The USPTO Intends to sole source the Agency’s Continued Membership in two Human Resource Councils

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) intends to award a sole source, firm fixed price contract to THE CONFERENCE BOARD, INC of 845 Third Avenue, Floor 3, New York, NY 100226633. UEI: GQY8N1QKJW5 for continued membership in two of their dedicated human resource councils.

In accordance with FAR 13.501, 10 U.S.C. § 2304(c)(1) and 41 U.S.C. § 253(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, competition may be restricted when “only one responsible source or no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.” A sole source justification in accordance with FAR 13.501(a)(2) has been approved.

The Conference Board, Inc., was and is the only vendor capable of providing the necessary Engagement Institute Corporate Council Membership and Employee Engagement and Experience Council membership required by USPTO as described below.

The period of performance is March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025 The USPTO Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (OCAO) intends to renew its 2023 Engagement Institute Corporate Council Membership and Employee Engagement and Experience Council Membership offered solely by The Conference Board, Inc. and no other vendor.

The USPTO has been a member of these councils for many years (since 2014), which brings with it the shared knowledge and relationships with other council members that only can be developed with continued membership. This has proved valuable in providing insight into work-related challenges: from addressing talent shortages to creating a culture of inclusion and engagement to upskilling a workforce to be truly agile, prepared for new digital realities.

While other HR council memberships may exist, the membership programs and councils of the Conference Board, Inc, have been found to consist of leading organizations from both government and industry that touches on virtually every human capital and employee engagement topic that the USPTO has specific interest in, within a now familiar and easily accessible platform.

For the USPTO, the Conference Board Councils represent confidential communities where members draw on the group's collective knowledge, as well as that of researchers and experts, to collaboratively explore solutions. Through in-person and virtual meetings, members gain insight beyond their own industry, region, and point of view. As a result, it is in the best interest of the Agency to continue to maintain membership in these Conference Board, Inc. councils.

The same requirements that allowed for the sole source determination to be made previously still exist.

Additionally, with continued membership, the USPTO is able to successfully maintain exclusive access to content and expertise inclusive of best practice examples, articles and webinars, from the previous year, which would not be in the best interest of the government to lose access to if membership were to be cancelled and moved to another vendor at this time (even if one existed that might be able to meet the parameters of the requirement). THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES OR PROPOSALS.

Any firm that believes it can meet the requirement may give written notification prior to the response due date and time. Supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to perform the requirements. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this notice. Responses are due no later than January 31, 9:00 AM (EST). Responses shall be submitted via e-mail to Dennis.Jolliffe@uspto.gov and christopher.ward@uspto.gov. NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE Please indicate in the subject of your email: SAM Special Notice of Intent– ACQ-24-0686. Any future special notices pertaining to this requirement will be added as a revision to the original notice.