R -- SURVEY USERS NETWORK (SUN)

Notice Date

January 24, 2001

Contracting Office

AgencyforHealthcare Research and Quality, Diviision of Contracts Management, Executive Office Center, Suite 601, 2101 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20852

ZIP Code

20852

Solicitation Number

AHRQ-01-0003

Point of Contact

Darryl Grant, Contracting Officer, (301) 594-7189

E-Mail Address

Darryl Grant, Contracting Officer (dgrant@ahrq.gov)

Description

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking potential sources which have the capability to carry out the work of the Survey User Network (SUN) in coordination with and in support of the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans (CAHPS ) project. In 1995, AHRQ funded a consortium to work with the agency to carry out the the CAHPS project with the following objectives: 1) produce reliable, valid, and rigorously tested survey protocols for collecting information from consumers regarding their assessments of health plans and services; 2) develop and test the effectiveness of different formats for conveying resulting information to consumers; 3) demonstrate the resulting survey protocols in real-world settings; and 4) evaluate the usefulness of this information in assisting consumers, and purchasers acting on their behalf, in making informed selections of health care plans and services. The SUN contract was awarded in 1995 to assist in development and dissemination of CAHPS products. This acquisition will continue that support for the next five years. The SUN contractor must be able to: 1) coordinate the work of the CAHPS consortium; 2) prepare CAHPS products for dissemination to potential users in electronic and hardcopy format; 3) deliver a range of technical assistance to users; 4) provide technical and logistical support for conferences and meetings; 5) operate the National CAHPS Benchmarking Database (NCBD) and 6) provide technical support to AHRQ. The contract requires an organization or team of organizations that have staff and corporate experience in working effectively with scientific investigators in a range of disciplines collaborating across teams to carry out large scale research; producing multi-media instructional products; dealing with the research and practical issues surrounding consumer assessment of health care; reporting to other consumers and purchaser; constructing and maintaining large databases; carrying out complex scientific analyses integrating large and disparate databases; answering complex technical questions from lay persons about surveys and reports to consumers on health care quality issues; developing and maintaining web sites that meet Federal government requirements; and implementing meetings, conferences and workshops for providing technical assistance. The contract period of performance is expected to be five (5) years. The estimated issuance date of the RFP will be approximately February 9, 2001, with proposals due 45 days thereafter. Requests for copies of the solicitation should be forwarded to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Attn: Darryl Grant, Division of Contracts Management, 2101 East Jefferson Street, Suite 601, Rockville, MD 20852. Telephone requests will not be honored; all requests must be submitted in writing. Faxed requests may be sent to (301) 443-7523 to the attention of Darryl Grant.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010126/RSOL013.HTM (W-024 SN50B752)