search ( https://dsbs.sba.gov/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm ) As required, SBA’s Small Business Dynamic Database was used to identify small business firms and potential set-asides or sole-source allocations. In addition, all socioeconomic categories, company locations, ownership and self-certifications, and SBA’s Certification, such as HUBZone, Women-Owned, or 8(a) and identified NAICS codes, were reviewed and captured if identified. All available capabilities narratives were reviewed.

Number of Results: 30 https://dsbs.sba.gov/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm

Five of the identified companies had GSA MAS Contracts and websites were reviewed for all companies.

Findings : The vendors’ capabilities statements did not reflect an Annual Renewal SaaS Subscription, including print media monitoring, bilingual press releases, and content distribution that could meet USAGov’s requirements. Also important are comprehensive real-time metrics, analysis, and results captured and displayed in a cloud-based dashboard, database, or similar application that the government can independently access 24/7/365.

Capabilities identified relate to public relations, strategic marketing, marketing consulting, digital content writing, social marketing/public relations, and social media messaging, etc. In addition, USAGov independently writes its own content and press releases. Website reviews also supports this finding.

Small business firms with GSA contracts also fall into these categories. Although several companies referenced NAICS code 511210, as expected, none referenced NAICS Code 513210 (NAICS Codes 2022). There didn’t appear to be anything connected to SaaS Subscription that could potentially meet our requirement. NAICS 511210 was discontinued in 2022 and replaced by 513210 Software Publishers.

eLibrary (online market research) Search terms used media monitoring, press releases distribution, and Cision (Name Brand), 513210 and media monitoring, and 513210 and press releases.

Result: No companies were identified.

G2.com Media Monitoring and Press Release Distribution Number of Results 48

USAGov’s requires one SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription for (1) Media Monitoring (Print, Online, and Blogs) and a Cloud-based database that captures all mentions and provides extensive media analytics available 24/7/365, and (2) ) Bilingual Press Release Distribution Services with dedicated and proven nationwide targeted mail groups, editorial review, and monitoring 24/7/365 with real-time metrics, analysis, and results captured and displayed in a cloud-based dashboard, database, or similar application, Of the initial 48 companies only, 12 companies provide press release distribution and media monitoring. This list does not include Cision or Cision-acquired companies. Only three of the remaining 12 companies had active SAM.gov registrations: Cision (current product), a Canadian company, and the final company available through a GSA Schedule Small Business reseller;

however, this product’s specialization is global syndication of corporate press releases, financial disclosures, and multimedia content. USAGov distributes its press releases and content to targeted distribution channels in the US in English and Spanish. Additional information about Media Monitoring was not available.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

Explanation of why technical data packages, specifications, engineering descriptions, statements of work, or purchase descriptions suitable for full and open competition have not been developed or are not available.

At this time, no other known sources are available in the marketplace today to meet USAGov’s requirement for an affordable solution that provides one SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription for Media Monitoring (print, online, and blogs), including a Cloud-based database that captures all mentions and provides extensive media analytics available 24/7/365, and (2) Bilingual Press Release and Content Distribution Services with dedicated and proven nationwide targeted mail groups, editorial review, and monitoring 24/7/365 with real-time metrics, analysis, and results captured and displayed in a cloud-based dashboard, database, or similar application that the government can independently access 24/7/365.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

On February 8, 2023, the upcoming procurement action was posted to the Forecast of Contracting Opportunities for a SaaS Renewal Subscription for Media Monitoring and Press Release Distribution Services. To date, no inquiries have been received from interested parties.

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.

GSA, Public Experience Portfolio- USAGov will conduct periodic assessments of the subject requirement described herein and other viable marketplace alternatives before any subsequent acquisition occurs. In the future, where Brand name requirements are not required to fulfill the agency's need due to compatibility/requirement issues, "equal to" products will be utilized.

At a high level, the current requirement is for a SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription that includes print media monitoring and bilingual press release, and content distribution services. However, this requirement does not include Social Listening monitoring or a Social Listening tool.

Other considerations for the periodic assessments will include the following:

(1) Identifying Small Business firms with the technical capacity to meet the requirement(s).

(2) Is a SaaS Annual Renewal Subscription combining media monitoring and press releases/content distribution services still the best alternative?

(3) Identifying factors that could impact future procurements, such as companies' acquisition of similar products or newly emerging technologies.

(4) Is a Social Listening product required?

(5) Identification and review of pricing considerations

Program/Technical Official Certification:

I hereby certify and accept the responsibility that any and all supporting data provided above or used to justify the above requested for a sole source procurement (e.g., verifying the Government’s minimum needs, schedule requirements, and/or other rationale for other than full and open competition) is accurate and complete to the best of my personal knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer’s Representative’s Signature:

Date

Project Manager’s Signature:

Date

Contracting Officer’s Certification:

I hereby certify that the information contained in this Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Contracting Officer’s Signature:

Date

I