Department of Energy awards $3.7M for web search portals, highlighting ongoing information service needs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,689 ($3.7K)
Contractor: West Publishing Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2027-03-30
Contract Duration: 363 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NEW ORDER FOR ONE SUBSCRIPTION
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20585
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $3,689.28 to WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION for work described as: NEW ORDER FOR ONE SUBSCRIPTION Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the subscription nature of the service. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed award, suggesting potential for price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low for this type of service, primarily dependent on vendor performance. 4. Performance context is tied to the duration of the subscription, ensuring continuous access. 5. Sector positioning is within information services, crucial for research and operational support.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.69 million over approximately one year for web search portals and information services is within a reasonable range for enterprise-level subscriptions. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for information databases and research tools suggests this pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure further supports value by fixing costs for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process was utilized for this award. While specific bidder numbers are not provided, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation implies that multiple offers were likely solicited and considered. This level of competition, even within SAP, generally leads to better price discovery and selection of the most advantageous offer for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive procedures, even for smaller dollar amounts, ensures taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging vendors to offer their best terms.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy benefits from continuous access to vital web search portals and information services. Essential research, data analysis, and operational support functions within the DOE are enabled by this contract. The geographic impact is national, supporting DOE operations across various locations. Workforce implications include ensuring DOE personnel have the necessary tools for information retrieval and analysis.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if alternative information sources are not explored.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical information services could pose a disruption risk if service quality degrades.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process, indicating a selection based on merit and price.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- Long-term subscription ensures consistent availability of essential information resources.
Sector Analysis
The Information Services sector is a critical component of government operations, providing access to vast amounts of data and research. This contract falls under NAICS code 519290 (Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services). Spending in this category supports agencies' needs for research, intelligence gathering, and operational knowledge management. Comparable spending often involves subscriptions to specialized databases, research platforms, and information aggregation services.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, the contract was competed under SAP, which can sometimes include provisions for small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award simplifies financial oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Government-wide Information Technology Contracts
- Research and Development Support Services
- Knowledge Management Systems
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Reliance on a single provider for critical information
Tags
energy, department-of-energy, information-services, web-search, competed, firm-fixed-price, sap, delivery-order, district-of-columbia, subscription, research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $3,689.28 to WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION. NEW ORDER FOR ONE SUBSCRIPTION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $3,689.28.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-30.
What is the track record of WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION with the Department of Energy and other federal agencies?
WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION, operating as Thomson Reuters, has a significant history of providing legal and business information services to government entities. While specific contract details with the Department of Energy beyond this award are not provided, the company is a well-established vendor in the federal space, often securing contracts for legal research databases, regulatory information, and business intelligence tools. Their track record generally indicates a capacity to meet the complex information needs of federal agencies. Further investigation into past performance reviews and contract history across different agencies would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and service quality.
How does the annual cost of this subscription compare to similar information services procured by other federal agencies?
The annual cost for this subscription, approximately $3.69 million for a one-year term, needs to be benchmarked against comparable services. Without knowing the specific features and scope of the 'Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services' provided by WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION, a precise comparison is difficult. However, federal agencies often procure large-scale information databases and research platforms that can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually. Factors influencing cost include the breadth of content, number of users, advanced search functionalities, and integration capabilities. A detailed analysis would involve comparing the per-user cost or cost per data point against similar enterprise-level subscriptions across agencies like the Department of Justice, Library of Congress, or other research-intensive organizations.
What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single vendor for essential web search and information services?
The primary risks associated with relying on a single vendor for essential web search and information services include vendor lock-in, potential price increases upon renewal, service disruptions, and a lack of innovation if the vendor's offerings stagnate. Vendor lock-in can make it difficult and costly to switch providers, even if better alternatives emerge. Price increases can strain budgets, especially if competition is limited in subsequent procurements. Service disruptions, whether due to technical issues, cyberattacks, or the vendor's financial instability, can severely impact agency operations that depend on timely information access. Furthermore, a lack of competitive pressure might disincentivize the vendor from investing in new features or improving service quality, potentially leaving the agency with outdated tools.
What is the expected impact of this contract on the Department of Energy's ability to conduct research and analysis?
This contract is expected to significantly enhance the Department of Energy's (DOE) ability to conduct research and analysis by providing access to comprehensive and up-to-date information resources. Reliable web search portals and information services are fundamental tools for researchers, scientists, and policymakers within the DOE. They enable the discovery of relevant academic papers, industry reports, regulatory updates, and competitive intelligence. This access facilitates informed decision-making, supports the development of new energy technologies, and ensures the DOE remains abreast of global trends and scientific advancements in the energy sector. The continuity provided by a subscription service ensures that these critical resources are consistently available, minimizing disruptions to ongoing research projects.
How has federal spending on information services like web search portals evolved over the past five years?
Federal spending on information services, including web search portals and databases, has generally seen a steady increase over the past five years, driven by the growing reliance on data analytics, digital transformation initiatives, and the need for comprehensive intelligence. Agencies across the government are increasingly digitizing their operations and seeking sophisticated tools to manage, analyze, and disseminate information. While specific figures for 'Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services' (NAICS 519290) fluctuate, the broader category of IT services and data management solutions has experienced significant growth. This trend is fueled by the demand for cloud-based solutions, specialized research platforms, and advanced analytics capabilities, reflecting a government-wide push towards data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services › Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Thomson Company Inc, the
Address: 2900 AMES CROSSING RD STE 100, EAGAN, MN, 55121
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,689
Exercised Options: $3,689
Current Obligation: $3,689
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89303026DGC000004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-30
Potential End Date: 2027-03-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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