The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeks proposals for an Energy and Regulatory Legislation Subscription Service under solicitation number 89603025Q0017. The contract duration includes a base period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with four one-year options available for extension through March 31, 2030. Bidders are invited to submit their quotations by 5:00 PM EDT on March 19, 2025, and inquiries should be directed to Kevin Richards by 5:00 PM EST on March 17, 2025. The solicitation emphasizes that the contract is set aside for various small business categories, including service-disabled veteran-owned and women-owned businesses, promoting inclusion in federal procurement. Contractors must comply with strict cybersecurity measures and ensure software licenses are free of malicious code. They are also prohibited from using telecommunications equipment from certain foreign entities, consistent with current U.S. security standards. The award will be based on the best value to the government, prioritizing a comprehensive review of offers received. This solicitation exemplifies the government’s focus on transparency, cybersecurity, and support for small businesses in federal contracting.

The document is a justification for the use of the brand name Bloomberg Government by the Office of External Affairs, specifying that only this product meets the agency's needs for legislative coverage. The justification is based on the unique capabilities of Bloomberg Government, such as real-time legislative alerts, comprehensive bill analysis, and access to legislative documents which cannot be matched by other products. The documentation underscores compliance with federal regulations regarding the restriction of competition, necessitated by proprietary features, and requires minimal competition due to the essential nature of the product for the agency's operations. The relevant Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) references are included to support the procurement decision. Overall, the document highlights the importance of legislative intelligence in government operations while ensuring adherence to competitive procurement standards.

The document serves as a brand name justification for the procurement of Bloomberg Government services by the Office of External Affairs. It identifies Bloomberg Government, manufactured by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, as essential due to its unique capabilities and the inability to source equivalent products that meet the government's stringent requirements. The document outlines critical services provided by Bloomberg, including legislative alerts, bill analyses, congressional hearing transcripts, and up-to-date tracking of legislative activities. The agency asserts that no other product can match the utility and features needed, which include real-time updates and comprehensive analysis of federal legislation. Justifications for restricting competition are grounded in federal regulations permitting sole-source contracts when no alternatives exist that can fulfill specific agency needs. This procurement process is documented to ensure adherence to regulations that govern competition and contracting approval within federal government operations.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission intends to procure Bloomberg Government services through a justification for other than full and open competition. This decision is supported by the finding that Bloomberg Government is the sole provider offering a subscription service that meets the agency's needs, unlike competitors who provide software requiring costly licensing and maintenance. The estimated cost for this procurement is $174,186.60. The statutory authority for bypassing full competition is based on the necessity of a unique source, as outlined in FAR 6.302-1. Market research confirmed that other vendors could not adequately fulfill the requirement. No written expressions of interest were received from alternative sources, and there are currently no plans to promote competition before future acquisitions. The certifications included affirm the accuracy and completeness of the justification provided. This document reflects the agency’s compliance with procurement regulations while addressing the pressing need for specific governmental resources.

The document outlines a Statement of Work (SOW) for a legislative subscription service required by the Office of External Affairs (OEA) of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This service aims to track and analyze legislative developments on energy-related bills as they navigate Congress, providing timely, comprehensive information critical for influencing budget and appropriations actions relevant to the energy sector. Key features include customizable alerts, expert analysis of bills, access to full transcripts of discussions and amendments, and searchable databases for law and regulation research. The contract is set to provide unlimited access for five OEA staff members from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2029, with services being deliverable via mobile applications and email. The SOW also specifies the performance location, tasks expected from the contractor, and the essential capabilities required to support FERC's legislative monitoring needs effectively. Overall, it illustrates the government's commitment to staying informed and proactive in energy regulation matters.