Intent to Sole Source _ Provide Docketing, Tracking, In-House Payment and Reporting Services for Foreign Applications/Patents
Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFAGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICEUSDA ARS AFM APDBELTSVILLE, MD, 20705, USA

NAICS

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541990)

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT/SUPPORT (R408)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/2d7f0574ccd2460f92b4daf73d627295/view
Timeline
    Description

    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), intends to award a sole source contract to Computer Packages Inc. (CPI) for the provision of docketing, tracking, in-house payment, and reporting services for its foreign patent portfolio. The contractor will be responsible for managing approximately 800 foreign patents, ensuring timely payment of annuities, taxes, and maintenance fees, while maintaining compliance with international patent regulations through a real-time online management system. This procurement is critical for safeguarding the government's intellectual property rights and supporting technology transfer initiatives, as many patents are licensed to commercial partners. The anticipated period of performance is from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with an expected award date of November 21, 2024. Interested parties may contact Scott Ballweg at scott.ballweg@usda.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Scott Ballweg
    scott.ballweg@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    SOW.pdf
    The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a contractor to manage the docketing, tracking, and reporting of foreign patents, ensuring that annuities, taxes, and maintenance fees are paid promptly. With approximately 800 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications currently in play, ARS has a significant responsibility in maintaining its extensive patent portfolio, which supports federally sponsored research and promotes technology transfer. The contractor must maintain an accurate docketing system that complies with various international patent regulations and provide real-time online management for fee payments. Key deliverables include quarterly Tax Maintenance Reports detailing payment due dates and estimated costs, along with monthly confirmations and receipts for all payments made. The contractor must also ensure the confidentiality of all governmental information and comply with relevant laws in the jurisdictions of payment. This effort enhances U.S. economic activity by protecting and marketing agricultural innovations derived from ARS research, illustrating the government's commitment to effective technology management and collaboration.
    SSJ Redact.pdf
    The document outlines a sole source justification for a procurement by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), specifically the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), seeking a contractor to manage its foreign patent portfolio from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The requirement is deemed urgent due to the unpredictable nature of patent licensing and the inability to forecast future costs, leading to the decision against using option years. Market research revealed that four companies responded to a Sources Sought Notice, but none met the technical standards required without involving costly third-party subcontractors. The chosen vendor, Computer Packages Inc. (CPI), based in Rockville, MD, is uniquely qualified due to its comprehensive solution for managing foreign patent annuities, including an in-house tracking system and specific patent audit services. CPI's expertise in international patent laws, along with their capacity to offer features such as currency flexibility and real-time management, positions them as the sole source capable of fulfilling the requirements. The justification emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding government intellectual property rights, particularly as many patents are licensed to commercial partners. Overall, CPI's capabilities are essential to ensure compliance and integrity within the Government's patent portfolio management.
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