Renewal of Access to the Financial Times
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 U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Office of Acquisition Management (OAM), intends to award a sole-source contract to FINANCIAL TIMES LIMITED (THE) for the renewal of access to the Financial Times. This is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source, not a request for quotation or proposal. Responses challenging this intent are due within 15 days of the publication date (February 25, 2026).
Scope of Work
The contract will provide continued access to the Financial Times, a valuable business-centered publication with extensive international coverage. This resource is critical for DOC employees to understand global markets, including Asian, BRIC, and EU regions, and their relation to the U.S. economy. The Financial Times offers in-depth research and analysis, distinguishing it from more U.S.-centric publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole-Source Contract (Notice of Intent)
- Authority: FAR 6.302-1 ("only one responsible source")
- Duration: One-year base period with four one-year priced options
- Incumbent: FINANCIAL TIMES LIMITED (THE) (proprietary publication, exclusive copyright, no authorized resellers)
- Set-Aside: None (sole-source action)
- Response Due: March 12, 2026 (15 days from publication)
- Published: February 25, 2026
Evaluation
This is not a solicitation. The Government will consider all responses received within the 15-day period. Responses must clearly and thoroughly defend any claims that refute the Government's sole-source justification. Information received will be used to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. If no affirmative responses are received, a contract will be issued to Financial Times Limited.
Additional Notes
There is no solicitation package available. Questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to JBrown4@doc.gov and BGabriel@doc.gov.