Inventor's Assistance Center (IAC) Services
ID: ACQ-25-0296Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFUS PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICEDEPT OF COMMERCE PTOALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314, USA

NAICS

All Other Business Support Services (561499)

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: POLICY REVIEW/DEVELOPMENT (R406)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/956e1b065f8a48da9e68b609baa6d7b0/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), is seeking qualified contractors to provide services for the Inventor's Assistance Center (IAC). The primary objective of this procurement is to support the IAC in delivering public guidance on patent examining policies and procedures, utilizing former Patent Examiners to assist inventors with inquiries related to applications, rules, and filing processes. This initiative is crucial for enhancing public access to patent information and ensuring inventors receive high-quality support as they navigate the patent process. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their qualifications and capabilities in writing by the specified deadline, with responses limited to five pages and no pricing information included. For further inquiries, interested parties may contact Mike Spatuzzi at Michael.Spatuzzi@uspto.gov or Kelly Gustafson at Kelly.Gustafson@uspto.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Mike Spatuzzi
    Michael.Spatuzzi@uspto.gov
    Kelly Gustafson
    Kelly.Gustafson@uspto.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    IAC PWS - Updated 11-05-2024.pdf
    The document outlines the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the Inventor’s Assistance Center (IAC) under the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The IAC's mission is to provide information services regarding patent examining policies and procedures, primarily to support the inventor community. The contract will be a firm-fixed price with a performance period spanning from April 30, 2025, to April 29, 2030, including several option periods. Key tasks for the contractor include responding to calls and inquiries with a target of answering 90% of calls within specified time frames, adhering to guidelines from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, and documenting call data for performance management. The contractor is required to prepare monthly statistical reports on call metrics and provide training support at USPTO events. The contractor must employ a fulltime Program Manager responsible for day-to-day operations and ensure that all staff have relevant expertise. The document also includes details about the necessary government-furnished equipment, quality assurance, and compliance with federal regulations. Overall, the PWS aims to enhance public access to patent information while maintaining high standards of service and support for inventors navigating the patent process.
    IAC Sources Sought Notice_Final.pdf
    The Sources Sought Notice (SSN) issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) aims to gather information from qualified contractors that can support the Inventor’s Assistance Center (IAC) services. This SSN serves as a market research tool rather than a commitment to contract, as the USPTO assesses the potential capabilities of interested parties, especially following the incumbent's graduation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program. The IAC's mission is to provide public guidance on patent examining policies and procedures, using former Patent Examiners to assist inventors with queries related to applications, rules, and filing processes. Interested vendors must respond in writing, detailing their qualifications and capabilities—submissions should not exceed five pages and should not include pricing information. The final section emphasizes that responses will not lead to contract commitments and outlines the government’s discretion in determining future procurements, including potential small business set-asides. The notice encourages small businesses capable of providing the outlined services to participate in this market inquiry for possible future opportunities.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Inventor's Assistance Center (IAC) Services
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