Portia Harrell

Portia Harrell serves as a Contract Specialist within the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), part of the Department of Commerce, where she plays a pivotal role in executing procurements that support the modernization of the nation’s intellectual property infrastructure. Her responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of acquisitions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—focusing on technology-driven solutions that enhance digital examination systems, secure IP data, and improve public access to patent and trademark resources. She specializes in complex service and technology procurements aligned with USPTO’s strategic priorities in innovation and digital transformation. Harrell maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including IP.COM I, LLC and Innovative Transducer Implementation, LLC, primarily engaging firms that deliver specialized software, technical services, and system integration solutions. Her procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance-based outcomes, with a preference for contractors demonstrating proven expertise in intellectual property systems and secure data management. She actively collaborates with vendors to ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations and technical specifications critical to USPTO’s operational mission. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with 40% of awards directed toward small business set-asides—20% under HUBZone and 20% under total small business set-asides per FAR 19.5—while 60% remain open to all competitors. This demonstrates a deliberate effort to foster competition while advancing opportunities for economically disadvantaged and geographically targeted small businesses. Harrell’s primary NAICS focus areas include 423430 for computer hardware and software wholesaling, 541720 for social science and humanities research, 541990 for professional technical services, and 561720 for janitorial services. She routinely procures enterprise software, cybersecurity tools, data analytics platforms, and facility support services essential to sustaining USPTO’s mission-critical operations and digital modernization initiatives.