SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Clinical Trials Research Coordination Center
- Notice Date
- 10/23/2023 9:23:30 AM
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541611
— Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NIDA Bethesda MD 20892 USA
- ZIP Code
- 20892
- Solicitation Number
- 75N95024Q00005
- Response Due
- 11/6/2023 1:00:00 PM
- Archive Date
- 11/21/2023
- Point of Contact
- Robert Bailey, Phone: 13014517586, Josh Lazarus, Phone: 3018276923
- E-Mail Address
-
rob.bailey@nih.gov, josh.lazarus@nih.gov
(rob.bailey@nih.gov, josh.lazarus@nih.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- 8A 8(a) Set-Aside (FAR 19.8)
- Description
- The Government is seeking Capability Statements on behalf of The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) from Small Business 8(a) organizations under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611, that can provide a wide range of logistical and operational support services for NIDA and the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network in the conduct of quality clinical trials on behavior, pharmacological, and integrated therapies. The support will include coordination of meetings and support for scientific meetings as well as symposia at national conferences; coordination of conference calls; identification and obtaining expert consultant support; preparation of research-related materials, including graphic arts, editorial, and scientific writing services; preparation of scientific meeting reports; developing and maintaining databases with administrative and programmatic information; distributing of research materials, protocol-related documents, and educational materials. This is a Sources Sought Notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified 8(a) Small Businesses. The established NAICS code is 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. The U.S. Small Business Administration establishes a size standard for 541611 as $24,500,000 in revenue or less. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND OBJECTIVE: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation�s leading medical research agency and the primary Federal agency whose mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability, conducting, supporting and making medical discoveries that improve people�s health and save lives. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) remains committed to reducing the translational bottleneck between research and practice.� Since its inception in 1999, the NIDA National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) has been a lead contributor in this effort; focusing on the testing and transfer of effective science-based drug addiction treatments into community settings.� Strong partnerships and bi-directional collaboration between researchers and practitioners are an essential and defining characteristic of the CTN.� Through these partnerships, the CTN has sought to accelerate the use of research outcomes, the pace of research, and its application to community treatment settings.� To date the CTN has enrolled over 25,000 participants into over 60 studies.� This research has not only helped determine which treatments should be implemented but has also informed the process of implementation and dissemination to ensure the acceptability and sustainability of new approaches. The purpose of this requirement is to provide a wide range of logistical and operational support services for NIDA and the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network in the conduct of quality clinical trials on behavior, pharmacological, and integrated therapies. The support will include coordination of meetings and support for scientific meetings as well as symposia at national conferences; coordination of conference calls; identification and obtaining expert consultant support; preparation of research-related materials, including graphic arts, editorial, and scientific writing services; preparation of scientific meeting reports; developing and maintaining databases with administrative and programmatic information; distributing of research materials, protocol-related documents, and educational materials. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS: Capable vendors shall demonstrate expertise and a proven track record for providing logistical and operational support services to support NIDA and the National Drug Abuse Treatment CTN in the conduct of quality clinical trials on behavior, pharmacological, and integrated therapies. Interested small business 8 (a) organizations must demonstrate the required capabilities and in-depth knowledge in the areas listed below: Task 1. Coordination of CTN Meetings The capable vendor shall provide logistical and operational support for meetings, including contacting participants, sending confirmation of participants, contracting with hotels for meeting space and guest accommodations at the Government rate, coordinating audiovisual requirements, agenda preparation (with input from NIDA staff), preparation and distribution of meeting materials, and drafting detailed meeting minutes and summaries (Steering Committee meeting plenary sessions and constituent meetings). For the meeting minutes and summaries, a scientific/technical editor may be necessary.� The capable vendor shall develop and mail meeting invitations, meeting logistical letters and attendance confirmation requests at least fifteen (15) working days before the meeting. The capable vendor shall develop and maintain a system to manage and track meeting invitations, registrations, and attendees (i.e., meeting database, registration website, etc.) including the below planned meetings. Network Steering Committee and other CTN Member Meetings.� The capable vendor shall provide logistical assistance to support meetings of the Steering Committee, subcommittees, and workgroups, as outlined above.� One to two 2 and a � day Steering Committee meetings per year with 2 plenary sessions and approximately 15 breakout sessions will take place each year of the contract.� Approximately 200 participants will attend each meeting.� The meetings are expected to be held in the Washington, D.C. area or at a location determined appropriate by the capable vendor and NIDA Contracting Officer�s Representative (NIDA COR). The capable vendor shall provide honorarium (up to $250 per day), travel, and per diem expenses for all non-Federal participants (approximately 10 individuals per meeting). Pre-paid airline tickets and pre-paid hotel rooms shall be provided whenever possible.�� 2. Special Constituent Meetings.� Special constituent meetings dealing with particular topics relevant to NIDA will be called for on an ad hoc basis.� Approximately two 1 to 2-day meetings will be held each year of the contract.� The number of participants will be approximately 40 for each meeting.� The meetings will be called by the NIDA COR and are expected to be held in the Washington, D.C. area.� The capable vendor shall provide honorarium (up to $250 per day), travel, and per diem expenses for all non-Federal participants (approximately 10 individuals per meeting). Pre-paid airline tickets and pre-paid hotel rooms shall be provided whenever possible.�� Task 2. Coordination of Conference Calls The capable vendor shall support conference calls for NIDA. This support shall include scheduling of calls, providing of call services, and notification of call participants.� Approximately 240 1 to 2-hour conference calls with approximately six (6) participants for each call will be held each year. In addition, up to twenty-four (24) 1 to 2-hour web-calls with approximately 20-75 participants on each call will be held each year of the contract. A database shall be used to maintain contact information of the call participants. The capable vendor shall maintain a system to track scheduled calls and call attendees.�(i.e., call database).�� Task 3.� Consultant Visits Consultants shall provide NIDA and CTN grantees with expert advice on various topics regarding the Network.� The NIDA COR will identify experts to meet with NIDA staff and/or CTN awardees periodically on an as required basis.� Consultants may be asked to attend meetings in support of the program.� The capable vendor shall be responsible for contacting the consultants and making travel arrangements for each visit.� The capable vendor shall provide per diem and honorarium (up to $250/day) for each consultant visit.� Prepaid airline tickets and hotel rooms shall be provided whenever possible.� It is expected that approximately 8 consultants will visit NIDA for two days each year. These services will be approved by the NIDA COR prior to their execution.� Task 4.� Copying and Distribution of Materials, including Publicity and Meeting Materials. The capable vendor shall produce a small number of hard copies of articles, notes, editorials, and chapters printed in medical, scientific, policy and research journals, books, or periodicals housed in libraries or available on-line through the internet.� This includes obtaining copyright permission as necessary.� It is estimated that up to 24 articles may be requested during each year.� The capable vendor shall keep an accurate inventory of materials on hand and distribute as requested by the NIDA COR. These materials will consist of CTN brochures, newsletters, directories, training materials, and other items developed for the CTN. The capable vendor shall mail out materials within 24 hours of receiving request upon approval from the NIDA COR.� It is expected that approximately 5 requests per month will be received. The capable vendor shall prepare meeting materials, posters, brochures, and similar materials, as required by the NIDA COR. It is estimated that a total of five (5) scientific posters (for conference poster sessions), five (5) meeting announcement posters, and four (4) brochures will be required during each contract year. Finished products shall be delivered within two weeks after requests. The capable vendor shall maintain sufficient space (approximately 10� x 10� room) for the storage of printed materials.��� Task 5. Transition-Out Plan. The capable vendor shall submit to the COR a written transition-out plan that will ensure an orderly transfer of all contract-related materials to the Government or an incoming contractor.� This plan shall include provisions for transferring all computer files, study supplies, records, and all written documentation for all studies and for general operating procedures.� At the end of the contract period, all records, supplies, computer files, and documents developed under this contract, and any other related materials will be turned over to the COR and designee(s). The capable vendor shall identify how it will coordinate with the incoming contractor and/or Government personnel to transfer knowledge regarding the following: � � � � � � � a. Points of contact (includes Key Partners and Points of Contact). � � � � � � � b. Status of ongoing initiatives. � � � � � � � c. Appropriate contractor to contractor coordination to ensure a seamless transition. � � � � � � � d. Transition of Key Personnel. � � � � � � � e. Identified Schedules and Milestones. � � � � � � � f. Identified actions required of the Government. � � �4. The Draft Transition-Out Plan shall include, but is not limited to: � � � � � � �a. Coordination with Government representatives. � � � � � � �b. Review, evaluation, and transition of current support services. � � � � � � �c. Transition of historic data to new contractor systems. � � � � � � �d. Transfer of all necessary business and/or technical documentation. � � � � � � � e. Orientation phase and program to introduce Government personnel, programs, and users to the contractor's team, tools, methodologies, and business processes. Disposition of contractor-purchased Government owned assets, including facilities, equipment, furniture, phone lines, computer equipment, etc. � � � � � � � �f. Establish and maintain effective communication with the incoming contractor/Government personnel for the period of the transition via weekly status meetings. � � � �5. The Government may request changes, additions, or revisions to the Draft Transition-Out Plan prior to approval. Upon receipt of Government approval of the Draft Transition-Out Plan, the capable vendor shall execute the Final Transition-Out Plan. Task 6. Transition-In Plan By the start date of this contract, the capable vendor shall submit to the COR a written transition-in plan to manage and track transition activities and progress. During the transition period, the capable vendor shall ensure its personnel gain the necessary knowledge and required resources to perform all required tasks. Upon completion of the Transition-In period, the capable vendor shall possess a complete understanding of the tasks to be managed and shall assume responsibility for contract performance. During transition, the capable vendor shall communicate transition status, progress, and any issues requiring Government awareness or involvement. The capable vendor shall report progress toward readiness to assume full support responsibilities. The capable vendor shall communicate requirements with key program partners. Interested small business 8 (a) organizations must demonstrate and document in the submitted capability statement extensive experience in the technical areas listed above. INSTRUCTIONS: Capability statement /information sought. Interested vendors that believe they possess the capabilities to provide the required product/service should submit documentation of their ability to meet each of the project requirements to the Contracting Officer. The capability statement must specifically address each of the project requirements separately. Additionally, the capability statement should include 1) the total number of employees, 2) the professional qualifications of personnel as it relates to the requirements outlined, 3) any contractor GSA Schedule contracts and/or other government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs) by which all of the requirements may be met, if applicable, 4) 8 (a) small business documentation and 5) any other information considered relevant to this program. Capability statements must also include the Company Name, Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov, Physical Address, and Point of Contact Information. The response must include the respondents� technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. Interested vendors are required to identify their type of business, applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code, and size standards in accordance with the Small Business Administration. The government requests that no proprietary or confidential business data be submitted in a response to this notice. However, responses that indicate the information therein is proprietary will be properly safeguarded for Government use only. Capability statements must include the name and telephone number of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss responses with Government representatives. Capability statements in response to this market survey that do not provide sufficient information for evaluation will be considered non-responsive. When submitting this information, please reference the solicitation notice number. The established NAICS code is 541611. Respondents must provide clear and convincing documentation of their capability of providing the products and support services specified in this notice. Also, information must be provided in sufficient details of the respondents� (a) staff expertise, including their availability, experience, formal and other training; (b) capability to perform the work; (c) prior completed projects of similar nature; (d) compliance with requirements: Vendors must identify and demonstrate specifically how they will meet the requirements listed above. Any other specific and relevant information about this particular area of procurement that would improve our consideration and evaluation of the information presented is desirable. Documentation may include, but not be limited to, contracts both Government and commercial the organization performed, references, i.e., names, titles, telephone numbers and any other information serving to document the organizations capability, e.g., awards, commendations, etc. The information submitted must be in an outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement paragraphs stated herein.� A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required. Any 8 (a) small business concerns that believe they possess the capability necessary to successfully undertake the work described above must SUBMIT CAPABILITY STATEMENTS ELECTRONICALLY to the Contract Specialist, Rob Bailey at Rob.Bailey@nih.gov, NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m. EST on November 6, 2023. The Subject line for the submission should include this Sources Sought Number and organization name. NIDA will not accept paper or faxed capability statements. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.� This notice is for information and planning purposes only and does not commit the Government to any contractual agreement. 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 on SAM.gov. 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
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/837c3c40e381415c9c05c0ac02db4ebd/view)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Zip Code: 20892
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 20892
- Record
- SN06866121-F 20231025/231023230046 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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