FBO_Q_and_A.docx

Solicitation Number: AG-32SB-S-16-0003 / REQ 775350 Foreign Patent and Filing Prosecution Services Questions

1. Does an incumbent exist for the Foreign Patent and Filing Prosecution Services requirement and if so, could you please provide the vendor and the corresponding contract number?

Yes, the incumbent contractor is Nath & Associates PLLC under Contract Number AG-3K06-C-11-0003 awarded on 02/23/2011 totaling $2,926,896.00.

2. Has the previous contractor implemented a docket system with information to be transitioned?

The previous contractor’s docketing system cannot be supplied because it is proprietary. The offeror is not required to have a specific docketing system. The offeror must only explain their docketing system.

3. What type of document system is the current contractor using? Does this system provide a direct interface for the government to check in addition to reports? If the answer is “no,” would such an interface be a value added to the government?

The previous contractor’s docketing system cannot be supplied because it is proprietary. The offeror is not required to have a specific docketing system. The offeror must only explain their docketing system.

4. Will the contractor be required to advance foreign filing fees in advance of payment by the government? If the answer is “yes,” what procedures will be required for reimbursement? What turn-around time does the government anticipate?

Yes, the contractor will be required to advance foreign filing fees in advance of payment by the Government. The contractor must submit an invoice for reimbursement. The Government will review and approve the invoice promptly (through IPP and in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act.)

5. The Synopsis requires that a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items, should be included with the offer. However, this was not provided in the solicitation. Would submitting a completed copy of the Section K (pages 22-30) be sufficient?

Yes, the completion of Part IV, Section K – Representations, certifications and other statements of offerors or respondents will meet this requirement.

6. On page 42, the solicitation requires “a comprehensive list of all offered EIT products”, and “Full details demonstration compliance with Section 508 requirements shall be provided as a separate attachment to the technical proposal. This information will be made a part of any resulting award.” Please clarify and elaborate on what exactly is needed to be submitted as an attachment to the proposal. Please provide an acceptable example/sample. Please clarify the minimum number of employees needed to comply with Section 508 requirements.

All EIT procured through this contract must meet the applicable accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194, unless an agency exception to this requirement exists. (36 CFR 1194 implements Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and is viewable at http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm). The following standards have been determined to be applicable to this contract:

“The standards do not require the installation of specific accessibility-related software or the attachment of an assistive technology device, but merely require that the EIT be compatible with such software and devices so that it can be made accessible if so required by the agency in the future.”

7. Are there any spacing, margin, font/size, and page limit, etc., requirements for the proposal? None are provided in the proposal.

There are no formatting or response requirements for the offeror’s proposal.