STATEMENT OF WORK.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

(SERVICES)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Title of Project:

Scientific Consultant Writing Services

Statement of Need and Purpose:

The purpose of this acquisition is to procure Scientific Consultant and Writing services for various projects, studies, and efforts for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Intramural Research Program (IRP) and the Longitudinal Study Section (LSS) in the Translational Gerontology Branch (TGB).

Background Information and Objective:

The IRP in the NIA is comprised of nine scientific laboratories, the TGB, and ten core facilities. The research program has three focus areas: Neuroscience, Aging Biology and Translational Gerontology. The IRP scientists conduct research in many different disciplines that range from basic science to clinical research and epidemiology. Medical problems, which typically affect older people, are studied in depth using the tools of modern laboratory and clinical research, with a translational perspective. The central focus of our research is understanding age-related changes in physiology and the ability to adapt to environmental stress. This understanding is then applied to developing insight into the pathophysiology of age-related diseases. The program seeks to understand the changes associated with healthy aging and to define the criteria for evaluating when changes should be considered pathologic and require treatment. Thus, in addition to studying common age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cancer, we also explore the determinants of healthy aging as possible targets for interventions aimed at improving health and quality of life in the older population at large.

The Longitudinal Study Section (LSS) in the TGB conduct several clinical and epidemiological studies aimed at the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), America's longest-running scientific study of human aging which began in 1958. The focus of the study is to characterize how an individual ages across the adult life span and individuals have been continually recruited for participation since its initiation. The study measures and interprets data in several health subjects, including cardiovascular health.

Period of Performance:

Base Period from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with four option years including:

Base Period: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027 Option Year One: September 1, 2027 - August 31, 2028 Option Year Two: September 1, 2028 - August 31, 2029 Option Year Three: September 1, 2029 - August 31, 2030 Option Year Four: September 1, 2030 - August 31, 2031

SCOPE OF WORK

General Requirements:

Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government as needed to perform the Statement of Work below:

Specific Requirements:

The contractor shall provide the following scientific writing consulting services consultation and input on scientific efforts being pursued within the IRP, as well as writing and editing meeting abstracts, internal documents, IRP communications, manuscripts, internal and external proposal documents and designing new scientific protocol.

• Provide expertise and consultation concerning ongoing research and clinical projects within the IRP including coordinating collaboration with other research groups.

• Provide input on scientific efforts being pursued within the IRP, especially competitive opportunities such as interlaboratory projects proposal and internal grants submitted by IRP investigators.

• Technical guidance and direct assistance in writing and editing of meeting abstracts, internal documents, IRP communications, manuscripts, and funding proposals.

• Contributes to the conceptualization, writing and editing of scientific protocols on issues related to aging and aging biology both in animal models and humans.

• Conduct literature searches and identify critical references for documentation and scientific articles.

• Draw figures for manuscripts under the guide of the NIA Scientific Director.

• Search for technological solutions to scientific questions related to aging and age-related diseases, in particular concerning the BLSA and other clinical studies conducted by LSS.

• Drafting slides for internal and public presentations under the guide of the NIA Scientific Director

LEVEL OF EFFORT:

The NIH estimates that the level of effort for this requirement shall be on average 14-17 hours per month.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Government will provide data necessary for performance of the required scope of work. The Government will provide an NIH Sponsored Collaboration Tool called, “Box” so that the Contractor may access the necessary data for performance of this requirement. The government will collaborate with the contractor via Teams and SharePoint online.

The Government provides public access to all journals through the NIH Library and the ability to download articles directly. This will allow the Contractor to search for technological solutions to scientific questions related to aging and age-related diseases, in particular concerning the BLSA and other clinical studies conducted by LSS.

DELIVERABLES and REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Provide weekly written electronic progress reports to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), which describe all work completed monthly and present all work to be accomplished during the subsequent period. Reports shall identify any difficulties that arose in the performance of the required tasks during the specified period as well as how difficulties were resolved. Should any difficulties not be resolved, the report shall provide an explanation and plans for full resolution.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Travel:

Travel is not expected or authorized for this requirement. No travel reimbursement shall be provided.

Key Personnel:

The Contractor providing service must meet the following key personnel requirements:

• The candidate must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent.

• Exceptional English writing skills, with a proven track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals.

• Prior experience as a scientist, overseeing a research program, with responsibilities related to the above, is critical.

• Experience in age-related research field and one or more of the Hallmarks of Aging is not a requirement but will be considered favorably in the selection.

Information System Security Plan:

N/A

Data Rights:

The NIA shall have unlimited rights to, and ownership of all deliverables provided under this procurement including reports, analyses, recommendations, briefings, work plans, created SOPs and all other deliverables. In addition, it includes any additional deliverables required by contract change. The definition of “unlimited rights” is contained in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 27.401, “Definitions.” FAR clause 52.227-14, “Rights in Data-General,” is hereby incorporated by reference and shall be made a part of any resulting contract/order.

Section 508—Electronic and Information Technology Standards:

N/A

Publications and Publicity:

N/A

Confidentiality of Information:

Consultant(s) must guarantee strict confidentiality of the information/data that is provided by the NIA or by any other participant on a project to which the consultant is assigned. The NIA has determined that the information/data that the consultant will be provided during the performance of the consulting contract is of a sensitive nature.

Consultant(s) may only disclose the information/data generated for a particular project to other participants on that same project. These specific individuals will be identified when the consultant is assigned to a project.

Disclosure of the information/data, in whole or in part, by the consultant to anyone else can only be made after the consultant receives prior written approval from the Contracting Officer.

Whenever the consultant is uncertain with regard to the proper handling of information/data under the contract, the consultant shall obtain a written determination from the Contracting Officer.

Contractor agrees that it will not use Confidential Information for any purpose except as set forth within this SOW unless such time as such Confidential Information becomes public information.