RFP 2011-N-13417 update to Criterion 2 Page 87.docx

M.4 Evaluation of Written Technical Proposal

In order to be considered responsive, the offeror must provide a proposal for the base contract. The technical evaluation will consist of a review of the following technical evaluation criteria:

Criterion1. Institutional Capacity/ Technical Competence (20 Points)

· Discuss the institution’s previous experience in recruiting persons for on-line research studies, with an emphasis on HIV prevention. (4 points)

· Discuss the institution’s previous experience in implementing and supporting web-based data collection systems.(4 points)

· Discuss the institution’s experience conducting or coordinating HIV testing programs and linking newly diagnosed persons into HIV medical care (4 points)

· Discuss the institution's experience with the provision of service to minority (in particular, African American and Hispanic/Latino) MSM (4 points)

· Discuss the institution’s ability to collect and report monitoring and evaluation information (4 points)

Proposals that restate the information provided in the solicitation will be considered non-responsive.

Criterion 2. Technical Approach (70 Points)

1. Describe an “Operational Plan" detailing the approach that will be used to implement a three condition research study as descibed in the scope of work using a protocol provided by CDC. The purpose of the research study is to assess the impact of providing rapid HIV self-test kits to MSM, coupled with phone-based counseling and referral to local testing and care services. At a minimum, the Plan should describe or include the following: (50 points)

· A strategy to develop recruitment materials and recruitment webpage

· A recruitment strategy that will result in the recruitment of at least 3200 HIV-negative MSM and 300 HIV-positive MSM.

· A plan to ensure that study population includes at least 20% Black MSM and 15% Hispanic MSM.

· A proposed retention strategy that will allow for the retention of at least 70% (preferably 80%) of study participants

· A letter of support from each of the local or State health department in the geographic location(s) where study is to be implemented

· A HIV rapid test kit delivery and tracking system

· A strategy to provide phone-counseling and link persons with reactive rapid test results to HIV testing and medical care

· A sub-contracting plan for all sub-contracts issued

· A strategy for documenting linkage to care for persons who request assistance with linkage services

· A plan for recruiting persons for focus groups

· A plan to monitor progress and evaluate project goals including recruitment, retention, distribution of self-test kits, and referral to services.