EBSCO Consumer Reports Subscription

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE

The United States Air Force (the Government) intends to issue a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase order to a single source, EBCO Information Services, LLC, The, under the authority of AFFARS 5313.501(a)(1)(ii), 10 U.S.C. 2302b, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901), on or about 24 September 2025. The base period of performance (PoP) will be from 30 September 2025 – 29 September 2026. The resulting award will also include three (3) 12-month options, extending the term of the contract to 29 September 2029.

PSC/FSC: AF11

NAICS: 519210

Size Standard: 1,000 employees

Subscription name: EBSCO Consumer Reports Subscription 

Supplier name: EBSCO Information Services, LLC

Product description: DoD Libraries require access to a database that provides product ratings and reviews and in-depth advice, tips, and trends written by research experts for consumers. Information should be updated frequently, providing reliable data, unbiased information, and more than 9,000 ratings, reviews, product comparisons and video clips. Contents should have buying advice, product reviews, product ratings, product recommendations, money-saving advice and tips, and product videos. Database subjects should cover appliances, automobiles, babies and kids, electronics, food, health information, and money/personal finance. The database needs to have Keyword search, product search, A-Z product list, and the ability to limit by major category. Search functionality should be by keyword, Boolean/phrase, options to limit by keyword or phrase, capability to cite, export, and Permalink functionality sustainable URL to return to original article. Customer convenience services should include online help, option to save, print, email, save search histories and results, and one-on-one trusted advice straight from a consumer research specialist.  Access to information should be seamless, minimal response time between query initiation and query results, and search results within 5-10 seconds. Consumer Reports would be a resource that meets the needed tools in an accessible database. Database must be able to provide password embedded URL’s for access through Library OPACS.  It also must be able to interface with the Air Force Portal, Army Knowledge Online (AKO), Marine Corps, Military OneSource, and Navy Digital Library (NDL).

This requirement is a follow-on to contract FA860422PB002.

This is a twelve (12) month base subscription with three (3) 12-month option years to EBSCO Information Services, LLC (CAGE: 913W2) for Consumer Reports.

Product characteristics an equal item must meet to be considered:

1. Must provide searchable full-text access to Consumer Reports Magazine
2. Must provide product ratings and reviews and in-depth advice, tips, and trends written by research experts for consumers.
3. Information must be updated frequently, providing reliable data, unbiased information, and more than 9,000 ratings, reviews, product comparisons and video clips.
4. Contents must have buying advice, product reviews, product ratings, product recommendations, money-saving advice and tips, and product videos.
5. Contents should have buying advice, product reviews, product ratings, product recommendations, money-saving advice and tips, and product videos.
6. Must provide subjects covering appliances, automobiles, babies and kids, electronics, food, health information, and money/personal finance.
7. Must have Keyword search, product search, A-Z product list, and the ability to limit by major category. Search functionality should be by keyword, Boolean/phrase, options to limit by keyword or phrase, capability to cite, export, and Permalink functionality sustainable URL to return to original article.
8. Customer convenience services should include online help, option to save, print, email, save search histories and results, and one-on-one trusted advice straight from a consumer research specialist.
9. Access to information should be seamless, minimal response time between query initiation and query results, and search results within 5-10 seconds.
10. Must be able to interface with the Air Force Portal, Army Knowledge Online (AKO), Marine Corps, Military OneSource, and Navy Digital Library (NDL).
11. Must be able to provide password embedded URL’s for access through Library OPACS.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the Government. The Government will consider responses received within 5 days of issuance of this notice. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a full and open competitive procurement or a small business set aside competitive procurement. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this announcement.

If the Government decides to compete this requirement, a synopsis shall be issued utilizing the combined synopsis/solicitation procedure identified in FAR 12.603. If this effort becomes a Small Business Set Aside, FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting, will apply. Therefore, small businesses that want to be considered for a small business set-aside should demonstrate how they intend to comply.

A determination not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Contractors should be aware of the following information:

1. Contractors must include the following information: 

           a. Points of contact, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers. 

           b. Identification as a large U.S. business, a small U.S. business, or a foreign business.       Please note that size indicated should be based on the NAICS code for this effort listed            above.

           c. Identification of any other socioeconomic status including: Women-Owned Small         Business, Economically Disadvantaged Small Business, 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran        Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business or HUBZone. 

           d. Company CAGE Code or DUNS Number.

2. If this posting specifically references brand name products, offerors are encouraged to suggest products other than those specifically referenced. Responses must address how the alternate product meets the product characteristics specified above.

3. Submitted information shall be UNCLASSIFIED.

4. Responses are limited to 10 pages in a Microsoft Word compatible format.

Responses should be emailed to Mary Cobb at mary.cobb.7@us.af.mil no later than 24 September 2025, 3:00 PM CST. Any questions should be directed to Mary Cobb through email.

All responses should be received no later than 24 September 2025, 3:00 PM (Central).