Sole Source JA - The Economist.pdf

This is a Department of the Air Force Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition document approving a sole source contract award to The Economist Newspaper, N.A. Incorporated for digital subscription access.

The contracting activity is the 772 Enterprise Sourcing Squadron under Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). The acquisition provides 24/7 unlimited, simultaneous user access to the digital version of The Economist with searchable web-based access, mobile application, audio editions, podcasts, digital newsletters, exclusive online content including The Economist Briefings and Special Reports, and the weekly Leaders section. The contract consists of a 12-month base period from September 30, 2026 through September 29, 2027, plus three optional 12-month renewal periods extending through September 29, 2030. The total estimated value for the base period plus all options is redacted. The requirement supports the Department of Defense Libraries' Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs to provide mission readiness content to military personnel at contingency operations, remote sites, and military missions in accordance with DoD 1015.10 guidance.

The justification for sole source award is based on 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), establishing that only one responsible source exists. The Economist holds exclusive intellectual property, copyright, and distribution rights to all content produced under The Economist brand. Market research and a Sources Sought Notice issued July 7-21, 2026 resulted in three vendor responses, but only The Economist demonstrated the legal authority, proprietary rights, and technical capability to meet all government requirements. The contracting officer is responsible for determining fair and reasonable pricing. The government will conduct market research prior to each subsequent acquisition option to reassess competition feasibility.