This SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE is to determine the availability of potential small businesses (e.g., 8(a), service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, veteran-owned small business, and women-owned small business) that can provide access to a database that can provide US business and household information that consist of current addresses, telephone numbers, firmographic, and demographic information. The database should provide information through a variety of media, including on-line reference and research tools and flat files for internal agency use.

The information from this market research will help USDA National Agricultural Library (NAL) plan their acquisition strategy. Please be sure to indicate if you have a GSA schedule contract, a contract on GSA 8(a) STARS, or a contract on GSA VETS GWAC.

THIS IS STRICTLY MARKET RESEARCH. NASS WILL NOT ENTERTAIN QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS MARKET RESEARCH.

BACKGROUND

USDA/ARS/NAL requires access to the largest possible database of abstracts and citations to peer-reviewed literature including scientific journals, books and conference proceedings. This database must be renewable in the summer (July 1) of each calendar year to ensure funding is available to provide continuous and uninterrupted access to the most recent records added to the database.
The National Agricultural Library (NAL) is mandated (7 U.S.C. 3101) to serve as the primary agricultural information resource of the United States. One of its functions in that role is the identification and/or acquisition of information in all aspects of agriculture and allied sciences. In support of this function, the NAL acquires citation and abstracting databases from publishers and makes the databases accessible to USDA employees and library patrons via the internet.

In keeping with its charge to identify and guide users to agricultural and related information, NAL provides efficient cross-database searching on its own platform, DigiTop Navigator, and a search interface to its growing collection of as many citations and abstracts to as many publications in as many formats from as many publishers and sources as possible.

To continue to make this highly efficient and comprehensive search capability available to its users, NAL must acquire the content directly from each database's publisher, in a format that will lend itself to incorporation with Navigator. Access to the database to be acquired through this proposed contract is of vital importance to USDA researchers. USDA researchers have demonstrated its importance to their research by their heavy past use of this resource.

RESPONSE INFORMATION

In order to respond to this notice, contractors must be able to clearly convey its experience and/or ability to perform the following tasks identified:

       1. Demonstrate the companies database capacity can included abstract and   citation database of peer-reviewed literature: scientific journals, books and conference proceedings. Delivering a comprehensive overview of the world's research output in the fields of science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and arts and humanities, Scopus features smart tools to track, analyze and visualize research.

       2. Demonstrate that their database is the most up to date database. Preferred is updated Daily.

Each response should include the following Business Information:

a. DUNS.
b. Company Name.
c. Company Address.
d. Current GSA Schedules appropriate to this Sources Sought.
f. Type of Company (i.e., small business, 8(a), woman owned, veteran owned, etc.) as  validated via the System for Award Management(https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/)
g. Company Point of Contact, Phone and Email address

Teaming Arrangements: All teaming arrangements should also include the above-cited information and certifications for each entity on the proposed team. Teaming arrangements are encouraged.

Responses must be submitted not later than 4/11/2016 2PM MST. Capability statements will not be returned and will not be accepted after the due date. The maximum number of pages for submission is 8 pages.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Sources Sought Notice is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a commitment by the Government. This is not a solicitation announcement for proposals and no contract will be awarded from this Notice. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this Notice. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this evaluation. Capability statements will not be returned and will not be accepted after the due date.

As previously stated, the Government will not entertain questions regarding this Market Research; however, general questions may be forwarded to the following:

Contracting Officer: Jessica Massey
Email Address: [email protected]