GALE Times Archive 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 Navy, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, intends to award a Sole Source Firm Fixed Price Contract to Gale Cengage Learning for an online subscription to the Times Digital Archive Collection and US Declassified Documents Online Hosting. This is a Special Notice to inform the public of this intent and allow for challenges.
Scope of Requirement
The requirement is for an online subscription providing access to the Times Digital Archive: 1785-1985 and US Declassified Documents Online Hosting. This digital archive offers a searchable, digital reproduction of The Times Newspaper from 1785-1985. The services include online hosting and coverage for these historical digital archives. The place of performance is the Naval War College in Newport, RI.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed Price Contract (Sole Source)
- Duration: Base Year (August 30, 2026 - August 29, 2027) plus four Option Years, extending coverage through August 29, 2031.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted (as per the associated RFQ).
- Product Service Code: 7630 (Newspapers And Periodicals)
- NAICS: 513110 (Size Standard: $14 million)
Sole Source Justification
The U.S. Naval War College is pursuing a sole source procurement with Gale Cengage Learning because they are identified as the only source capable of providing this specific digital archive. This is due to proprietary data rights and the necessity for compatibility with the NWC's existing library systems, including Alma LSP, Primo discovery system, and Springshare library software. Market research conducted did not identify any alternative sources that could meet these specific requirements.
Action for Interested Parties
This notice is not a request for proposals. However, any firm believing they can provide an equivalent supply that meets the Government's needs must submit a written challenge to the sole source intent. Challenges must include sufficient information to enable the Government to determine if an equivalent supply exists.
Deadlines & Contact
- Challenges Due: June 11, 2026, by 2:00 PM EST.
- Contact: Mary Taylor, mary.a.taylor263.civ@us.navy.mil, 771-229-3577.