INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: ARBITRATOR SERVICES

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

Notice Number/Title: USPTO- ACQ-26-0859- Arbitrator Services

NAICS: 541199

PSC: R499

The Office of General Law (OGL) provides general litigation and advisory services on matters concerning the administration and management of the USPTO.

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://federal register.gov/a/2013-24316.

The USPTO intends to negotiate and award a Purchase Order for Arbitration Services under NAICS Code 541199 – All Other Legal Services to Frederick Ward Associates, Incorporated (UEI: VQMBH2D77LJ8) 5 S Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014, with an expected period of performance to begin on the date the order is issued and continue for a period of approximately twelve months (12), with four (4) twelve month options. The anticipated award date is no later than April 23, 2026.

For this instance, Mr. Ward is the only known qualified source since he has already been agreed to by all parties. Accordingly, for reasons of continuity, efficiency, and fairness to the parties, it is essential that this arbitrator be retained to complete his services. Substitution at this stage would not only risk inconsistency and duplication of effort, but would also undermine the integrity of the process. It is the best interest of the Government and consistent with USPTO’s statutory authority to proceed with this arbitrator through the conclusion of this case.  Moreover, FAR 6.302-3(b)(3)(ii) specifically allows for the use of other than full and open competition to procure, “A neutral person, e.g., mediators or arbitrators, to facilitate the resolution of issues in an alternative dispute resolution process.”

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 5:00pm EDT on March 19, 2026. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Points of Contact: Joy Pitts, Contracting Officer, joy.pitts@uspto.gov

Alternate Point of Contact: Emalee Gawrelski, Contracting Officer, emalee.gawrelski@uspto.gov