Notice of Intent to Sole Source; UpToDate Medical Reference Database

General Description: The US Coast Guard (USCG) intends to award a sole source contract to UpToDate, Inc., the original content provider, for the subscription and access to their proprietary Online Medical Reference Database (MRD). This procurement is being conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

Rationale: The rationale for this sole source procurement is based on the Coast Guard physicians need for an Online Medical Reference Database provided by UpToDate, Inc. As the unique content provider, UpToDate possesses technical knowledge, proprietary clinical tools, and specialized expertise required to deliver evidence-based, peer-reviewed, physician-authored medical reference content. No other vendor has the capability to provide the required database access and associated services due to the proprietary nature of the content and platform.

UpToDate is uniquely capable of satisfying the government’s operational and clinical needs as described in the attached justification.

Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition: A search was conducted of strategic sourcing vehicles (SSVs) for DHS and the Coast Guard, but none were in scope or provided this type of service. A deeper review was conducted of the Defense Logistics Service (DLS), General Services Administration (GSA), Veterans Affairs (VA), and SAM.gov, none of which identified an existing government vehicle capable of meeting this requirement. Market research confirmed extensive use of UpToDate by DHS, Universities, fellow Military Services, and many others on a sole-source basis.

Conclusion: Based on the unique capabilities of UpToDate, Inc., the USCG intends to proceed with awarding a sole source contract to UpToDate, Inc., for the subscription and access required.

For any questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Jamison Harned, Contracting Officer, at Jamison.w.harned@uscg.mil.