Intent to Award Sole Source - AFRL and AFIT Library Subscriptions

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document is a Class Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition, supporting requirements for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Library Council and other associated entities. It seeks authority to procure unlimited, simultaneous access to peer-reviewed, academic literature (databases, e-books, journals) for scientific and engineering disciplines. This access is critical for research and development missions across multiple Air Force programs.

• Unlimited, simultaneous access to peer-reviewed academic literature.

• Ability to download full-text content for offline use.

• Access from any location.

• Compatibility with existing authentication services.

• Subscriptions to periodicals and archival databases.

• Includes both new orders and renewals of existing awards.

• Supports research in areas including aerospace, airman systems, directed energy, information, materials, manufacturing, munitions, sensors, space vehicles, AFOSR, AFIT, AFTAC, NASIC, 711 HPW, and ACC.

• Contract actions will be awarded as stand-alone Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) purchase orders.

• Primarily twelve (12) month base License Access Periods with potential option years.

• Funds utilized: 3400 Operations & Maintenance and 3600 Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation.

• Contract actions must be executed no later than five years from the J&A approval date.

• Not applicable for this document type (J&A).

• Justification is for "Other Than Full and Open Competition" based on FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source).

• Market research indicated no other vendors can meet the entirety of the requirement due to exclusive copyrights and the need for specific, comprehensive collections.

• Small businesses are generally restricted from acting as resellers by rights holders.

• An Intent to Award Sole Source notice was posted on SAM.gov (November 6, 2024) with no responses received.

• A Sources Sought notice was posted to SAM.gov (April 4, 2025 - May 22, 2025) with no viable vendors found.

• The anticipated budget is based on FY22 through FY24 annual total subscription awards.

• The document includes extensive detail on the missions of various AFRL entities and why the literature access is critical to their success.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

The U.S. Air Force intends to issue multiple Firm-Fixed-Price orders for assorted publications to single sources. This requirement is for various Air Force entities, including AFRL, AFOSR, AFIT, AFTAC, NASIC, AEDC, and the 711th Human Performance Wing, to access peer-reviewed academic literature across scientific and engineering disciplines. The publications must be accessible for unlimited, simultaneous use, downloadable for offline access, available from any location, and compatible with the organizations' authentication services.

• Access to assorted publications (peer-reviewed, academic literature).

• Unlimited, simultaneous access.

• Ability to download full-text content for offline use.

• Access from any location.

• Compatibility with existing authentication services.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price orders.

• Period of Performance: Estimated to be from February 6, 2026, through December 16, 2030. Specific periods will vary by requirement.

• NAICS Code: 519210

• Size Standard: $21M

• PSC Code: 7630

• This is a Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source, not a request for competitive quotations. However, responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation.

• Responses are due within 5 days of issuance of this notice (by February 13, 2026, 5:00 PM EST).

• Information received will be used to determine if the requirement will be competed fully openly or set aside for small business.

• Responses are limited to 10 pages in a Microsoft Word compatible format.

• Submit responses via email to Benjamin Spencer (benjamin.spencer.8@us.af.mil) and Jessica Vetter (jessica.vetter.1@us.af.mil).

• The government will consider responses to determine if a full and open competitive procurement or a small business set-aside is appropriate.

• If competed as a Small Business Set-Aside, FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting, will apply. Small businesses should demonstrate compliance.

• Contractors must identify as a large U.S. business, small U.S. business, or foreign business, based on the NAICS code.

• Socioeconomic status (WOSB, EDWOSB, 8(a), SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone) should be identified if applicable.

• Contractors must include points of contact, addresses, email, phone numbers, CAGE Code or DUNS Number.

• The company's size should be based on the listed NAICS code.

• Submitted information must be UNCLASSIFIED.

• Any questions should be directed via email.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet listing vendors and their associated Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) codes. It appears to be a vendor list relevant to the opportunity.

• Vendor Name
• CAGE Code

This list provides potential points of contact or entities that may be involved in or aware of this opportunity. It does not contain specific requirements or instructions for bidders but may be useful for market research or understanding the vendor landscape.