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United States Patent and Trademark Office Performance and Accountability Report Fiscal Year 2003 Management Discussion and Analysis |
Management ChallengesThe 21st Century Strategic Plan
The 21st Century Strategic Plan is aggressive and far-reaching. Anything less would fall short of the expectations of the U.S. Congress, the applicants for, and owners of, patents and trademarks, the patent and trademark bar, and the public-at-large. Additionally, the failure to adopt the 21st Century Strategic Plan will have serious negative consequences. The USPTO will be unable to enhance quality, implement e-Gov initiatives, reduce pendency (in fact pendency would rise to uncontrollable levels), and reduce paper handling and operating costs. Following is a discussion of the management challenges that the USPTO is facing in implementing the plan:
Space Consolidation Move to USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, VirginiaThe USPTO will be concentrating on the high priority of relocating employees to a consolidated campus in Alexandria, Virginia, while minimizing any adverse effects on employees, applicants, and the public. The USPTO has moved into the implementation phase of the relocation of its facilities from 18 buildings spread throughout Crystal City to a single lease on a consolidated campus. Relocation to Alexandria is being phased to coincide with delivery of five interconnected buildings. The USPTO faces numerous logistical and operational challenges in executing the consolidation. Dual operations, including dual computer facilities, will be required during the phasing of the relocation because the space will be delivered over a protracted period. Supporting employees and customers at geographically separate locations will require careful planning. The disruptions and downtime during the move must be minimized to avoid a significant impact on productivity. However, the long-term benefit will be a world-class facility with operational efficiencies and improved allocation of work space to accommodate the USPTOs growing and changing workplace. This consolidation is expected to save $72 million over the 20-year term of the lease. In FY 2003, the interior space for the entire campus was planned, designed, put out for subcontractor bids, and awarded. With the aid of an exceptional government and developer team, most phases of construction are currently either on or ahead of schedule. The USPTO began occupying the first two buildings (Remsen and Jefferson) and the east garage in December 2003. Full occupancy is scheduled by mid-FY 2005, but may occur sooner. |
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