SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Developing a Model Infant Audiology Diagnostic Protocol using Telemedicine.
- Notice Date
- 4/11/2008
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Division of Procurement Management, 5600 Fisher Ln., Room 13A-19, Rockville, Maryland, 20857, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20857
- Solicitation Number
- 240-1-dm
- Response Due
- 4/21/2008
- Point of Contact
- Daniel Matusiewicz,, Phone: 301.443.4703, Frank Murphy,, Phone: 301-443-5165
- E-Mail Address
-
dmatusiewicz@hrsa.gov, fmurphy@hrsa.gov
- Description
- The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is conducting a Sources Sought/Market Survey to locate Small Business, Veteran Owned, HUBZone and 8(a) Firms under NAICS Code 541990 “All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.” Provider(s) must be capable of developing a model infant audiology diagnostic protocol using telemedicine, which could be adopted in other areas to assist professionals and families by providing diagnostic services in rural areas while limiting expenditures. In general, telemedicine is used to bridge service gaps, including specialty provider and equipment shortages, in rural and underserved areas, which can include large metropolitan areas. While audiology as a profession has been slow to adopt telemedicine, this form of service delivery is becoming more feasible and practical as the availability of inexpensive interactive video systems evolves and if there is increased availability of governmental funding to develop programs. In addition, preliminary projects and research suggest that telemedicine models which might be effective for audiologists, expediting patient care, in a cost efficient manner, delivering hearing services to locations where none exists. This is vital because diagnostic audiology needs to occur between the ages of one to three months, after a baby fails to pass a follow-up re-screen. However, only half of the infants referred are generally evaluated, due to the shortage of pediatric audiologists and equipment. Data show that an infant with a significant hearing impairment who receives intervention by six months of age will perform significantly better in language development than the infant who is identified after six months of age. The use of tele-audiology has not been demonstrated, although it has been discussed for some time. Proposed is placement of diagnostic equipment in a spoke site of an existing telemedicine network. Typically in telemedicine practice, nurses, physician’s assistants or perhaps EEG technicians are taught to use the equipment. Audiologists at the hub site would observe the correct use of the equipment, interpret results and interact with families. The methodology, once demonstrated, could be spread through the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), the national technical resource center for the newborn hearing screening and intervention program. NCHAM has a regional network of (pediatric) audiologists throughout the United States who provide technical assistance to the States in implementation of the program. NCHAM also works closely with state program coordinators both individually and collectively. Specifically, this contractor will assist the Federal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program and its grantees in the following areas: 1. Meeting family needs for timely access to quality pediatric diagnostic audiology services in rural areas. 2. Dissemination of the methodology nationwide through existing telemedicine networks in conjunction with the State newborn hearing screening and intervention programs and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management through various means, including mailings, conference calls, and web casts. Contractor will be required to produce the following deliverables: 1. A toolkit containing training materials for both hub and spoke sites to enable the adoption of “tele-audiology” diagnostic services throughout existing telemedicine sites. 2. Technical Assistance to State grantees and the Federal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program, including telephone and in-person consultation as is needed and feasible. 3. Quarterly progress reports containing information on services provided under the contract Qualified contractors must satisfy the following minimum requirements. Provide a detailed description of your company’s experience and demonstrated abilities to deliver each and every one ( address each separately ) of the following requirements: 1. Demonstrated familiarity with the issues surrounding limited access to timely and appropriate access to infant diagnostic audiology services in rural areas. 2. Experience in the field of in the field of public health with a focus on areas of maternal and child health concern, specifically a knowledge of issues affecting infants with special health care needs and their families. 3. Awareness of cultural diversity and it’s effect on utilization of health services 4. Demonstrated ability to work with grantees in a manner which supports the goals of the Federal Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program. Interested entities should submit their capabilities statements demonstrating the capability of performing this work. Documentation may include Government and commercial contract, references (names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) and any other information serving to document the organization’s capability to perform this work. Your response to this Sources Sought must be received in this office by 2:00pm local time 21 April 2008 by delivery, surface mail or fax ONLY at the following address: HHS/HRSA/DPM, attn: Daniel Matusiewicz, 5600 Fisher Lane, Room 13A-19, Rockville, MD 20857;telephone (301) 443.4703; Fax (301) 443.5462. This Sources Sought/RFI is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. This is not a solicitation announcement for proposals and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. No Reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement and any follow up information requests. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.
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