R -- Payment of Patent Maintenance and Annuity Fees

The National Institutes of Health, NIH, Office of Technology Transfer, Rockville, MD intends to modify its existing contract with Computer Packages, Inc., 414 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. The purpose of this modification is to increase the contract ceiling due to an increase in annuity fees. The contract is to provide patent maintenance and annuity fees for the protections of inventions of PHS employees in foreign countries. Countries general included, but not limited to Japan, Canada, Australia and the European Patent Office. Offeror must be knowledgeable of patent laws in each foreign countries. At least 1967 active patents are currently filed throughout the world and in multiple settings (various countries). A total of 3,660 payments are estimated each year. Payments must be made in foreign currency, requiring a native foreign associate to present the payment. The total contract ceiling with this modification will not exceed $10,000,000.00. Computer Packages, Inc. is the only known source capable of providing these services. This action is under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253 (c)(1), as set forth in FAR 6.302-1 and HHSAR 306.302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies and services will satisfy agency requirements. The closing date will be forty-five (45) days after publication of this notice. Inquires should be directed to Terita Stevenson, Contract Specialist, Telephone # 301-402-3727, Fax (301) 480-1203. See numbered note 22.