R -- PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE NATIONAL NETWORK OF UNIVERISTY CENTERS FOR EXCELLENCE IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND SERVICE

Notice Date

June 21, 2001

Contracting Office

DHHS, Program Support Center, Division of Acquisition Management, ADP Branch, Room 5-95 Parklawn Bldg., 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857

ZIP Code

20857

Solicitation Number

233-01-0022

Point of Contact

Victoria West Estabrook, Contract Specialist, 301-443-4779

E-Mail Address

testabrook@psc.gov (testabrook@psc.gov)

Description

The Department of Health and Human Services, Program Support Center, on behalf of the Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), intends to negotiate on a sole source basis for a 12 month contract plus four option periods with the American Association of University Affiliated Programs (AAUAP). The contract will provide technical assistance (TA) to the national network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCE). The AAUAP will re-write the manual used nationwide as a TA and compliance tool entitled, "UCE Handbook for Conducting University Centers for Excellence Site Reviews and Self-Assessments;" maintain an accessible website which includes links to each UCE staff member, Federal agencies, associations and related resources and showcases "best practices" of UCEs nationwide; identify and provide consultants for on-site TA as identified by ADD; update and refine the National Information and Reporting System data sets and data dictionary; conduct needs assessments for both new and experienced UCE directors; and, collect performance measure/outcome data from UCEs nationwide. The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The AAUAP is uniquely qualified for the following reasons: It exists solely to provide TA for the national network of UCEs. Its mission is to coordinate the network of programs in the area of developmental disabilities that are affiliated with universities throughout the United States and its territories. It developed and owns the only model for measuring outcomes that demonstrate ways in which UCEs are contributing to improving service delivery systems and the lives of persons with developmental disabilities. It formed the Outcomes Measures Work Group for the purpose of addressing the issues of outcome development and measures. Finally, it maintains the National Information and Reporting System (NIRS) which provides information on all UCEs regarding their productivity in interdisciplinary training, outreach training and TA. This data provides ADD information on performance measures for each UCE and identifies early potential compliance issues. The NIRS is proprietary to the AAUAP and it is the only entity qualified to access and analyze data in order to refine the NIRS. Vendors who are interested in this acquisition must demonstrate in writing they can meet the Government's requirements within 45 days from the date of publication. Responses must include a written narrative statement of capability, including detailed technical information and other technical literature demonstrating the ability to meet the requirements of the contract. In addition to cost, the Government shall consider the impact to the ADD mission. Failure to submit adequate documentation will result in the Government proceeding with a sole source to the AAUAP. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No solicitation package is available for this requirement, therefore, requests for such documents will be considered invalid responses. See Numbered Note 22.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010625/RSOL005.HTM (W-172 SN50P6Q9)