The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is conducting market research to assess the avaiability of qualified sources capable of providing Augmented Writing Tool (AWT) licenses and maintenance to facilitate more diverse and inclusive language across a variety of communications within the USPTO. Please see the attached Statement of Work for more details.

The Government contemplates utilizing the Alternative Competition Method in accordance with the Patent and Trademark Office Acquisition Guidelines (PTAG) and the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(4)(A). This Request for Information is intended as preliminary market information gathering which the USPTO will use to determine which vendor(s) is/are the most likely to successfully meet the agency’s needs and are thereby eligible to participate in an alternative competition.

As a result of this market research, the prospective solicitation will only be issued to the limited number of qualified vendor(s).

This Request for Information is not a request for competitive proposals. 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 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(4)(A).

The Government will not utilize formal evaluation criteria for market research associated with PTAG 6.1.1. The Government will review RFI responses to determine which vendor(s) are most likely to successfully meet the agency’s requirement for Augmented Writing Tool Licenses and Maintenance.

This document is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quotation (RFQ), or a promise to issue an RFP or RFQ in the future. There is no USPTO commitment or implied agreement or understanding as a result of Government action or inaction taken in response to the RFI or the accompanying documents or attachments. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Participation in this process is strictly voluntary.

Responses must be received at USPTO no later than 02/16/2024 12:00 pm ET. When submitting a response to this RFI include the following in the subject line “RFI Response – USPTO Enterprise Administrative Support Services”. Interested parties shall provide a capability statement.