JA_13.501-18GB02__SpringerNature_(Redacted).pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY

4555 OVERLOOK AVE SW

WASHINGTON, DC 20375-5320

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Under Simplified Procedures For Certain Commercial Items In Accordance

With Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.5

PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 55-9690-17

J&A NO: J&A13.501-18-GB02

On the basis of the following, I, as the Competition Advocate, hereby approve the use of a sole source proposed contractual action pursuant to the authority of :

41 U.S.C. 1901 41 U.S.C. 1903

1. The U.S. Department of Navy; Naval Research Laboratory Contracting Division proposes to enter into a sole source contract with Springer Customer Service Center LLC, under simplified procedures for certain commercial items included in FAR subpart 13.5.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved, i.e., sole source under procedures for certain commercial items in accordance with FAR 13.5.

This requirement will be a sole source contract award to Springer (aka SpringerNature) for an annual subscription to a licensed site wide access to SpringerNature’s

The contemplated contract type will be Firm Fixed Price (FFP) using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) under FAR Part 13.5 for commercial items.

3. A description of the supplies and/or services required, including the delivery schedule and/or the period of performance (inclusive of all option periods), and the estimated dollar value of the acquisition.

This is an annual subscription to SpringerNature journals and contents. Access to the SpringerNature contents and professional journals provide the resources to improve outcomes in research, education, and professional practice with online tools, research databases, and reference works.

The contract will be for a period of 3 years (Base + 2 Options). Each Period of Performance (POP) will be for 12 months (to coincide with the 12 month SpringerNature annual subscription renewal) and will be fully funded for the Base Year.

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4. The statutory authority permitting sole source.

41 U.S.C. 1901 41 U.S.C. 1903 This sole source action is in accordance with FAR 13.501(a)(1) and is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6. The intent to sole source will be posted to FedBizOpps for 15 days and a redacted J&A will be posted on FedBizOpps within 14 days of contract award.

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring use of the authority.

SpringerNature is a leading global scientific, technical, and medical publisher, providing researchers in academia, scientific institutions and corporate R&D departments with quality content.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers/quotes are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized in FEDBIZOPPS (as required by FAR 5.2) and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

This is a sole source effort due to the proprietary nature and uniqueness of SpringerNature’s databases.

However, a synopsis/intent to sole source will be posted to FedBizOpps to allow industry to comment and also allows the requirements office an opportunity to examine the results of industry inquiries.

7. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, including options if applicable, and a determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable.

A price analysis will be conducted by the Contracting Officer to determine that the offered price is fair and reasonable. Since this is a commercial subscription, similar pricing is offered to both Government and the public which will be used as a basis for fair and reasonableness.

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8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or the reason market research was not

(requiring activity) conducts ongoing market research for additional resources that can provide comprehensive research capabilities Typical market research includes a survey of trade journals, referrals from knowledgeable individuals both inside and outside the Government, trade shows, industry symposiums, and internet searches.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of sole source.

SpringerNature

Therefore, currently, no other sources can provide the comprehensive publications, tools, and research capabilities other than SpringerNature.

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

No other sources are available.

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