John Bardwell

John Bardwell serves as a Contracting Officer for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office within the Department of Commerce, where he manages the acquisition of critical technology and consulting services that support the modernization of the nation’s intellectual property infrastructure. Responsible for executing full lifecycle procurements under FAR guidelines, he ensures compliance with federal acquisition standards while advancing the USPTO’s mission to enhance digital examination systems, secure IP data, and improve public access to patent and trademark resources. His portfolio primarily encompasses IT modernization, systems design, and process optimization services essential to sustaining a high-volume, technology-driven examination environment. Bardwell maintains consistent contracting relationships with key vendors including IP.COM I, LLC and Innovative Transducer Implementation, LLC, partnering with firms that deliver specialized expertise in intellectual property analytics, data management, and technical systems integration. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and long-term vendor collaboration, fostering reliable delivery of mission-critical solutions. While he engages with established contractors, he actively cultivates a diverse supplier base to ensure innovation and resilience in service delivery. His contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 75% of awards issued without set-aside designations. However, he consistently supports small business participation, allocating 25% of acquisitions to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both efficiency and socioeconomic goals. He does not prioritize specialized set-asides such as 8(a) or HUBZone, instead favoring broad small business eligibility to maximize competition and capability. Bardwell’s primary NAICS focus areas include Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services (541614), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), and Other Computer Related Services (541519), reflecting his emphasis on IT infrastructure, workflow automation, and digital service delivery. He also procures services under 519190 and 511210, indicating engagement with information services and software publishing domains. His expertise lies in acquiring technical solutions that enhance the scalability, security, and accessibility of USPTO’s digital platforms.