Inactive

DESCRIPTION: This is a sources sought to determine the availability of potential sources having the skills and capabilities necessary to perform/provide the SPECIFIED REQUIREMENT. All interested vendo... DESCRIPTION: This is a sources sought to determine the availability of potential sources having the skills and capabilities necessary to perform/provide the SPECIFIED REQUIREMENT. All interested vendors are invited to provide information to contribute to this market survey/sources sought synopsis only. Questions should be submitted by email to millicent.covert@va.gov. Provide only the requested information below. The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification (Service Disabled/Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB/VOSB), Hub-zone, 8(a), small, small disadvantage, woman-owned small business, or large business) relative to NAICS 541990 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. Responses to this synopsis will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After review of the responses to this sources sought synopsis, a solicitation announcement may be published on the Contract Opportunities website. Responses to this sources sought synopsis are not considered adequate responses to any future solicitation announcements. All interested offerors will have to respond to the solicitation announcement in addition to responding to this sources sought announcement. The Regional Procurement Office (RPO) - East is seeking sources that can expert research services in support of multiple VA-funded research projects for the Research and Development department located at the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS). Supplier shall provide subject matter expertise; technical skill and knowledge; and academic, clinical and research capabilities in order to provide the below-detailed services and deliverables that include: Research Assistant The individuals provided for this contract will perform a wide range of research related activities in accordance with instructions from the PI and in compliance with the VA approved protocol. These activities can support human, animal and/or basic scientific activities. The specific tasks or families of tasks will be identified on the individual task order (TO). As general guidelines the tasks will include but not be limited to: recruiting study participants; collecting data resulting from un-structured and/or structured in-person contacts; mail and telephone surveys; collecting data via electronic medical record review; collecting samples; assisting in the preparation of study manuscripts and posters; assisting in the preparation of follow-up project proposals; animal colony management; genotyping; tissue collection, preparation, analysis, storage, retrieval and related data recording; recruitment activities will include providing education about the study to patients, determining potential participant eligibility, and conducting verbal informed consent. The level of independence expected from the individuals associated with the various TO will be commensurate with their training, education and experience. These expectations will be outlined in the detail of the TO. All services will be performed in accordance with approved protocols, relevant federal laws and policies to include patient privacy requirements as well as all human and animal welfare regulations. Recruit participants for studies Perform tissue processing tasks as assigned Complete animal surgical procedures and related tissue collection Manage animal colony Perform experiments involving cellular and molecular mechanisms unique to the particular project that will be identified in the individual TO Maintain cell culture room Maintain refrigerator, and cold room space. Experimental procedures will be communicated by the PI and will be congruent with the approved protocols. Examples include breeding, treating via IP injection or surgically inserted osmotic pumps, frequent blood collection and processing, harvesting organs or isolation organ-specific cells and performing euthanasia, performing immunologic assays, determination of cytosolic and nuclear protein levels by Western Blot (WB) or histo-immunofluorescence assays. Basic laboratory operations include but are not limited to maintain cell culture room, refrigerator, and cold room space. Conduct small animal surgeries, histological preparation and evaluation, cell culture, cell isolation techniques, and flow symmetry. Arrange for breeding cages and genotyping mice. Test new inhibitors of various types as outlined in approved protocols and as directed by the PI and/or lab manager. Analyze various chemotherapeutic agents in models defined by protocol May design and direct some aspects of the experimental process always being mindful of approved protocol boundaries. Participate in data analysis. Comply with all relevant safety and security regulations Schedule participant appointments and site visits using MS Outlook and study-specific databases Extract of DNA and RNA from tissue samples Conduct structure surveys with research participants over the phone, mail, and in person Package and ship samples in accordance with relevant OSHA regulations Record notes and any related data as required Assists in the preparation of various tables and graphs summarizing qualitative and quantitative findings Assist in the design, preparation of experiments, and data analysis Write sections of scientific manuscripts/abstracts and projects based on an outline provided by the study team, prepare manuscript/abstract tables and figures, and schedule meetings with each manuscript s writing team as needed, and write submission cover letters Complete all required training in accordance with relevant standards and provide proof of such as defined by local policy and procedures. Participate in the preparation and revision of peer reviewed and other publications. Research Coordinator This role is similar to the Research Assistant and may include any or all of the aforementioned duties in that section as well as: Screen patient records to identify eligible patients for possible study enrollment Contact identified patient Consenting patients Score and enter research-based patient assessment data Maintain all study records in compliance with applicable national and local regulations, policies and procedures Secure all hardcopy and electronic data in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and policies If applicable, communicate the collection and/or transfer of data to/from other participating sites. Participate in regular conference calls and study related communications and create study minutes that track key study related issues. Assess patients using a wide array of assessment tools, as described in the approved study protocol Transmit necessary data to coordinating centers as required and approved Pharmacy Technician The Research Pharmacy Technician- Clinical Pharmacy Technician has a primary focus of providing exceptional care to our veterans participating in Research Clinical Trials Accurate responses to questions/concerns in the form of view alerts and telephone communication, Quality assurance monitoring, Provides electronic or telephone triage and patient follow-up as the primary contact for all veteran questions/concerns that come through via telephone or electronic medical record. Routinely reviews computer medication profile for prescription duplication, therapeutic duplication, prescription noncompliance, and allergies/adverse drug reactions. Reports identified patients to assigned clinical pharmacist or clinical pharmacy specialist for evaluation. Ensures timely resolution of veteran questions/concerns by either finding the solution/answer or triaging to the most appropriate contact. Provides supplemental reinforcement education for patients concerning operational issues or need for medication compliance. Providing the logistical and automation support necessary to consistently supply Research study participants with medications and pharmaceutical supplies. The technician may use automated pharmacy equipment and reports to send/fill medications and maintain adequate stock levels of medications and supplies Computer Systems Analyst Serve as the primary programmer on assigned projects Conducts data transformation Database programming Complete reviews of data quality and validity assessments Conduct data queries Perform initial descriptive analyses and figure generation Provide guidance and leadership to junior level analysts and programmers Database Administrator Oversee all aspects of data management including creating, implementing and maintaining the database(s), data entry and data cleanup. Design databases Assist the biostatistician(s) in preparing data for interim analyses Engage in various database functions including data cleaning, preparing reports, and developing graphical representations of data Conduct data transformation, and database programming Complete reviews of data quality and validity assessments Conduct data queries Perform initial descriptive analyses and figure generation. Report findings directly to the PI Biological Lab Technician Assist the lab manager with various support functions necessary for efficient and effective lab operations. Maintain lab equipment Monitor and maintain inventory levels of critical items including but not limited to reagents, animals, disposable items, and other chemicals and supplies Assist with the management of any protocol related animal colony(ies) Assist in the performance of experiments Research Registered Nurse Assist with and participate in the conduct of various clinical and translational research projects Screen patient records to identify possibly eligible patients for project participation Collect various samples from study participants Collect patient data Analyze patient data Complete informed consent procedures as required by the protocol Assess and evaluates potential participants pertinent medical and historical information to ensure only appropriate subjects are enrolled in clinical trials Utilize nursing skills to complete all research protocols, including patient recruitment, screening, scheduling and organizing of study visits, enrollment, assessments, interviews, laboratory and diagnostic studies, medication dispensing and other protocol specific investigational procedures Participate in the ongoing informed consent process, ensuring that human subjects clearly understand what is expected of and from them in the course of participating in a clinical trial Perform procedures for research as they are described in the protocol, deviating from the protocol only when a subject's safety is at risk and reporting all deviations to the Principal Investigator who will determine of a protocol amendment or other safety assessments are required Biostatistician Assist investigator in issues related to database management and data analysis Perform the statistical analysis including the construct and development of the analytic cohort Check for accuracy and completeness of the data and if necessary, more robust analyses to ascertain missingness of data and validity Perform analyses including simple comparisons and more complex modelling, model assumption checking and verification Assist investigator in the preparation of manuscripts (statistical analysis sections) Assure that all data remains in compliance with VA rules and regulations including the data storage and destruction Database Analyst Confirm project requirements by studying user requirements; conferring with others on project team Maintain data dictionary by revising and entering definitions. Ensure operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; evaluating new equipment and techniques. Determine changes in physical database by studying project requirements; identifying database characteristics, such as location, amount of space, and access method Change database system by coding database descriptions Protect database by developing access system; specifying user level of access Maintain user reference by writing and rewriting database descriptions Research Biologist Serve as a research scientist engaged in professional scientific work and conducts basic and applied research, which requires an understanding of biology and chemistry. Function as a lab manager and helps to ensure protocol safety, and maintains all labs and equipment as necessary, along with other colleagues. Coordinate collaborative research protocol safety efforts through the SRS/IBC Committees, assist with presentations and/or meetings as required. Develop and write standard operating procedures as needed and coordinate efforts with the IRB, IACUC and R&D Coordinators. Maintain and adhere to all OHSA, FDA, ORO, ORD and Agency research guidelines Research Scientist Assists PI in overseeing research projects Establish highly complex protocol(s); define data collection, evaluation and analysis procedures Exercise discretion and independent judgment to develop methods and procedures for operation of complex scientific equipment Supervise set-up and operation of various scientific experiments involving complex apparatus and equipment Develop reports of results, graphs, charts, tables, etc. of research findings Program Manager Oversee the creation, coordination and execution of the program Provide budgetary management to the program Provide training and guidance for individuals supporting the program Promote growth and expansion of the program. Responses must be emailed to millicent.covert@va.gov no later than 4:00 PM EST on Thursday, November 12, 2020. Please reference 36C24E21Q0009 in the subject line of your email when responding to this notice. Your response should include both the STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY and BUSINESS SIZE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS information as explained below. This notice is to assist the Regional Procurement Office East with determining sources only. If a solicitation is issued it will be announced at a later date, and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from the responses to this announcement. REQUESTED INFORMATION: (1) STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY: Submit a brief description [ten (10) pages or less] that includes product specifications. Include past experience with performing this type of service for the VA, other Government (Federal or State) agencies, or for a private medical facility. Please indicate your address (2) BUSINESS SIZE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS: (a) Indicate whether your business is large or small (b) If small, indicate if your firm qualifies as a small, emerging business, or small disadvantaged business (c) If disadvantaged, specify under which disadvantaged group and if your firm is certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (d) Indicate if your firm is a certified Hub-zone firm (e) Indicate if your firm is a woman-owned or operated business (f) Indicate if your firm is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) or Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB)(g) Include the DUNS number of your firm. (h) State whether your firm is registered with SAM System for Award Management https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/#1 and/or the VetBiz Registry at http://vip.vetbiz.gov/. If not, please NOTE: any future solicitation could only be awarded to a contractor who is registered in SAM and to receive award based on SDVOSB or VOSB status you must be registered in the VetBiz Registry.