Intent to Sole Source OCLC Cataloging 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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to award a sole source purchase order to OCLC, Inc. for a subscription to the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) database for cataloging and interlibrary loan (ILL) services. This requirement has no set-aside. Firms believing they can meet the government's requirements must submit substantiating documentation by April 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
This subscription provides access to the OCLC database, which is critical for NOAA Central and Regional Libraries (NCRL) to perform cataloging and interlibrary loan services. OCLC, Inc. is the sole provider of this service, which includes the WorldCat shared catalog, utilized by over 72,000 libraries globally. The service also provides access to proprietary tools like Connexion and ILLIAD, and enables NOAA library staff to participate in cooperative cataloging initiatives (BIBCO, CONSER, NACO, SACO). This participation allows for the creation of original cataloging and authority records, facilitating the dissemination of NOAA research worldwide.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source Purchase Order (under FAR 12.102(a))
- Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce/NOAA
- Period of Performance: July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027
- Set-Aside: None
- NAICS: 519210 (Other Information Services)
- Product/Service Code: R605 (Library Services)
- Response Due: April 20, 2026, by 6:00 PM ET
- Published: April 9, 2026
Additional Notes
This is a presolicitation notice and not a request for competitive proposals. No solicitation package is available. The sole source determination is based on OCLC, Inc. being the only vendor supplying the required database and services, which are considered the industry standard due to their scope, breadth of materials, and participating libraries. Firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit written substantiating documentation or a request for additional information to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication. The government's decision on whether to conduct a competitive procurement is solely at its discretion. Oral communications are not acceptable.