National Library of Medicine, Office of Acquisitions Management, Building 38A, Room B1N17, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894

R -- INDEXING OF BIOMEDICAL LITERATURE POC Daniel J. Hartinger, Contract Specialist, 301/496-6546. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking sources for indexing of the biomedical literature. NLM requires that approximately 423,200 biomedical journal articles per year be indexed for Index Medicus, MEDLINE and related databases. Multiple awards are anticipated. Indexing is to be performed over a one-year period (April 1, 1997 through March 31, 1998), with options to extend for three additional one-year periods. Options for additional quantities of up to 25,000 articles per year may also be exercised. The bulk of articles to be indexed are in English (over 83%), with lesser amounts in German (3%), Russian (3%), French (2%), Japanese (2%), Spanish (1%) and nineteen other foreign languages (less than 1% each). The articles to be indexed are in highly technical, scientific, biomedical subject areas (e.g., anesthesiology, biochemistry, cardiology, genetics, hematology, microbiology, neurology, pharmacology, radiology, etc.) and are from journals selected by NLM for citation in Index Medicus, MEDLINE and related databases. Indexing will be performed in accordance with policies and procedures set forth in NLM's published Indexing Manual. Indexers must analyze each journal article for subject content and apply appropriate subject headings drawn from NLM's controlled vocabulary, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Indexers who work on this project must complete the standard training regimen provided at NLM's facilities in Bethesda, Maryland. The training regimen will begin with a formal two-week Indexing Class to be scheduled by NLM, followed by a period of informal one-on-one training and feedback. The informal training period requires trainees to work on site at NLM for at least one month, depending on the proficiency of the individual. The minimum educational requirement for proposed trainees is a Bachelor's degree with a major in the biomedical sciences, or its equivalent in work experience in a biomedical field. Average production from trainee indexers in past years has been 50 articles per week during the first six months, average weekly production from individual trainees during the first six months has ranged from 25 to 82 articles per week. After six months, indexers are expected to produce four articles per hour, and to work at least half-time on this project. Journals to be indexed will be assigned by NLM to individual indexers in batches containing approximately one week's work capacity and based on the indexer's language and subject capabilities. NLM prefers that indexers work in the local Washington, DC metropolitan area and requires local work to be completed and returned within one week of pick-up at NLM. NLM will allow indexers to work outside the Washington, DC area, but the contractor must then bear all logistical responsibility related to pick-up, delivery and return of journals between NLM and indexers, and journals must be completed and returned to NLM within fourteen days of pick-up. Rapid processing of work is required to ensure the currency of citations in Index Medicus, MEDLINE and related databases. Upon completion of the training regimen, indexers will (whenever possible, as determined by NLM) perform work online using NLM's Online Indexing System. Online work will be performed using Government equipment loaned by NLM for installation at individual work sites. Equipment will consist of a modem and specially-configured computer terminal or PC. NLM will reimburse the contractor for telecommunications costs related to online indexing. Online work outside the Washington, DC metropolitan area is possible. Multiple awards are anticipated for this project. Awards will be based primarily on the merits of the proposed indexing personnel, ranked by experience with NLM indexing, experience with any form of indexing or work involving analysis of the biomedical literature, and subject and foreign language expertise. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to respond to this sources sought announcement. A partial set-aside is anticipated. The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code for this requirement is 8999 and the size standard is $5.0 million. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes, does not constitute an IFB or RFP, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Three (3) copies of capability statements should be received within fifteen (15) days after the date of publication. (0172)

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