Commerce's $30M Clarivate FDC Subscription Faces Recompete Amidst Data Service Market Dynamics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,855,628 ($29.9M)
Contractor: Clarivate Analytics (US) LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2020-01-01
End Date: 2025-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,007 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.9K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: 1558- CLARIVATE FOREIGN DATA COLLECTION (FDC) SUBSCRIPTION (RECOMPETE) POP: 1/1/2020 - 12/31/2020 END: 12/31/2024
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22313
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $29.9 million to CLARIVATE ANALYTICS (US) LLC for work described as: 1558- CLARIVATE FOREIGN DATA COLLECTION (FDC) SUBSCRIPTION (RECOMPETE) POP: 1/1/2020 - 12/31/2020 END: 12/31/2024 Key points: 1. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is procuring foreign data collection services via a subscription. 2. Clarivate Analytics (US) LLC is the incumbent contractor. 3. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, indicating clear cost expectations. 4. The procurement falls under the 'All Other Information Services' NAICS code, a broad category.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $29.8M over approximately 5 years suggests a moderate price point for specialized data services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale data subscriptions would be necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process was initiated. The impact on price discovery is likely positive due to the competitive bidding environment.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential patent and trademark data services, with competition aiming to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures USPTO access to critical foreign intellectual property data for examination and enforcement. Supports innovation by providing researchers and businesses with access to global patent information. Potential for cost savings through competitive re-procurement. Reliable data access is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the U.S. patent system.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if data formats are proprietary.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical foreign data.
- Need to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
Positive Signals
- Competitive re-procurement process.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
- Supports USPTO's core mission.
Sector Analysis
The 'All Other Information Services' sector encompasses a wide range of data providers. Spending in this area is driven by the need for specialized information for research, analysis, and operational support across government agencies.
Small Business Impact
Information on small business participation is not explicitly provided in the data. Given the nature of specialized data subscriptions, it's possible that large, established providers dominate this market.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was competed under SAP, indicating a level of oversight in the procurement process. Further oversight would involve monitoring contract performance and ensuring adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Information Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Programs
Risk Flags
- Incumbent advantage for Clarivate Analytics.
- Potential for data format dependency.
- Need for ongoing market research to ensure competitive pricing.
- Reliance on external data sources for core government function.
Tags
all-other-information-services, department-of-commerce, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $29.9 million to CLARIVATE ANALYTICS (US) LLC. 1558- CLARIVATE FOREIGN DATA COLLECTION (FDC) SUBSCRIPTION (RECOMPETE) POP: 1/1/2020 - 12/31/2020 END: 12/31/2024
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CLARIVATE ANALYTICS (US) 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 $29.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-01-01. End: 2025-06-30.
What is the specific value proposition of Clarivate's foreign data compared to potential competitors?
The specific value proposition lies in the comprehensiveness and historical depth of Clarivate's foreign patent data, which is crucial for USPTO examiners. Competitors might offer niche datasets or different analytical tools, but Clarivate's established position suggests a broad coverage that is difficult to replicate quickly.
What are the risks associated with relying on a single vendor for such critical data?
The primary risks include potential price increases in future procurements, reduced service levels if the vendor faces internal issues, and the possibility of data format changes that could disrupt USPTO's internal systems. Vendor lock-in is also a concern, limiting flexibility.
How effectively does this subscription support the USPTO's mission of examining and protecting intellectual property?
The subscription is highly effective as it provides essential foreign data necessary for patentability searches and to prevent infringement. Access to this information allows USPTO examiners to make informed decisions, thereby upholding the integrity and global competitiveness of the U.S. patent system.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Other Information Services › All Other Information Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1500 SPRING GARDEN ST # 4, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19130
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,855,628
Exercised Options: $29,855,628
Current Obligation: $29,855,628
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 03310319D0047
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-01-01
Current End Date: 2025-06-30
Potential End Date: 2025-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-03-13
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