Inactive

Veterans Health Affairs, Network Contracting Office 5, is issuing this Sources Sought Notice in order to identify sources that have the resources and capabilities to provide experienced researchers wi... Veterans Health Affairs, Network Contracting Office 5, is issuing this Sources Sought Notice in order to identify sources that have the resources and capabilities to provide experienced researchers with dedicated expertise related to post-deployment health to support the development of complex exposure threat center (cetc). A.3 - STATEMENT OF WORK Background Information/Purpose The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (hereafter DC WRIISC ) in Washington, DC is a national post-deployment health resource for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The WRIISC develops and provides post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through clinical programs, education and risk communication, and research. The evolving nature of warfare and conflict in the 21st Century necessitates a proactive approach by VA to respond to emerging threats to the health of military personnel. The DC WRIISC has been asked to start a new Center, the Complex Exposure Threat Center (CETC), to assist VA s rapid delivery of healthcare and benefits to Veterans. The CETC will help VA take the lead on working with DoD and other partners to seek information related to toxic exposures, leveraging established knowledge on environmental toxins while acquiring new knowledge on specific Veteran health concerns. The mission of CETC is to establish a rapid response infrastructure to evaluate the biological severity of environmental exposures with unknown pathology, develop and deploy health care solutions and protective measures. A key component of the mission statement for this Center is to improve continuity between DoD, VA, and other stakeholders and provide the infrastructure necessary to create and support a dynamic network of expertise directly aligned with the demands of the emerging injury or illness. The DC WRIISC is requesting the services of experienced researchers with dedicated expertise related to post-deployment health to support the development of CETC. The WRIISC requires the service expertise of a not-for-profit organization that provides scientific support related to military medicine and veteran health. In addition, WRIISC requires that the organization provides the support and administrative capabilities to allow WRIISC staff to maintain their scientific and clinical focus in order to achieve their goals for Veteran healthcare. The organization must have extensive experience managing clinical research in the military/veteran community with expertise in recruiting and hiring research personnel and knowledge of the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Specifically, the WRIISC is interested in an organization able to provide a wide range of interdisciplinary researchers including but not limited to a Communication Specialist who is able to lead scientific outreach stakeholders; Scientist with expertise with clinical research and developing and managing operational neuroscience; Scientist with expertise with apply computational solutions to biomedical problems; Research Assistant able to work with CETC leadership and scientific staff to support implementation of protocols. The DC WRIISC is utilizing the staff of the Henry Jackson Foundation (hereafter HJF ), which is a global organization dedicated to advancing military medical research. Clinical Requirements The researchers will not provide clinical services, and therefore does not need to be credentialed or privileged at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center (hereafter DC VAMC ). Implementation The researchers will work at the DC VAMC, located at 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422, with an agreed upon schedule. The researchers will require a desk, and access to a phone and computer. The researchers will work under the guidance and supervision of the DC WRIISC Director. Significance of this Project The researchers will support the research initiatives of DC WRIISC, furthering the understanding of post-deployment healthcare issues. Understanding the etiology of illnesses developed after military service or when US citizens travel to regions that may place them in harm s way is of critical importance to the delivery of healthcare. These types of injuries may require special clinical care paired with innovative diagnostic and rehabilitation strategies. The CETC will be thematically scalable through Federal and academic partnership under VA leadership to evaluate and treat the biological impact of environmental threats based on exposure concerns reported by Veterans. Their work should support this mission. SCOPE OF WORK AND PERSONEL DELIVERABLES Communication Specialist This position will be primarily responsible for directing the flow of communication and information between the DC WRIISC and outside entities. Their main duties include managing the communications streams, acting as the face of the organization at media events and directing outreach campaigns. The position requires a Master s Degree and 2-5 years of experience. Task #1: Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC. Task Description: The Communication Specialist shall attend weekly staff meetings, as well as any meetings deemed necessary by the DC WRIISC Director. The Communication Specialist shall be an active participant during these meetings. The Communication Specialist is expected to share feedback and relevant experience, when appropriate, to foster the growth of the DC WRIISC research program. The Communication Specialist may be asked to complete other additional, related tasks that are action items from meetings in which they are in attendance, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Meetings not requested by the DC WRIISC Director must receive prior approval before attending. Task Deliverable: Attendance in necessary meetings, including weekly staff meetings, as requested by the DC WRIISC Director. The Communication Specialist shall contribute ideas and shall be responsible for assigned action items generated from meetings. Task #2: Serve as a research member on relevant research studies. Task Description: The Communication Specialist shall become approved for DC WRIISC and DC VAMC research protocols approved by the VA Institutional Review Board (IRB). The role that the Communication Specialist will fulfill on a research study will be determined by the DC WRIISC Director. This will involve attendance in relevant meetings and ensure communication of the scientific integrity of the studies. The Communication Specialist shall work in communion with the principal investigator as needed and the study coordinator. The Communication Specialist may be asked to lead a particular project to assemble and disseminate findings within the DC WRIISC and its partners. The Communication Specialist will support multi-disciplinary clinical related projects relating to post deployment health (ex. Gulf War Illness, TBI, PTSD, etc.) through outreach and other efforts aimed at communicating the plans and merit of CETC and DC WRIISC. The Communication Specialist will work closely with WRIISC Director and will be responsible for hands-on coordination and development of communication activities that will apply cutting edge scientific principles and methodologies to support research and clinical studies. The Communication Specialist will also lead interactions scientific teams to summarize scientific objectives and research programs from the DC WRIISC; interact with WRIISC Director and research staff to identify communication challenges relating to veterans and examine relevant solutions/experiments for specific diseases/symptoms; participate in cross-functional development-team activities. Task Deliverables: The Communication Specialist develop a scope of practice for work on approved studies and engage the principal investigator and study coordinator as appropriate. Task #3: Assist in the writing and development of outreach materials. Task Description: The Communication Specialist shall assist in the writing and submission of outreach materials related to VA and non-VA research activities. The Communication Specialist shall find appropriate communication modalities to share with the DC WRIISC research staff, and assist in the writing, compilation, and submission of these materials. The Communication Specialist s role on each submission shall be determined in conversation with the DC WRIISC Director. Task Deliverable: Identify appropriate outreach methods and assist in the submission of materials. Task #4: Assist in the dissemination of research findings. Task Description: The Communication Specialist shall assist in the writing of research findings as directed and approved via written correspondence by the DC WRIISC Director. The Communication Specialist has no rights to the research outside of authorship criteria set by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the American Psychological Association and the Council of Science Editors. The completed communication shall be reviewed by the DC WRIISC research team, and others identified by the DC WRIISC Director, and prepared for submission to social media, conferences and other public relations forms of communication. Task Deliverable: Assist in the writing of non-technical research findings and presentations as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Task #5: Maintain required VHA trainings. Task Description: The Communication Specialist shall maintain up-to-date trainings that are required by the VHA for all personnel involved in patient care and/or research studies. Required trainings include, but not limited to: 1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior; 2) VHA Privacy Policy Web Training; and 3) Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program Training. Training certificates must be given to the COR. Task Deliverables: The Communication Specialist must complete these trainings annually, or as necessary. Time to complete trainings varies by course. Scientist I (Physiological) The Scientist will assist in developing and managing operational neuroscience and health optimization research programs for the VA. Draw on technical knowledge and subject matter expertise to develop research programs focused on biopsychological health diagnosis and health interventions. Utilize solid technical writing and communication skills to facilitate complex scientific ideas in development and management to broad audiences. Serve as strategic planning as a research scientist and building collaboration between university and industry partners. Maintain responsibility for producing and presenting findings and recommendations to clinical teams and scientific conferences. Requires a Doctorate Degree in Engineering, Computational Physics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, or related field. Minimum of 2-5 years of experience required. Task #1: Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC. Task Description: The Scientist I shall attend weekly staff meetings, as well as any meetings deemed necessary by the DC WRIISC Director. The Scientist I shall be an active participant during these meetings. The Scientist I is expected to share feedback and relevant experience, when appropriate, to foster the growth of the DC WRIISC research program. May be asked to complete other additional, related tasks that are action items from meetings in which they are in attendance, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Meetings not requested by the DC WRIISC Director must receive prior approval before attending. Task Deliverable: Attendance in necessary meetings, including weekly staff meetings, as requested by the DC WRIISC Director. Contribute ideas and shall be responsible for assigned action items generated from meetings. Task #2: Participate in clinical or operational performance improvement Task Description: Serves as an expert resource to multiple study teams about regulatory and institutional policies and processes. Provides oversight and training for screening activities to multiple study teams. Develops and oversees the implementation of strategies for meeting recruitment goals; provides training. Develops, oversees adherence, and trains multiple study teams in the use and development of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Scientist I shall work in communion with the principal investigator as needed and the study coordinator. The Scientist I may be asked to lead a segment of a study, or the study in its entirety. Task Deliverables: The Scientist I shall serve as an investigator on approved studies and engage the principal investigator and study coordinator as appropriate. Task #3: Seeks out, integrates, and applies technical knowledge towards program improvement Task Description: Assesses and determines solutions for operational shortcomings of proposals. Independently develops protocols for complex investigator-initiated studies, across multiple PIs or study teams. Uses expertise in research design to provide significant contribution to protocols or research proposals to VA and non-VA funding opportunities. Develops the behavioral and physiological biology needed to capture the important phenomena that regulate the response of sensory pathways in different tissues and compartments of the human body. Prior to summitting the research proposals, the Researcher will review the proposal with respect to design, analytic approach, and data collection methods. The Scientist I shall find appropriate funding opportunities to share with the DC WRIISC research staff, and assist in the writing, compilation, and submission of proposals to those funding opportunities. The Scientist I s role on each proposal shall be determined in conversation with the DC WRIISC Director. Task Deliverable: Identify appropriate research funding opportunities and assist in the writing and submission of proposals. Task #4: Disseminates research findings. Task Description: The Scientist I shall take the lead on the writing of research findings in their area of expertise as well as help others on their topics of interest, utilizing DC WRIISC data as directed and approved via written correspondence by the DC WRIISC Director. The Scientist I shall render support on study design, qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses, and interpretation of findings. Independently conducts literature searches and reviews and provides significant contribution or leadership on accepted, peer reviewed publications or conference presentations. Outside of appropriate authorship to be determined by criteria set by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the American Psychological Association and the Council of Science Editors, the Scientist I has no rights to the data. In addition, the Scientist I will make major contributions to scientific literature by presenting at local and regional/national conferences. Task Deliverable: Takes the lead on writing of research findings and presentations in their area of expertise and aids others as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Task #5: Maintain required VHA trainings. Task Description: The Scientist I shall maintain up-to-date trainings that are required by the VHA for all personnel involved in patient care and/or research studies. Required trainings include, but not limited to: 1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior; 2) VHA Privacy Policy Web Training; and 3) Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program Training. Training certificates must be given to the COR. Task Deliverables: The Scientist I must complete these trainings annually, or as necessary. Time to complete trainings varies by course. Information Research Scientist The Information Research Scientist will develop and apply computational solutions to biobehavioral problems, using a whole host of computational technologies, in an interdisciplinary environment. This position is focused on the analysis of experimental data and development of physiological and behavioral feedback models of nervous, endocrine and immune signaling in response to environmental insult and exposure. The position will be expected to produce and present findings and recommendations to clinical teams and scientific conferences. Requires a Doctorate Degree in the basic life sciences (e.g. Physiology, Neuroscience, Biology etc ) or related field. Minimum of 2-4 years of experience preferred. Task #1: Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC. Task Description: The Information Scientist shall attend weekly staff meetings, as well as any meetings deemed necessary by the DC WRIISC Director. The Information Scientist shall be an active participant during these meetings. The Information Scientist is expected to share feedback and relevant experience, when appropriate, to foster the growth of the DC WRIISC research program. May be asked to complete other additional, related tasks that are action items from meetings in which they are in attendance, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Meetings not requested by the DC WRIISC Director must receive prior approval before attending. Task Deliverable: Attendance in necessary meetings, including weekly staff meetings, as requested by the DC WRIISC Director. The Researcher shall contribute ideas and shall be responsible for assigned action items generated from meetings. Task #2: Participate in clinical or operational performance improvement Task Description: Serves as an expert resource to multiple study teams about regulatory and institutional policies and processes. Provides oversight and training for screening activities to multiple study teams. Develops and oversees the implementation of strategies for meeting recruitment goals; provides training. Develops, oversees adherence, and trains multiple study teams in the use and development of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Information Scientist shall work in communion with the principal investigator as needed and the study coordinator. The Information Scientist may be asked to lead a segment of a study, or the study in its entirety. Task Deliverables: The Information Scientist shall serve as an investigator on approved studies and engage the principal investigator and study coordinator as appropriate. Task #3: Seeks out, integrates, and applies technical knowledge towards program improvement Task Description: Assesses and determines solutions for operational shortcomings of proposals. Independently develops protocols for complex investigator-initiated studies, across multiple PIs or study teams. Uses expertise in research design to provide significant contribution to protocols or research proposals to VA and non-VA funding opportunities. Prior to summitting the research proposals, the Researcher will review the proposal with respect to design, analytic approach, and data collection methods. The Information Scientist shall find appropriate funding opportunities to share with the DC WRIISC research staff, and assist in the writing, compilation, and submission of proposals to those funding opportunities. The Information Scientist s role on each proposal shall be determined in conversation with the DC WRIISC Director. Task Deliverable: Identify appropriate research funding opportunities and assist in the writing and submission of proposals. Task #4: Disseminates research findings. Task Description: The Information Scientist shall take the lead on the writing of research findings in their area of expertise as well as help others on their topics of interest, utilizing DC WRIISC data as directed and approved via written correspondence by the DC WRIISC Director. The Information Scientist shall render support on study design, qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses, and interpretation of findings. Independently conducts literature searches and reviews and provides significant contribution or leadership on accepted, peer reviewed publications or conference presentations. Outside of appropriate authorship to be determined by criteria set by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the American Psychological Association and the Council of Science Editors, the Information Scientist has no rights to the data. In addition, the Information Scientist will make major contributions to scientific literature by presenting at local and regional/national conferences. Task Deliverable: Takes the lead on writing of research findings and presentations in their area of expertise and aids others as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Task #5: Maintain required VHA trainings. Task Description: The Information Scientist shall maintain up-to-date trainings that are required by the VHA for all personnel involved in patient care and/or research studies. Required trainings include, but not limited to: 1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior; 2) VHA Privacy Policy Web Training; and 3) Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program Training. Training certificates must be given to the COR. Task Deliverables: The Information Scientist must complete these trainings annually, or as necessary. Time to complete trainings varies by course. Research Assistant II The Research Assistant will be required to perform necessary research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. The Research Assistant provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves problems of standard complexity in carrying out research projects in a clinical or laboratory environment. The position requires a Bachelor s Degree and 3-5 years of relevant work experience. Task #1: Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC. Task Description: The Research Assistant shall attend weekly staff meetings, as well as any meetings deemed necessary by the DC WRIISC Director. The Research Assistant shall be an active participant during these meetings. The Research Assistant is expected to share feedback and relevant experience, when appropriate, to foster the growth of the DC WRIISC research program. The Research Assistant may be asked to complete other additional, related tasks that are action items from meetings in which they are in attendance, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Meetings not requested by the DC WRIISC Director must receive prior approval before attending. Task Deliverable: Attendance in necessary meetings, including weekly staff meetings, as requested by the DC WRIISC Director. The researcher shall contribute ideas and shall be responsible for assigned action items generated from meetings. Task #2: Serve as an investigator on relevant research studies. Task Description: The Research Assistant shall serve as an investigator for DC WRIISC and DC VAMC research studies that are approved by the VA Institutional Review Board (IRB). The role that the Research Assistant will fulfill on a research study will be determined by the DC WRIISC Director. This will involve attendance in relevant meetings and ensuring the scientific integrity of the studies. The Research Assistant shall work in communion with the principal investigator as needed and the study coordinator. The Research Assistant may be asked to lead a particular segment of a study in consultation with WRIISC leadership. The Research Assistant will be helping with research administration, including managing budgets and grant funding; serving as consulting reviewer for peer-reviewed journals; and analyzing organization/operational problems, making recommendations to DC WRIISC Director and developing/implementing solutions to be approved by the DC WRIISC Director. Moreover, in those occurrences, the Research Assistant may operate independently but at the direction and supervision of the DC WRIISC Director. Task Deliverables: The Research Assistant shall serve as an investigator on approved studies and engage the principal investigator and study coordinator as appropriate. Task #3: Assist in development of new research projects and the dissemination of research findings. Task Description: The Research Assistant shall assist in the writing of research findings, utilizing DC WRIISC data as directed and approved via written correspondence by the DC WRIISC Director. The Research Assistant shall also help the Research team develop new projects and follow up on assigned duties. The Research Assistant shall assist in completion of related statistical analyses. Outside of appropriate authorship to be determined by criteria set by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the American Psychological Association and the Council of Science Editors, the Research Assistant has no rights to the data. The completed paper shall be reviewed by the DC WRIISC research team, and others identified by the DC WRIISC Director, and prepared for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Task Deliverable: Assist in the writing of research findings and development of new projects objectives, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director and DC WRIISC Research Director. Task #4: Maintain required VHA trainings. Task Description: The Research Assistant shall maintain up-to-date trainings that are required by the VHA for all personnel involved in patient care and/or research studies. Required trainings include, but not limited to: 1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior; 2) VHA Privacy Policy Web Training; and 3) Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program Training. Training certificates must be given to the COR. Task Deliverables: The researcher must complete these trainings annually, or as necessary. Time to complete trainings varies by course. Deliverables Timeline and Payment Schedule The researchers shall complete all assigned tasks within the period of performance. If a task deadline cannot be met, e.g. cannot attend a scheduled meeting, proper notification must be given in advance to the COR and the DC WRIISC Director. Payments will be made monthly, based on satisfactory progress and/or completion of the deliverables shown above. Period of Performance The period of performance: Base plus 4 year option renewal Place of Performance The tasks shall be completed at the DC VAMC, unless another location is agreed upon beforehand by the DC WRIISC Director. INTERESTED & CAPABLE RESPONSES: NCO 5 is seeking responses from businesses that are interested in this procurement and consider themselves to have the resources and capabilities necessary to provide these support services. Please respond with your: Business name, business type, socio-economic status (e.g., Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned, Disadvantaged Small Business, 8(a), etc.), person of contact (including telephone number & email address), GSA Contract number (if applicable), and DUNS number Capability statement Responses must be submitted by 1:00 PM (EDT) May 19, 2023. Responses to the information requested above may be submitted via email to Charles.willis@va.gov. This request for sources sought notice is for planning purposes ONLY. The results of this market research will assist in the development of (1) the requirement, and (2) the acquisition strategy (e.g., small business set-aside, full and open competition, etc.). VA assumes no responsibility for any costs incurred associated with the preparation of responses submitted as a result of this notice.