D -- TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Notice Date

September 1, 2000

Contracting Office

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

ZIP Code

20894

Solicitation Number

NLM 00-192/LTN

Response Due

September 15, 2000

Point of Contact

Liem T. Nguyen, Contract Specialist, 301-496-6546

E-Mail Address

click here to contact the contract specialist via (liem_nguyen@nlm.nih.gov)

Description

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) intends to negotiate on a sole-source basis with the American Indian Cultural Center, 16816 Country Lane, Waldorf/Brandywine, Maryland 20601, under the authority of U.S.C. 253 (c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1(b)(1) for the specialized technical support services in providing Internet access, training, and outreach to American Indians. The Internet and World Wide Web (www or web) now play a dominant role in dissemination of NLM health information services. NLM's historic commitment to improving access of rural, underserved, and minority communities to health information must now be extended to the Internet and web environment. Accordingly, NLM has a tribal connections program that is intended to address both digital divide and health disparity issues in areas and communities that serve Native American populations. The purpose of this program is to help Native American organizations establish or improve their Internet connectivity, including the necessary technical infrastructure and training, so as to facilitate access to health information available from NLM and others via the Internet. An important requisite of this program is self-empowerment of Native American organizations in planning for and obtaining the necessary technical infrastructure and training. The American Indian Cultural Center will support NLM efforts to provide Internet access, training, and outreach to American Indians living in the vicinity of Waldorf/Brandywine, MD. The Center will: 1) provide Native staff for project management over the duration of the project planning and implementation; 2) obtain the computer hardware, software, and wiring, and related installation, for an on-site computer lab and learning resource center; 3) obtain Internet connectivity services so that the lab and resource center will have access to the Internet; 4) provide outreach to the local Native American community to identify current and prospective trainees and users; 5) facilitate the training of selected Center staff and volunteers in basic computer skills and in training of end users ("train the trainers"); 6) facilitate the training of end users in basic Internet skills and accessing health information on the web; and 7) provide periodic input to NLM's project evaluation as part of the tribal connections program. After conducting searches of the web and Native American web sites and making inquiries of persons and organizations familiar with the Waldorf/Brandywine, MD, geographic area, NLM has determined that the American Indian Cultural Center is the only vendor that could meet NLM's needs. The Center is the only American Indian organization in this geographic area that is organized to provide or obtain the needed services and that has well-established relationships with the local American Indian community. The period of performance will be for two years and begin on or about September 25, 2000. This is not a Request for Quotations (RFQ), nor is an RFQ available; however, all responsible and responsive sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the NLM. Firms interested in responding to this notice must be able to provide professional services as specified and listed above. Responses should sufficiently demonstrate the firm's ability to meet the government's requirements. Responses are required within fifteen (15) calendar days from the publication date of this notice. Inquiries regarding this procurement may be made to Liem T. Nguyen, NLM on (301) 496-6546. This acquisition will be made using FAR PART 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20000906/DSOL001.HTM (W-245 SN492836)