Access to and Use of the CB Insights Platform

The National Science Foundation Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support seeks to procure access to and use of the CB Insights Platform, an online resource tool providing research and analytics data on global venture capital and mergers and acquisition markets. This solicitation is being issued on a sole-source basis, indicating that CB Insights has been identified as the only source capable of meeting NSF's specific requirements. Key platform requirements include round-by-round deal data for both domestic and international markets, cleantech sector focus capabilities, direct data feed or API functionality, financial and investor contact information, high-granularity company data with industry verticals, and a flexible industry classification system. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in this notice, the sole-source justification suggests that the platform's unique capabilities and data offerings are the primary factors driving this procurement decision. The proposal response deadline is December 15, 2025, with an anticipated contract award date of December 19, 2025, providing a compressed timeline for this procurement action.

This opportunity is designated as a total small business set-aside, limiting competition to small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration. CB Information Services, Inc., the current/incumbent contractor, is the anticipated awardee under this sole-source procurement. The contract award value is $60,000.00 for fiscal year 2026, representing a relatively modest investment in the platform subscription. The solicitation does not specify a defined service delivery timeline or quantity metrics, as this is a tool access agreement rather than a traditional goods or services contract. The place of performance is listed as Alexandria, Virginia 22314, where the NSF contracting office is located, though the actual platform will be accessed remotely by NSF personnel as an online resource.