Notice of Intent to Sole Source BRASS Software

The USDA Forest Service has issued a Notice of Intent to award a sole source contract to the Wyoming Department of Transportation for BRASS (Bridge Rating & Analysis of Structural Systems) software. This special notice, posted on September 9, 2025, is not a competitive solicitation but rather a notification that the agency intends to make a direct award using simplified acquisition procedures. The Forest Service has determined that only one responsible source exists that can satisfy their specific requirements for this specialized bridge analysis software. The notice falls under NAICS code 513210 for Software Publishers and PSC code 7A21 for IT and Telecom Business Application Software.

The primary purpose of this sole source award is to obtain continued maintenance and technical support for BRASS software, which is essential for performing load ratings on timber bridge structures across 10 Forest Service locations covering nearly 90% of their bridge inventory. Interested parties who believe they can provide competitive alternatives have until September 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST to submit responses demonstrating clear and convincing evidence that competition would benefit the government. Any responding contractors must show capability to provide software that is fully compatible with State Department of Transportation requirements for wood structures and can serve as the exclusive platform for submitting structural analysis results. The contract period is scheduled to run from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, and will cover maintenance for multiple license types including Culvert, Girder, and Pier licenses across various Forest Service locations. The government reserves sole discretion in determining whether to proceed with the sole source award or conduct a competitive procurement based on any responses received.