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The US Geological Survey (USGS) Library intends to award a sole source contract to Public Library of Science (PLOS) for a flat fee, firm-fixed-price agreement. This contract will allow USGS authors to publish an unlimited number of gold open access (OA) articles in PLOS journals. The period of performance is from 04/17/2026 to 04/16/2027. The USGS is seeking to award this contract without full and open competition under FAR ****, as PLOS is considered the only source reasonably available due to its unique OA portfolio and flat fee model. Vendors who believe they have similar technical expertise and can provide the same services are invited to contact the contracting officer, Leah Williams, via email at ***@***. *. * no later than 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The contract will cover nine PLOS journals, including PLOS ONE, PLOS Complex Systems, PLOS Water, PLOS Climate, PLOS Pathogens, PLOS Genetics, PLOS Computational Biology, PLOS Digital Health, and PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. There will be no limits on the number of articles published, and all article types will be included. The publisher must provide perpetual access to OA original research, peer-reviewed articles in earth and environmental sciences, geosciences, water resources, and related public health and ecosystem impacts. Participating journals must be indexed by major services. Market research did not identify any additional sources offering a fully open, flat fee model that meets the government's minimum needs. The USGS Library will continue to monitor the marketplace for future competition.
The total anticipated period of performance will be 04/17/2026 - 04/16/2027.
The bid notice states that this contract establishes a flat fee, firm-fixed-price agreement.
The bid notice indicates an intent to award a sole source contract, suggesting the award will be based on the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor.
The bid notice states that the proposed action may be awarded without full and open competition under FAR **** as PLOS is the sole publisher and authorized source of the required nine journals, providing a unique OA portfolio that aligns with USGS mission areas.
Vendors are invited to contact the contracting officer, Leah Williams, via email at ***@***. *. * no later than 5:00 PM EST, Wednesday, April 15, 2026 with an affirmative answer.