Technical and Scientific Services to Support the Activities Conducted by the Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services (DEEHS)
Added: Apr 24, 2015 5:48 pm INTRODUCTIONThis 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 the (1) 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. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition is 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. BACKGROUND The National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services (DEEHS) has the mission to prevent and control disease, disability, and death that result from interactions between people and the environment. The Division also responds to national and international emergency and recovery assistance situations, especially Bioterrorism, natural and technologic disasters; and provides technical support for public health activities during emergencies such as biological and/or chemical disasters, civil strife, and famines.The division's focus areas span environmental health topics, including: food and water safety; lead poisoning prevention; healthy community design focused on walking/biking/public transit; chemical weapons elimination; emergency preparedness and response, environmental public health services and systems; and vessel sanitation to prevent/control gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships.The technical and scientific activities of DEEHS are often far-reaching, long-term, and require resources outside the scope or capacity of the division. For this reason, NCEH/DEEHS will procure services to support its mission and goals.PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVESThe primary objective of this requirement is to procure scientific and technical services in the areas of epidemiologic studies, surveillance, surveys, data collection and analysis, environmental, chemical and safety engineering, industrial hygiene, sampling, program analysis and evaluation, field training, information dissemination, and response to disaster events both domestically and internationally in support of the division's environmental public health programs.The government's intent is to issue an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. PROJECT REQUIREMENTSScope of WorkThe contractor, as an independent organization and not an agent of the Government, shall furnish all required personnel, consultants, materials, equipment and supplies to provide various work and services as specified in the individual task orders.Technical RequirementsDEEHS requires technical and scientific support services that will result in increased expertise and collaborations that can improve food and water safety, prevent lead poisoning, promote healthy community design, assist in the safe disposal of chemical agents, and prevent/control GI illnesses on cruise ships.The task orders issued will be for work consisting of current or long term projects of interest or concern to the Government. The potential requirement will include the following tasks:The specific technical, scientific, and operational task areas of expertise will include the following:Scientific/Technical Assistance and Consultation1. Conduct literature reviews and synthesize information to address research questions pertaining to environmental health2. Conduct economic analyses3. Scientific consultants should be PhD., MS level or equivalent with 5-10 years' experience working in various scientific disciplines including but not limited to Epidemiologist, Environmental Engineer, Chemical or Safety Engineer, and Toxicologist to provide expertise, direction, consultation and training to increase awareness and support of environmental health practices 4. Develop and implement training and materials to enhance knowledge and competencies of public health professionals, particularly those in environmental health5. Analyze, interpret, and disseminate data from surveys, surveillance activities, and/or epidemiologic studies6. Design and evaluate evidence-based approaches, studies, and interventions for broad application and implementation 7. Develop, translate and disseminate public health guidelines, recommendations, and other key communications for the Division8. Assist with development and clearance of scientific publications9. Evaluate health impact of policies, programs, and best practices 10. Coordinate and collaborate with other Federal agencies, national and international organizations, and other partners to strengthen and extend science, surveillance and public health practice 11. Plan, coordinate, and conduct surveillance activities and maintain systems12. Provide data entry into CDC-established systems and monitor program projections and expenditures13. Process forms, documents and other materials in accordance with CDC policies and guidelines14. Assist with program planning and accountability15. Provide technical, scientific and analytical support to state and local health departments to advance the goals and objectives of DEEHS organizational units. This includes assistance in conducting epidemiologic studies and surveys, strategic and operational planning, developing organizational capacity, strengthening programmatic and administrative data systems, analysis of data, and training of employees.Project Improvement and Program Management1. Coordinate logistics with study team leads, including providing maps, directions, itineraries, and contact information.2. Oversight and direction of epidemiologic studies, with particular emphasis on implementing studies in the field.3. Ensure study materials (e.g., recruiting material, questionnaires, and consent forms, newsletters, and results reports) are accurate and available for study teams.4. Coordinate with the NCEH laboratory to ensure correct and appropriate sample collection materials are available for teams in the field.5. Analyze current organizational processes 6. Provide assessments, guidance and recommendations to enhance program and organizational effectiveness7. Develop and train staff on program improvement processes and tools8. Identify and define metrics to manage, monitor, analyze and report organizational performance 9. Train leadership and staff on using tools10. Analyze and provide recommendations to strengthen budget structures, accounting systems, and other administrative systems that support program activities.11. Prepare a variety of documents to assist the Center in carrying out its broad extramural agenda. These include (a) the development of research studies and evaluation plans; (b) the development of guidance documents and program announcements; (c) pre-award assessments of applicant financial and program capacity; and (d) periodic assessments of recipient performance.12. Advice and assistance on the preparation of material about the particular CDC program for briefings, testimony, educational presentations, and responding to routine questions from within and beyond CDC. 13. Advice and assistance in developing position descriptions, staffing plans, and in establishing consistency in personnel matters within a particular CDC program. The contractor shall not be responsible for approving position descriptions or performance standards for CDC employees. Data, sample collection, and analyses1. Develop paper or electronic data collection forms such as screening and enrollment forms, consent forms, surveys, interviews, telephone scripts, etc.2. Locate, purchase, and ship as needed laboratory supplies for the collection of environmental or biologic samples.3. Provide licensed staff as needed to facilitate sample collection and preparation (e.g., medical technologist, phlebotomist, laboratory technician)4. Analyses of biologic samples for chemicals, organisms, toxins, toxicants, etc. currently not being analyzed by the CDC/NCEH Division of Laboratory Sciences.5. Analyses of environmental samples (water, air, soil, dust, animal tissue) for metals, pesticides, other persistent organic pollutants, and other chemicals.Program/project evaluation1. Knowledge of evaluation principles, concepts, and techniques to:a. Describe a project or program's concept and design to show potential short and long term effects;b. Evaluate how the program is being implemented and whether objectives are being met;c. Determine the causal effects of the program;d. Apply cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness analyses to assess the efficiency of a program.2. Conceptualizing and/or organizing and helping with the actual conduct of various public health projects and tasks in support of DEEHS programs.Training1. Develop materials to support training of local public health professionals, environmental health specialists, emergency responders, aid workers, water sampling, and United States Public Health Service (USPHS) staff on using data collections, surveillance instruments, and interview techniques in the post-disaster setting.2. Develop training format and structure to provide optimal learning for a range of skill sets.3. Facilitate training sessions and meetings including conference/meeting support and participant travel.4. Advice and assistance on the provision of effective and efficient training and ongoing re-training of public officials, public health personnel, emergency responders, and other health personnel professionals as may be indicated by the mission, goals, and objectives of DEEHS programs.5. Ability to develop virtual learning modules related to the various Branches and Programs within the DEEHS.Publication development and assistance1. Support for developing format and content of public health materials such as manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, brochures, pamphlets, etc.2. Conduct background research, including a search of the peer-reviewed and popular literature.3. Translation of technical and scientific information into language for a lay audience. 4. Providing content editing, copyediting, and proofreading documents.5. Knowledge of and experience with specific style requirements (GPO, Chicago, AMA, etc.) and required formats of peer-reviewed public health journals.6 Develop and disseminate public health messages to prevent or mitigate the effects of exposure to environmental contaminants on human health, such as disseminating health risk information, based on the results of epidemiologic studies to educating consumers about accessing public health information7 Advice and assistance in web page design and maintenance.Partnership/Stakeholder Management and Communication 1. Conduct stakeholder assessments2. Design stakeholder management plans3. Develop communication plans, materials, and tools.4. Facilitate stakeholder outreach and partnership collaboration5. Evaluate effectiveness of health communications messages and tools6. Provide technical assistance to public health partners to help them develop and manage programs of national and global significance.7. Advice and assistance in conducting Advisory Committee activities.8. Advice and assistance in dealing with issues and roles with other federal agencies and with the management of cross-cutting responsibilities with such agencies9. Provide technical and analytical support to public and private non-profit and for-profit organizations, governments and their agencies, universities, colleges, research institutions, hospitals, State and local governments or their bonafide agents, and faith-based organizations to advance the domestic and international goals and objectives of a particular DEEHS organizational unit.Strategic Planning and Implementation 1. Organizational assessment 2. Data synthesis and recommendations3. Development of organizational and operational plans 4. Analyze and provide recommendations related to the adequacy of organizational structures and organizational capacity to carry out new and ongoing Division responsibilities.Leadership and Workforce Development 1. The contractor shall develop and implement leadership and workforce planning activities including but not limited to leadership development, collaboration and morale initiatives. This task may include the following activities:a. Design, develop and deliver leadership development efforts;b. Design and develop succession and knowledge transfer plans;c. Recommend and support initiatives to improve collaboration and communication across the organizationd. Conduct organizational assessmentsANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCEThe anticipated period of performance will be 60 months - base period of twelve (12) months and four option periods of 12 months.OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONSNoneCAPABILITY STATEMENT/INFORMATION SOUGHTInterested offerors should submit a capability statement specifically addressing the criteria listed below ONLY. Capability statements that address requirements other than what is identified below will not be reviewed. 1. Your opinion about the difficulty and or feasibility of the potential requirement or proposed acquisition, possible solutions and approaches that may currently exist in the marketplace, and information regarding innovative ideas or concepts;2. Your staff expertise, including your availability, experience, and formal and other training;3. Your current in house capability and capacity to perform the work;4. Your completed projects of a similar nature;5. Your corporate experience and management capability. Provide any examples of prior completed Government contracts, references, and other related information.6. Your opinion on the proposed NAICS code. Do you concur with the proposed NAICS codes or do you recommend a different NAICS code for this acquisition?INFORMATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONSPlease include a cover page with the following business information. The cover page will not count towards the capability statement page limit.a) DUNSb) Organization name and addressc) Do you have a Government approved accounting system? If so, please identify the agency that approved the system.d) Business size and type of business pursuant to the applicable NAICS code 541990.e) Point of Contact including; name, title, address, telephone number and email address of individual(s) who can verify the demonstrated capabilities identified in the response.Page Limitation- 12 PagesCapability Statements shall be limited to 12 single-spaced pages. References, appendices, charts, illustrations, diagrams and or resumes count towards the page limit. Pages shall be formatted as follows: MS Word, 8 ½ x 11, 12 pitch, Times New Roman font with one (1) inch margins.Response Due DateSubmit capability statements via email to Alma C. Barber, Contract Specialist at:vel3@cdc.gov Responses must be submitted not later than 1:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) by May 12, 2015. Capability statements will NOT be accepted after the due date. The Government will not return capability statements received.Should you have any questions concerning this sources sought notice, please direct your questions in writing to the Contract Specialist, Alma Barber atvel3@cdc.govThe Government will not respond to oral questions.DISCLAIMER and IMPORTANT NOTESThis 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.CONFIDENTIALITYNo 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). 2015-N-16927 Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Acquisition Services
4/24/15, 5:48 PM