Commerce Awards $48.6M for Patent Application Publication Services to Reed Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,627,999 ($48.6M)

Contractor: Reed Technology and Information Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2005-12-22

End Date: 2015-11-24

Contract Duration: 3,624 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PREGRANT PUBLICATION OF PATENT APPLICATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $48.6 million to REED TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES LLC for work described as: PREGRANT PUBLICATION OF PATENT APPLICATIONS Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $48.6 million over 10 years. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract spans a decade, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The sector is primarily administrative and information services, supporting the USPTO's core functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $48.6 million over 10 years averages to approximately $4.86 million annually. Without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for patent application publication, a precise value assessment is difficult, but the duration and competition suggest a reasonable price point.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically leads to better price discovery and value for the government. This method allows all responsible sources to submit bids, fostering a competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the services rendered, minimizing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

Ensures timely publication of patent applications, a critical step in the patent process. Supports innovation by making new inventions publicly accessible. Provides essential services to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's operational efficiency. The long-term nature of the contract offers stability for the service provider and consistent support for the agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (10 years) could lead to potential price increases or decreased flexibility if needs change.
Lack of specific performance metrics or quality data makes it hard to assess effectiveness beyond publication.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Significant contract value suggests a critical and ongoing need for the service.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the administrative and information services sector, specifically supporting the intellectual property management functions of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Spending benchmarks for this niche are difficult to establish, but the scale indicates a substantial operational requirement.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is REED TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES LLC. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals within this contract, suggesting it may not have specifically targeted small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which inherently involves a degree of oversight in the bidding process. However, further details on ongoing performance monitoring, quality assurance, and accountability mechanisms would be needed for a comprehensive oversight assessment.

Related Government Programs

All Other Publishers
Department of Commerce Contracting
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Lack of detailed performance metrics
Potential for vendor lock-in
Limited visibility into specific cost drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $48.6 million to REED TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES LLC. PREGRANT PUBLICATION OF PATENT APPLICATIONS

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 $48.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-12-22. End: 2015-11-24.

What is the specific service provided under 'PREGRANT PUBLICATION OF PATENT APPLICATIONS' and how does its cost compare to industry standards?

The service involves the public disclosure of patent applications after a certain period, a mandatory step in the patent process. While the contract is for $48.6 million over 10 years, specific details on the number of applications published or per-unit costs are not provided. Benchmarking is difficult without this granular data, but the competitive award suggests a reasonable market price was likely achieved.

What are the primary risks associated with a 10-year contract for patent application publication?

The primary risks include potential technological obsolescence in publication methods, changes in patent law or USPTO procedures that alter publication needs, and the possibility of the contractor becoming complacent or less efficient over such a long period. Market shifts or the emergence of superior, more cost-effective solutions could also pose a risk if the contract terms are not flexible.

How effectively does this contract support the USPTO's mission of promoting innovation and economic growth?

By ensuring the timely and efficient publication of patent applications, the contract directly supports the USPTO's mission. Public disclosure allows inventors and businesses to understand the existing landscape, avoid duplication, and build upon existing innovations, thereby fostering further technological advancement and economic activity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers › All Other Publishers

Product/Service Code: BOOKS, MAPS, OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Reed Elsevier Group PLC (UEI: 230792756)

Address: 275 GIBRALTAR RD, HORSHAM, PA, 19044

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,628,000

Exercised Options: $48,628,000

Current Obligation: $48,627,999

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DOC50PAPT0410001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline