Intent to Sole Source Data Catalog and Repository Services

The intent of this Pre-solicitation Notice is for informational purposes only. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Contracting Operations Branch (COB) intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order with a base period of one year, along with four one-year option periods to Digital Science & Research Solutions, Inc. for a subscription for Figshare Repository Solution software. This subscription to Figshare data catalog and repository platform will support, metadata, curation, storage and publishing requirements along with development services to:
a) Integrate the application with other NAL applications, including Symplectic Elements.
b) Create static IP addresses to meet USDA IT security requirements. The statement of work is attached for reference.
The proposed contract will be awarded using Sole Source Justification procedures citing the authority FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
This synopsis does NOT constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotes (RFQ) nor does it restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice, nor will it reimburse firms for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice. However, all responsible sources, meeting the requirements within the statement of work which, if received within 15 calendar days of publication of this notice shall be considered by the Government. All responses must be submitted to the Government primary point of contact at the contracting office address shown below. If no written responses are received after the publication of this notice the contract will be awarded without further notice. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.
Please direct any questions or comments to Scott Ballweg via email scott.ballweg@usda.gov