Media Research & Distribution Services and Media Monitoring & Evaluation Services

The National Science Foundation Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support is procuring Media Research & Distribution Services and Media Monitoring & Evaluation Services through solicitation number 49100425Q0064. The procurement encompasses two primary service packages utilizing CisionPoint software: CPDBPKG for media research and distribution services including a Premium Media Database for North America, Digital Influencer Data, HARO Premium, Social Newsroom, on-site training, 20K email points, and 5 concurrent user licenses; and CPMONPKG for media monitoring and evaluation services featuring eNews web LexisNexis, Social Media Monitoring, Copyright Fees, and an Analyze Module. This is structured as a sole source acquisition justified by NSF's determination that CISON, Inc. is the only vendor capable of meeting their specific requirements due to its extensive 1.6 million contact media database, integrated monitoring capabilities, and proprietary systems. The solicitation was posted on July 29, 2025, with a response deadline of August 6, 2025. The procurement follows simplified acquisition procedures under FAR 13.106, with evaluation criteria focused on CISON's unique capabilities and NSF's operational continuity needs.

This procurement does not utilize any set-aside designations and is unrestricted with a size standard of $47 million. CISON, Inc. serves as both the incumbent contractor and the sole source vendor, having provided services to NSF for over five years without operational disruption. The total estimated contract value is $146,054.33, structured as a firm fixed-price contract with a base period from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026, followed by four consecutive one-year option periods extending through September 30, 2030. The contract maintains consistent service descriptions across all periods with minor variations in specific features, and NSF has noted that switching vendors would create significant operational challenges and data transfer issues. Performance will take place in Alexandria, Virginia 22314, with contract administration handled by NSF's Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support and payments processed through the U.S. Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform via Electronic Fund Transfer.