SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Technical and Programmatic Support Services for NLM/SIS Outreach Projects - Statement of Work
- Notice Date
- 4/17/2015
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541690
— Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 105, Bethesda, Maryland, 20894, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20894
- Solicitation Number
- NIHLM2015464
- Archive Date
- 5/5/2015
- Point of Contact
- Suet Vu, Phone: 301-496-6546
- E-Mail Address
-
vus@mail.nih.gov
(vus@mail.nih.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- Statement of Work for Outreach Projects INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Library of Medicine (NLM) is conducting a market survey to help determine the availability and technical capability of qualified small businesses, HUBZone small businesses; service- disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses capable of serving the needs identified below. Background: The mission of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) is to collect, organize, preserve, and disseminate the world's biomedical information for the good of the public. In addition to traditional library activities related to reference services, document delivery, and collection development, the Library develops a wide variety of electronic resources to meet the needs of various constituencies. The Library also conducts outreach to these user communities to make them aware of the Library's resources and services and to assist them in developing their capacity to use them effectively. The Division of Specialized Information Services (SIS) coordinates the development and operation of specialized information services throughout the NLM; plans, develops, and operates a national Environmental Health and Toxicology Information Program (TEHIP); develops and administers a program to organize and analyze published information on the effects of drugs and chemicals on mankind; develops and implements information and outreach programs in HIV/AIDS, consumer health, minority health and health disparities; and plans and operates an office supporting NLM's programs in disaster information. More details about the programs and services may be found on the SIS web site http://sis.nlm.nih.gov. Purpose and Objectives: The main goal of the proposed work is to: Support SIS and NLM activities intended to increase awareness and use of NLM's medical and health information products and services, especially within minority (Native Americans, African Americans, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians) and other special populations (e.g., public health workforce, emergency responders, K-12 educators and students, HIV/AIDS impacted, etc.) in order to increase the use of electronic health information resources, strengthen and modernize biomedical research, training and applications and reduce health disparities. In addition to the goal of improving health through these outreach projects, the role of the contractor is to help these collaborating or partner institutions, agencies and organizations develop the capacity to do this work independently in support of NLM's mission. The primary thrust of the contract is human-to-human interaction including identification of partners and development of relationships for NLM to pursue. The contractor will be representing NLM's interests and supporting NLM in its work rather than independently carrying out work of their own choosing. NLM anticipated that the work will be carried out by one or a small number of individuals with appropriate expertise and experience as well as existing relationships with many of the intended audiences for NLM's information resources. It is also important to note that NLM does not conduct health campaigns such as those designed to encourage parents to have their babies sleep on their backs or to raise awareness of HIV in women and girls. The focus for NLM's projects and programs is to increase access to and use of NLM's information resources and services. The contractor is required to carry out the following types of activities: 1. Identify opportunities to increase awareness and use of SIS and other NLM information, databases and other services and products among minority and other special populations. This includes seeking out and identifying potential partners for SIS and NLM outreach projects or programs such as American Indian and Alaskan Native tribal leaders, tribal organizations, tribal health organizations, Native Hawaiian leaders and health organizations, Minority Serving Educational Institutions and their related organizations, minority health professional organizations, K-12 programs, public health agencies and organizations (particularly those serving refugees, immigrants or the disabled), disaster preparation, management and response agencies and teams, and other potential users of NLM and SIS resources and training. The main focus is on populations that are traditionally considered underserved, suffer from health disparities, or are of specific interest to SIS or NLM based on policy, or NLM's mission. 2. Assist NLM in identifying appropriate staff/leaders/community representatives with which to work. Working closely with NLM staff, assist the Library in initiating and developing a working relationship. Assist in developing the basis for collaboration and identifying specific areas in which to work. Working closely with NLM in developing and implementing projects with organizations or individuals identified. This may include subcontracting with organizations or individuals to fund specific undertakings. NLM may wish to work with up to 15 organizations or individuals in a year. 3. Provide technical and programmatic support in support of SIS outreach projects, including, but not limited to, the Environmental Health Information Partnership, Sacred Root Information Fellowship and other Tribal projects, international projects, information outreach and health information technology initiatives of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Educational Institutions, disaster-related organizations and agencies, and other special populations. When necessary, and on behalf of SIS, conduct or participate in assessments of these programs. This task may include participating in the development of programs for or with these groups. 4. Provide technical and programmatic support to SIS, the NLM Office of the Director, and other NLM components, in collaboration with other federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Indian Health Service, Office of Global Health Affairs, and the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. Assist with the development, implementation and conduct of programs and projects that focus on the use of health information technology to achieve the goal of improving use of and access to such technology and related health information. This includes alerting NLM staff about new technologies and new implementations related to telehealth, such as the use of the Internet for video medical interpreting over distance, use of GIS technology for community empowerment and health planning, and the use of virtual worlds and other types of visualization. All such endeavors are for the purpose of developing capacity in special populations to use these tools and to improve their health through the use of health information technology. Examples of projects or activities included in the current or earlier versions of this contract: • Teen Health Leadership Project in which NLM works with the College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina; the Health Sciences Library, MUSC; St. Johns High School; Communities in Schools; and Charleston Unified School District. The contractor identified the opportunity; brought together the partners, implemented a subcontract for funding, and continues to serve as a liaison between the project partners and NLM. • Community Health Maps Blog, which started as an early effort to bring GIS technology to Native American organizations, now serves to share information about free or low cost GIS tools with community organization, educators and others. The contractor also identifies a small number of local organizations interested in implementing a GIS project using these tools and then writing a blog posting. • Identifying and subcontracting with expert consultants to meet NLM's needs for specific tasks related to this type of outreach. These tasks may include participating in the development of programs for or with these groups. All programs are health information or health information technology-related activities. In some cases, the contractor shall implement programs independently, mainly through subcontracts, after they have been developed in conjunction with NLM staff. Approximately 2-15 such subcontracts may be implemented each year. The contractor may also conduct program assessments or evaluations, write reports, provide background research, etc. The contractor may assist in providing on-the-ground technical support and guidance during the implementation and conduct of a project. This may require site visits and meetings held remote from NLM. The contractor may also be required to organize 1-2 workshops, symposia, or conferences related to this work. The goal of these site visits and other interactions is to provide support, direction and guidance to outreach activities promoted and supported by NLM. Working with special populations is often difficult and requires a substantial amount of direct interaction. Travel and interactions will generally be within the U.S. However, approximately 3-5 trips may be international. In addition to the goal of improving health through these outreach projects, the role of the contractor is to help these institutions, agencies and organizations develop the capacity to do this work independently. SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE In accordance with FAR 39.2, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is implemented in this order. Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, all electronic and information technology (EIT) products and services developed, acquired, maintained, and/or used under this contract/order must comply with the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Provisions" set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the "Access Board") in 36 CFR part 1194. Information about Section 508 provisions is available at http://www.hhs.gov/od. ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE It is anticipated that the period of performance shall be for a 12 month base year with two (2) 12 month option periods. It is anticipated that additional funding will be provided for each activity. An award is anticipated to be made on or around August 2015. It is anticipated that the contract will be an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS The contractor will implement specific tasks as defined above during the period of performance. The contractor shall implement these tasks with minimal direction, but in close collaboration with the government. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES The government shall provide the contractor access to relevant SIS and NLM information and staff. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES The contractor shall meet with selected members of the SIS leadership team on an as needed basis. Meetings will be held at the NLM site, and/or via teleconferencing. (All resulting software and reports will become the property of the Government.) Financial reports will be submitted monthly Narrative reports will be submitted quarterly Progress reports from subcontractors will be submitted quarterly Final report will be submitted at contract completion. TRAVEL Approximately 2-12 trips are anticipated for the Base Year and 1-15 trips per year are anticipated for Option Year 1 and Option Year 2. Travel and interactions will generally be within the U.S. However, approximately 3-5 trips may be international. Interested firms responding to this Sources Sought Notice must adhere to the following: (a) Provide a capability statement demonstrating relevant experience, skills, and ability to fulfill the Government's requirement. The capability statement should be complete and contain sufficient detail for the Government to make an informed decision regarding capabilities; however, the statement should not exceed 10 pages. (b) The capability statement must identify the responder's business type and size; DUNS number; NAICS code, and technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. (c) All capability statements must be submitted electronically no later than 1:00 pm local prevailing time on Thursday, May 4, 2015 to Suet Vu at vus@mail.nih.gov. It would be helpful for the capability statement to address the following questions and requests: 1. Is your organization a small business under NAICS code 541690? 2. Is your organization a Small Disadvantaged Business? 3. Is your organization a certified 8(a) Participant? 4. Is your organization a certified HUBZone Participant? 5. Is your organization a certified Women-Owned or Women-Operated Participant? 6. Is your organization a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned or Veteran Operated business? 7. Is your organization a certified Native American Owned business? 8. Document your firm's experience developing and delivering face-to-face, culturally relevant health information outreach and capacity building programs to minority-serving educational institutions at all levels, community-based organizations, local health departments, and libraries. 9. Document your organization's experience with the assessments and evaluation of projects and programs. 10. Document your firm's experience in overseeing or developing culturally relevant community-partnerships and collaborations to increase awareness of, access to and use of quality online health information resources through training, health information dissemination or curriculum development and infusion. 11. Document your firm's experience in managing sub-contracting program including small and large subcontracts with the necessary reporting requirements and monitoring. 12. Document your firm's experience working with federal agencies in developing partnerships or collaborative activities. Do not include grants or contracts that you have received from federal agencies. 13. Describes your firm's experience with or knowledge of new media and emerging technologies to reach small and large organizations and increase exposure of NLM's program goals, develop community interest and communicate with program or community stakeholders. 14. Document your firm's knowledge of and existing relationships with relevant organizations working in health information, health information literacy in the following subject areas: a. Immigrant and refugee health b. Multicultural health c. K-12 science education d. Health disparities e. HIV/AIDS f. Disaster health g. Environmental health h. Geographic information systems (GIS) Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/OAM/NIHLM2015464/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Bethesda, Maryland, United States
- Record
- SN03703421-W 20150419/150417235001-ed9acbe52d40c7f68f553a196351bed8 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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