1333BJ21R00151001 - PTS RFP Attachment 4 Scenario Questions.pdf

Attachment 4: Scenario Questions

PTS Scenario-Based

Questions

Please present a written response to each scenario question and be sure to include your plans to address the management and quality of the Patent Technical Services (PTS) requirement. The vendor’s response should include the ability to achieve timeliness, quality standards, problem identification and resolution, and methods planned to ensure the provision of quality products and services. The response should also include management approach such as Key Personnel, communications, cost control, risk mitigation, coordination of contract operations, and teaming or subcontracting arrangements to ensure technical performance throughout the life of the contract.

1. Fee Increase scenario:

Today is September 30th; the new fee will be implemented on October 1st. Take us through the steps of how your staff would handle the influx of USPTO customers when it is 10:00 p.m. and a line of customers extends around the building? How would your staff incorporate the new patent fee and patent fee code changes the next business day? How would your staff ensure the efficiency of customer service and the ability to meet the requirements stated under the Customer Service Window contract task number for both days?

(Reference to Tasks: Customer Service Window–0006, 0006AA, 0006AB, Fee Collection/New Applications–0007, 0007AA–U.S., 0007AB–PCT;

Fee Collection Other Applications–0008, 0008AA–U.S., 000AB–PCT)

2. Information Technology System upgrade scenario:

Office Patent Application Processing receives notification that an Information Technology (IT) system is being retired. It will be replaced with the new IT system that will be used for processing of various patent applications. The IT system replacement will take place on a Thursday night after mid-night. The staff arrives on Friday morning;

the new IT system is up and running. How would your staff continue processing Formality Review (FR) and/or Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications without any downtime in service? How would your staff be successfully prepared to move from the old IT system to a new IT system to start their shift on Friday morning?

(Reference to Tasks: Formality Review (New Application)-0009, 0009AA -Utility/Plant, 0009AB–Design, 0009AC–Direct Hague Design, 0009AD-InDirect Hague Design, 0009AE-Provisional;

Formality Review- (Follow-On)–0010, 0010AA–Abandonment, 0010AB–Missing Parts, 0010AC–Change of Address, 0010AD–Corrected Filing Receipt, 0010AE–Revocation/Power of Attorney, 0010AF–PDX, 0010AG–SB69/ADS;

PCT National Stage–0011, 0011AA–PCT National Bib Data, 0011AB– PCT National Mailing;

PCT International–0012, 0012AA–PCT International Bib Data, 0012AB–International Printing & Mailing)

3. New Patent Law change Scenario:

In 2012, a recent patent law change, such as the America Invents Act (AIA), which was the most significant reform to patent law change in recent years. Patent Law changes may require dual operations during a specific transition period. How would the new patent law changes be understood by your staff to incorporate the new law while ensuring efficiency and quality of FR processing and/or PCT Bib data entry processing requirements are met?

(Reference to Tasks: Formality Review (New Application)-0009, 0009AA -Utility/Plant, 0009AB–Design, 0009AC–Direct Hague Design, 0009AD-InDirect Hague Design, 0009AE-Provisional;

Formality Review- (Follow-on)–0010, 0010AA–Abandonment, 0010AB–Missing Parts, 0010AC–Change of Address, 0010AD–Corrected Filing Receipt, 0010AE–Revocation/Power of Attorney, 0010AF–PDX, 0010AG–SB69/ADS;

PCT National Stage–0011, 0011AA–PCT National Bib Data, 0011AB– PCT National Mailing;

PCT International–0012, 0012AA–PCT International Bib Data, 0012AB–International Printing & Mailing)