SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Technical and Programmatic Support Services for NLM/SIS Outreach Projects
- Notice Date
- 4/9/2012
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541690
— Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 105, Bethesda, Maryland, 20894, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20894
- Solicitation Number
- NIHLM2012356
- Archive Date
- 5/9/2012
- Point of Contact
- Shari E. Shor, Phone: 301-435-4388, Robin V. Hope, Phone: 301-435-4379
- E-Mail Address
-
shorse@mail.nlm.nih.gov, hoperv@mail.nih.gov
(shorse@mail.nlm.nih.gov, hoperv@mail.nih.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- This is a Small Business Sources Sought Notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service- disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Library of Medicine (NLM) is conducting a market survey to help determine the availability and technical capability of qualified small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses and/or HUBZone small businesses capable of serving the needs identified below. This Sources Sought Notice is for informational and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation or commitment by the Government. This notice is intended strictly for market research. Background The mission of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) is to collect, organize, preserve, and disseminate the world's biomedical information for the good of the public. In addition to traditional library activities related to reference services and collection development, the Library develops a wide variety of electronic resources to meet the needs of various constituencies. The Library also conducts outreach to these user communities to make them aware of the Library's resources and services and to develop their capacity to use them effectively. The Library has many specific outreach programs it supports and conducts and works with a wide variety of population groups across the U.S. The Division of Specialized Information Services (SIS) coordinates the development and operation of specialized information services throughout the NLM; plans, develops, and operates a National Toxicology and Environmental Information Program (TEHIP); develops and administers a program to organize and analyze published information on the effects of drugs and chemicals on mankind; develops and implements information services and outreach programs in HIV/AIDS, consumer health, minority health and health disparities; and plans and operates an office supporting NLM's programs in disaster information. More details about the programs and services may be found on the SIS web site http://sis.nlm.nih.gov. Objectives The main goal of the proposed work is to: Support SIS and NLM activities intended to increase access to and awareness and use of NLM's medical and health information products and services, especially within minority (Native Americans, African Americans, etc.) and other special populations (e.g., public health workforce, emergency responders, HIV/AIDS impacted, etc.) in order to increase the use of electronic health information resources, strengthen and modernize biomedical research, training and applications and reduce health disparities. The contractor is expected to assist with the development, implementation and conduct of programs and projects that focus on the use of health information technology to achieve the goal of improving use of and access to such technology and related health information. This includes alerting NLM staff about new technologies and new implementations related to telehealth, such as the use of the Internet for video medical interpreting over distance, use of GIS technology for community empowerment and health planning, use of mobile technology, and the use of social media, virtual worlds and other Web 2.0 tools. All such endeavors are for the purpose of developing capacity in special populations to use these tools and to improve their health through the use of health information technology. In addition to the goal of improving health through these outreach projects, the role of the contractor is to help these collaborating or partner institutions, agencies and organizations develop the capacity to do this work independently. The contractor may also be required to assist NLM in its development of specific information resources and services for targeted populations. The primary thrust of the contract is human-to-human interaction including identification of partners and development of relationships for NLM to pursue. The contractor will be representing NLM's interests and supporting NLM in its work rather than independently carrying out work of their own choosing. Project Requirements It is anticipated that the contractor will be required to perform the following tasks: Task 1: Provide direct technical and programmatic support to NLM in analysis, understanding, and outreach to underserved populations and communities. Communities include, but are not limited to, refugees and their health providers, minority serving educational institutions, K-12 educators and students, HIV/AIDS affected individuals and community organizations, seniors, disaster preparedness and response agencies and organizations, and various underserved populations. Work includes the analysis of health information needs, promotion of the use of NLM's resources, assisting NLM in understanding the community and providing input and guidance to NLM as it develops resources and programs for these communities and populations. Task 2: Assist NLM in identifying community partners for its outreach programs; assist NLM in developing relationships. Working closely with NLM staff, assist the Library in initiating and developing a working relationship. Assist in developing the basis for collaboration and identifying specific areas in which to work. Working closely with NLM in developing and implementing projects with organizations or individuals identified. This may include subcontracting with organizations or individuals to fund specific undertakings. NLM may wish to work with up to 15 organizations or individuals in a year. Task 3: Assist and support NLM in collaborations with other government (federal, state and local) agencies and offices including but not limited to local and state health and environmental protection departments; federal, state and local agencies and organizations involved in disaster planning, preparedness, response, and recovery; Department of Health and Human Service's Indian Health Service, Office of Minority Health, Office of Global Affairs, and the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Pan American Health Organization and other World Health Organization components; other relevant organizations such as the Association of Refugee Health Coordinators, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, National Association of County and City Health Officials, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, and other similar groups. Task 4: Assist and support the following specific ongoing NLM programs: • Environmental Health Information Partnership • Refugee Health Information Network • Outreach associated with the Native Voices Exhibition • Latin American Network for Disaster and Health Information These four tasks may include participating in the development of programs for or with these groups. All programs are health information or health information technology-related activities. In some cases, the contractor shall implement programs independently, mainly through subcontracts, after they have been developed in conjunction with NLM staff. Approximately 10-15 such subcontracts may be implemented each year. The contractor may also conduct program assessments or evaluations, write reports, provide background research, etc. The contractor may assist in providing on-the-ground technical support and guidance during the implementation and conduct of a project. This may require site visits and meetings held remote from NLM. The contractor may also be required to organize 1-2 workshops, symposia, or conferences related to this work. The goal of these site visits and other interactions is to provide support, direction and guidance to outreach activities promoted and supported by NLM. Working with special populations is often difficult and requires a substantial amount of direct interaction. Travel and interactions will generally be within the U.S. However, approximately 3-5 trips may be international. In addition to the goal of improving health through these outreach projects, the role of the contractor is to help these institutions, agencies and organizations develop the capacity to do this work independently. Government Estimated Level of Effort The government estimates that the following level of effort/total labor hours will be needed from the Contractor to perform the required services. The vendor may propose other level of effort/total labor hours, if they would contribute to a more efficient solution; however, the vendor must demonstrate that the personnel and proposed level of effort/total labor hours meet the Government's requirement. Professional/technical programmatic support is required approximately 6 days per month. This is for direct involvement in NLM activities such as managing specific projects, developing agendas and organizing workshops, participating in local and national meetings related to this work, conducting assessments, authoring or drafting materials, networking to pursue a project, etc. Administrative management of NLM projects takes approximately 5 days per month. This includes negotiating agreements with subcontractors and maintaining oversight over financial management of these projects, logistics support for travel related to projects, etc. SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE In accordance with FAR 39.2, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is implemented in this order. Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, all electronic and information technology (EIT) products and services developed, acquired, maintained, and/or used under this contract/order must comply with the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Provisions" set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the "Access Board") in 36 CFR part 1194. Information about Section 508 provisions is available at http://www.hhs.gov/od. Anticipated Period of Performance It is anticipated that the period of performance shall be for a base year with four (4) option years. It is anticipated that additional funding will be provided for each activity. An award is anticipated to be made around August 2012. It is anticipated that the contract will be an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type. Contract Requirements The contractor will implement specific tasks as defined above during the period of performance. The contractor shall implement these tasks with minimal direction, but in close collaboration with the government. Government Responsibilities The government shall provide the contractor access to relevant SIS and NLM information and staff. Reporting Requirements and Deliverables The contractor shall meet with selected members of the SIS leadership team on an as needed basis. Meetings will be held at the NLM site, and/or via teleconferencing. (All resulting software and reports will become the property of the Government.) Financial reports will be submitted monthly Narrative reports will be submitted quarterly Inspection and Acceptance Requirements The (database/products/ reports) delivered by the contractor will be reviewed and approved for acceptance by the Project Officer upon delivery by the contractor. Travel Approximately 5-12 trips per year are anticipated. Other Important Considerations The proposed acquisition will be procured in accordance with the policies and procedures under FAR 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR 15-Contracting by Negotiation. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement which will be considered by the National Library of Medicine. This Sources Sought Notice is not a Request for Proposals (RFP), nor is an RFP available. Interested firms responding to this Sources Sought Notice must adhere to the following: (a) Provide a capability statement demonstrating relevant experience, skills and ability to fulfill the Government's requirements for the above. The capability statement should contain enough sufficient detail for the Government to make an informed decision regarding your capabilities; however, the statement should not exceed 10 pages. (b) The capability statement must identify the responder's: small business type and size; DUNS number; NAICS code; and technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. (c) All capability statements must be submitted electronically no later than 12:00pm eastern standard time on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 to Shari Shor, shorse@mail.nlm.nih.gov. Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/OAM/NIHLM2012356/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Vendor Site, United States
- Record
- SN02717284-W 20120411/120409235110-4a59e42079f9aa9d146ecfc327e8db46 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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