Statement of Work_2021-08-25.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK (SERVICES)

(SOW)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Title of Project:

Public Engagement Strategies to Advance the Mission of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)

Statement of Need and Purpose:

The purpose of this acquisition is to procure consulting services to the NCATS Communications Branch (CB) to strengthen the organization’s ability to effectively promote the advancement of translational science to a broad range of stakeholders.

Services shall include support and consultation for the NCATS Director, NCATS Deputy Director and other leadership in collaboration with the NCATS Communication Branch as they work to develop and implement public engagement strategies.

Background Information and Objective:

Translation is the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public. Translational science is the field of investigation focused on understanding the scientific and operational principles underlying each step of the translational process.

NCATS was created in 2011 and is the newest center of the National Institutes of Health. The mission of NCATS is to advance translational science in order to catalyze the generation of innovative methods and technologies that will enhance the development, testing, and implementation of diagnostics and therapeutics across a wide range of diseases and conditions.

NCATS’ mission is broad and requires extensive collaboration, transformational cultural change, and disruptive innovative thinking within the science community. Stakeholders include patient groups, academic investigators, potential partners in the private and federal sector (including other NIH institutes and centers), technology-focused research and development organizations (both for-profit and nonprofit), and other parties interested in speeding each stage of research along the translational science spectrum.

Through the dissemination of clear, accurate information to key target audiences about the Center’s programs, initiatives and scientific achievements, the NCATS CB plays a crucial role in achieving NCATS’ goals and mission. Services provided under this Statement of Work support the CB as they develop and implement public engagement tactics.

This project will consist of supporting the CB in developing and implementing public engagement strategies to effectively promote NCATS and value of translational science.

NCATS already conducts extensive outreach and would like to enhance its public engagement strategies and expand these efforts.

Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be from 9/15/2021 – 9/14/2022.

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, facilities, and travel, not otherwise provided by the Government, as needed to perform this Statement of Work.

Specific Requirements:

In partnership with NCATS’ CB, the Contractor shall provide professional consulting services to strengthen NCATS’ ability to effectively promote the advancement of translational science. The services provided by the Contractor shall include: The Contractor shall provide the following consulting services and deliverables/objectives:

1. Provide ongoing support to the NCATS Communications Branch for the identification of key stakeholders in the areas of:

a. Media

b. Policy thought leaders

c. Venture Capitalist groups

d. Technology-focused research and development organizations (e.g. Silicon Valley)

e. Other groups as are determined

2. Provide mentoring and training for NCATS leadership:

a. Work closely with NCATS CB to hold up to 3 media trainings for key staff, including the development of materials, refinement of messages, conducting mock interviews, and providing feedback and coaching.

b. Further refinement and guidance for NCATS’ messaging and communication strategy through biweekly strategy and planning calls;

3. Arrange and set meetings with policy thought leaders, members of the press, the scientific community, research-based non-profit entities, venture Capitalist groups, technology-focused research and development organizations (e.g. Silicon Valley), and other groups as they are determined to facilitate engagement and collaboration.

4. Advise and contribute to the ongoing implementation of the digital strategy and content including:

a. Videos:

Lead planning and production of up to 10 videos that further educate target audiences about NCATS programs and initiatives and Translational Science.

b. Graphics:

Design up to 5 graphics/original illustrations that convey NCATS principles and goals and complex translational science concepts in a clear and compelling way.

Examples can be found at https://ncats.nih.gov/media/infographics.

5. Advise and contribute to the development and implementation of public engagement strategies to advance the NCATS mission including:

a. Media outreach:

Planning and execution of up to 8 promotional efforts to raise awareness about NCATS’ mission, accomplishments and translational science. Tactics may include media and key stakeholder outreach, deskside pitching and identification of speaking opportunities for NCATS leadership.

b. Op-eds:

Write and place up to 3 op-eds intended to reach key stakeholders in a memorable and engaging way to raise awareness of NCATS mission and the importance of translational science.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Government will provide workspace to the contractor when the contractor is onsite. No other equipment or materials will be provided. The place of performance shall be at both the NCATS headquarters located at 6701 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda MD 20892-4874 and at the contractor’s site.

DELIVERY OR DELIVERABLES

1. A delivery date of each distinct and specific deliverable will be determined in collaboration of NCATS and the contractor.

2. Deliverables must be submitted in a format approved by the Project Manager before or on the date requested by NCATS.

3. If the deliverable cannot be provided within the scheduled time frame, the contractor is required to contact the Project Manager in writing with a reason for the delay and the proposed revised schedule. The request of a revised schedule must include the impact on related tasks and the overall project.

4. A request for the revised schedule must be reviewed and approved by the Project Manager before placed in effect.

5. The Project Manager will complete a review of each submitted deliverable within 5 working days from the date of receipt.

6. The contractor has up to 5 weeks to deliver final deliverables from the date of receipt of NCATS comments.

7. Timely submission of deliverables is essential to successful completion of requirements.

8. Multiple deliverables may be accomplished concurrently.

9. A kickoff meeting will be held, and the date/time will be selected by the Project Manager where the contractor and its staff are to be introduced to the NCATS team.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The contractor will provide monthly status reports to the Project Manager during the performance period. The report will cover key activities and accomplishments. The template for the status report will be determined in collaboration of NCATS and the Contractor.

A meeting will be held with the NCATS team and Contractor every other week, either in person at NCATS headquarters or via video conference. This meeting will be focused on exploratory discussions on strategy and implementation of deliverables sought.