Sole Source_Redacted.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITIONS

From: Public and Congressional Affairs branch (Code 1032) To: Cognizant Code 02 Acquisition Branch

Subj: SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION for LEADERSHIP CONNECT PRODUCTS

1. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED SUPPLIES/SERVICES, ESTIMATED

VALUE, AND DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division’s Corporate Communications Division (Code 103), Public and Congressional Affairs Branch (Code 1031), has the responsibility for engagement with the media, State leadership and members of Congress on behalf of the command. In order to support this requirement and be effective, messaging to these audiences must be targeted to the specific individuals in these communities that cover areas centric to Carderock Division’s mission, core equities and technical capabilities.

Code 1031 is seeking access to (3) Leadership Connect products: LC Media, LC Congressional, and LC State for annual access fee of for base year and four (4) Option Years for a total estimated amount of

MANUFACTURER:

Leadership Connect 1667 K St. NW Suite 801 Washington, DC 20006

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SOLE SOURCE BASED ON

CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE

ACQUISITION

Previously, Code 1031 – like all other Navy Communication offices – purchased annual copies of three (3) products (Media Yellow Book, Congressional Yellow Book, and State Yellow Book) because they save significant time and resources by providing all the needed content – updated annually – in one location instead of requiring constant searches through numerous online sites. In calendar year 2020, the Yellow Book producers transitioned their hard copy book products into a digital format called, “Leadership Connect.” Hard copies of the Yellow Books are no longer available.

However, in going digital, the updated annual service has provided additional capabilities, to include: Immediate & verified updates, improved contact profiles, mobile access, and Briefings

The additions under Leadership Connect save additional time and resources by allowing Code 1031 to provide relevant updates to leadership on how Congressional members are voting in areas relevant to the command; to provide items of interest at the State level where detachment activities are located; to quickly build targeted media distribution lists by topics to the correct correspondents; and to engage with all of these key audiences through social media sites. Other somewhat similar competitors reviewed cannot meet the requirements noted above. Therefore, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) the circumstances of this contract action deem only one source to be reasonably available.

3. MARKET SURVEY

Code 1031, as well as the command’s Technical Information Center (TIC) branch (Code 1033) have been using Leadership Connect (formerly, hard-copy Yellow Books) for years. Previously, hard copies similar to phone books were provided, but since the service has gone digital with an unlimited amount of users, the subsequent price has gone up.

Internet searches were preformed looking for competitors or alternative solution, but none could meet the requirements needed other than Leadership Connect. Other government entities use this same service, and the estimated cost of

Market research was done to find alternative sources in industry that could provide the same information. However, none of the competitors could meet our requirement. A list of the reviewed competitors is listed – along with details on why they did not meet our requirement – on the SAP PURCHASE DESCRIPTION / IGE / MARKET RESEARCH FORM (or IGCE) accompanying this procurement package.

4. ADDITIONAL FACTS

Requesting a contract that allows for maximum number of option years.

5. CUSTOMER SIGNATURE:

I certify that the statements and information provided above, are complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the processing of this sole source justification precludes the use of full and open competition.

Signature of Cognizant Requisition Originator Date

Signature of 1st Level Supervisor Date

Signature of Contracting Officer Date