DHHS, Program Support Center, Division of Acquisition Management, ADP Branch, Room 5-95 Parklawn Bldg., 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857

B -- THE SOCIAL EFFECTS OF INTERACTIVE GAMES SOL 00M008121 POC Marc L. Long, Contracting Officer, 301-443-7086 E-MAIL: Program Support Center, mlong@psc.gov. The Division of Acquisition Management has a requirement for the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), SAMHSA, to develop an annotated bibliography on the Social Effects of Electronic Interactive Games. CMHS hopes to decrease the rate of violence in schools and increase the percentage of proposed mental health activities actually implemented in schools. Interactive video games have been the focus of much concern on the part of many human service professionals and parents. As public concern escalates over the potentially harmful effects of media on young people, the need for strong systematic research becomes essential. Interactive games are increasingly targeted by parents and children's advocates for their often graphically violence and sexist themes, as well as for their socially isolating and possibly addictive nature. Some experts claim that video games may train young people to become desensitized to real life violence. The newer generation of interactive games has changed radically in their sophistication, graphics, realism, interactivity and level of violence and gore. This increased realism, it is believed may encourage greater identification with the characters and greater likelihood of their imitation. The proposed report will provide a survey of effects research from 1995-2000. It will explore cognitive development and game performance, education use and academic performance, game user habituation and skills; gender issues, health issues; personality and motivation; violence and aggression, with special attention given to violence. The Government knows of only one source, Media Scope, 12711 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, California, 91604. This proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b). Interested persons may identify, in writing, their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitiveproposals. However, all proposals received within 15 days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any requests for solicitation packages will be considered nonresponsive. All submissions are to be sent to Marc L. Long, at the address above, referencing 00M008121. This acquisition is being made utilizing FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Posted 07/06/00 (W-SN471999). (0188)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0016 20000710\B-0007.SOL)