36C24720Q0072-001.docx

Department of Veterans Affairs Columbia VA Health Care System Research Service Statistical, Data Management, Grant Proposal and Educational Support Services from Affiliate Statement of Work (SOW)

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Title of Project: Research statistical, data management, grant proposal and educational support for the Columbia VA Health Care System

2. Background: The Columbia VA Health Care System Center has an active research and development program, with ongoing studies in the areas of cardiology, oncology, post-traumatic stress disorder, health services research, renal disease, chronobiology, endocrinology, and nurse staffing, all of which enhance our ability to provide state-of-the-art care to our Veteran patients.

Research operations at the Columbia VA Health Care System are housed at the WJB Dorn VA Medical Center within the Shirley Buchanan Research Facility. The building is jointly shared with the USC School of Medicine and helps facilitate ongoing collaborative efforts between the two institutions. This state-of-the-art facility includes wet lab bench space, animal housing, computer labs, equipment space, a small rodent surgical suite, and administrative space.

3. Scope of Work: The Columbia VA Health Care System requires expert research services from their education affiliate, the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine (USCSOM) Research Center for Transforming Health, in support of multiple research projects. These services include statistical, data management, grant proposal and educational support. USCSOM will provide subject matter expertise; technical skill and knowledge; and academic, clinical and research capabilities in order to provide the detailed services and deliverables.

4. Period of Performance: The period of performance (POP) shall be for 12 months with following stipulation the government reserves the right to dissolve the contract.

Base Year: TBD Option Year 1: TBD Option Year 2: TBD

5. Place of Performance: Services will be rendered at the WJB Dorn VA Medical Center and other approved research locations.

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor/ affiliate will provide specialized and collaborative services to the Columbia VA Health Care Research program. The contractor is responsible for:

Statistical & Clinical Research Informatics Services

1. Assists in preparing the analytic strategy for grant proposals and funded research studies, including selection of statistical methods and data analysis plans

2. Analysis and interpretation of feasibility information & data needed for grant proposal submissions.

3. Develop strategies for data collection methods required for use in the direction of the funded research studies and grant proposals.

4. Ensures that analysis plan tables and graphs meet statistical standards for grant proposals.

5. Provides input on data collection and validation to ensure that common quality standards are met.

6. Coordinates and optimizes use of in-house statistical resources.

7. Assists in the review of manuscripts for publication

8. Utilize VA clinical data systems for cohort discovery for research proposal development.

9. Assist in EMR/HER data capture/acquisition.

10. Assist in VA clinical data systems integration needed for funded research projects.

11. Assist in assuring data quality & control for EMR/EHR clinical data funded research projects.

12. Development of clinical data sharing plans as part of funded research projects.

Data Management Services

1. Identifies and develops data collection methods required for use in the management and direction of funded research projects.

2. Determines methods for data management and databases in consultation with project managers.

3. Uses pertinent data from VSSC, VINCI and applicable databases to support research development.

Grant Proposal Services

1. Provides consultation to investigators for proposed research design, plan, and other submission documents.

2. Coordinate grant proposal submissions including timeline management and document collection.

3. Assist in the preparation of non-scientific documents needed for grant proposal submissions.

4. Provide comprehensive peer reviews for proposed applications.

5. Assist with the identification of future funding sources.

Educational & Training Services

1. Provides formal research education seminars and programs for VA investigators in the areas of grant writing, project planning, operationalizing hypotheses and research questions, and study design.

2. Provides research training and support for Clinical Research Coordinators.

3. Coordinates mentor and mentee connections within the local research community for VA investigators.

4. Identify and facilitate interdisciplinary & cross-institutional research collaborations.