ACQ-27-0147_Question-Answers.pdf

1 Will recruiters need access to USPTO systems, or may we use our own secure systems? recruiters will need access to USPTO system

2 Will contractor staff need a background check or a security clearance? yes

Section 5(c) prohibits transferring data outside the USPTO-granted ATO boundary. Does this apply to contractor-owned recruiting systems that hold candidate sourcing data the contractor develops, or only to USPTO-furnished data and systems?

Section 5(c) applies to all data collected, accessed, created, or maintained in connection with USPTO contract performance, regardless of whether the data originates from the USPTO or is developed by the contractor. This includes candidate sourcing data, referral records, screening notes, contact information, and other recruiting-related information generated or maintained while performing under the contract.

May contractors use their existing commercial recruiting platforms for sourcing and candidate outreach, provided all applicable USPTO security requirements are met?

yes but they must have the candidate apply through USA Jobs

May contractors use their existing commercial recruiting platforms for sourcing and candidate outreach, provided all applicable USPTO security requirements are met? yes but they must have the candidate apply through USA Jobs

Candidate Attribution and Verification: Because candidates must submit applications directly through USAJobs, what specific candidate identification protocol or tracking mechanism (e.g., candidate notification codes, direct HR confirmation) will the agency use to verify that a submission originated from contractor outreach?

the contractor should send over a list with of their recommended candidates that we can compare to what we recieved in USA Jobs

USAJobs Training and SOPs: Will USPTO provide training, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or guidance materials for assisting candidates with the USAJobs.gov application process, including SES/SL-specific application requirements?

Unknown at this time. The RFI is to help develop the final SOW and procurement strategy.

Application Assistance Responsibilities: To what extent is the contractor expected to assist passive candidates with federal application materials (e.g., converting commercial resumes into federal formats or framing Executive Core Qualifications [ECQs]) while remaining compliant with Merit System Principles?

The contractor will assist the candidates with the application process, including explaining USAJOBS procedures, required application components, formatting expectations, and publicly available information concerning SES/SL application requirements. The contractor may help candidates organize and accurately present information they provide but may not create or materially alter application content, develop ECQs based on undisclosed or unsupported experience, misrepresent qualifications, or provide assistance that gives a candidate an unfair advantage.

Past Performance Submission: Our firm has successfully recruited and placed candidates across multiple Government and commercial clients in various positions. Would USPTO accept a consolidated past performance table listing the Agency/Client Name, Position/Role Filled, and Candidate Joining Date, rather than requiring individual past performance details and separate POC information for each placement?

If the solicitation specifically requires individual references or POC information for each placement, the response should state that the offeror must follow the solicitation’s requirements.

Off-Ramp / Partial Completion : If an internal or government candidate is selected over a contractor-sourced candidate, how will partial completion of the search effort be compensated under the BPA?

Unknown at this time. The RFI is to help develop the final SOW and procurement strategy.

Please clarify the intended scope of the requested past performance “photos of the awards provided (if possible),” including whether the Government seeks recognition awards, contract award documentation, or other supporting visual documentation. Additionally, please confirm whether such materials are optional and may be redacted, as necessary, to protect confidential or proprietary information

These materials are optional and are not intended to require submission of contract award documents, proprietary information, or other confidential materials. Offerors may submit photos, scanned copies, or other visual documentation if available and appropriate. Any submitted materials may be redacted as necessary to protect confidential, proprietary, personally identifiable, or otherwise sensitive information, provided that the redactions do not obscure the information necessary for the Government’s evaluation.

What are USPTO's expectations regarding candidate slate size and deliverables for a typical executive recruitment engagement?

Unknown at this time. The RFI is to help develop the final SOW and procurement strategy.

Beyond candidate identification, outreach, and engagement, does USPTO anticipate any additional support activities throughout the recruitment process?

not at this time

Does USPTO anticipate contractor support related to SES Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), executive resume development, or other federal application requirements?

Yes

15 Is payment tied to deliverables, or only to a successful hire? Unknown at this time. The RFI is to help develop the final SOW and procurement strategy.

16 How many executive searches did USPTO order in each of the last two years?

Because of the hiring freeze, that information will not be released as it is not reflective of this requirement.

17 About how many searches could run at the same time? Unknown

18 How many qualified applicants does USPTO expect for each search? Unknown. Each BPA call will be unique.

19 Will each call order be a firm fixed price per search? Yes 20 Will this be set aside for small businesses? Unknown at this time. The RFI is to help develop procurement strategy.

21 Is there an incumbent contractor doing this work now? No 22 What is the estimated total value of this new BPA over all five years? Unkown at this time.

23 When does USPTO expect to release the solicitation and make the award? Unkown at this time.

24 How will USPTO pick the winner: lowest price, or best value? Unkown at this time.

Is past performance in federal executive search required, or is commercial search experience accepted?

Please provide whatever past performance would be applicable to this requirement

26 How many days will each USAJobs posting stay open? There is no static number of days. Each BPA call will be unique.

The Kick-Off Meeting is due "within five (5) business from award." Does this mean business days?17. The Kick-Off Meeting is due "within five (5) business from award." Does this mean business days?

5 business days = 5 business days. Not calendar days.

Past performance. In the down-select, will USPTO consider the experience of the firm's key personnel as well as the firm's own contracts?

Yes.

29 Is a Federal Supply Schedule contract required for the anticipated competition? No

30 What is the anticipated timeline for the solicitation and first recruitment assignment? Unknown

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Executive Roles: Could USPTO provide the anticipated SES/SL executive job titles or specific roles under each of the seven identified disciplines (Patent, Trademark, Information Technology, Finance, Cyber Security, General Law, and Administrative Services), along with the estimated number of vacancies for each discipline?

Unknown

Concurrent Searches: Will individual Call Orders require concurrent searches across multiple functional areas (e.g., simultaneously recruiting for a CISO and an Administrative Patent Judge), or are searches typically executed sequentially?

Unknown

Recruitment Timeline: Does the USPTO have a target SLA or standard period of performance for presenting an initial candidate slate per Call Order (e.g., 30 days, 60 days)?

There is no static number of days. Each BPA call will be unique.

Qualification Standards: Will individual Call Orders provide pre-approved technical scoring matrices or specific Qualification Standards for niche tracks (such as positions for IP Law/Patent operations vs. enterprise Cybersecurity)?

Each BPA call will be unique and specific to the position we are seeking to fill

. Call Order Notification: How will USPTO notify the contractor of new SES/SL recruitment requirements? Will each requirement be communicated through a formal BPA Call Order containing the vacancy details, position description, and recruitment timelines?

Yes, each requirement will be a separate call order.

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