SOLICITATION NOTICE
L -- Program Advisor/ Iraq - RFQ 2010-Q-11827
- Notice Date
- 10/21/2009
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541690
— Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Procurement and Grants Office (Atlanta), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, Georgia, 30341-4146
- ZIP Code
- 30341-4146
- Solicitation Number
- 2010-77455
- Archive Date
- 11/16/2009
- Point of Contact
- Tayaria L Smith,
- E-Mail Address
-
gqq4@cdc.gov
(gqq4@cdc.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Attached is the Request for Quote (RFQ). If you would like to place a bid for this advertisment, place your price on the 2nd page in the "extended price" area. Please send via e-mail. (gqq4@cdc.gov) Combined Synopsis/ Soliciation Ref# 2010-77455 The Coordinating Office of Global Health (COGH), Division of Global Public Health Capacity Development (DGPHCD) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently seeking sources to provide assistance as a Program Advisor in Iraq. This award will be in accordance with FAR 13 using simplified acquisition procedures. The contractor must be registered in the Central Contractor's Registration in order to do business with the government. To function effectively in this position, candidates must posses a high level of technical skills in epidemiology and public health, must be fluent in boty Arabic and English, must have teaching skills, must be trusted at high levels within the Iraq Ministries of Health of Higher Education and must be able to move freely outside the International Green Zone. An Iraqi Citizen is highly preferable for this position. Any organization or individual doing buisness with the government must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). Follow link below for registration details. https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx. Background According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Iraq is a country with and estimated 2007 population of 27,499,638, with Baghdad, its larges city reporting 5,772,000 residents. The people of Iraq face a mixture of health hazards associated with poverty. Children, adolescents, women, the elderly, disabled people and those who are chronically ill are at particular risk. Child malnutrition rates are reportedly high. Communicable diseases are a major cause of illness and death. Non-communicable illnesses due to cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes, constitute a rising health burden. Continued conflict in Iraq will present a continual disruption of surveillance for monitoring disease in the general population, a breakdown of public health infrastructure, damage to health facilities, and malfunction of water and sanitation systems that will lead to increased levels of illness, further suffering, and higher death rates. The dangers of pregnancy and childbirth will also be amplified. Common, preventable diseases such as diarrhea will continue to threaten life. There will be outbreaks of communicable diseases- including measles, meningococcal meningitis, pertussis and cholera. New disease patterns- including conditions that have previously been controlled- may be observed. Source: WHO Communicable Disease Profile for Iraq, March 2003. As part of the reconstruction effort, the U.S. government is working with the Iraqi government to build health systems and strengthen health infrastructure. Building public health capacity is of major importance in this effort and this the U.S. CDC, Coordination Office of Global Health (COGH), Division of Global Public Health Capacity Development (DGPHCD), is directly funding the development of a Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP ) for Iraq, know as the I-FETP. FETPs currently operate in over 30 countries around the world and the CDC's DGPHCD actively supports over 15 of them by providing funding, technical assistance and/or leadership. Theses programs are modeled after the U.S. CDC's own program, known as the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), which has served as the major outbreak investigation arm of the CDC and has produced over 3000 graduates since its inception in 1951. FETPs are characterized by three features; they offer training in the context of providing valuable service to the Ministry of Health (learning by doing), they are mentored, and they are competency-based in that graduates gain skills and experience rather than merely diplomas. By working with the Iraq Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), WHO-Iraq, U.S. Department of State, and other partners to start a sustainable I-FETP, CDC intends to help Iraq strengthen its capacity to respond to outbreaks, conduct surveillance for priority diseases, and use epidemiologic evidence for wise public health decision making. II. Purpose One of the main mechanisms DGPHCD uses to establish an FETP is the use of "in-country" technical experts. The purpose of this document is to define to scope of work for the purchase order of a Program Advisor who would support the implementation of the I-FETP by assisting the Resident Advisor (RA) with logistic support, technical expertise, and advocacy. DGPHCD/COGH/CDC intents to solicit the services of an interim Program Advisor to be based in Baghdad, Iraq to support the launching and ongoing operations of the I-FETP, beginning November 2009. This PA will serve as liaison between the CDC and Iraqi FETP partners, working with the I-FETP staff to select, train and mentor well-qualified candidates in Iraq in keeping with this Performance Work Statement defined below. III. Performance Work Statement The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Coordination Office for Global Health (COGH), Division of Global Public Health Capacity Development (DGPHCD) is planning to assist the Ministry of Public Health (MoH) in Iraq to build public health capacity in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and program evaluation though establishment of a sustainable training program in applied epidemiology to be called the Iraq Field Epidemiology Training Program (I-FETP). This 2-year program of training through service program is designed for career public health professionals in entry- or mid -level position and is intended to assist in building capacity in applied epidemiology, surveillance, and enhanced public health practice. The Program Advisor will have three broad areas of responsibility. First, the PA will provide logistic support towards the goal of developing and I-FETP office in Baghdad and maintaining it operationally beginning in October 2009. Second, the PA will provide technical support to the I-FETP through teaching, mentoring, curriculum development and scientific consultation to ensure scientific quality in training and service to the Iraq Ministry of Health. Third, the PA will serve as liaison to all program partners in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships. In each of these areas the PA will assist the Resident Advisor and other I-FETP leaders and staff. The program Advisor will operate as the administrative advisor to the Iraq FETP during the first year, with particular emphasis on the development of a self-sustaining field epidemiology training program that responds to national health priorities. This work, to build public health capacity, is performed by the US Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the Iraqi Ministry of Public Health (MoH), the Jordanian FETP, Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU-3), academic partners, WHO Iraq, U.S. Department of State, and other international health organizations. IV. Tasks 1. Logistic Support for Program Implementation • Support the office that will service as a focal point for FETP activities in Iraq • Assist with logistical arrangements and accompany FETP trainees to training workshops and conferences within and outside Iraq. • Conduct other duties, as assigned, towards the development of the I-FETP 2. Liaison and Advocacy • With CDC oversight, assist the Resident Advisor and the I-FETP Coordinator, with the implementation of strategic plan, including program evaluation, to promote and institutionalize a self-sustaining FETP in Iraq. • Support the Resident Advisor to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Iraqi MoH, other government officials, NAMRU-3, WHO, the Jordan FETP, U.S. Department of State, and other I-FETP stakeholders. • Work with the Resident Advisor to identify with the Iraqi MoH public health workforce or Iraqi universities individuals who could serve as field supervisors or mentors for Iraqi FETP participants. • Meet with ministers of health and other high- level governmental authorities to advocate for and develop the political constituency for the FETP 3. Technical Support • Provide input into curricular materials developed for the field epidemiology program to ensure that they are of the highest quality and are appropriate for Iraq • Identify priority public health issues in Iraq • Provide technical assistance to I-FETP participants and I-MOH towards surveillance, investigation, research and program evaluation of priority health problems. • Work with on-site supervisors and the Resident Advisor to mentor FETP trainees during their field assignments • Assist Resident Advisor and the I-FETP trainees. • Give lectures, conduct training exercises and support other training activities as needed V. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS CDC will furnish the Resident Advisor with funds for telecommunications, ground transport, air transport, and per diem within and outside of the country. Travel is required; pre-authorization fro travel and purchases must be obtained from the project officer and will be refunded on an actual cost reimbursable basis with monthly invoicing. VI. Period of Performance The period of performance is November, 2009-June 30th, 2010. VII Deliverables: • Monthly reports (1-2 pages), due within the first five days of the next month, summarizing activities and accomplishments related to scope of work. • Annual summary document, due within 10 days of year end, describing activities, accomplishments and final recommendations. • Provide verbal Program updates at DGPHCD Division meetings as needed. • Conduct weekly teleconferences with Atlanta-based CDC staff; regular e-mail communications as needed. • Develop and implement a project tracking system (e.g. Epi Track) to document and monitor I-FETP officers progress on program requirements and work accomplishments • Author or co-author at least one scientific manuscript to be submitted for publication. • Attend regional and international Tephinet scientific conferences, I-FETP conferences and U.S. EIS conference, April 2009. • Develop a final curriculum document for the first cohort of I-FETP compatible with High Diploma degree requirements and needs of I-MOH for epidemiologic competencies. • Collaborate with I-MOH leadership, I-FETP Resident Advisor, I-FETP Coordinator, U.S. CDC staff and others to develop a strategic planning document, suitable for publication, defining priority public health problems in Iraq with practical recommendations for addressing them. VIII. Minimum Vendor Qualifications • MD with MPH, preferred • Strong epidemiology and bio-statistics skills, with experience in epidemiology software (i.e. STATA, Epi-Info, etc.) • Field experience, preferably working on disease detection and surveillance • Ability to travel within Iraq, to neighboring country FETP programs (i.e. Jordan, Egypt, Yemen), and to the US as security situation allows • Excellent communication in English and Arabic, including reading, writing, and speaking. • Excellent interpersonal communications • Strong working knowledge of Iraqi government functions. Preferably experience with the Iraqi MoH • Experience with field epidemiology training program implementation preferred. • Experience with U.S. CDC policy and procedures, preferred. • Budgeting and budget planning experience preferred • Experience with program coordination and management Please read the following travel warning from the U.S. Department of State. Because of the travel warning an Iraqi citizen is preferable. U.S. Consulting companies are welcomed to apply for this contract, assuming the ability to place a candidate with the mobility to travel freely throughout Iraq and meet the qualifications of this advertisement Travel Warning United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC 20520 ________________________________________ This information is current as of today, Wed Oct 14 10:19:49 2009. IRAQ June 15, 2009 The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers inherent in travel to Iraq and recommends against all but essential travel in country given the fluid security situation. Numerous insurgent groups remain active throughout Iraq. Iraqi Security Forces (ISF)-led military operations continue, and attacks persist against the ISF and U.S. forces in many areas of the country. Turkish government forces have carried out operations against elements of the Kongra-Gel terrorist group (KGK, formerly Kurdistan Worker's Party or PKK) located along Iraq's northern border. This Travel Warning warns U.S. citizens of the current security situation and reiterates the dangers of the use of civilian aircraft and of road travel within Iraq. This replaces the Travel Warning of June 13, 2008, to provide an update on security incidents and additional concerns about travel within Iraq. Iraq Remains Dangerous and Unpredictable While the security environment has shown significant improvement over the past year, Iraq remains dangerous and unpredictable. Attacks against military and civilian targets throughout Iraq continue, including in the International (or "Green") Zone. Methods of attack have included roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mortars and rockets, and human- and vehicle-borne IEDs. Kidnappings still occur; the most recent confirmed kidnapping of an American citizen reported to the U.S. Embassy occurred during July 2008 in Nassariya. In addition to terrorist and criminal attacks, sectarian violence occurs often. U.S. Government personnel require special permission and a security detail at all times when traveling outside of secure facilities and are prohibited from traveling to certain areas of Iraq depending on prevailing security conditions. Detailed security information is available on the Embassy's web site at hand at http://www.centcom.mil. Transportation to/from and within Iraq Travelers choosing to utilize commercial carriers to enter or depart Iraq should be aware that, although there have been no recent attacks on civilian aircraft, the potential threat still exists, as does the high risk to road transportation as described above. U.S. Government personnel, with limited exceptions, are generally required to use U.S. military or other official aircraft when entering or departing Iraq. There have been no recent security-related incidents associated with civilian airport operations. Embassy employees, including those resident in northern Iraq, may seek authorization, and under special limited circumstances, have obtained permission to use commercial airlines and civilian airports when entering or departing Iraq. Civilians, including tourists, business people, and temporary residents should recognize the risks associated with air travel to Iraq and must be guided by the security policies of their agencies, companies and sponsors. Northern Iraq The security situation in Sulymaniya, Erbil, and Dohuk Governorates in northern Iraq has been relatively more stable than the rest of Iraq in recent years, but violence persists and conditions could deteriorate quickly. Even though there have been fewer terrorist attacks and lower levels of insurgent violence in Sulymaniya, Erbil, and Dohuk than in other parts of Iraq, the security situation throughout the country remains fluid. Violence associated with the status of Kirkuk is likely to continue, at least within Kirkuk. Insurgent groups continue to operate across the north. In 2008, multiple incidents occurred in Sulymaniya, Erbil, and Dohuk involving IEDs, rocket and mortar fire, vehicle bombs, and shootings, though none resulted in U.S. casualties. While many parts of northern Iraq have become more stable, Mosul continues to experience intense violence and instability. International Zone Restrictions The U.S. Embassy is located in the International Zone (IZ) in Baghdad. The IZ is a restricted access area. The U.S. Government considers the potential threat to U.S. Government personnel assigned to Iraq to be sufficiently serious so as to require them to live and work under strict security guidelines. Limited Emergency Support to American Citizens The U.S. Embassy provides limited visa services to the general public and provides restricted emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq, particularly those located outside of Baghdad. American citizens who choose to visit or reside in Iraq despite this Travel Warning are urged to take responsibility for their own personal security and belongings (including their U.S. passports), avoid crowds, especially rallies or demonstrations, and to inform the U.S. Embassy of their presence in Iraq. All Americans in Iraq are asked to register with the Embassy at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. Contact Information American citizens may obtain the latest security information or other information about Iraq by contacting the U.S. Embassy, located in the International Zone, via landline at 1-240-553-0581, via e-mail to baghdadacs@state.gov, or by accessing the U.S. Embassy's website at http://iraq.usembassy.gov. The after-hours numbers in cases of extreme emergency are 011-964-770-443-2594 (from the US) or 964 0770-443-2594(within Iraq). Updated information on travel and security in Iraq may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Iraq, as well as the Worldwide Caution, both of which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/. A Request For Quote (RFQ) has been issued as an attachment in this advertisment. This advertisement ends in 11 days in accordance with FAR 5.203 (A) (1).Any interested companies are welcome to submit their ability to provide these sevices, fill out the attached Request For Quote and send via e-mail, gqq4@cdc.gov. Please include reference number (2010-77455) on email inquiries. Please respond by Sunday, November 1, 2009.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/CDCP/PGOA/2010-77455/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Iraq, United States
- Record
- SN01989449-W 20091023/091021234921-e1021c103db5ce56f6642021d1330b3b (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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