Examination and Attorney Assistant Examination Quality Review
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for Examination and Attorney Assistant Examination Quality Review. The USPTO seeks information on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities to enhance trademark examination quality and efficiency. This RFI is not a solicitation for a contract. Responses are due May 6, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI aims to identify potential vendors capable of providing AI/ML solutions that can assist and enhance the work of examining attorneys and production staff during trademark examination. Key areas of interest include supporting examination quality review, improving efficiency, supplementing existing USPTO capabilities, narrowing broad information bases, and providing transparent solutions. Specific examples of targeted capabilities include:
- Search Strategy: Suggesting search strategies for examining attorneys.
- Issue Spotter: Identifying and tracking formalities and statutory compliance issues.
- ID Checker/Validator: Reviewing and validating identifications and classifications.
- Office Action Drafter/Reviewer: Assisting in drafting and reviewing office actions.
- Examination Quality Review: Assessing the quality of trademark examination and providing feedback.
Market Research Process
The USPTO plans a multi-staged market research approach:
- Stage One: Industry Survey RFI (current document).
- Stage Two: Invitation to submit Concept Papers and demonstrate prototype solutions.
- Stage Three: Identification of final vendors for an Alternative Competition.
- Stage Four: Potential issuance of solicitation(s) and contract award.
Eligibility & Submission
Vendors must be FedRAMP certified or in the process of obtaining certification. Responses for Stage One are due May 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET, and questions are due by April 22, 2026. Submissions must be sent electronically to Alan Elder (alan.elder@uspto.gov) and James Wuest (James.Wuest@uspto.gov). Participation in the Alternative Competition is contingent on the USPTO's decision to utilize the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: May 6, 2026
- Published: April 9, 2026
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a request for competitive proposals. The government is not obligated to release a future solicitation and reserves the right to issue multiple solicitations.