Commerce Department's Patent Data Management Contract Awarded to Reed Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $794,643,764 ($794.6M)
Contractor: Reed Technology and Information Services LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2021-06-15
End Date: 2026-06-13
Sector: IT
Official Description: PATENT DATA AND DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT (PD&DM)
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $794.6 million to REED TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES LLC for work described as: PATENT DATA AND DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT (PD&DM) Key points: 1. Contract supports critical patent data and document management functions. 2. Reed Technology and Information Services LLC is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for cost efficiencies through streamlined data processes. 4. Ensures continuity of essential patent office operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value is substantial, supporting essential patent data and document management. Reed Technology's established role suggests a good understanding of the agency's needs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This appears to be a sole-source award, indicating a specific need or a lack of competitive alternatives identified by the agency.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards warrant scrutiny to ensure fair market value is obtained for taxpayer dollars.
Public Impact
Ensures timely access to patent information for businesses and inventors. Supports innovation by maintaining the integrity of the patent database. Facilitates the examination and issuance of new patents.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source nature may limit competitive pricing benefits.
- Dependence on a single vendor could pose future supply chain risks.
Positive Signals
- Contract ensures operational continuity for a vital government function.
- Reed Technology's experience likely leads to efficient service delivery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on data management and document processing for a government agency.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set-aside for small businesses. There is no indication of specific provisions for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure Reed Technology meets performance metrics and that the sole-source nature continues to be justified.
Related Government Programs
- Patent Data and Document Management
- Information Technology Services
Risk Flags
- Sole Source Justification
- Vendor Lock-in Potential
Tags
patent-data-management, document-management, reed-technology, department-of-commerce, uspto, it-services, sole-source, definitive-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $794.6 million to REED TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES LLC. PATENT DATA AND DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT (PD&DM)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is REED TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $794.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-06-15. End: 2026-06-13.
Analysis insight 1
The contract's duration extends to mid-2026, providing long-term support.
Analysis insight 2
The total award amount suggests a significant scope of work for patent data handling.