National Cancer Institute, Acquisition Management Branch, TBS, 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS/Rm 603 Bethesda, MD 20892-7220

B -- PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES ON NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKES SOL N02-CM-97023-09 POC Mary E. Landi O'Leary; Contracting Officer, 301-496-8620 WEB: Research Contracts Acquisition Branch Home Page, http://amb.nci.nih.gov/rfp.htm. E-MAIL: Mary E. Landi O'Leary, ml186r@nih.gov. ELECTRONIC RFP ANNOUNCEMENT, POTENTIAL OFFERORS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DOWNLOADING THEIR OWN COPY OF THE SOLICITATION AND AMENDMENTS. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is the Federal agency responsible for conducting and supporting research on the brain and nervous system. It is a component of the National Institutes of Health and the US Public Health Service. Medical advances in the field of neurology have burgeoned in the past several years. Neurological illnesses which were once considered untreatable are now being treated. Acting on a mandate by Congress to bring important health messages to the public, the NINDS requires a public education strategy, a public education program, and an information clearinghouse on the topics of stroke and Parkinson's disease, and other neurological diseases as the need arises. The NINDS was established by Public Law 81-692 in August 1950 with a mission of research to improve the quality of life. Along with the aging population there has been a marked increase in the diagnosis of a number of neurological disorders, including stroke and Parkinson's disease. The public needs information about research advances in the neurological disorders in order to take full advantage of treatments and health care practices that may improve their quality of life. Another imperative is communicating changes in standards of treatment to health care professionals. Also, in response to recommendations made in the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report "Scientific Opportunities and Public Needs: Improving Priority Setting and Public Input at the National Institutes of Health," NINDS seeks to increase outreach to and interaction with constituency groups on the importance of basic and clinical research in improving the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. Within the NINDS, the Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL) holds the lead responsibility for educational activities and translating research findings for both health practitioners and the general public. The OCPL plans to award a single, incrementally funded, cost-reimbursement contract for One base year plus four One-Year option to provide services in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of health communications products and activities, development of intermediary networks, materials development for professional audiences as well as clearinghouse establishment and management. Such services include but are not limited to the following: 1) Planning, development, implementation and evaluation of public education/communications programs on the topics of stroke and Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders as research advances require; 2) Development and maintenance of intermediary networks of neurological related health institutions, organizations, associations and businesses; 3) Materials development for professional audiences; 4) Establishment and Administration of an Information Clearinghouse. The anticipated solicitation issue date is approximately 15 days after publication of this notice, and proposals will be due approximately 45 days after the issue date. The RFP may be accessed through the Research Contracts Acquisition Branch Home page by using the following Internet address: http://amb.nci.nih.gov/rfp.htm. IT IS THE OFFERORS RESPONSIBILITY TO MONITOR THE ABOVE INTERNET SITE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE SOLICITATION AND ANY AMENDMENTS. Point of contact is Mary E. Landi O'Leary; electronic mail address: ml186r@nih.gov; fax 301-402-6699. No collect calls will be accepted. Posted 02/09/99 (W-SN296261). (0040)

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