Patent Legal Services
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has issued an Award Notice for a contract modification to Nath & Associates PLLC for Patent Legal Services. This modification, valued at $283,200.00, exercises FAR Clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, for a six-month period.
Scope of Work
This modification secures six months of specialized legal expertise to manage a large patent and patent application portfolio. Services include protecting the Government's intellectual property rights, managing licensed patents, global communication, updating on patent laws, coordinating with licensees, prosecuting patent applications, filing international and national stage applications, responding to office actions, and handling Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) inquiries. The incumbent contractor, Nath & Associates PLLC, possesses unique qualifications and personnel to ensure uninterrupted service.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Contract Modification (exercising option to extend services)
- Original Contract: 1232SA21C0002
- Duration: Six months
- Value: $283,200.00
- Awarded To: Nath & Associates PLLC, 112 S. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Published Date: February 26, 2026
- Place of Performance: Beltsville, MD
Rationale for Non-Competitive Award
The award was made on an other than full and open competition basis, justified by the incumbent contractor's unique qualifications and personnel, ensuring continuity of critical services beyond the current end date of February 28, 2026. It was determined that no other contractor could mobilize qualified personnel by the required date without interruption. This extension is necessitated by delays in the USDA's process to establish a competitive procurement for these services.
Future Competition
The USDA is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive process for any follow-on contracts and will review and rectify potential barriers to competition.