SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- NEI Simulations of Blinding Diseases
- Notice Date
- 10/6/2017
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Office of Administration, 6011 Executive Blvd, 5th Floor, Rockville, Maryland, 20852-3804, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20852-3804
- Solicitation Number
- NIHOD2018NEI
- Point of Contact
- Louis A Kuta, Sr., Phone: 301-594-5782
- E-Mail Address
-
louis.kuta@nih.gov
(louis.kuta@nih.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation NIHOD2018NEI is issued as a request for proposal. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-95, 2005-95/01-19-2017. This requirement is not a set aside. NAICS: 541990 Size Standard: $15.0 The following standard FAR Clauses for commercial items are in effect: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items (See page 15 of the attachment) 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items Proposals are due October 23, 2017, 12:00 PM EST. Description/Statement of Work 1.0 INTRODUCTION/OVERVIEW 1.1 BACKGROUND Scientists and patient advocacy groups often use a series of photos, commissioned by NEI some thirty years ago, when they wish to depict the visual experience of patients suffering from blinding diseases. At the time they were created, these images reflected the field's understanding of visual perception for such patients. But the field has advanced considerably since then, and these static images are considered overly simplistic, inaccurate, and generally unsatisfactory. At the same time, technology has evolved to where it is possible to use video and virtual reality to more authentically demonstrate (or even simulate) the experience of have a blinding disease. As part of the efforts of the NEI 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, the institute seeks the support of experts in blinding diseases, visual psychophysics, and video/virtual reality production to create a scientifically accurate and clinically authentic blindness simulation "experience" that can be used for education, public advocacy, and research purposes and a series of short videos that can be posted online for education and public outreach. 1.2 SCOPE NEI expects to receive scientifically and clinically plausible depictions of common blinding diseases that are of programmatic interest to the institute. These depictions should be delivered to NEI in formats ideal for education, advocacy, research, and wide distribution where appropriate. 1.3 OBJECTIVES 1.3.1. NEI requires at least one virtual reality experience that accurately simulates the visual perception of patients living with a common blinding disease that is of programmatic interest to the institute. The end product of this objective will be used primarily for patient advocacy and for the research purposes of the vision science community. 1.3.2. NEI requires at least two videos that accurately present the viewer with the visual perception of patients living with two different common blinding diseases that are of programmatic interest to the institute. The end products of this objective will be used primarily for education, patient advocacy, and wide distribution to the general public. 2.0 REQUIREMENTS 2.1 TASKS 2.1.1. Work with NEI staff to identify blinding diseases most suitable for simulation. Factors to consider include prevalence and interest as well as technical ones (i.e., ability to model disease, implementation considerations). 2.1.2. Submit a formal Project Plan to NEI. 2.1.3. Identify or develop algorithms for modeling the selected diseases and transforming a "normal" video clip into one that represents the perception of a person with the disease. 2.1.4. Create an augmented reality experience simulating at least one blinding disease. 2.1.5. For at least two (2) blinding diseases, create videos intended for typical computer monitors that provide the viewer with depictions of what patients with blinding diseases may experience in their daily lives. 2.2 DELIVERABLES 2.2.1. Submit a formal Project Plan to NEI. This document must contain the following: a) List of personnel to be involved in the project, and their roles. b) Description of the technical approach to simulating the diseases. c) Detailed timeline. d) An accountability plan to ensure NEI receives project deliverables by the end of FY2018. e) Detailed budget. 2.2.2. Contractor must provide the NEI 50th Anniversary Planning Committee with an immersive virtual reality experience capable of simulating at least one common blinding disease of significant programmatic interest to NEI. The following specific requirements apply: a) The augmented reality experience should use Oculus Rift or technology capable of providing a comparably immersive experience. b) The system should include eye tracking hardware. c) The duration of the viewing experience is to be determined, but expected to be on the order of tens of seconds. d) The viewing experience should include both a disease simulation segment and normal viewing segment so the viewer can have a comparative experience. e) NEI shall receive one complete system, inclusive of hardware and software (monitor, goggles, eye tracking hardware, etc...). f) NEI shall receive the software elements such that they may be installed on additional hardware units. g) NEI shall receive instructions for installing software on other systems. 2.2.3. For at least two (2) diseases, Contractor must deliver two videos intended for display on typical computer monitors that provide the viewer with depictions of what patients with blinding diseases may experience in their daily lives. a) Videos shall be in a standard and common format downloadable and playable on desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones. b) The duration of the viewing experience is to be determined, but expected to be on the order of tens of seconds. c) The viewing experience should include both a disease simulation segment and normal viewing segment so the viewer can have a comparative experience. d) NEI shall receive the software elements such that they may be installed on additional hardware units. e) NEI shall receive instructions for installing software on other systems. 2.2.4. Once a month, contractor must provide a written and verbal progress report to NEI. These updates must occur before the third Tuesday of each month so they can be relayed to the entire NEI 50th Anniversary Planning Committee during monthly committee meetings. 2.3 SCHEDULE Contractor must meet the following key milestones: 2.3.1. Submit their formal Project Plan to NEI by no later than one month after contract award. 2.3.2. Working prototypes of each deliverable must be demonstrated to NEI by COB Jan 31, 2018. 2.3.3. Final deliverables due by COB March 31, 2018. 2.4 ASSUMPTIONS • Expertise - The contracting team must have expertise in the following areas: o Clinical aspects of common blinding diseases. o Visual psychophysics o Virtual reality and video production o Software development • Vendors and Procurement - Procurement of hardware and materials related to this project will be the responsibility of contractor. 3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY It is not expected that any government resources will be required. 4.0 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS We do not anticipate any need for special security considerations related to the project. In the event project members from outside NIH require entry to the NIH main campus, they will obtain visitor badges and be escorted to their destination by NEI personnel. Technical Evaluation Criteria Technical Understanding and Approach (45 points) - Contractors must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Statement of Work requirements including operation and maintenance of each requirement set forth in the Statement of Work, and experience with program development and outreach. This includes creative and innovative approaches, and the assignment of tasks to experienced personnel. The proposal will be evaluated according to the soundness, practicality, and feasibility of the written description. Staffing and Key Personnel (30 points) - Contractors must demonstrate experience of key personnel to accomplish all of the activities described in the Statement of Work. Contractors are to provide a staffing plan that describes the availability and degree of commitment of key personnel. As part of the staffing plan, the contractor shall summarize the relevant experience and skills of each of the individuals to meet the unique technical needs of the activities described in the Statement of Work. Management Experience (5 points) - Contractor must demonstrate management experience related to the work outlined in the Statement of Work. Proposals will be evaluated based on how well the contractor's approach to managing work and subcontract management supports the planning and implementation of the activities outlined in the Statement of Work. No more than three relevant projects demonstrating the contractor's experience shall be provided. Past Performance (20 points) - Contractor must describe past performance in activities related to those outlined in the Statement of Work. Evaluation of past performance will include: the quality of the product and services rendered to previous clients, satisfactory resolution of problems encountered with previous clients, assignment of qualified and appropriate personnel to carry out related activities, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
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