Communication Services Support

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Office of the Chief Communications Officer (OCCO) for market research purposes. The USPTO is seeking information on vendors capable of providing professional media communication services to support its public affairs function and coordinate internal and external communications. This RFI is not a solicitation for proposals or quotes, and does not commit the government to any future contract.

The USPTO is interested in services related to:

• Drafting media strategies and communications plans.
• Drafting press releases and media advisories.
• Supporting media relations and coordinating interviews.
• Monitoring media coverage and providing reports.
• Producing content for social media, staff communications, and website postings.
• Training USPTO staff on communication strategies.
• Assessing USPTO communication skillsets and performing gap analysis.

Key areas of expertise sought include:

• Strategic Communications Advisory Support
• Publishing, Distribution, and Calendar Guidance
• Event Coordination Support
• Community Engagement Communications Support
• Message Testing and Refinement
• Stakeholder and Media Coordination Support
• General Account Support
• Data Analytics
• Audiovisual services (motion graphics, video editing, DAM management)

This RFI is for market research only. No contract award is guaranteed. The USPTO may use the results to support future procurements or make small business set-aside determinations.

• Vendors must submit a capability statement in a single PDF file (10-page limit, excluding cover page and Attachment #1).

• A cover page with specific business information is required.

• Three (3) past performance references must be included.

• Written responses to 12 questions in Attachment #1 are required (1,750 character limit per response).

• A Non-Disclosure Agreement must be submitted.

• Responses are due by 5/13/2026, 12:00 PM EST.

• Questions regarding the RFI are due by 5/7/2026, 12:00 PM EST.

• A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM registration are required for responses to be reviewed.

• Small businesses are strongly encouraged to respond, as the information may be used to determine future set-aside requirements.

• Participation is voluntary, and no costs incurred in responding will be reimbursed.

• All submissions become government property.

• Vendors may be asked to supply personnel resources on campus in Alexandria, Virginia.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Form USPTO-OP-113.v2.0, is a "Certification Concerning Nondisclosure, Conflicts of Interest, and Rules of Conduct for Personnel Participating in a Procurement (Contractor)". It is applicable for contractor personnel performing acquisition-related activities closely associated with the Integrated Guidance Framework (IGF) within a source selection or other procurement activities that require a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

• Nondisclosure of Information: Contractor personnel must agree not to discuss, divulge, or disclose sensitive or proprietary business, technical, financial, and source selection information belonging to the Government or other Contractors to unauthorized parties. This includes cost/pricing data, Government spend plan data, contractor technical proposal data, and negotiation strategies.
• Conflict of Interest: Personnel must agree not to use their position or information to further their own private or business interests. They must also avoid direct or indirect interests with contractors submitting proposals and refrain from soliciting or accepting gifts or future employment opportunities from competing contractors.
• Safeguarding Agency Sensitive Information: Personnel must attest to not disclosing, releasing, or misusing agency sensitive information, which includes business, economic, and policy plans, financial information, trade secrets, PII, and sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information.
• Protecting Individual Privacy (PII): Personnel must agree not to disclose, release, or misuse PII, which includes information that can be used to distinguish an individual's identity or that could adversely affect privacy.
• Contractor Certification: Personnel must certify their understanding of responsibilities and compliance with standards for protecting information.

This form must be completed by all contractor personnel (including subcontractor personnel) who will be provided access to information or documents related to the contract. It outlines the strict rules regarding nondisclosure of sensitive information, avoidance of conflicts of interest, and protection of privacy. Bidders should ensure their personnel understand and agree to these terms as a condition of participation in the procurement and subsequent contract performance.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions and answers related to a Request for Information (RFI) for a potential contract opportunity. It aims to clarify requirements and gather information from interested vendors.

• Firm Size & Location: Questions inquire about the size and location of the vendor's organization and employees.
• Capabilities & Experience: Vendors are asked about their ability to execute specific functions listed in the RFI, past experience with web development (including microsites), and experience with policy issue campaigns (requesting 3-5 examples).
• Resources & Staffing: Questions address whether the firm possesses state-of-the-art equipment and materials, the number of employees that would be assigned to the campaign, and the ability to supply personnel on campus in Alexandria, Virginia.
• Organizational Structure: Vendors are asked to describe their organizational structure, including key roles such as Communications Strategist, Social Media Support Lead, Communications Support Lead, Communications and Media Monitoring Lead, and Audiovisual Support Lead.
• Success Measurement: The document asks how the vendor measures campaign success.

This Q&A document provides critical details that potential bidders should consider when assessing their qualifications and preparing any future proposals or responses to the RFI. It clarifies expectations regarding firm capabilities, experience, staffing, and organizational structure.