Commerce Department's USPTO spent $22.4M on EBSCO serials for scientific info, awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,450,631 ($22.5M)

Contractor: Ebsco Industries Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2010-12-29

End Date: 2016-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,919 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EBSCO SERIALS SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES (ELECTRONIC AND PRINT JOURNALS AND DATABASES) FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER (STIC)

Place of Performance

Location: TINTON FALLS, MONMOUTH County, NEW JERSEY, 07724

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $22.5 million to EBSCO INDUSTRIES INC for work described as: EBSCO SERIALS SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES (ELECTRONIC AND PRINT JOURNALS AND DATABASES) FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER (STIC) Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the duration and scope of scientific and technical information access. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment was leveraged. 3. The contract duration of approximately 5 years indicates a stable, long-term need for these resources. 4. Performance context is tied to the Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) supporting the USPTO. 5. Sector positioning is within information services, specifically serials subscriptions for research and development support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of $22.4 million over nearly 5 years for serials subscriptions is benchmarked against similar government-wide procurements for information services. While specific per-unit costs for individual journals are not provided, the overall expenditure aligns with the significant demand for comprehensive scientific and technical databases. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government secured predictable costs for these essential resources, contributing to good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of two bidders, as suggested by the 'no' field, implies a degree of competition, though more bidders would typically lead to greater price discovery. The process likely ensured that the government received competitive pricing for the serials subscription services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a market where multiple vendors vie for the contract, driving down prices and ensuring the best value is obtained.

Public Impact

USPTO scientists, researchers, and patent examiners benefit from access to a wide array of scientific and technical journals and databases. The services delivered include electronic and print subscriptions crucial for innovation and patent review. Geographic impact is national, supporting the USPTO's operations regardless of examiner location. Workforce implications include enabling USPTO personnel to stay current with global scientific advancements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in subsequent contract periods if competition diminishes.
Reliance on a single vendor for a broad range of critical information resources.

Positive Signals

Long-term access to essential scientific and technical information.
Stable pricing through a firm fixed-price contract.
Competitive award process ensures market-driven pricing.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader information services sector, specifically focusing on serials subscriptions for academic and technical content. This market is characterized by established publishers and subscription agents. Government spending in this area is consistent with the need for agencies like the USPTO to maintain access to up-to-date research and development information to support their missions. Benchmarks for similar large-scale information service contracts indicate that expenditures are often in the millions, reflecting the high cost of comprehensive database access.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Given the nature of serials subscriptions and the likely scale of the vendor, it is probable that small businesses were not primary awardees or significant subcontractors in this particular procurement. Further analysis would be needed to confirm subcontracting activity.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded under a firm fixed-price structure, which helps in managing costs and provides predictability. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of Commerce, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to subscription terms. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are publicly listed.

Related Government Programs

Government-wide Information Technology Contracts
Scientific and Technical Information Services
Library and Archival Services
Research and Development Support Services

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract periods.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical information resources.
Ensuring continued relevance of subscribed content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $22.5 million to EBSCO INDUSTRIES INC. EBSCO SERIALS SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES (ELECTRONIC AND PRINT JOURNALS AND DATABASES) FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER (STIC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EBSCO INDUSTRIES 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 $22.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-12-29. End: 2016-03-31.

What is the historical spending trend for EBSCO SERIALS SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES at the USPTO?

The provided data reflects a single contract award for EBSCO SERIALS SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES totaling $22,450,631.10, spanning from December 29, 2010, to March 31, 2016. This represents approximately 1919 days or just over 5 years of service. Without access to prior or subsequent contract data for the same or similar services, it is not possible to establish a historical spending trend. However, this single data point indicates a significant, multi-year investment in these subscription services by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to support its Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC).

How does the per-unit cost of these serial subscriptions compare to commercial market rates?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit costs for individual serials or databases. The total contract value of $22.45 million is for a comprehensive package of electronic and print journals and databases. Benchmarking per-unit costs would require detailed knowledge of the specific titles and databases included in the subscription, as well as their individual list prices and any negotiated discounts. Given the scale of the procurement and the likely volume discounts negotiated under a full and open competition, it is plausible that the effective per-unit cost for the USPTO is lower than what a smaller entity might pay for the same resources. However, a definitive comparison to commercial market rates cannot be made without more granular data.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of serials subscription contract?

Several risks are associated with this type of serials subscription contract. Firstly, there's the risk of price escalation in future contract periods, especially if competition becomes limited or if publishers increase their rates significantly. Secondly, there's a dependency risk; the USPTO relies heavily on EBSCO for access to critical scientific and technical information, and any disruption in service from the vendor could impact research and patent examination. Thirdly, the rapid evolution of digital information means that the value of certain subscriptions could diminish over time if not regularly reviewed and updated. Finally, ensuring that the subscribed content remains relevant and comprehensive to the USPTO's evolving needs presents an ongoing management challenge.

How effective is the Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) in supporting the USPTO's mission?

The effectiveness of the Scientific and Technical Information Center (STIC) in supporting the USPTO's mission is directly linked to its ability to provide timely and comprehensive access to scientific and technical information. This contract, valued at $22.45 million over five years, indicates a substantial investment in ensuring such access. The STIC's role is crucial for patent examiners to conduct prior art searches and for researchers to stay abreast of technological advancements. While the contract itself demonstrates a commitment to resourcing the STIC, its ultimate effectiveness depends on factors beyond the subscription service, including the usability of the provided databases, the expertise of the information specialists, and the integration of this information into the USPTO's workflow. The sheer volume of data suggests a strong foundational support for the mission.

What is the track record of EBSCO INDUSTRIES INC. as a federal contractor?

EBSCO INDUSTRIES INC. has a significant track record as a federal contractor, primarily providing information and subscription services. The data shows a substantial contract with the Department of Commerce's U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for serials subscriptions. While this specific contract is for $22.45 million, EBSCO likely holds numerous other contracts across various federal agencies for similar services, including library resources, databases, and journals. Their long-standing presence in the information services market suggests a capacity to meet government requirements. A comprehensive assessment of their track record would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, any contract disputes or terminations, and the breadth of their federal contract portfolio.

What does the contract type (Firm Fixed Price) imply about risk allocation?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type, as indicated for this EBSCO SERIALS SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES award, places the majority of the cost risk on the contractor, EBSCO INDUSTRIES INC. This means that the agreed-upon price is fixed regardless of the contractor's actual costs incurred during performance. For the government (USPTO), this offers budget certainty and predictability, as the total expenditure is known upfront. The risk for EBSCO lies in accurately estimating all costs associated with providing the serials subscriptions, including licensing fees, distribution, and administrative overhead. If their costs exceed the fixed price, their profit margin will be reduced, or they may incur a loss. Conversely, if they manage their costs efficiently, their profit margin will be higher.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Other Information Services › All Other Information Services

Product/Service Code: BOOKS, MAPS, OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 30 PARK RD STE 2, TINTON FALLS, NJ, 07724

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,450,631

Exercised Options: $22,450,631

Current Obligation: $22,450,631

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: LC11G7403

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline