Electronic Access to Journal of Visualized Experiments

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Beltsville, MD, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures with MyJove Corporation, 1 Alewife Center Suite 200, Cambridge, MA 02140, to purchase and provide electronic access via the internet for all USDA users to the Journal of Visualized Experiments.  JoVE publishes scientific research in a visual format to help researchers overcome two of the biggest challenges facing the scientific research community today. Poor reproducibility and the time/labor intensive nature of learning new experimental techniques. All JoVE articles are indexed in subject-relevant indexing sites.

The requirement will be used by the National Agricultural Library, USDA locations, employees worldwide, contractors, cooperators and volunteers performing work on behalf of USDA and are considered as authorized premises and users of the databases. The publisher will make the database accessible 24 hours per day via the internet.

The National Agricultural Library is mandated (7 U.S.C. 3101) to serve as the primary agricultural information resource of the United States. One of its functions in that role is the acquisition of information in all aspects of agriculture and allied sciences. In support of this function, the NAL acquires journal publications in electronic format from publishers and makes the journal accessible to USDA employees and library patrons via the internet. In keeping with its charge to collect agricultural and related information, it seeks to maintain a collection of publications in various formats from a variety of publishers and sources.

The circumstance permitting other than full and open competition is FAR 6.302-1 and 41 USC 253(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other type of supplies or source will meet agency needs. The publications provided by the vendor are unique and proprietary and only the vendor can provide access to and ownership. No other source, such as other electronic resource providers, may deliver the contents of the databases without acquiring access from the publisher. The above publisher is the only source determined capable of supplying NAL’s requirements for electronic access via the internet for all USDA users.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 511120 is applicable.                                       

THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Vendors that believe they can provide the services listed above are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government.