Sole Source Justification for USDA Return To Office Tool
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 USDA, Departmental Administration has issued a Special Notice for a Sole Source Justification to establish a firm fixed-price delivery order for Palantir Platform solutions. This procurement supports the USDA's Return to Office Tool under the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), Information Technology (IT). The justification outlines why Palantir is the only vendor capable of meeting the specific requirements. Responses to this justification are due March 24, 2026.
Scope of Justification
This justification supports the procurement of Palantir Platform solutions for the USDA's Return to Office Tool. The document details the rationale for limiting sources to Palantir, citing:
- Unique Capabilities: Palantir is identified as the sole vendor capable of providing the required advanced data integration, real-time analytics, and robust security compliance without significant delays or duplication of effort.
- Accreditation: Palantir holds existing accreditations (FedRAMP High, DoD Impact Levels IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6) that meet stringent USDA security requirements, avoiding costly and time-consuming processes for other vendors.
- Market Research: Extensive market research indicated that no other vendor offers the specific combination of enterprise-scale data fusion, real-time analytics, and integration with existing USDA systems.
- Agile Development: Palantir's agile development approach is crucial for adapting to evolving requirements for USDA's critical infrastructure systems.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price Delivery Order under GSA MAS (IT)
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (Sole Source Justification)
- Justification Response Due: March 24, 2026, 05:00 PM EDT
- Published: February 24, 2026
- Place of Performance: Washington, MO, United States
Authority & Future Competition
The justification cites FAR 8.401(b) and GSAM Subpart 538.71 as the authority for limiting sources due to items peculiar to one manufacturer and unique capabilities. The agency plans to maintain ownership of data to enable future competition.