R -- Pre Grant Publication Classification Services

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hereby announces its plans to conduct a streamlined A-76 review in accordance with the revised Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76, dated May 29, 2003. The A-76 review will cover the USPTO's requirement for Pre-Grant Publication Classification Services on patent applications submitted for processing to the USPTO in Alexandria, Virginia. This activity is currently being performed by approximately 59 FTE. This requirement is consistent with the USPTO 's 21st Century Strategic Plan in order to reduce patent pendency and to concentrate more on the core functions of the examination, and granting of patents. The estimated contract cost will be based on market research. This is not a solicitation and therefore proposals are not requested at this time. The Contracting Officer is Chris Hannah, the Competitive Sourcing Official is the USPTO's Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer, Jo-Anne Barnard and the Agency Tender Official is Howard Goldberg. The projected end date of the A-76 review is within 90 days of this announcement. At the conclusion of this A-76 review, a public announcement of the Performance Decision will be made.