R -- LOGISTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE OFFICE OF AIDS RESEARCH

Notice Date

June 22, 2001

Contracting Office

National Institutes of Health, Office of Procurement Management, 6011 Executive Blvd., Rockville, Maryland 20892-7260

ZIP Code

20892-7260

Solicitation Number

263-01-P(BD)-0042

Point of Contact

Marcia Goldman, Contract Specialist, 301-496-2302

Description

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of AIDS Research, is interested in soliciting proposals from organizations to provide a broad range of quick-response technical and administrative support services. The scope and mission of the OAR encompasses the scientific, academic, legislative, budgetary, public policy, economic, social and the full range of health matters relevant to the conduct and future development of AIDS research for programs, policies, and operations at NIH. The OAR is responsible for (1) Developing a comprehensive strategic plan establishing objectives, priorities, and policy statements governing the conduct and support of all NIH AIDS research activities; (2) developing and presenting an annual, scientifically-justified budget estimate for NIH AIDS-related research activities; (3) submitting an alternate AIDS budget to the Secretary and the Director, NIH, in accordance with the strategic plan; (4) receiving and disbursing all appropriated funds for NIH AIDS research activities to the NIH Institutes, Centers and Divisions (ICS) in accordance with the strategic plan; (5) directing the planning, coordination, and integration of all AIDS research activities across and throughout the NIH (IS); (6) administering a discretionary fund for the support, through the ICS, of AIDS research; (7) advising the Director, NIH, and senior staff on the development of NIH-wide policy related to AIDS research, and serves as principal liaison with other agencies of the PHS, Federal Government, and the Office for National AIDS Policy; (8) providing the Chairperson for the NIH AIDS Executive Committee and represents the Director, NIH, on all outside AIDS-related committees requiring NIH participation; (9) providing staff support to the OAR Advisory Council, NIH AIDS Executive Committee, and the coordinating committees for each AIDS research discipline at NIH; (10) developing policy on laboratory safety for AIDS researchers and monitors the AIDS surveillance program; (11) developing and maintaining an information data base on intramural/extramural AIDS activities and prepares special or recurring reports as needed; (12) developing information strategies to assure that the public is informed of NIH AIDS research activities; (13) recommending solutions to ethical/legal issues arising from NIH intramural/extramural AIDS research; (14) facilitating cooperation in AIDS research between government, industry, and universities; and (15) fostering and developing plans for NIH involvement in international AIDS research activities. Services that will be required through this procurement will include, but are not limited to: (1) Writing, Editorial, Production, and Document Preparation Support, this task includes original writing, editing, proofreading, word processing as well as graphic design and exhibit design. Document preparation of large documents, visuals aids, meeting materials, and other products. Current and thorough knowledge of science of AIDS, the NIH AIDS research program, and the activities of OAR are required. (2) Technical Information Systems Support services related to microcomputer systems, applications, and database maintenance. Electronic communications and disseminations of information using the internet or other technology. Collection and maintenance of information resources in an automated manner. Online services, should be accessible, mailing lists and directories should be maintained. Successful demonstration of the capability to satellite broadcast in both domestic and international locations, point-to-multipoint satellite transmission of conference in way that is technically reliable, time-sensitive, and cost-efficient. The ability to produce video production including (a) pre-production-concept development, scripting and formatting, graphic design and preparation, personnel logistics and establishments of project schedules. (3) Analysis support to conduct literature searches, analysis/synthesis of data to support development and evaluation of HIV/AIDS research programs, drafting of analytic paper on topics from science to policy. (4) National and International Meeting and Conference Support from Planning meetings, participates in technology transfer meetings, identification of presenters and participants, agenda development, logistical arrangements, travel and expense reimbursement, contract negotiations, development and dissemination of briefing materials, onsite materials, and post meeting information correspondence and tacking and production of documentation. Due to the levels of funding and staffing, the requirement to have relevant experience working with high profile individuals and subject matter, the requirement for quick response and error-free deliverable, special requirement have been established for potential offerors. Many of the activities and services for OAR are integrate so any teaming arrangements and demonstrate how the staffing will appear seamless to OAR. Special Requirements include: 1)To assure rapid response to changing program needs and to assure adequate day-to-day management of multiple complex activities that must be conducted in close concert with activities of OAR staff, other NIH institutes or Federal agencies, and other contractors, the project staff of the successful Offeror (and subcontractors, if any) must be available to meet with OAR program staff in Bethesda, Maryland, with as little as 2 hours' advance notice. Such meetings on any given day will involve one or more members of the Offeror's team representing different areas of service. 2)The Offeror shall have sufficient staff so that the Project Officer can develop a long-term working relationship with the same individual or individuals over the life of the contract to maintain continuity in the delivery of services. The available staff must be extensive and flexible enough to staff up to 43 FTEs in one month and then cut back to 8 FTEs a few months later to accommodate fluctuations in work volume and type. There must be an adequate depth of staff to allow projects to be staffed and begin without delay. It is important that the Offeror have a plan for maintaining trained staff with experience working with the OAR that can be accessible when required, but not be billable to the project during periods of minimal activity. 3) The Offeror will assist, often under tight deadlines, with the development of issue papers, briefing books, research papers, summary reports, etc., regarding the mission of the OAR, programs underway, budget, and other substantive issues. Analytical and editorial staff must have a thorough knowledge of HIV/AIDS research issues and familiarity with resources for quickly compiling current data. The Offeror must have a plan for making individuals with this knowledge available upon very short notice. 4) OAR is a top-level, policy making office in which NIH staff work under considerable pressure to carry out the office's mission through its various programs and activities, as well as respond to high level requests for information regarding the AIDS research program at NIH. The Director is frequently called on to make presentations or give testimony to Congress regarding budget appropriations for AIDS research or to discuss progress being made in the NIH AIDS research program. These activities challenge OAR program staff to efficiently assemble appropriate data for presentations. Schedules that are set up are nonnegotiable, frequently with stringent deadlines. Offeror staff must be prepared to react competently to these quick turnaround requirements by compiling documentation into briefing books, summary reports, presentation materials, etc. The Offeror must be able to interact efficiently with OAR staff and quickly turn around materials that will not be able to be able to go back and forth by fax or electronic copy for review and revision cycles (e.g., enlargements, color, visual aids, final copies, etc.). The Offeror should have adequate facilities, with back up staff and equipment, to produce materials, often overnight, without delay. A Offeror location within close proximity of the NIH campus facilitates communication and work flow, maximizes Offeror and client resources, and conserves costs. 5) OAR serves as the lead agency representing NIH's AIDS research effort nationally and internationally so its documents and communications are distributed widely with target audiences including the Congress of the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services, other Executive Branch Departments, the medical and scientific research communities and the public. All materials and services delivered to OAR must be provided in a timely and accurate manner and all materials leaving OAR must be error-free and received by the proper audiences. Offeror staff will interact with individuals from the highest levels of the U.S. and foreign governments, community groups and advocates, scientists and medical professionals and HIV+ individuals regarding highly sensitive subject matter. Offerors must demonstrate experience working in a highly sensitive and confidential environment successfully. 6) The Offeror must have experience working throughout the United States and internationally. Offeror staff may be called upon to work with VIPs from the U.S. and other countries. The Offeror should demonstrate experience with high level arrangements including briefings on protocol and cultural issues, security, required documentation, etc. 7) The Offeror shall demonstrate knowledge and understanding of travel arrangements and requirements in and out of the United States according to the Federal Travel Regulations. 8) The Offeror will be required to make payments, upon approval of the Project Officer, to organizers of collaborative or supported events; to pay vendors for products and services required for conferences or other activities and to reimburse meeting participants for expenses and honoraria. Offerors must demonstrate the ability to make payments without delay and expend as much as $4 million over a 2 month period under standard reimbursement procedures from the Government. Firms responding to this market survey should respond to each of the 8 special requirements demonstrating not potential capability, but proven successful experiences. Responses should be concise with only the pertinent information requested. If subcontracting or teaming is anticipated in order to meet the requirements, the prime contractor must demonstrate the ability to deliver the technical capabilities and maintain adequate labor, management and financial control of the project. All requests for the solicitation must be writing and sent to the address above or faxed to (301) 402-3407. The closing date will be approximately 45 calender days from the issuance of the solicitation.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010626/RSOL013.HTM (W-173 SN50P7S1)