T -- Journal Online Database

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate a sole-source contract with Springer Science+Business Media, LLC for access to the SpringerLink online database of journal content, as Springer is the sole owner and provider of this proprietary database. The contract, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), is planned for one base year with the option to extend for three additional years. Although this notice is not a solicitation for competitive offers, the government will consider responses submitted by November 29, 2006, that demonstrate another company's bona fide capability to provide the required service, with any decision to pursue a competitive procurement resting solely with the government. The procurement falls under the NAICS code 511120 and is managed by NIST’s Information Services Division within the Department of Commerce, located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Key points of contact for the contract are Contract Specialist Sandra K. Shaffner and Joseph L. Widdup. The contract focuses on securing continued access to the specialized SpringerLink journal database essential for NIST’s research and information services, acknowledging Springer as the exclusive source of this content.