Redacted JA DoD Morningstar B034.pdf

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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Morningstar is a unique resource for the DoD Library Program, with nuances not available from any other source, and supplements the financial educational materials collection that allows the DoD Libraries to complete their program mission as outlined in DoDI 1015.10, Section III. The main emphasis of Morningstar is individual investments; something that isn't a part of its competitors. This database collection provides information that covers nearly over 21,000 stocks and 29,000 mutual funds, 1,750 exchange traded funds, and 700 closed end funds. It also reports on over 2,600 securities, offering in-depth background and analyst opinions on top investments. Morningstar analysts' independent opinions guide patrons to what's worth buying, what should be avoided or sold, and what types of securities are best for different types of investors. Morningstar also rates stocks, funds, and ETF's. Morningstar's stock-star rating helps patrons find undervalued stocks. Consider buying and selling prices increases the changes of taking action at the most opportune time. The fund star-ratings help patrons narrow their mutual fund choices to a manageable few. Morningstar has the exclusive rights to provide these database collections to libraries and other educational institutions.

Failure to acquire this product creates inefficiency through an increased need of library resources and creation of unproductive processes. In addition, buying these materials on-demand instead of using Morningstar's subscription-based database would greatly increase the cost. Accordingly, Morningstar is the only firm capable of providing the supplies described above without the DoD personnel experiencing unacceptable delays and substantial duplication of cost that could not be recouped through competition. his platform

A Sources Sought was posted on SAM.gov on 3 August 2022 for 15 days. This was an open market assessment release designed to identify potential sources to satisfy the Governments requirements and no responses were received. Additionally, an intent to award on a sole source basis notice was posted on SAM.gov on 1 Septtember 2022 for 5 days and no responses were received.

Market research confirms that Morningstar Investment Management LLC. is the only known source that can satisfy the Government's requirements and is intended to support the DoD Library Program's education and quality of life efforts.

AFSVA/SVPL surveyed the market for vendors to determine if competition was available for the requirement.

The library used publishers' advertisements, professional conferences, vendor demonstrations, customer suggestions and new publication reviews to conduct its surveys. No viable vendors were found.

In accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a), the Contracting Officer shall determine that the proposed price is fair and reasonable. The basis of this determination is anticipated to be based on FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(ii) and FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(iii). This has been previously procured by AFLCMC/PZI for AF Libraries and the price shall be verified against price lists, catalogs, or advertisements and by comparison to prices previously paid.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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As described in Section VI above, market research, in accordance with FAR Part 10, was conducted by synopsis of the proposed acquisition, advising industry of the pending acquisition and soliciting inquiries from interested parties.

Moreover, the AFSVA/SVPL surveyed the market in order to determine if competition was obtainable. The library reviewed advertisements, new publications, and available conferences to ensure the course of action for a sole source acquisition was the most appropriate moving forward.

The proposed sole source is the only known source able to satisfy the Government's requirements.

Morningstar Investment Management LLC.

AFSVC/VCL will keep an open dialog with the users/patrons and evaluate statistics to determine the necessity to use this resource to supplement its collection of research databases. AFSVC/VCLL will continue to survey the market for vendors to obtain competition in databases. The library uses publishers' advertisements, professional conferences, vendor demonstrations, customer suggestions and new publication reviews in conducting its surveys.