The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) seeks a computer test administrator (CTA) capable of administering computer-based multiple-choice examinations and review sessions by individuals who failed those examinations. The computer-based examination system must accommodate current and future multiple-choice examinations and review sessions for candidates who have failed the registration examination. For this procurement, the USPTO is exempt from the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) as 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 full text is located here: https://federalregister.gov/a/2013-24316. In accordance with PTAG 6.1.1, the USPTO conducted market research which included posting an RFI on SAM.gov, which included a draft Statement of Work (SOW). The results from the capability statements received indicate that Prometric, LLC 1501 S Clinton St., Baltimore, MD 21224 is the vendor most likely to successfully meet the Agency’s requirements[SS1] . Prometric has more than 400 clients worldwide. They administer more than 7 million examinations annually. Prometric has experience developing and delivering paper-and computer-based examinations for more than three decades demonstrating a strong ability and reach in this subject area. Prometric employs 2,400 individual sin 16 global offices. Prometric is certified to ISO/IEC 9001:2015 Quality Management Standard, demonstrating that they maintain an effective quality assurance system in the design and delivery of services. Prometric’s network of test centers covers every major metropolitan area in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S Virgin Islands. There are no other firms with this focus, depth, and breadth of capability. The USPTO needs a firm with this type of reach in order to be successful in fulfilling the mission of the USPTO. Per PTAG 6.1.1(b) the Contracting Officer did their due diligence and posted a RFI to SAM.gov, which remained open for 15 days, and resulted in 2 responses providing capabilities statements which were thoroughly reviewed as part of Market Research. Based upon the thorough review, it was determined that there is only one vendor, Prometric, that demonstrated they are able to meet the capabilities set forth in the SOW that was included with the RFI. Prometric provided a unique and thoughtful response demonstrating their capabilities against the SOW. Therefore, Prometric is the only vendor that is invited to participate in an alternative competition. This is a no cost multi-year contract with Prometric, LLC. This requirement utilizes NAICS code 611710 and has a period of performance of five years from date of award. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals nor will a solicitation be issued to the public. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to the following point of contact or alternate point of contact no later than MIDNITE EST ON 7/17/2023 Point of contact: Yen Nguyen, Contracting Officer,
[email protected] Alternate point of contact: Emalee Gawrelski, Contracting Officer,
[email protected] NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE