Artificial Intelligence for Design Patent Applications - Synopsis - Only One Source

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has determined there is a need to acquire capabilities for examiners working on patent applications to search images in design databases by using images as a query (hereinafter referred to as image searching) using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies (AI Driven Image Search Tool). The USPTO is seeking access to the vendor’s AI-driven image searching tool to support the examiner search for patent applications. This Software as a Service (SaaS) solution will not replace any tools that USPTO currently provides to Patent Examiners.

As a result of the USPTO’s exemption from the Competition in Contracting Act, the AI Driven Image Search Tool requirement is being procured using the Alternate Competition Method in accordance with the Patent and Trademark Acquisition Guidelines (PTAG), 78 Fed. Reg. 61185, (October 3, 2013), and the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, 35 U.S.C. § 2(b)(4)(A).

The USPTO originally publicized this requirement on September 28, 2020 in the form of a Request for Information (RFI) with a response date of October 14, 2020 and a second RFI on November 2, 2022 with a response date of November 18, 2022. Based on the market research conducted, USPTO determined that Clarivate Analytics, LLC (Clarivate) is the vendor most likely to successfully meet the agency’s needs.

The USPTO intends to negotiate and award a contract for the AI Driven Image Search Tool (designated NAICS code 519290), to Clarivate, 3133 W. Frye Road, Suite 401, Chandler, AZ, 85226, for a period of up to three years (one-year base period and two (2) one-year option periods). This requirement is not a set-aside for small business. The estimated value, including option periods, is $10,085,900.97 and the anticipated award date is November 17, 2024. The contract award number and the line item number will be determined after the award. The contract support under this contract shall be provided remotely.

If applicable, technical data required to respond to the solicitation will be provided directly to Clarivate. In accordance with the Alternate Competition Method defined by the Patent and Trademark Acquisition Guidelines (PTAG) and the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(4)(A), Clarivate is the only vendor eligible for award as the offeror is already determined to be the most likely to successfully meet the agency’s needs through market research.

Closing response due date to the solicitation is September 12, 2023 (subject to change). This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals.