Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source - Ansys Commercial Software

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source contract to Ansys Government Initiatives (AGI) for the acquisition of Ansys Commercial Software. The notice was published on August 14, 2025, and is being conducted under FAR 6.302-1, which allows for sole source procurement when only one responsible source exists and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. AFRL has determined through market research and industry engagement that AGI is the only known source capable of providing this specific commercial software product. The agency is utilizing a shortened publicizing period due to the commercial nature of the item and the urgency of the requirement. The acquisition will follow FAR Part 12 procedures for commercial items, and AGI has asserted proprietary rights while confirming no authorized resellers or distributors exist.

The primary purpose of this notice is to inform the market of AFRL's intent to proceed with a non-competitive procurement while providing an opportunity for other potential sources to identify themselves. Interested parties have until August 21, 2025, to submit capability statements that clearly demonstrate their ability to provide the required software and meet the government's specifications. The comprehensive software package includes multiple Ansys enterprise licenses across various engineering domains, covering 100 total license items for a one-year period from September 25, 2025, to September 24, 2026. Any responsible source may submit a capability statement for consideration, though this notice is not a request for competitive proposals. AFRL retains sole discretion in determining whether to compete the proposed contract based on any responses received, and the acquisition supports the laboratory's specific operational requirements for advanced engineering simulation software.