Virti SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

The Use of Virtual Simulation in the Promotion of Family Health History Sharing

Background:

The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH’s) mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), established in 1989, aims to improve the health of all humans through advances in genomics research. As a leading authority in the field of genomics, NHGRI’s mission is to accelerate scientific and medical breakthroughs that improve human health. This is achieved through driving cutting-edge research, developing new technologies, and studying the impact of genomics on society.

The Social and Behavioral Research Branch (SBRB) aims to develop optimal approaches for the integration of genomic discoveries into clinical and community contexts. SBRB conducts research at the intersection of genomics and the social and behavioral sciences.

Purpose and Objectives:

The purpose of this procurement is to develop and implement the Families SHARE Virtual Simulation World. This will be achieved by formatting, developing, programming, and hosting virtual simulation world. Doing so this will allow us to expand on the Families SHARE toolkit by creating a more immersive environment for individuals to practice and enhance their family health history communication.

Period of Performance:

12 months after award date

Contract Type:

Firm-Fixed Price

Place of Performance:

Work will be performed at NHGRI and the contractor’s site.

Government Furnished Equipment:

The Government will provide the virtual simulation headsets, computers that will facilitate the virtual simulation world.

A. Contractor’s Requirement:

1. The Contractor will provide access to the software needed to develop and facilitate the virtual simulation world.

2. The Contractor will provide support for programming the virtual simulation software.

3. The Contractor will provide training on how to program the virtual simulation world and training the artificial intelligence used in the virtual simulation world.

4. The Contractor will comply with all security protocols for virtual simulation software and artificial intelligence integration.

5. The Contractor will provide data about the time participants spend interacting with participants and the transcripts of participants interactions with the avatar.

6. The Contractor will provide support for technological or programming problems that occur.

B. Desired Results/Functions/End Items:

1. Programmed version of the virtual simulation world integrated with artificial intelligence available on a password protected website accessible on government funded laptops and headsets, tablets, and desktops.

2. Virtual Simulation avatars that interact with participants according to the protocol.

C. Technical Specifications/Standards/Methods:

1. The Contractor's workstations must be configured and used in a manner that is consistent with Government information security practices.

2. The virtual simulation world will consist of multiple avatars that have editable features including the voice and setting. The avatars conversations with participants will be formulated by artificial intelligence integrated into the virtual simulation software.

3. The software will be accessible over secure web browser.

4. The data will be delivered over secure transfer to be arranged by the Government.

D. Government Responsibilities:

1. The Government will specify the requirements of the virtual simulation world to ensure the provided software has the capabilities that meet the Government’s requirements

2. The Government with develop train the artificial intelligence integrated with the avatar.

3. The Government will verify data quality after data about participant interactions with the avatar has been collected in totality.

E. Program Management and Control Requirements:

1. The Contractor shall work independently with no direct supervision by any Government employee. The Social Network Methods Section staff will provide guidance in terms of the technical needs, technological support, and programming assistance that is needed.

F. Inspection and Acceptance Requirements:

1. The Contractor will communicate with the research staff to ensure their work is consistent with the project needs.

2. The Contractor must respond to outstanding questions regarding technological and programming support with SNMS staff to resolve any issues or challenges.

3. The PI and Co-I will ensure the work conducted by the Contractor is acceptable.

G. Reporting Requirements and Deliverables:

1. The Contractor will send log-in credentials to the PI and Co-I for the purposes of accessing the software.

2. The Contractor will make the data about participant interactions with the virtual simulation world and avatar available via a secure web browser.

3. All deliverables will be electronically available to the PI and Co-I