SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Feasibility Study to Conduct Process/Outcome Evaluations of NHGRI Training Programs
- Notice Date
- 8/14/2013
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- 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, Maryland, 20892-7902
- ZIP Code
- 20892-7902
- Solicitation Number
- HHS-NIH-NHLBI-CSB-(HG)-2013-250-DLM
- Archive Date
- 9/7/2013
- Point of Contact
- Dorothy Maxwell, Phone: 301-435-0352
- E-Mail Address
-
maxwelld@mail.nih.gov
(maxwelld@mail.nih.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- i. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. ii. The solicitation number is NHLBI-CSB-(HG)-2013-250-DLM and the solicitation is being posted as a request for proposal (RFP). Offerors shall submit their proposals no later than 7:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on August 23, 2013. iii. A statement that the solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-69, August 1, 2013. iv. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this is: 541990--All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; small business size standard is $14.0M. This acquisition is being conducted in accordance with the procedures of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $150,000.00) as set forth in FAR Part 13. v. Background : The National Institute of Health (NIH) is the nation's leading medical research agency and the primary Federal agency conducting, supporting and making medical discoveries that improve people's health and save lives. The National Human Genome Research Institute began as the National Center for Human Genome Research (NCHGR), which was established in 1989 to carry out the role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the International Human Genome Project (HGP). In 1997, the United States Department of Health and Human Services renamed NCHGR the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), officially elevating it to the status of research institute - one of 27 institutes and centers that make up the NIH. With the human genome sequence complete since April 2003, scientists around the world have access to a database that greatly facilitates and accelerates the pace of biomedical research. The history of the HGP, the history of genomics, and the history of NHGRI are inextricably intertwined. Now, NHGRI's mission has expanded to encompass a broad range of studies aimed at understanding the structure and function of the human genome and its role in health and disease. To that end, NHGRI supports the development of resources and technology that will accelerate genome research and its application to human health. A critical part of the NHGRI mission is the support of training programs for current and future investigators and the dissemination of genome information to the public and to health professionals. Programs Faculty Champions Initiative Healthcare interventions are being influenced by unprecedented work in elucidating the genetic and genomic basis of health, illness, disease risk and treatment response. As such, new knowledge being gained about genetics and genomics influences the entire health care continuum and the profession of nursing. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Baccalaureate Essentials now include genetics and genomics as important content for the educational preparation of nurses. A Faculty Champion Initiative was launched Sept. 25, 2009 to support faculty from schools of nursing undergoing accreditation in 2010/2011 to be able to meet these new requirements. These selected Faculty Champions provide leadership at their schools of nursing and more broadly throughout the profession of nursing as leadership opportunities arise, and share expertise throughout their schools of nursing to plan for curriculum integration of genetics and genomics. NHGRI Summer Workshop in Genomics The NHGRI Summer Workshop in Genomics is an intensive, six-day course designed to update biology instructors, nursing school faculty, as well as other instructors and researchers in related disciplines, on genomic science. The workshop focuses on the continuing effort to find the genetic basis of various diseases and disorders, and current topics on the ethical, legal and social implications of genomics. This workshop is especially intended for college and university faculty seeking to update their curriculum or to develop new courses related to genetics. For nursing school faculty, additional seminars are tailored to provide updates on the latest advances in genomics research with potential strategies for nursing education. The workshop is designed to update instructors who train students from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in health related sciences and instructors from institutions that predominantly train students with disabilities and students from disadvantaged backgrounds including certain rural and inner-city environments. Advances in Genomics Research Summer Program The NHGRI Advances in Genomics Research Summer Program targets Ph.D. and M.D.- Ph.D. students enrolled in programs with areas of concentration in Molecular Biology, Computational Biology and/or Genetics. This intensive five-day course includes seminars presented by leading NHGRI research investigators, focusing on the latest advances in basic genomics research, the genetic basis of disease, and the ethical, legal and social implications of genomics research. Students present their research at a poster session and engage with NIH investigators, postdoctoral trainees and career counselors. This is a unique opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in genomics research to gain information, career advice and visibility in the research-rich context of the NIH. NHGRI Post-doctoral Research Program NHGRI offers fully funded, post-doctoral positions with training opportunities that help motivated candidates work in NHGRI laboratories with enthusiastic scientists who are conducting the latest research in genetic and genomic science. The NHGRI Division of Intramural Research is currently home to approximately 100 postdoctoral fellows. Purpose and Objectives : The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world's premier biomedical research agency. NHGRI supports the development of resources and technology that will accelerate genome research and its application to human health. The Education and Community Involvement Branch (ECIB) of the NHGRI initiates, develops, implements, and evaluates education and community involvement programs intended to engage a broad range of the public in understanding genomics and its translation to health and its importance to society. The focus of the feasibility study is to design an evaluation strategy that will measure the programs and assess the value of the programs to the NIH mission (http://www.nih.gov/about/mission.htm). This will be achieved by looking at the number of resources, educational opportunities, access to information and NIH faculty/staff provided to the individuals and compare it to the both the impact and outcome within the individuals who have had access to these opportunities and the impact within the NIH campus (pipeline effect). We would like to explore an evaluation approach that relies on a mixed methods design focusing on both quantitative and qualitative metrics. NHGRI will use the information gleaned from this evaluation to better tailor programming to meet the needs of the programs' participants, provide resources for fellows to make informed decisions about their future careers, and foster an environment where alumni remain connected to current trainees. Objectives: The feasibility study (Phase I) shall be designed to assess the ability to conduct subsequent process or outcome evaluations (Phase II). The following feasibility study questions should be addressed: Process/Outcome Evaluation Design: What is the best approach to assess program goals? • What is the recommended overall evaluation plan and design for the programs? • What are the key variables to consider? • What are the appropriate process and outcome evaluation questions? • Do the current inputs and performance measures accurately reflect stated program goals and align with the overall mission of the NIH? • Is it possible to measure the effectiveness of our diversity efforts? If yes, what are the appropriate metrics and comparison data needed? Resources: What is needed and what is already available ? • Does NHGRI have sufficient resources (e.g., human capital, funding, archival data) to pursue process or outcome evaluations? • Is the estimated cost of a process or outcome evaluation reasonable given the cost of the program? • What clearance requirements might be necessary to conduct the evaluation? • What data collection efforts are needed to evaluate the program? • What data are currently available that can be used to evaluate the program and determine baseline data? Contractor Requirements: The contractor shall include the following tasks: • Assess programming goals and inputs • Refine key feasibility study questions • Identify and assess data sources • Conduct key stakeholder interviews • Meet with NHGRI staff to discuss findings from interviews • Write and submit mid-point progress report • Develop data collection tools (i.e., appropriate mechanism to collect data for program evaluation) • Write and submit final report that includes executive summary • Communicate weekly (by phone or in person) with contracting officer technical representative and/or NHGRI staff Government Responsibilities : To assist the contractor, NHGRI staff will provide background information that includes the following; 1) current human capital and funding that is reserved for administering of programs; 2) a list of program activities (inputs) currently used to implement programs; and 3) anecdotal observations regarding perceived impact that the programs has on its participants. It is expected that the evaluation team will have sufficient expertise to advise on the type of clearances or IRB approval that might be needed for a subsequent process/outcome evaluation. NHGRI will provide meeting rooms for meetings with contractor conducted on the NIH Bethesda campus. Reports Required : A mid-point progress report is due by November 15, 2013. The progress report must describe tasks completed, issues that might delay future progress, and strategies proposed to address stated issues. A final report and executive summary must be completed within 30 days of completion of the contract. Deliverables: In addition to the reports described above, the following deliverables are expected: 1) an evaluation plan that outlines key variables and study questions that align with programs' goals; 2) a study design that includes the required evaluation tools, data sources, statistical analyses, and data collection plans; 3) a list of resources and contacts needed to follow any necessary clearance protocols or IRB protocols. A. Anticipated Period of Performance THE CONTRACT WILL BE 6-MONTHS FROM AWARD. vi. NIH/31 Center Drive, Building 31, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. vii. The FAR Provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, applies to this acquisition and is hereby incorporated by reference. All Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) clauses may be viewed at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS : The Government will evaluate proposals that are determined technically acceptable in accordance with the Technical Evaluation factors. The Government intends to award a single contract from this solicitation. The Government reserves the right not to award a contract. Evaluation of Proposals: The Government reserves the right to make an award without discussions based solely upon initial proposals. EVALUATION FACTORS : 1. Project Objectives........................... 30 Points • The ability of the responder to clearly address the overall objectives of the SOW. • The ability of the responder to the best approach to assess the program. • The success of the responder to outline a clear work plan, including proposed timeline and budget for each of the project tasks. The work plan elements should be specific with regards to the tasks and budget for the tasks and consist of details on technical costs. 2. Technical Approach............................ 35 Points • The development plan, experience of the responder, understanding of the subject matter, design, plan for representation of diversity, cost effectiveness and integration with current National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) programs and materials will be considered. • The appropriateness of the plans and budgets for individual tasks. • Ability of proposer to explain and provide specific details for the overall approach to answer the key questions. • Responder should provide a list of major tasks of the evaluation and when each will occur. • Proposer should provide a plan for how the project will be managed, • Responder should describe the specific methods used to develop the performance measures and identify who will conduct the work, what is to be measured, likely data sources and data collection procedures, and plans for pilot testing and implementation. 3. Environment............................... 20 Points • Demonstration of sufficient access to resources necessary to complete the project to the satisfaction of the NHGRI (e.g., equipment, facilities, capabilities, staff, technical capabilities). • Proposer should demonstrate the ability to work with federal agencies and an understanding of their programming and audiences. 5. Past Performance............................ 15 Points • The responders should provide references and materials from similar completed projects. Examples should include projects developed for federal, public and private agencies. • Responders should provide references that speak to their ability to coordinate and manage the proposed project. • The proposal should demonstrate the ability of the responder to create appropriate materials for their target audience. • Responder should provide evidence that they have the resources and capacity to meet the projects expectations. A. Price (This will be Firm-Fixed Price): An evaluation of the offeror's price proposal will be made to determine if proposed prices are realistic for the work to be performed, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and are consistent with the technical proposal. Reasonableness determinations will be made by determining if competition exists, by comparing proposed prices with established commercial or GSA price schedules (if applicable), and/or by comparing proposed prices with the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE). viii. In accordance with FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items, offerors must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. ix. FAR clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items applies to this Acquisition. x. FAR clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items applies to this Acquisition. xi. The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating does not apply to this acquisition. ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 19, 2013 NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., AFTER THAT TIME NOT FURTHER QUESTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Offerors shall submit their proposals no later than 7:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on August 23, 2013. The proposal must reference the RFP Number: NHLBI-CSB-(HG)-2013-250-DLM. All responsible offerors may submit a proposal, which if timely received, shall be considered by the agency. Proposals can be emailed to the Contracting Specialist, Dorothy Maxwell at maxwelld@nhlbi.nih.gov; Quotations shall not be deemed received by the Government until the quotation is entered into the e-mail address inbox set forth above. Faxed proposals will NOT be accepted. Offerors' proposals shall not be deemed received by the Government until the proposal is entered into the e-mail address inbox set forth above. All quotes shall contain the following: 1. Name of Contracting Organization; 2. Contract Number (for subcontracts, provide the prime contract number and the subcontract number); 3. Contract Type; 4. Total Contract Value and Discounts; 5. Description of Requirement; 6. Contracting Officer's Name and Telephone Number; 7. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code; and 8. DUNS Number. Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NHLBI/HHS-NIH-NHLBI-CSB-(HG)-2013-250-DLM/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
- Zip Code: 20892
- Zip Code: 20892
- Record
- SN03148370-W 20130816/130814235034-a6cbce453cd51f454356b157de3c6f0f (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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