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

T -- BIMONTHLY UPDATE FOR GRATEFUL MED USERS: GRATEFULLY YOURS SOL RFP NLM 97-207/VMS DUE 063097 POC Valerie M. Syed, Contract Specialist, (301) 496-6546 The National Library of Medicine (NLM) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Medical Data Exchange (MDX) of Los Gatos, California under the authority of 41 U.S. C. 253(c)(1) as set forth in FAR 6.302-1(b)(1) for award of a one year contract with four successive one year options. This contract will provide to NLM a bimonthly camera ready copy for a publication for individual health professionals who search the Library's online databases via Grateful Med. The contractor will research, write and prepare for publication an eight-page review of current information, hints for set-up, searching techniques, examples of innovative uses of the online system and proposed improvements to the system. The contractor will be responsible for 1) preparing a list of suggested topics to be covered in each issue, 2) receiving approval from NLM on the proposed topics, and 3) researching the approved topics and writing the appropriate articles, and 4) preparing camera copy ready for printing. MDX, in its unique position, is the only source capable of carrying out this NLM requirement. The staff provides a unique combination of computer and medical database search expertise. MDX has also established an extensive health care professional network which provides Gratefully Yours readers familiarity with current issues, needs, and problems of the everyday end user. Given the sheer extent and the rapid rate of change in medical knowledge, it is imperative usage information. The professional network which MDX has established provides this crucial feedback. MDX possesses the unique and in-depth knowledge of NLM's online services, i.e., the databases, Grateful Med, and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. The company also has a wide and varied acquaintance with other online medical services -- DIALOG, BRS, etc. This announcement is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responses received no later than the closing date of this announcement will be considered by the Government. See Numbered Note 22. (0188)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0129 19970709\T-0006.SOL)