Legal Research and Public Records Search Tools

The Department of the Interior Departmental Offices' Interior Business Center has awarded a task order to West Publishing Corporation (Thomson Reuters) under GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract GS-02F-026DA for legal research and public records search tools on a limited-sources basis, with a period of performance from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030 and an additional six-month extension option through May 31, 2031.

The justification cites FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)B, stating that only one source is capable of providing the unique and highly specialized supplies and services required. Market research identified West Publishing Corporation as the sole GSA Federal Supply Schedule holder capable of delivering the full scope of functionality, security, and nationwide remote access as a stand-alone solution. The Office of Counsel for the Inspector General under HHS requires a secure, cloud-based, web-accessible investigative research and analysis software platform with public records search capabilities based on SSN, EIN/TIN, name, date of birth, residential and business address history, professional health care licensure, DMV records, property records, legal history, family and business associates, and business entity history, supplemented by legal research tools providing access to cases, regulations, statutes, legislative materials, administrative materials, treatises, Native American law, and law reviews. The procurement includes user-licensed or subscription-based models with scalable options, continuous system and data updates, training, maintenance, and technical support. The contracting officer determined the order represents best value under FAR 8.404(d), with pricing negotiated from established GSA schedule rates. Comprehensive market research included GSA schedules, SAM, CPARS, vendor interviews, industry outreach, small business research, and review of AbilityOne and UNICOR schedules. The RFQ is being submitted directly to the vendor to prevent service lapses upon expiration of the current contract on December 31, 2025.