Sole Source Award for Chemical Abstract Services Database Access

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has a continuing requirement for access to the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) collection of patent and non-patent literature (NPL) information available on multi-platforms including the Scientific and Technical Network (STN) and SciFinder. The USPTO intends to negotiate and award a contract for access to the CAS database, NAICS 519190, "All Other Information Services" to American Chemical Society DBA Chemical Abstract Service for a period of one (1) year with nine (9) option years, with an estimated cumulative value of $181,000,000. The anticipated award date is March 31, 2015. The USPTO publicized this requirement on November 19, 2014 through a Sources Sought notice and the results indicate that CAS is the only known qualified source. As a result of the USPTO's exemption from the Competition in Contracting Act, 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, 5 U.S.C. 2(b)(4)(A). This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals.