Inactive

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Kansas City, MO, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis a firm fixed-price contract with West Publishin... The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Kansas City, MO, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis a firm fixed-price contract with West Publishing Corp. (dba West, a Thomson Reuters), 610 Opperman Dr., Eagan, MN 55123, for CLEAR Investigations Basis Subscription. GSA Schedule: Category 511120 – Periodicals, Subscriptions, Online Book Selling and Lending Library Services The United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), National Operations Division (NOD) Frames Maintenance Group (FMG) maintains a List Sampling Frame of farm operators and agri-businesses for the purpose of survey and census sampling. The NASS List Sampling Frame requires continuous regular maintenance and update to ensure full and accurate survey samples for the collection of data used to produce NASS reports. Maintaining a complete and accurate List Sampling Frame is critical to the production of the Census of Agriculture and Principal Federal Economic Indicator reports, which are Mission Essential Functions of the Agency. NASS utilizes CLEAR Investigations Basic database service at nineteen headquarters and field locations to maintain and update the NASS List Frame with current address and phone information. CLEAR Investigations Basic web-based product provides access to cell phone numbers, landlines, VOIP, and addresses through a comprehensive collection of public records data. This research tool is required to update and maintain a current and accurate List Sampling Frame, which is critical in meeting mission operational goals. The current contract for subscription to CLEAR Investigations Basic database service expires on November 30, 2021. NASS requires a new contract for CLEAR Investigations Basic database service for 200 users for a base year with four option years to commence December 1, 2021. The Contractor shall provide: CLEAR Investigations Basic web-based services for two hundred (200) users Account support and training as required by NASS Period of Performance: Base Year: 12/1/2021 – 11/30/2022 Option Year 1: 12/1/2022 – 11/30/2023 Option Year 2: 12/1/2023 – 11/30/2024 Option Year 3: 12/1/2024 – 11/30/2025 Option Year 4: 12/1/2025 – 11/30/2026 Maintaining a complete and accurate List Sampling Frame is critical to the production of the Census of Agriculture and Principal Federal Economic Indicator reports, which are Mission Essential Functions of the Agency. Market research has revealed the CLEAR Investigations Basic web-based software meets this mission critical requirement with a unique combination of proprietary features and database inclusions. These features include real-time cell phone and vehicle registration data along with utility data records; and proprietary ERD technology to return results from and overcome partial or incomplete data searches. The CLEAR Investigations Basic software has been in use at nineteen NASS Headquarters and Field Office locations since 2016. Use of an unproven research tool to update and maintain the NASS List Sampling Frame could potentially result in data collection delays or data losses due to undeliverable mail and disconnected phone number data, as well as increased data collection and postage costs; therefore, the following circumstance justifies limiting the source under FAR 8.405-6: FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) – Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required. Anticipated Date of Award: 11/30/2021 THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Vendors that believe they can provide the services listed above are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government.