DoD National Geographic & Chilton Subscription
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force (DEPT OF DEFENSE), specifically FA8052 773 ESS, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice for a subscription service providing Chilton's Auto Repair Manuals and National Geographic content. This is to determine industry capabilities and potential set-aside opportunities for the Department of War Library Program. Responses are due May 12, 2026, by 4:00 PM CDT.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a comprehensive subscription package including:
- Chilton's Auto Repair Manuals Database: Must cover over 2,600 vehicle makes/models, focus on DIY repair, and include full text, diagrams, specification tables, troubleshooting guides, photos, illustrations, multimedia (videos/animation), and ASE test prep.
- National Geographic Content: Encompasses Kids, People, Animals, and World editions, with content from current date back to 1888. This includes full-text books, magazines, videos, maps, and images. National Geographic Kids specifically requires the complete run from 2009 to present, offering age-appropriate digital content for subjects like English Language Arts, social studies, and science.
Specific product characteristics required include: unlimited digital access, downloadable/printable content, seamless integration with Google and Microsoft accounts, a mobile application, free staff training, complimentary marketing services, statistics by branch, compatibility with EBSCO Stacks, and robust security compliance (TLS 1.3, HSTS, RSA 2048-bits certificates).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Projected Period of Performance: FY26 base effort (June 15, 2026 – June 14, 2027), with two one-year option periods.
- Set-Aside: None specified at this stage; the government will determine if a full and open competitive procurement or a small business set-aside is appropriate based on responses.
- Response Due: May 12, 2026, 4:00 PM CDT
- Published: May 8, 2026
- NAICS: 519290 (Size Standard: 1000 Employees)
- FSC: 7630 (Newspapers And Periodicals)
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties should email their responses to SSgt Christian Etner (christian.etner@us.af.mil) and Gustavo Guadron (Gustavo.Guadron@us.af.mil). Submissions must include points of contact, business identification (large/small/foreign), socioeconomic status, CAGE Code/UEI, and a Capabilities Statement. Responses are voluntary, and the government will not reimburse for costs incurred. This notice is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation.
Additional Notes
The requirement is not brand-name specific; offerors are encouraged to suggest alternative products that meet the specified characteristics. All submitted information must be UNCLASSIFIED.