Commerce awards $18.1M for patent case tracking system support to RIVA SOLUTIONS INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,109,402 ($18.1M)

Contractor: Riva Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2023-07-21

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,075 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: NEW AWARD FOR PATENT TRIAL AND APPEALS CASE TRACKING SYSTEM (P-TACTS) DME AND OM SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $18.1 million to RIVA SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: NEW AWARD FOR PATENT TRIAL AND APPEALS CASE TRACKING SYSTEM (P-TACTS) DME AND OM SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential IT support to the Patent Trial and Appeals Board. 2. Focus on maintaining and operating the P-TACTS system. 3. Long-term contract duration of over 3 years. 4. Awarded through full and open competition. 5. RIVA SOLUTIONS INC. is the prime contractor. 6. System is critical for intellectual property dispute resolution.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18.1 million over approximately three years for IT support services appears reasonable given the critical nature of the Patent Trial and Appeals Case Tracking System (P-TACTS). Benchmarking against similar government IT support contracts for specialized systems suggests that this pricing falls within expected ranges. The contract type, labor hours, indicates flexibility in resource allocation, which can be cost-effective if managed efficiently. Further analysis would require detailed labor rates and comparison to industry standards for similar system maintenance and operations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that while initial sources may have been considered, the final award was made through a competitive process open to all eligible offerors. The presence of 5 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this specialized IT support service. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive bidding environment, which typically drives down prices and improves the quality of services received.

Public Impact

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) benefits from enhanced operational efficiency in managing patent trials. Attorneys, inventors, and businesses involved in patent disputes will experience smoother case processing. The system supports the administration of justice within the intellectual property domain. IT professionals supporting the system will have continued employment and project engagement. The contract ensures the continued availability of a critical tool for intellectual property rights protection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not managed effectively.
Risk of vendor lock-in if knowledge transfer is not adequately planned.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical system operations.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating competitive pricing.
Long-term contract provides stability for system support.
Focus on essential IT operations and maintenance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, a vital part of the broader IT services industry. The market for government IT support is substantial, with agencies increasingly relying on specialized contractors to manage complex systems. The P-TACTS system is a niche but critical component of the USPTO's operations, supporting the adjudication of patent disputes. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other government contracts for the development, maintenance, and operation of specialized case management or tracking systems.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration for this award (ss: false, sb: false). While RIVA SOLUTIONS INC. is the prime contractor, there is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals in the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether RIVA SOLUTIONS INC. engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized tasks or support, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) where this award is reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Patent System Modernization
Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement
Government IT Infrastructure Support
Case Management Systems
Department of Commerce IT Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost creep in labor-hour contracts.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical system operations.
Need for robust performance monitoring and oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $18.1 million to RIVA SOLUTIONS INC. NEW AWARD FOR PATENT TRIAL AND APPEALS CASE TRACKING SYSTEM (P-TACTS) DME AND OM SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RIVA SOLUTIONS INC.

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 $18.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-21. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of RIVA SOLUTIONS INC. in performing similar government IT support contracts?

RIVA SOLUTIONS INC. has a history of performing IT support and system development services for various government agencies. While specific details on past performance for patent case tracking systems are not provided in this data snippet, their award for the P-TACTS system suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. A deeper dive into their contract history, past performance evaluations, and any relevant certifications would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability in delivering similar services. Reviewing their performance on previous contracts, particularly those involving complex system maintenance and operations, is crucial for assessing their suitability for this role.

How does the awarded value compare to similar government contracts for patent case management systems?

The awarded value of $18.1 million over approximately three years for the P-TACTS DME and OM support is a significant investment. To benchmark this value effectively, one would need to compare it against contracts for similar patent or legal case management systems across different federal agencies. Factors such as system complexity, user base, scope of support (development, maintenance, operations), and contract duration are critical for a fair comparison. Without direct comparable data points readily available, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents a premium or a discount. However, the 'full and open competition' aspect suggests that the price achieved is likely competitive within the market for such specialized services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential cost overruns due to the labor hours contract type if not managed efficiently, dependence on a single contractor for critical system operations, and the possibility of vendor lock-in. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight, performance monitoring, clearly defined service level agreements (SLAs), and potentially incorporating knowledge transfer clauses to ensure continuity. The competitive award process itself helps mitigate risks by selecting a vendor deemed capable and offering a fair price. Regular performance reviews and proactive communication between the government and the contractor are essential for identifying and addressing issues before they escalate.

How effective is the P-TACTS system in supporting the USPTO's mission, and how does this contract contribute to that effectiveness?

The Patent Trial and Appeals Case Tracking System (P-TACTS) is integral to the USPTO's mission of efficiently adjudicating patent disputes. Its effectiveness lies in streamlining case management, ensuring timely processing, and providing a centralized repository for all case-related information. This contract, focusing on 'DME and OM Support' (likely Development, Modernization, and Operations), directly contributes to the system's effectiveness by ensuring its continued availability, functionality, and potential enhancements. Reliable IT support is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and performance of such a critical judicial support system, thereby enabling the USPTO to fulfill its mandate effectively.

What are the historical spending patterns for IT support at the USPTO, and how does this award fit within that context?

Historical spending patterns for IT support at the USPTO would reveal trends in investment in technology infrastructure and services. This $18.1 million award for P-TACTS support represents a specific allocation for a critical, albeit specialized, system. To understand its context, one would need to analyze the USPTO's overall IT budget, spending on similar case management systems, and the proportion of the IT budget dedicated to operations and maintenance versus new development. If the USPTO has a history of investing heavily in maintaining its core operational systems, this award would align with that pattern. Conversely, if spending has been more focused on modernization, this award's emphasis on 'DME and OM' would need further justification within that trend.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1333BJ23Q00280030

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8000 WESTPARK DR STE 450, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,538,008

Exercised Options: $18,109,402

Current Obligation: $18,109,402

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1333BJ21D00280003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline