United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Search Services
ID: USPTOACQ250359Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

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

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: PATENT AND TRADEMARK (R498)

Set Aside

8(a) Set-Aside (FAR 19.8) (8A)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/d5a9b0ddfc9445d7974246fb4a9ee8d0/view
Timeline
    Description

    The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking contractor support services for its Search Services, specifically focusing on Automated Biotechnology Sequence Searches, Chemical Structure Searches, and General Text Searches. The objective of this procurement is to enhance the USPTO's mission of examining, granting, and disseminating patents by providing comprehensive search services that utilize innovative methodologies and industry best practices. These services are critical for ensuring thorough prior art analysis, which is essential for navigating potential objections in patent applications. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit a capability statement and respond to this Sources Sought announcement, with the contract expected to be awarded as a best value firm fixed price award. For further inquiries, vendors may contact Sean Bain at Sean.Bain@uspto.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Sean Bain
    Sean.Bain@uspto.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Form USPTO-OP-022 Performance Work Statement - Search Services Recompete rev4 10-8-24.pdf
    The document outlines the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) Performance Work Statement for Search Services to support patent examination. It details the USPTO's mission to protect innovation through patent and trademark services and emphasizes the need for prior art searching, encompassing various information sources. The contract requires a qualified contractor to perform Automated Biotechnology Sequence Searches, Chemical Structure Searches, and General Text Searches. Key responsibilities include utilizing databases effectively, adhering to search request guidelines, and delivering final search results within specified timelines. Critical tasks also include smoothly transitioning into and out of contract phases while ensuring proper staffing and maintaining quality control through a comprehensive Quality Control Plan. The contract spans a base year and four option years, with stipulations for performance review and penalties for delays. The primary goal of the contract is ensuring the efficient examination, granting, and dissemination of patents, ultimately contributing to U.S. innovation and competitiveness.
    Search Services Recompete Attachment 1 - FY2024 Historical Volumes by Search Request Types.pdf
    The document outlines the search activity conducted by federal contract staff during the fiscal year 2024, focusing on types of searches: ABSS, Structure, and Text, with data segmented by month. Between October 2023 and September 2024, search volumes were recorded monthly, reflecting varying levels of activity. Total searches ranged from 864 in October 2023 to 1,119 in September 2024, indicating an overall upward trend in search requests. Detailed monthly counts reveal fluctuations in each search category, with ABSS searches showing the highest activity in March 2024 (836 searches). The data serves as a performance metric for federal grants and contract engagements, illustrating regular assessments of data retrieval efforts tied to agency requirements, whether for RFPs, compliance checks, or grant processing. This comprehensive summary of activities highlights operational effectiveness and resource utilization in response to federal and local inquiry demands.
    Search Services Recompete Attachment 2 - Text Search Type Percentages by Technology Center.pdf
    The document outlines a summary of percentage distributions related to text search inquiries for various Technology Centers, denoted by TC codes ranging from TC1600 to TC3700. Each center is associated with a specific percentage, indicating the proportion of contractor searches conducted by technology type. The TC codes with their respective percentages are as follows: TC1600 (9%), TC1700 (5%), TC2100 (21%), TC2400 (0%), TC2600 (1%), TC2800 (22%), TC3600 (35%), and TC3700 (7%). This information appears to be part of a broader analytical framework possibly aimed at understanding contracting patterns in federal or state/local grant processes. The focus on Technology Centers suggests an emphasis on categorizing contractors by technological specialization in the context of government-funded projects. This document can aid in identifying trends in contractor engagement and resource allocation decision-making in government procurement, ultimately enhancing effectiveness in future RFPs and grants.
    Search Services Recompete Attachment 3 - Sequence Search Samples.pdf
    The document contains samples of non-standard sequence search requests pertinent to genetic sequences, likely aimed at obtaining data for research or regulatory purposes. It includes three attachments: Attachment 3a provides sample search requests indicating specific sequence identifiers (SEQ ID NOs) and their variations, such as a specific amino acid position (Sample A), nucleotide sequences (Sample B), and a description of a fusion polypeptide (Sample C). Attachment 3b outlines a request for a sequence search focusing on both prior art and interference concerning several specific SEQ ID NOs against various proteins, with a target of retrieving 200 search hits for each. Attachment 3c references results associated with the FuzzPro tool, indicating the retrieval of sequence comparison data shared via designated platforms. Overall, the document serves as a guideline for conducting genetic sequence searches and emphasizes an organized approach to data collection, likely in response to federal or state RFPs related to bioinformatics or genomic research.
    Search Services Recompete Attachment 4 - Structure Search Samples.pdf
    The document comprises two attachments related to the search criteria for specific chemical compounds in a federal research context. Attachment 4a requests a search for the quinodimethane compound, identified by its Formula 1 from claim 2, while allowing for broader searches using examples from claim 5. Attachment 4b simply requests a search of claim 1 without additional specifications. The main purpose of the document is to clarify the search parameters for compounds as part of a federal Request for Proposal (RFP) or grant application, likely aimed at researchers or organizations interested in developing or analyzing these specific chemical structures. By establishing clear instructions on the compounds to be investigated, the document aims to ensure that searches yield relevant and accurate results for future work within the scope of the grant or RFP requirements. Consistency in these searches is essential for aligning with federal standards in research applications.
    Search Services Recompete Attachment 5 - Text Search Samples.pdf
    The government file comprises various requests for patent searches focusing on specific chemical, electrical, and mechanical technologies related to prior art considerations for new patent applications. Each attachment outlines the search concepts or limitations, including the effective filing dates that need to be surpassed, and delves into specific technical domains such as nanocomposites, sulfidation processes, and motor/generator configurations. Key entries highlight the pursuit of existing patents that align closely with the innovations being claimed, suggesting particular past studies as benchmarks for comparison. The emphasis on terms like "login metadata" and the suggestion of alternate terminology illustrate the nuanced nature of patent language and the need for clarity. Overall, the file details the structured approach to patent search requests, demonstrating a methodical means of securing intellectual property by ensuring comprehensive prior art analysis to navigate potential objections effectively.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Search Services
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