SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Professional, administrative, and management support services
- Notice Date
- 7/17/2006
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Rockledge Dr. Bethesda, MD, Office of Acquisitions 6701 Rockledge Dr RKL2/6100 MSC 7902, Bethesda, MD, 20892-7902
- ZIP Code
- 20892-7902
- Solicitation Number
- NHLBI-PB-(DE)-2006-237-DDC
- Response Due
- 7/24/2006
- Archive Date
- 8/8/2006
- Description
- The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Consolidated Operations Acquisition Center (COAC) for the Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) intend to issue a purchase order on a noncompetitive basis to Mr. Dennis Gehley and Associates, 6901 Barnack Drive, Springfield, VA., 22152, to provide evaluation support for the Health disparities and Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN) project. The sole source determination is based upon Mr. Dennis Gehley and Associates (DGA) 30 years of experience in evaluation design, data management, and statistical analysis, working on complex evaluation research studies to improve federal programs. DGA has expertise in a broad range of formative and summative evaluation strategies, including application of the integrative standardized case study method to evaluation of complex federal programs. There experience with telephone surveys, structured and semi-structured interview, budget and financial analysis, and the development of the specific performance measures for assessing complex federal programs in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as well as other federal agencies. DGA, will support two major evaluation projects as mention in the above paragraph. The methodology employs specific standardized procedures and protocols for case study site visits, followed by structured content analysis. Both evaluation studies are prospective in design, and the first project, the evaluation of NIDCR?s health disparities program has been ongoing for several years. In order to maintain comparability with the longitudinal data previously collected, it is necessary to continue using the integrative standardized case study method of data collection for the follow-up for the study. Due to Mr. Gehely and Associates prior experience with evaluation methodology he will not need additional training and can support the project quickly, enabling NIDCR, to complete this evaluation in the time frame available to inform development of a new Request for Application (RFA) related to the oral health disparities program. Another strong qualification is his in-depth knowledge of biomedical research. An award to any other source would affect the Institute?s anticipated outcome based upon Mr. Gehely and Associates experience, and would not provide any cost savings to the Government. Period of Performance: The project is expected to require an estimated 820 man hours during the period of performance July 2006 through July 2007. Background: The mission of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research is to improve oral, dental and Craniofacial health of all Americans through research, research training, and the dissemination of health information. Organization: Key components of the NIDCR organizational structure, including those with major involvement in this task order, are described below. The Office of Science Policy and Analysis, located in the Office of the Director, develops and coordinates science policy and program planning and evaluation for the Institute. The Office?s activities include: (1) research agenda development, science priority setting, strategic planning, science policy briefings, and special planning efforts on specific research issues or initiatives; (2) liaison with government, academic and private sector planning, evaluation, science policy, legislative, and survey agencies and organizations; (3) development, maintenance and updating of the Institute?s scientific coding system; (4) design and prepare reports on NIDCR scientific programmatic and funding activities; and (5) development, conduct and coordination of program evaluation and assessment activities, including assessment of the content, significance, and effectiveness of NIDCR research, research training and science transfer/health promotion programs. Extramural research at NIDCR is organized into four (4) centers that are responsible for planning, developing, reviewing, funding, and managing research, research training and career development supported by grants, cooperative agreements and contracts. These divisions are the Center for Integrative Biology and Infectious Diseases, the Center for Clinical Research, the Center for Health Promotion and Behavioral Research, and the Center for Biotechnology and Innovation. NIDCR overall evaluation efforts involve all of these centers, however, the oral health disparities program and the Practice-based Research Network programs are both located in the Center for Clinical Research. Specific Programs Being Evaluated: NIDCR is conducting evaluations of two key programs: (1) the research program in oral health disparities; and (2) the program for dental Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs). The research program in oral health disparities responds to the growing awareness that despite improvements in some oral health status indicators over the past several decades, the burden of disease is not evenly distributed across all segments of society. The program supports research that explores the multiple and complex factors that may determine oral, dental, and Craniofacial health in disadvantaged and undeserved populations. To address the research needs in this area, all types of clinical research are necessary, including epidemiological studies, behavioral studies and interventions, controlled clinical trials, and community-based studies. Novel interventions as well as more established prevention and treatment methods need to be studied, and methodological research is also needed. The research program in oral health disparities includes both small, short-term grants and five large, longer-term Centers for Research to Reduce Health Disparities. The Centers is an especially important portion of the program; in addition to conducting disparities research, the centers are designed to serve as a national resource for investigators interested in health disparities research and to provide training and career opportunities in health disparities research. The program for Dental Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) was established in March 2005, when NIDCR awarded three seven-year grants to establish practice-based research networks that investigate with greater scientific rigor everyday issues in the delivery of oral healthcare. The impetus behind the networks is the frequent lack of research data to guide treatment decisions in dental practice. Each regional network will conduct approximately 15 to 20 short-term clinical studies over the next seven years, comparing the benefits of different dental procedures, dental materials, and prevention strategies under a range of patient and clinical conditions. The networks also will perform anonymous chart reviews, as allowed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to generate data on disease, treatment trends, and the prevalence of fewer common oral conditions. Evaluation Research Designs: Both the health disparities and PBRN evaluations have completed a design phase, and study protocols are in place or being developed. Each of these evaluation research studies uses a mixed-method design and is conducted on a prospective (rather than retrospective) basis. The health disparities evaluation began in 2002, and the program has been followed and data collected over the past four years. As part of this evaluation, baseline site visits to the Centers for Research to Address Oral Health Disparities were conducted in 2003, and follow-up visits are planned for 2006. The PBRN evaluation began in 2006, and baseline site visits are planned for late 2006 and/or early 2007. One of the most important evaluation methods used in each of these projects is the integrative standardized case study method. This methodology employs specific standardized procedures and protocols for case study site visits, followed by structured content analysis using the methods originally outlined by Jauch et al. In addition, both of the evaluation studies employ bibliometrics, budget review, and other quantitative methods. Objective: The objective of this Task Order is to perform specific tasks to support NIDCR?s prospective evaluations on two programs: (1) oral health disparities research; and (2) dental practice-based research networks. Each of these evaluations employs multiple methods to assess the program?s progress in meeting its specific objectives and in contributing to NIDCR?s overall mission. The evaluation contractor will support both research projects by serving on the team conducing integrative standardized case studies for centers funded by each program, by supporting qualitative and quantitative analysis from the studies, and by consulting and advising NIDCR staff on interpretation and presentation of the research findings. Scope and specific tasks: For each of the two (2) studies, the Contractor shall: Thoroughly review the documents supplied by NIDCR in order to quickly become very conversant with the programs subject to the evaluations as well as the research questions and study methods. Meet monthly, for at least one (1) hour, with the NIDCR team to determine specific time frames and requirements for analysis-related tasks. Participate in all pre-site team preparation meetings (at least two (2) pre-site meetings will be scheduled per site). Arrange for and complete contractor?s own travel to the 10 study sites (seven (7) for health disparities, three (3) for PBRNs). Take a lead or assist role as required in conducting semi-structured interviews with researchers supported by the health disparities centers and PBRNs, according to the integrative standardized case study method and closely adhering to the research protocols. Fully documents at least one-third of the interviews required for the case studies by completing detailed interview summaries that closely adhere to the research protocol, follow the standardized format agreed on by the entire team, and meet the project officer?s standards and requirements for clarity, quality, and completeness. Participate in protocol-driven team debriefings, both on site and post site, as required by the integrative standardized case study method. Periodically lead team debriefings as required. Participate in structured content analysis on both the individual case and cross-case levels, using the methods originally outlined by Jauch et al. Assist in conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis of additional data related to the health disparities and PBRN evaluations, including analysis of published literature, NIH grant data, and other data and measures as specified in study protocols. Provide expert advice and consultation to NIDCR staff on the triangulation of information from different data sources and methods, as well as the interpretation and presentation of the evaluation findings. Minimum Skills and Experience Requirements: The offeror shall propose one or more individuals who can demonstrate extensive practical experience in evaluation research, including completing tasks on schedule. Specific skills in the following areas are needed: Experience with the integrative standardized case study method of data collection and analysis; Conducting structured content analysis at both the individual case and cross-case levels, as required by the integrative standardized case study methodology; Strong interviewing experience and skills, especially in conducting semi- structured interviews that adhere to a standardized protocol; The logistical and technical requirements of site visit planning and travel; Strong general writing skills; Experience in completing standardized interview summaries consistent with the integrative standardized case study methodology; Facilitation training and skills; Other formative and summative evaluation strategies, including interview protocol design, unstructured interviews, and the development of specific performance measures for assessing progress; Conducting quantitative analysis related to program evaluation; Interpersonal skills such as initiative and the ability to interact and work with individuals on how best to meet their needs. Place of Performance: On site within NIDCR offices in Bethesda MD, on site at the evaluation case study site visit locations, and remotely as appropriate. Government Furnished Equipment and Facility: The Contractor will be provided access the IT environment through a standard laptop computer and software that is fully compatible with software used by NIDCR staff. All computer equipment used for the tasks under this contract will be managed and administered solely by NIDCR. Meeting rooms will be provided for the contractor to confer/coordinate with NIDCR staff and contractor personnel. Personnel: Resumes for all staff must be submitted. The resumes should address the capabilities described herein. Security Considerations: The contractor agrees to abide by all pertinent security recommendations and privacy requirements of NIDCR and CIT, and the Security Plan on file with Contract Officer?s Representative, unless specifically waived in writing by the government project officer. The contractor agrees to complete IT security training as required by NIDCR. Deliverables and Project Schedule: Task Duration Initial Document Review (planning and program documents) 30 days Additional Document Review (previous results and reports) 100 days Travel and interviews completed 250 days Debriefings completed 250 days Interview summaries completed 280 days Content analysis completed 300 days Other data analysis documents completed 365 days Evaluation Criteria: A contractor with unique and specific training in the integrative standardized case study method is requested to respond with a cost estimate and resumes and writing samples of proposed staff. Only one contractor is being asked to submit a proposal. The response shall not exceed 12 pages; resumes are limited to three (3) pages per individual proposed. The contractor?s proposal will be evaluated in terms of technical and cost criteria to determine its acceptability. Technical criteria include the quality of the writing sample, the qualifications and experience of the personnel, and past performance. Responses to the synopsis will be evaluated on their 1) Qualifications of Personnel: Documented experience, qualifications, especially as it relates to prior experience with the integrative standardized case study methodology for evaluation research. Personnel should have at least a master?s level degree and 15 years experience in evaluation research. Supporting materials should include a curricula vita containing all relevant experience of proposed personnel as related to the requirements. 2) Past Performance: Documented past performance conducting evaluations, especially related to other federal government agencies. At least three (3) references documenting past performances experiences and the successful completion of projects are to be submitted. 3) Writing Sample: Writing sample demonstrates clear, consistent, nontechnical language, The order of presentation is logical and indexing is complete. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 541990 and the Size Standard is $6.0M. This is a small business set-aside requirement. This acquisition is being conducted under simplified acquisition procedures, and is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6, Competition Requirement. Interested parties? response that includes a loaded hourly rate prompt payment terms, business size, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNs). The Offeror concerns must register in the Government?s Contractor Registry System, www.ccr.gov. Responses are due July 24, 2006, at 8:00 a.m. local time. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Interest parties may identify their interest and capabilities in responses to this synopsis. The determination by the government not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely with the discretion of the Government. Comments to this announcement, referencing synopsis number ? NHLBI-PB-(DE)2006-237-DDC? may by submitted to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Consolidated Operations Acquisition Center, Procurement Branch, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 6042, Bethesda, MD 20892-7902, Attention: Deborah Coulter. Fax responses will be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative.
- Place of Performance
- Address: BETHESDA MARYLAND
- Zip Code: 20892-7902
- Country: UNITED STATES
- Zip Code: 20892-7902
- Record
- SN01090668-W 20060719/060717220235 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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