DAFL AFTAC IOP Science Subscription

This is a Sources Sought Synopsis published by the United States Air Force (the Government or USAF). There is no solicitation available at this time. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. The purpose of this sources sought notice is to conduct market research to determine whether there are businesses available capable of providing an alternative product that meets the characteristics below. The Air Force anticipates procuring this product as a FY24 base effort with three (3) one-year options.

The projected period of performance for this subscription is:

Base Year: 01 September 2024 – 31 August 2025

Option Year 1: 01 September 2025 – 31 August 2026

Option Year 2: 01 September 2026 – 31 August 2027

Option Year 3: 01 September 2027 – 31 August 2028

Responses to this sources sought notice will assist in a determination of whether it is in the best interest of the Government to proceed with a competition.

FSC: 7630

NAICS: 519290 - Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services

Size Standard: 1000 employees

Subscription name: DAFL AFTAC IOP Science Subscription

Description: This is a subscription renewal for Patrick Technical Library. Patrick Technical Library has a requirement access to the COR-IoP corporate database.  This database which is part of the Institute of Physics makes it easier for researchers to access scientific, technical, and medical journal content needed for their projects.  full-text publications of 100+ science journals as well as some archived content on the Institute of Physics (IOP) platform are absolutely essential for the researchers using the databases at Patrick Technical Library. AFTAC STINFO Patrick Technical Library is looking for a current provider for commercial off the shelf access to the IOP journals platform.

Product Characteristics an equal item must meet to be considered:

1. Must provide information in full-text and provide online access to journals. 
2. Must include full-text publications of 100+ science journals as well as some archived content on the Institute of Physics (IOP) platform.
3. Must provide IOP conference proceedings and access to the Open Access collection.
4. Must provide peer reviewed journals and scholarly publications provide require information for our dedicated nuclear treaty monitoring team of scientists, engineers, and research personnel publications in order to perform their day-to-day jobs.
5. Must provide mission-critical information as becomes available; directly addressing the unique nature of the AFTAC mission.  24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
6. Must be able to meet the technical and security requirement for access to STINFO systems.
7. VCL must be able to test the platform to evaluate if it meets requirements. Must provide username and password to view content on platform.

The Government will consider responses received within 14 days of issuance of this notice. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a full and open competitive procurement or a small business set aside competitive procurement. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this announcement.

If the Government competes this requirement, a synopsis shall be issued utilizing the combined synopsis/solicitation procedure identified in FAR 12.603. If this effort becomes a Small Business Set-Aside, FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting, will apply. Therefore, small businesses that want to be considered for a small business set-aside should demonstrate how they intend to comply. A determination not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is an administrative decision by the Government that is solely within its discretion.

Contractors should be aware of the following information:

1. Contractors must include the following information:

   1. Points of contact, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers.
   2. Identification as a large U.S. business, a small U.S. business, or a foreign business. Please note that size indicated should be based on the NAICS code for this effort listed above.
   3. Identification of any other socioeconomic status including: Women-Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Small Business, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business or HUBZone.
   4. Company CAGE Code or UEI.
   5. Capabilities Statement
2. This requirement is not intended for specific brand name products. Offerors are encouraged to suggest products other than those that may be specifically referenced by brand name. Responses must address how alternate product meet the product characteristics specified above.
3. Submitted information shall be UNCLASSIFIED.

Any information submitted by respondents to this sources sought synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Government will not reimburse the respondents for any costs associated with their response. This synopsis does not constitute a Request for Proposals nor does its issuance restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. The Government reserves the right to contact the submitting parties, on an as required basis, for further clarification on material provided. Respondents should not construe this notice as a commitment by the Air Force for any purpose. Responses shall be emailed to Courtney Perry at courtney.perry.5@us.af.mil no later than 22 JULY 2024, 4:00 PM CDT. Any questions should be directed to Courtney Perry through email.