OpenAthens

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (N0017826Q6801) issued by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren for "OpenAthens Compass" services. The acquisition is unrestricted.

• The core deliverable is "OpenAthens Compass for up to 1000 Users".

• The contract includes a base period and four option years.

• Standard commercial warranty terms apply, with the offeror to specify the warranty period.

• Data rights are governed by DFARS 252.227-7015.

• Commercial supplier agreements (EULA, TOS) must be provided in full text and will be superseded by the contract terms and conditions in case of conflict.

• Automatic renewals of license agreements are not permitted.

• The solicitation issue date is June 17, 2026.

• The offer due date is June 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM.

• The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, as indicated by the "Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price" in Section B.

• The period of performance is not explicitly stated but includes a base period and four option years.

• Offerors must complete blocks 12, 17, 23, and 30 of the Standard Form 1449.

• Proposals must be submitted by the due date specified.

• Evaluation criteria are detailed in Section M (not provided in this excerpt).

• The acquisition is marked as "UNRESTRICTED".

• NAICS code is 513210 with a size standard of $15 million.

• The document incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4, and DFARS clauses.

• Invoicing and payment instructions are detailed in Section G, primarily through the Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) system.

• Deliveries are to be made to NSWC Dahlgren, with specific receiving hours and contact information provided.

• The contract is rated DX/DO for national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy program use under DPAS.

Other / Unclassified

This memorandum recommends "other than full and open competition" for the acquisition of a "©2025 OpenAthens Subscription Package." The subscription is for the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) and is intended to provide access to journals and databases through a single sign-on system. The document highlights that OpenAthens is the only identity and access management system that combines managed proxy and federated SAML single sign-on in a cloud-hosted platform. It is described as compatible with existing systems and a proven solution that will not clash with the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) zero trust security posture.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains the rationale behind a sole-source or limited competition acquisition. It details the specific software being procured (OpenAthens subscription), its functionalities (single sign-on, managed proxy, federated SAML), and the justification for not pursuing full and open competition. The document states that market research confirmed copyright limitations and a lack of authorized resellers, making other options difficult to find. It also estimates significant costs (in labor, resources, and lost revenue) if the government were to duplicate the effort to find an alternative solution. The acquisition is for a base period of 12 months with four 12-month option periods.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a requirements list detailing the OpenAthens Compass subscription needs for the contract period, including base and option years. It specifies the quantity, subscription period, and manufacturer for each requirement.

• Base Period: OpenAthens Compass for up to 1000 Users, 1 Lot, 12-Months ARO (After Receipt of Order).
• Option Year 1-4: Each option year requires OpenAthens Compass for up to 1000 Users, 1 Lot, 12-Months AOYE (After Option Year Execution).
• Manufacturer: Joint Information Systems Committee (Jisc) Services Limited (JSL) is listed for all periods.
• Note: Bidders must be an authorized reseller to provide a quote.

This attachment directly informs bidders about the specific software subscription being procured, the duration of the requirement across multiple years, and the authorized manufacturer. It also highlights a critical reseller requirement for quoting.