1.04b - Justification for Sole Source At or Below SAT_Redacted2.pdf

This is a Justification for Sole Source document for a federal contract with Pearson Education, Inc. NAVSUP Headquarters requires digital downloads of two specific culinary reference textbooks - "On Cooking, A Textbook of Culinary Fundamentals, 7th Edition" and "On Baking, A Textbook of Baking and Pastry Fundamentals, 4th Edition" - for Navy food service personnel and Culinary Specialist advancement studies. The required eBooks are needed for every Navy command with Culinary Specialists, and they serve as the source material for culinary rating knowledge and advancement exams across all pay grades.

Pearson Education is identified as the sole provider of these eBooks, with no authorized resellers, making this a sole source acquisition. The document notes that a patent, copyright, or proprietary data limits competition. The required delivery date for the eBooks is 1 August 2025, and the procurement is being conducted under simplified acquisition procedures for a total value under $250,000. Any challenges to the sole source determination must be submitted in writing to the specified Navy contact, with sufficient information to demonstrate an equivalent product exists that could meet the government's requirements.