Biological Sequence Database (GENESEQ)

SOURCES SOUGHT: This document supports the USPTO’s market research efforts in support of STIC. This Sources Sought Synopsis is not a request for competitive proposals.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking sources for Automated Biotechnology Sequence Search Software and Maintenance Support and unlimited access to the new data that is added to the biological sequencing database, in accordance with the attached Statement of Work (SOW).

The mission of the USPTO is to foster innovation, competitiveness and job growth in the United States.  USPTO conducts high quality and timely patent and trademark examinations and reviews proceedings in order to produce reliable and predictable intellectual property rights, guides intellectual property policy, improves intellectual property rights protection and delivering intellectual property information and education worldwide.

The mission of the Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) is to enable patent examiners to accomplish the USPTO mission. USPTO seeks to acquire Automated Biotechnology Sequence Search Software and Maintenance Support and acquire unlimited access to the new data that is added to the biological sequencing database. This will allow examiners to determine whether a genetic sequence is novel, and will provide genetic sequence prior art for patent examination.

“The USPTO intends to award the Automated Biotechnology Sequence Search Software and Maintenance Support to a HubZone small business, in accordance with the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act, 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(4)(A). Any other vendor that is part of the HubZone Small Business may contact the Contracting Officer to express interest in competing for the requirement within the synopsis period. When contacting the Contracting Officer, vendors must submit a capability statement that does not exceed 5 pages in length that shows their ability to perform the requirement.”

The Government will not utilize formal evaluation criteria for market research associated with PTAG 6.1.4. The Government will review RFI responses to determine which vendors are most likely to successfully meet the agency’s requirements for Automated Biotechnology Sequence Search Software and Maintenance Support.

The USPTO may use the results obtained from this Sources Sought announcement to support one or more future procurements. Moreover, if a procurement is warranted, then the response to this announcement will be used for the purpose of determining whether a competitive or sole source procurement is appropriate (see Special Procurement Authority Notice below).

Special Procurement Authority Notice: If this market research results in the solicitation and award of one or more contracts, then the procurement team reserves the right to conduct a procurement using the following authority: “The subject requirement is being procured using the Alternative Competition Method in accordance with the Patent and Trademark Office Acquisition Guidelines (PTAG) and the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act (35 U.S.C. 2(b)(4)(A)).” Market research obtained above may be used to determine the extent to which one or more small businesses are capable of satisfying the agency’s need and thus eligible to participate in any alternative competition as applicable.

ATTACHMENT

Statement of Work dated 14Nov24

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Responses

If you can provide all items on the attached SOW, provide the following information to the Contract Specialist or Contracting Officer listed below:

• Company name, address, and UEI number (if you do not have a UEI please note)

• Company small business status (e.g. WOSB, SDVOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, etc.). Please include “OTSB” if you are not a small business concern.
• Points of contact for questions.

Submission: Please submit your responses to the following individuals by the date and time listed below:

Frederick.Porter@USPTO.gov, Contracting Officer

Michelle.Ellis@USPTO.gov, Contract Specialist

Submission Date and Time:

All responses must be received bythe 11/30/2024 no later than 2:00 PM Eastern Time: