Intent to Sole Source - Fastmarkets Global Limited

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has published a Special Notice announcing its intent to make a sole source award to Fastmarkets Global Limited for a one-year subscription to Fastmarkets metals prices and news services. The Commission intends to procure this subscription under FAR 6.302-1 authority, which allows for sole source procurement when only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements. Fastmarkets Global Limited, located in London, UK, will provide access to Fastmarkets.com as a combined resource for metals pricing and industry news. The procurement falls under NAICS code 519290 for Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services and PSC code 7630 for Newspapers and Periodicals. The contract period of performance is scheduled from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2026.

The purpose of this procurement is to acquire the largest coverage of price reporting, analytics, and events organization for global metals, industrial minerals, and forest products markets, including reliable coverage of over 950 global metal and mining price points that are essential for the USITC's NRE analysis work. The Commission conducted market research through internet-based research, vendor product reviews, and consultation with industry experts before determining that Fastmarkets is the only source capable of meeting their specific requirements. Contractors have until June 14, 2025, to respond to this notice, though the sole source nature means the Commission has already identified Fastmarkets as the only viable supplier. The procurement is being managed by the USITC's Office of Procurement under requisition number 6500-OARS-25-0062, with appropriate justification documentation attached to support the single source award determination.