Intent to Sole Source: HL7 FHIR Accelerator Membership for the Gravity Project at the Premier Level

This document is a justification for a sole source acquisition by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), to Health Level Seven (HL7) International for an annual Premier Level Membership in the HL7 FHIR Accelerator: Gravity Project. The acquisition, valued at an estimated $2,000,000, covers a base period and three option years (May 2026 - April 2030) for a Firm Fixed Price contract. The justification cites FAR Subpart 13.501, 41 U.S.C 1901, and FAR 13.106-1(b), arguing that HL7 is the only organization with the necessary expertise to develop consensus-driven interoperability standards for social determinants of health data. Market research confirmed no other vendor offers this unique membership or mechanism for this work. The cost is deemed fair and reasonable as Gravity Project membership rates are publicly available. The ONC emphasizes the importance of this acquisition for advancing the use and interoperability of health outcomes data to improve individual and community well-being, guide standard development, inform policy, support state/local infrastructure, and drive innovation in care delivery.