NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE
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 Commerce (DOC), on behalf of SelectUSA, has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract to The Financial Times Limited. This contract is for commercial subscription access to the fDi Markets database, providing critical global foreign direct investment (FDI) data. Capability statements from interested parties are due by March 17, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
SelectUSA requires a global, web-based investment intelligence platform to support investment attraction activities. This platform must provide current and historical greenfield investment data, early investment signals, company investment intelligence, and exportable analytical reporting capabilities. The fDi Markets database offers unique proprietary global greenfield investment datasets, integrated analytics, and early-warning signals, which the government states cannot be replicated by other sources without significant loss of functionality.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Sole Source Contract (Intent to Award)
- Awardee (Intended): The Financial Times Limited
- Product/Service: Commercial subscription access to the fDi Markets database (Product Service Code: 7630 - Newspapers And Periodicals)
- Period of Performance: Base period with three one-year option periods.
- Department/Office: Department of Commerce, Shared Services Procurement Office (SSPO), for SelectUSA.
- Place of Performance: Washington, DC 20230, United States.
Response Information
- This is NOT a Request for Proposals. It is an informational notice.
- Capability Statement Due: March 17, 2026, by 3:00 PM ET (15 calendar days from publication).
- Submission: Capability statements must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer.
- Inquiries: Only accepted via email to Alicia Brister at abrister@doc.gov.
Justification for Sole Source
A Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) explains that market research, including a synopsis, did not identify other capable sources that could provide the unique features of The Financial Times Limited's proprietary data and integrated analytics. The anticipated cost is considered fair and reasonable based on historical pricing. The government intends to seek competitive sources for future acquisitions.