75N95025Q00120_RFQ Package and Attachments_FINAL.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

THIS RFQ: IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE PAGE OF PAGES

1 8

1. REQUEST NO.

75N95025Q00120

2. DATE ISSUED

01/15/2025

3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO.

TBD

4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

RATING

5a. ISSUED BY

NIH, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), NINDS Section

6. DELIVER BY (Date)

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS) 7. DELIVERY

OTHER

(See Schedule) NAME

Kelly Dempsey, kelly.dempsey@nih.gov

TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER 9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

National Institute on Drug Abuse 8. TO:

a. NAME All interested offerors

b. COMPANY b. STREET ADDRESS 11601 Landsdown Street

c. STREET ADDRESS c. CITY

Bethesda

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE d. STATE

MD

e. ZIP CODE

20892

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

02/05/2025, 5:00 pm EST

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or service. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotation must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/ SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

This is a Request for Quotations on behalf of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) for the Scientific Research Preparatory Program which is for training and supporting a diverse cohort of individuals, including those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in science, and to prepare them to be competitive applicants for the NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) or an equivalent summer research training program in the U.S.

Attachments:

1) Statement of Work

2) NINDS Scientific Research Preparatory Sample Course Schedule and Curriculum

3) Supplemental Quote Instructions

4) Technical Evaluation Criteria

5) Invoice Instructions (w/ IPP and w/o IPP)

6) Representations & Certifications

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER 14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

a. NAME OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS 16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print) b. TELEPHONE

c. COUNTY AREA CODE

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE c. TITLE (Type or print) NUMBER

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REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

PART I – GENERAL INFORMATION TO RESPONDENTS

1.1. Introduction

This Request for Quote (RFQ) is prepared in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR Part 12- Acquisition of Commercial Items and Services. You are hereby invited to submit a quote in response to this RFQ. Respondents may submit a response in accordance with the instructions in this document.

a. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has a requirement of the Scientific Research Preparatory Program is to train and support a diverse cohort of individuals, including those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in science, and to prepare them to be competitive applicants for the NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) or an equivalent summer research training program in the U.S.

b. Acquisition Authority: This acquisition is being conducted under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures and Part 12- Acquisition of Commercial Items and Services with the total (Base Period and Option Period 1) amount for each award not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is $250,000. The resultant award(s) will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through January 2025.

c. North American Classification System (NAICS) Code: 611310 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools; Small Business Size Standard: $34M

d. Set-aside Status: No restrictions, Full and Open Competition

e. Competition Status: Competitive

2.1. Contact Points

The contact points for this requirement are as follows:

a. Contracting Officer: The Contracting Officer (CO) is the only person with authority to act as agent of the Government. Only the CO has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3) change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the contractor any costs incurred during the performance; or (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of the award.

Kelly Dempsey Email Address: kelly.dempsey@nih.gov

b. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The following Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will represent the Government for the purpose of this contract:

[To be specified at time of award]

The COR is responsible for: (1) monitoring the Contractor’s technical progress, including the surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending to the Contracting Officer changes in requirements; (2) interpreting the statement of work and any other technical performance requirements; (3) performing technical evaluation as required; (4) performing technical inspections and acceptances required mailto:kelly.dempsey@nih.gov

Page | 4 by this contract; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as agent of the Government under this contract. Only the Contracting Officer has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes in the statement of work; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3) change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the Contractor for any costs incurred during the performance of this contract; or (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this contract.

The Government may unilaterally change the COR designation.

3.1 Quote Submission

a. The respondent must submit its quote package (business volume, technical volume, signed FAR provisions at 52.204-26 and 52.204-24 pursuant to FAR 4.2103 Procedures) to kelly.dempsey@nih.gov and rieka.plugge@nih.gov by 05:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

The request for quote number and the respondent’s company name must be referenced in the subject line of the email transmission.

b. The quote must be signed by an authorized signatory authority of the institution.

c. Your quote package should include:

1) Business Volume

2) Technical Volume

*See attached Supplemental Quote Instructions for details on how to prepare your quote package. *

4.1 Request for Clarification/Questions

a. Requests for clarification/solicitation questions may be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer not later than 3 P.M., Eastern Standard Time on Friday, January 24, 2025.

b. When submitting requests for clarification, respondents must cite the relevant section, paragraph, and page number. Questions should be written in a way that enables clear understanding of the respondents’ issues or concerns. Statements expressing opinions, sentiments, or conjectures are not considered valid inquiries and will not be provided a response. Further, respondents are reminded that the Contracting Officer will not address hypothetical questions aimed at receiving a potential “evaluation decision.”

c. Respondents may submit no more than ten (10) questions for clarification.

d. Written responses to the questions will be provided to all respondents through an amendment to the solicitation on Contract Opportunities on SAM.gov.

5.1 Award Date and Number of Awards

a. It is anticipated that more than 1 award will be made from this solicitation and that the awards will be made on/about 03/18/2025.

b. It is anticipated that the award(s) from this RFQ is Firm Fixed-Price type with an anticipated period of performance of:

Base Period: 03/20/2025 – 03/19/2026 Option Period One (1): 03/20/2026 – 03/19/2027

See attached Statement of Work for more details.

mailto:rieka.plugge@nih.gov

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6.1 Late Quote Provisions

a. Any quote, modification, or revision that is received at the designated Government office after the exact date and time specified for receipt of quotes is “late” and may not be considered, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. Quotes received “late” may not be evaluated or considered for award and may be returned to the offeror.

b. Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the quote wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

c. If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that quotes cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of quotes by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation closing date, the time specified for receipt of quotes will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

7.1 Terms and Conditions

a. In responding to this RFQ, it is the respondent’s responsibility to provide current, relevant, complete, and accurate information in their quotation.

b. This RFQ does not commit the Government to pay any cost incurred in the submission of quotes or make necessary studies or designs for the preparation thereof, nor to procure or contract for the products or services.

c. The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this RFQ. Any other commitment, either explicit or implied, is invalid.

d. A response to this RFQ is not to be considered an offer that can be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The actual purchase order is considered the offer by the Government to the contractor and the respondent’s written acceptance of the purchase order, or the commencement of performance under the order, is the respondent’s indication of their acceptance of the offer.

e. In addition to the clauses and/or provisions of this RFQ, the resultant purchase order may include FAR Clause 52.213-4 Terms and Conditions—Simplified Acquisition (Other Than Commercial Items), and any other clauses and/or provisions required by Public Law, Executive Order, or the Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulations (HHSAR) applicable to or in effect at the time of execution of the award.

f. Potential award without discussions. The Government reserves the right to issue an award(s) without further communications if the Contracting Officer determines that the initial prices are fair and reasonable and that communications are not necessary.

g. If an award(s) is made without conducting further communications, the respondent may be given the opportunity to clarify certain aspects of its quote to which the respondent has not previously had an opportunity to respond or to resolve minor or clerical errors.

h. The RFQ may be amended or canceled, as necessary, to meet the Government’s requirements.

i. The following FAR Provisions and Clauses are either incorporated by reference or included in full text.:

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FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/ https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/hhsar/part-352-solicitation-provisions-contract-clauses/index.html

(End of provision)

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/ https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/hhsar/part-352-solicitation-provisions-contract-clauses/index.html

(End of clause)

1) The provisions of FAR Clause 52.212-4 Commercial Terms and Conditions– incorporated by reference.

2) FAR 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options (July 1990)

3) FAR Clause 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within the current period of performance provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed two years.

(End of Clause)

4) FAR 52.227-17, Rights in Data – Special Works (Dec 2007)

5) HHSAR Clause 352.237-75 Key Personnel (Dec 2015)

6) HHSAR Clause 352.227-70, Publications and Publicity (Dec 2015)

7) HHSAR Clause 352.231-70 Salary Rate Limitation (Dec 2015) https://www.acquisition.gov/ https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/hhsar/part-352-solicitation-provisions-contract-clauses/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/hhsar/part-352-solicitation-provisions-contract-clauses/index.html https://www.acquisition.gov/

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8) FAR 52.204-24, Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) and FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (Oct 2020) in accordance with FAR 4.2103 Procedures – attached. *REQUIRES

SIGNATURE AND RETURN WITH YOUR QUOTE.

PART II – SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

1.0. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

The purpose of the NINDS Undergraduate Summer Research Preparatory Program is to train and prepare students from populations traditionally underrepresented in science, such as the Minority Serving institutions (MSIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to be competitive applicants for summer research experiences such as the NIH Summer Intern Program (SIP), Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Program, and extramural summer programs. NIH seeks MSIs and HBCUs that are suited to provide a scholarly scientific curriculum and administer the Undergraduate Summer Research Prep Program.

The program is designed specifically for rising freshman and sophomore undergraduate students (preferred) who have little or no prior research experience and intend to pursue a career in STEM-M (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine). Rising junior and senior undergraduates may be considered along with an appropriate curriculum for this targeted audience. The program aims to contribute to the development of students from MSI and HBCU institutions that may currently lack the infrastructure to participate in NIH grant program opportunities.

2.0. DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

See attached Statement of Work, Curriculum Topics, and Supplemental Quote Instructions.

PART III – QUOTE INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

1.1. General

a. Responses to this RFQ will be evaluated to determine the contractor(s) that can best meet the Government’s needs at the best value. The evaluation results in assessment of the respondent’s ability to successfully accomplish the requirement.

Therefore, the Contractor should read the RFQ carefully before preparing their response. The response should be practical, clear, and concise; and should comprehensively address the requirements of this RFQ.

b. Assumptions, conditions, or exceptions with any of the terms and conditions of this RFQ must be noted. If not noted, the Government will assume that no assumptions, conditions, or exceptions are made and the respondent agrees to comply with all of the terms and conditions as set forth in the RFQ.

c. Information requested herein must be furnished in writing fully and completely in compliance with the RFQ. The information requested and the manner of submittal is essential to permit prompt evaluation of all offers on a fair and uniform basis. Simple statements of compliance (i.e., “understood”; “will comply”) or phrases such as “standard procedures will be used” or “well known techniques will be utilized” and other generalities, without the detailed description of how compliance will be met, may not be considered sufficient evidence that the quote can technically meet the

Page | 8 project requirements. Accordingly, any quote in which material information requested is not furnished or where indirect or incomplete answers or information are provided may be considered not acceptable.

d. Respondents may, at their discretion, submit alternate quotes or quotes that deviate from the RFQ provided that a quote for performance of work, as specified in the SOW, is also submitted. The alternate quote may be considered if overall performance would be improved or not be compromised and if it is in the best interest of the Government. Alternate quotes or deviations from any requirements of this RFQ must be clearly identified.

e. The quote must be signed by an official authorized to bind the respondent’s organization.

f. The Government may request clarifying information from the respondent as it relates to its quote.

g. The Government reserves the right to reject any or all offers or any part thereof and to waive any minor informality or irregularity in offers received.

2.1. Evaluation of Quotes and Award Determination

a. The Government will evaluate all responses received using the evaluation criteria as set forth in the attached “Technical Evaluation Criteria.” Each response will be evaluated in strict conformity with the evaluation factors, utilizing written critiques.

The evaluation will be based upon the demonstrated capabilities of the prospective contractor(s) in relation to the needs of the project as set forth in the RFQ and Statement of Work.

b. The price quoted will also be evaluated. A price reasonable determination will be made, and a best value analysis will be performed. The best value analysis will take into consideration the results of the technical evaluation and price evaluation.

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

c. All aspects of the quote are subject to discussion, including price, technical approach and terms and conditions. At the completion of discussions, the contractor will ensure their technical plan and price quote reflects the mutual understandings of the requirement and if requested, submit a revised technical plan and price quote to the Contracting Officer. The Technical plan should consist of the contractor’s intent and approach to this particular effort.

d. The Government may request clarifying information from the contractor, as it relates to its quote.

e. If an award(s) will be made without conducting discussions, contractors may be given the opportunity to clarify certain aspects of their quote or to resolve minor or clerical errors.

f. The Government reserves the right to make a single award, multiple awards, or no award at all as a result of this RFQ. In addition, the RFQ may be amended or canceled as necessary to meet the Government’s requirements.

g. Offerors should review the attached Supplemental Quote Instructions.

3.1 Technical Quote Instructions and Format

a. The technical quote is the most important item in the evaluation of the respondent’s capability to perform the desired services. Therefore, the quote must present

Page | 9 sufficient information to reflect a thorough understanding of the work requirements and a detailed technical approach for achieving project objectives as set forth in the

SOW.

b. All aspects of a quote are subject to discussion, including price, technical approach, and terms and conditions. At the completion of discussions, the contractor must ensure its technical plan and price-cost quote reflect the mutual understandings of the requirement and, if requested, submit a revised technical plan and price-cost quote. The technical plan should consist of the respondents’ intent and approach to the requirements, any considerations that should be made by the Government, as well as any additional information that expresses the respondent’s position above competitors for this effort.

See attached Supplemental Quote Instructions for more details.

4.1 Price-Cost Quote Instructions

a. A firm fixed-price (FFP) quote is requested. The fixed price quote should include a fixed price for performance of the Base Period, Option Period (One) 1, and a sum total. This is not a cost reimbursable order, therefore, it is not expected that the quote include estimated cost elements that is more traditionally part of a cost reimbursable requirement.

5.1 Evaluation Factors

The Government will award a purchase order or orders resulting from this requirement on the basis of best value, technical factors and price considered. All evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined are significantly more important than cost or price.

See attached Technical Evaluation Criteria for details.

6.1 Invoice Instructions

See attached Invoice Instructions either with IPP or without IPP.

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

STATEMENT OF WORK (SERVICES)

(SOW)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Title of Project:

NINDS Undergraduate Summer Research Preparatory Program

Statement of Need and Purpose:

The purpose of the NINDS Undergraduate Summer Research Preparatory Program is to train and prepare students from populations traditionally underrepresented in science, such as the Minority Serving institutions (MSIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to be competitive applicants for summer research experiences such as the NIH Summer Intern Program (SIP), Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Program, and extramural summer programs. NIH seeks MSIs and HBCUs that are suited to provide a scholarly scientific curriculum and administer the Undergraduate Summer Research Prep Program.

The program is designed specifically for rising freshman and sophomore undergraduate students (preferred) who have little or no prior research experience and intend to pursue a career in STEM-M (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine). Rising junior and senior undergraduates may be considered along with an appropriate curriculum for this targeted audience. The program aims to contribute to the development of students from MSI and HBCU institutions that may currently lack the infrastructure to participate in NIH grant program opportunities.

Both the enrichment activities during the academic year and the seven-to-eight-week summer program should promote strong mentor/mentee relationships within the institution as well as provide opportunities for students to network with scientists in the local community. A comprehensive curriculum should be offered to introduce students to both clinical and basic research, areas of biology including neuroscience, mental health, health disparities across a range of diseases, professional development topics, and the many careers in biomedical research and in the field of medicine.

For this program, eligible institutions must (1) award science degrees to undergraduate students (B.S. and B.A.), (2) have a historical mission of educating students from backgrounds that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis, (i.e., African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and U.S. Pacific Islanders), and (3) received less than $6 million per year in NIH R01 support (total funding) within the last calendar year. R01 support data for the latter requirement can be confirmed using the NIH RePORTER.

Background Information and Objective:

Brief History: The 2022 NINDS Undergraduate Summer Research Preparatory Program was a two-year program designed to prepare undergraduate students from traditionally underserved populations to become competitive applicants for the NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) or equivalent research program. Increasingly, graduate programs expect incoming students to have substantial research experience prior to matriculation. Unfortunately, even undergraduate summer programs have increased the experience bar for scientific exposure. Students who obtain their education at resource limited institutions often do not have the same exposure or early opportunity to connect the research concepts or awareness about opportunities. Since disadvantages tend to be cumulative, this lack of an entry point often prevents this diverse pool of potential talent from showing up later in our NINDS summer research programs and eventual research investigator pathway. While we have extramural training mechanisms, these mechanisms largely fund a competitive pool of research active and intensive schools that have a base of research grant funded mentors, research infrastructure, and feasibility/preliminary data for the design of the program intervention. The proposed contract initiative aims to bridge this gap by providing these undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in biomedical research and receive guidance from experienced researchers to become competitive applicants for future research opportunities.

Moreover, a goal of the NIH Strategic Plan is to develop, maintain, and renew scientific human resources that will ensure the nation's capability to prevent disease. Therefore, encouraging the enrollment of new trainees in NIH programs aligns with this important mission.

The objective of this program is to expose diverse students to basic and clinical laboratory procedures and other training activities for scientists. Enrichment activities offered during the academic year and summer program will offer mentoring opportunities, professional development and college readiness seminars, career exploration activities, and preparation for applying to the summer research programs in future years. Cohorts of 10-15 students per class level will be expected. Possible topics for a program will be provided in the attached sample curriculum, but each offeror is expected to tailor the curriculum to their student population and the existing resources at the institution. Virtual and hybrid (combination of in-person and virtual) program applications will be considered.

Students will acquire new technical and analytical skills, plus participate in professional development seminars and career planning activities. Basic laboratory facilities and access to local medical schools or clinical facilities are highly recommended to achieve the program’s goals. This research preparatory program should offer hands-on laboratory activities, team-based research projects, and discussions on health disparities and areas of biology including neuroscience. The students shall be exposed to laboratory techniques commonly used in biomedical research, learn how to plan and perform experiments and analyze data effectively, maintain a laboratory notebook, and read and evaluate scientific literature.

Students should also participate in a variety of academic support and career readiness seminars on topics such as time management, scientific writing, oral communication, leadership skills, resume building, how to present a poster, writing a cover letter, and applying to summer research programs.

Students will also learn how health disparities affect various diseases and medical conditions that are often more prevalent in underserved rural and urban communities. The curriculum shall also include a science lecture series; this training activity can give students a chance to interact with the institution’s faculty and distinguished scientists in the local community, to learn about their area of expertise and emerging technologies. Also, having weekly informal discussions about current events related to scientific developments and human health is strongly encouraged.

The objective of this contract is to provide comprehensive summer training to undergraduate students from MSIs and HBCUs, supporting their preparation for attending STEM-M programs at the NIH or other research institutions in the next few years. Broad objective of the contract goals include:

• Increased confidence to participate in biomedical research/STEM fields

• Increased interested in pursuing STEM bachelor’s or graduate degrees

• Increased knowledge in pathways to clinical and/or research careers

• Increased understanding of health disparities

• Strong sense of community between peers, staff and NIH officials

Period of Performance:

The estimated period of performance is on or about:

Base Period: 03/20/2025– 03/19/2026 Option Period 1: 03/20/2026 – 03/19/2027

The Base Period includes a seven (7) week summer program provided with the attached schedule and curriculum. The base period will also include a one-day activity to be held during the spring and fall of 2025 and the spring of 2025 for the same students who participated in the coming and prior summer program.

Option Period 1 will include a one-day activity to be held during the Spring of 2025 and an eight (8) week summer program.

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:

Contract Type: A firm-fixed-price type purchase order with one option period is anticipated.

The Contractor shall furnish services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government under the terms of this contract. The Contractor must have demonstrated extensive experience providing program support services, working with underserved populations, and coordinating programs to increase scientific experience. The contractor must have evidence of an ongoing relationship with the community for whom they will provide training.

The contractor will be expected to conduct a summer internship program for 10-15 rising freshman and sophomore undergraduate students (preferred) who have little or no prior research experience and intend to pursue a career in STEM-M. Rising juniors and seniors in undergraduate may be considered along with an appropriate curriculum for this targeted audience. The program will include an introductory to research session (base period summer program) and a one-day fall activity that will build off the summer program for the students. Option Period One will have a one-day spring of 2025 activity building off the prior summer curriculum and fall activity for the same group of students. The contractor shall coordinate with student participants for scheduling that works best to maximize participation for the fall and spring activities.

The base period summer program will be based on the attached sample curriculum and schedule. The contractor is expected to develop their own curriculum for option period one summer program which is more advanced and builds off the lessons learned in the base period summer program. In Option Period One, the contractor will utilize best efforts to retain the same group of students who participated in the Base Period. In the event a student who participated in the base period summer program elects to not participate in the option period one summer program, the contractor shall recruit and replace the departing student with an undergraduate student capable of meeting the requirements of the more advanced curriculum in the option period summer program. This requirement is specific to MSI/HBCU students, therefore any recruitment of students who are not specifically from an MSI or HBCU are subject to approval from the Contract Officer's Representative.

The contractor shall:

• Identify qualified key personnel to coordinate the summer prep program, ensuring that they have appropriate expertise and experience in biomedical research (travel personnel as needed).

• Define and identify the supplies (both administrative and scientific) as well as all curriculum needs for the entire program.

• Coordinate selected personnel to recruit 10-15 undergraduate students capable of participating in the base period summer program and fall activity. Students who are recruited shall be capable of returning for the Option Period 1 spring activity and summer program.

• Coordinate with selected personnel to provide a list of student enrichment activities that will occur during the academic year. At least two activities (professional development workshops, career sessions, and/or scientific lectures) are required throughout the academic year, during both the Fall and Spring semesters

• Coordinate with selected personnel to create the summer curriculum and schedule, including a list of seminar and workshop titles and speakers.

• Provide a tentative agenda for both the summer welcome and farewell ceremonies to the COR

• Provide final training materials, schedule, and curriculum to the COR for review and approval prior to the start of the course.

• Coordinate local travel/transportation for students in summer program, if necessary.

• Coordinate with local universities and/or medical schools to provide a laboratory and/or clinical environment to host the summer program activities.

• Coordinate with local universities to locate qualified personnel to provide oversight on health disparities component of the curriculum to teach about various diseases and medical conditions that are prevalent in underserved rural and/or urban communities.

• Create weekly and/or final evaluations for the summer program for participant feedback, collecting data on the effectiveness and areas of improvement of the program, student learning outcomes, satisfaction of training activities offered (both scientific and professional development), the quality of teaching/classroom environment, administrative processes, student demographics, etc. It should be submitted to the COR at the end of the summer program.

• Track all participant’s academic progression and successes for at least 2-4 years, after completing the program. This could include if the student consistently had a strong GPA during their freshman and sophomore college years (3.0 or above), remained a science major throughout their four years of college, graduated from the university/college with a B.S. or B.A. in the sciences, and/or participated in the NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) or an equivalent summer research training program as an undergraduate.

LEVEL OF EFFORT:

Two Program Co-Coordinators: at least one program coordinator must have either a MD, PhD, or MD/PhD degree whereas both coordinators should have experience working at an MSI/HBCU, specifically with undergraduate advising, biomedical research experience, and/or teaching expertise in any area of biological sciences.

Two Group Leaders: Group leaders will be responsible for day-to-day operational, logistical, and administrative activities. Both group leaders must have experience working at a minority-serving institution, specifically with undergraduate advising, biomedical research experience, and/or teaching expertise in any area of biological sciences.

Two Peer Mentors: both must be either a medical or graduate student or postdoctoral trainee who are actively involved in biomedical research at a local university and display a strong commitment to mentoring students from underrepresented populations.

For clinical experience:

Two Classroom Presenters: Presenters must be medical students or medical personnel and have experience working with underrepresented populations.

For basic science experience:

Two Classroom Presenters: Presenters must be versed in basic research skills and have experience working with underrepresented populations.

All personnel must be available from 8am to 5:30 pm, local time during the summer program. All personnel must have experience with laboratory training and various techniques in any field related to biology. The contractor shall provide an appropriate labor mix to conduct the one-day fall activity and one-day spring activity.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

No access to government facility required. The government will not provide any space or equipment to contract personnel.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Final training materials, program schedule, and curriculum will be provided to the COR for review prior to the start of the course.

The Base and Option Period 1 Final Report must be provided to the COR for review within a month after the completion of the summer component of the program and should include:

• A list of student participants,

• Finalized selected personnel with CVs attached,

• All training and courses materials used in the program,

• Finalized detailed schedule/curriculum for both the academic year and summer activities,

• Participant feedback on the overall satisfaction with the program, as well as specific comments on what did and did not work well for the different program components.

• Pre- and post-assessments of skills acquired by the participant during this program along with aspects related to the development of their science identity.

• Academic progress of all program participants (e.g., number of students enrolled in the program, number of students who renewed for option year, number of students who conferred STEM degree, number of students who applied and participated in NIH SIP or equivalent program, number of students who presented at a national conference, number of students who pursued a graduate degree in STEM)

• A list of research projects completed by each student participant

• Future plans to sustain and/or improve program impact

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Travel:

Program coordinators are required to be onsite during the entire program. Some coordinators may have travel to the program site. Contractor shall arrange transportation for students, as needed. This is a day program and thus, any contractor that provides overnight accommodations is at their own cost/expense and assumes the risk.

Food and Beverage:

No Government obligated funding is to be used for food and beverage. Anything the contractor provides is at their own cost/expense.

Key Personnel:

• Two Program Co-coordinators: Program coordinator will provide program oversight, management, and monitoring. At least one coordinator must have either an MD or PHD degree, whereas both coordinators should have experience working at a minority-serving institution.

• Two Group Leaders: Group leaders will be responsible for day-to-day operational, logistical, and administrative activities. Both group leaders must have experience working at a minority-serving institution, specifically with undergraduate advising, biomedical research experience, and/or teaching expertise in any area of biological sciences.

• Two Peer Mentors: both must be either a medical or graduate student or postdoctoral trainee who are actively involved in biomedical research at a local university and display a strong commitment to mentoring students from underrepresented populations.

• For clinical experience: Two Classroom Presenters: Presenters must be medical students or medical personnel and have experience working with underrepresented populations.

• For basic science experience: Two Classroom Presenters: Presenters must be versed in basic research skills and have experience working with underrepresented populations.

Information Systems Security Plan:

N/A

Data Rights:

N/A

Section 508—Electronic and Information Technology Standards:

Section 508 of the rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires that the Federal agencies’ electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to people with disabilities. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Final Rule for section 508 (EIT Accessibility) can be found at www.section508.gov and at the Access Board’s http://www.section508.gov/ http://www.section508.gov/

Web site at https://www.access-board.gov/508.htm. The contractor must state that it will comply with the requirements of Section 508.

Publications and Publicity:

Contractor will not publish any info obtained from performance of this statement of work without prior written approval from the Contracting Officer.

Confidentiality of Information:

The Contractor will treat all NIH research data and information as confidential.

ATTACHMENTS

1) Base Period Schedule and Curriculum https://www.access-board.gov/508.htm https://www.access-board.gov/508.htm https://www.access-board.gov/508.htm https://www.access-board.gov/508.htm

NINDS Scientific Research Preparatory Summer Course

Daily routine for the Base Period Summer Program Mornings 8-9am Arrive via bus/Privately Owned Vehicle;

Lunch 12-1pm Evening 4-5pm Transport home

Scheduled Activities Week 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Required personnel

Morning (9-12)

Location: College/University;

All personnel present for introductions, etc.

Location: College/University

Chemistry lecture Location: College/University

Chemistry lecture Location: College/University

Chemistry lecture Location: College/University

Career Development Planning 2 MD or PhD level instructors

Afternoon (1-4) Food Science lab Food Science lab Food Science lab Food Science lab Chemistry Guest Speaker Potential: Lab technician or equivalent;

graduate teaching assistants are appropriate

Week 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Morning (9-12) Location: Medical University

Biology Lecture Location: Medical University

Biology Lecture Location: Medical University

Biology Lecture Location: Medical University

Biology Lecture Location: Medical University

Career Development Planning 2 MD or PhD level instructors

Afternoon (1-4)

Location: Medical University Notebooks and Biology lab

(skills - pipetting) Location: Medical University

Biology lab Location: Medical University

Biology lab Location: Medical University

Biology lab Location: Medical University

Biology Guest Speaker Potential: Lab technician or equivalent;

graduate teaching assistants are appropriate

Week 3 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Morning (9-12) 4 MD or PhD level instructors

Afternoon (1-4)

Potential: Lab technician or equivalent;

graduate teaching assistants and medical student presenters are appropriate

Week 4 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Morning (9-12) 2 MD or PhD level instructors

Afternoon (1-4) Potential: Community health advocates; local health leaders are appropriate

Week 5 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Morning (9-12) Location: Medical University

Opioid Abuse Intro Location: Medical University

Opioid Abuse Intro Location: Medical University

Opioid Abuse Intro Location: Medical University

Opioid Abuse Intro Location: Medical University

Career Development Planning 2 MD or PhD level instructors

Afternoon (1-4) Location: Medical University

Biology of Opioid Abuse Location: Medical University Chemistry of Opioid Abuse

Location: Medical University Health Disparities & Opioid

Abuse Location: Medical University Opioid Overdose Simulation

Location: Medical University Sub Abuse Guest Speaker

Potential: Local leaders from the community;

medical students are appropriate

Week 6 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Morning (9-12) Location: College/University

Genomics Introduction Location: College/University

Genomics lecture Location: College/University

Genomics lecture Location: College/University

Genomics lecture Location: College/University

Career Development Planning 2 MD or PhD level instructors

Afternoon (1-4) Genomics Analysis Techniques Genomics Analysis

Techniques Genomics Analysis Techniques Genomics Analysis Techniques Genomics Guest Speaker

Potential: Lab technician or equivalent;

graduate teaching assistants and medical student presenters are appropriate

Location: College/University or Medical University Neuroscience and human anatomy and physiology lectures (AM) and associated labs (PM)

Suggested lab activities: brain dissection, eye dissection, neuronal cultures, pain research, opioid crisis research , urgent care, or simulations are also appropriate.

Location: Community outreach center; open/free clinic; salons/barber shops Community Based Outreach with a lens towards social determinants of health; meeting the community where they are; maternal health.

Week 7 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Morning (9-12) Location: College/University or Medical University Location: College/University or

Medical University Location: College/University or Medical University Location: College/University or Medical University Location: College/University or Medical University 2 MD or PhD level instructor

Afternoon (1-4)

Connecting science and culture activity; culturally appropriate care

Connecting science and culture activity; culturally appropriate care; resume building and construction

Final cover letter review;

internship applications; poster construction and presentation

Review of Summer Activities;

3-minute talks; poster construction and presentation

Graduation ceremony, conduct participant surveys;

final ceremony Friday: All personnel present

ATTACHMENT 3

Supplemental Proposal Instructions

Quoter’s responses to the RFQ/solicitation shall be provided in two separate volumes as follows:

Volume Format Page Limitation Volume 1 – Business Volume

PDF and Excel None

Volume 2 – Technical Volume PDF No more than 30 pages, size 12 font, excluding resumes and table of contents.

Questions regarding this RFQ/solicitation must be sent to kelly.dempsey@nih.gov and rieka.plugge@nih.gov by Friday, January 24, 2025, at 3 pm EST. Answers to all questions received will be provided as an amendment to the solicitation on Contract Opportunities within SAM.gov.

All submissions to the RFQ/solicitation must be received by Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 5 pm EST and sent via email to kelly.dempsey@nih.gov and rieka.plugge@nih.gov. Submissions shall be in two volumes (Business Volume and Technical Volume), along with the signed FAR provisions at 52.204-24 and 52.204-26, pursuant to FAR 4.2103 Procedures. Supplemental instructions are as follows:

1. Business Volume

Quoters are expected to propose a fixed price quote which will contain a fixed price cost for the Base Period, Option Period One (1), and a total fixed price sum for both Periods combined. The Government is requesting a quote to obtain a successfully completed summer program (with related activities outlined in the Statement of Work). Therefore, the fixed price cost of the base period is your Institution’s quoted cost to complete the base period activities as outlined in the Statement of Work. The fixed price cost of Option Period One (1) is your Institution’s quoted cost to complete the Option Period One (1) activities as outlined in the Statement of Work. Since the resulting contract award(s) will be fixed- price, Quoters are not expected to provide estimated line by line cost element details that may be common in a cost reimbursable requirement.

NOTE: Food and beverage cannot be reimbursed through federal appropriated dollars in this requirement. Quotes should not include any food and beverage costs. Any food and beverages provided during the period of performance is at the cost of the contractor and not with contract funds.

2. Technical Volume

Quoters’ Technical Volume will be evaluated against the technical evaluation factors contained in the Technical Evaluation Criteria attached to the solicitation. It is important that Quoters’ Technical Volume have sufficient information to evaluate against the technical evaluation factors. A detailed proposal of your summer course and yearlong program must be submitted for review, outlining the twelve deliverables listed in the SOW and how each task will be achieved.

This should include:

• All proposed personnel with their CVs or resumes,

• A plan for student recruitment and the program’s selection process to attract highly qualified candidates, mailto:kelly.dempsey@nih.gov mailto:rieka.plugge@nih.gov mailto:rieka.plugge@nih.gov

• A weekly schedule/curriculum for the summer course and all of the activities for the academic year with possible speakers and seminar/workshop titles,

• A tentative agenda for the program’s opening and closing activities,

• Sample lesson/lecture plans with proposed science and professional development activities, the required laboratory materials or computer software, possible speakers/lecturers, and learning objectives for each activity,

• The drafted program evaluation(s), and

• A student tracking plan for all who completed the summer course and yearlong program.

All of these specifics proposed will be reviewed prior to the start of the program.

Your technical volume will be evaluated by a technical evaluation panel and scored based on the “Technical Evaluation Criteria” that is included as a separate attachment to this solicitation.

Therefore, quoters should ensure the…