A1. b.PWS.docx

Statement of Work Procurement Request #: [TBD] Title: Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics Exposure Code List Period of performance: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2030 Base Year: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027 Option Year 1: September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028 Option Year 2: September 1, 2028 – August 31, 2029 Option Year 3: September 1, 2029 – August 31, 2030

SECTION 1 – BACKGROUND

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) relies on occupational health surveillance data to identify emerging workplace hazards, guide research priorities, and inform prevention strategies. The 2016 National Academies review of NIOSH programs emphasized the importance of strengthening occupational disease surveillance systems and improving the translation of research findings into practical tools used by clinicians and public health practitioners.

A critical component of occupational disease surveillance is the ability to systematically document workplace exposures associated with illness and injury. Occupational exposures frequently involve complex mixtures of chemical, biological, and physical hazards that may not be captured in regulatory exposure databases or toxicological reference systems.

Clinical occupational health practitioners are often the first to identify sentinel cases of occupational disease. Systems that allow clinicians to document and classify workplace exposures in a standardized manner are essential for identifying emerging hazards and informing prevention efforts.

The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) maintains a nationally recognized Exposure Code List that provides a standardized classification system for occupational and environmental exposures used by clinicians and public health surveillance programs. The Exposure Code List supports the systematic documentation of workplace exposures associated with disease and injury and has been used by NIOSH-funded state partners in work-related asthma surveillance programs since 1999.

Maintaining and updating this exposure coding system ensures that clinicians and public health practitioners have access to a standardized and continually updated taxonomy of occupational exposures that supports clinical practice, surveillance, and prevention activities.

SECTION 2 – PURPOSE / OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this contract is to support occupational public health practice and surveillance by maintaining and updating a standardized exposure coding system used by clinicians and public health practitioners to document workplace exposures associated with occupational illness and injury.

This effort will support NIOSH priorities by:

· improving the documentation of workplace exposures associated with occupational disease

· supporting surveillance of occupational illness and injury

· facilitating identification of emerging occupational hazards

· enhancing communication between clinicians and public health practitioners

· improving the translation of clinical observations into prevention strategies This work will be accomplished through the maintenance and continuous improvement of the AOEC Exposure Code List and its associated publicly accessible online exposure code lookup system.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

The AOEC Exposure Code List is an established occupational exposure classification system developed and maintained by AOEC and currently used by clinicians and public health surveillance programs. Maintaining this system requires continuity of the existing taxonomy, subject-matter expertise in occupational medicine, and coordination with clinicians who use the system in practice. Because the Exposure Code List and associated lookup system are existing AOEC-developed resources, continued maintenance and updating of the system requires access to and stewardship of the established coding structure.

The contractor shall maintain and update a standardized occupational exposure classification system used by clinicians and public health practitioners to document workplace exposures associated with occupational illness and injury.

The contractor shall maintain a publicly accessible online exposure code lookup system that allows clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals to identify and apply standardized exposure codes.

The contractor shall also maintain processes for identifying new exposure agents, updating existing exposure classifications, and ensuring that the Exposure Code List reflects current occupational health knowledge and clinical practice.

SECTION 4 – TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

Task 1 – Maintain Exposure Code List Maintain the AOEC Exposure Code List, including the existing taxonomy of chemical, biological, and physical exposure agents.

Activities include:

· maintaining the structure and organization of the exposure coding system

· reviewing proposed additions or revisions to exposure codes

· updating exposure code descriptions as needed

· documenting additions, deletions, and modifications to exposure codes Task 2 – Expert Review and Code Development Coordinate review of proposed exposure codes and updates through subject matter experts in occupational and environmental health.

Activities include:

· reviewing emerging occupational hazards

· evaluating proposed additions to the exposure code list

· ensuring exposure codes reflect current occupational health knowledge

· reviewing and updating asthmagen, sensitizer, and reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS) designations

· documenting the scientific or clinical basis for new exposure codes Task 3 – Maintain Online Exposure Code Lookup System Maintain the publicly accessible online Exposure Code Lookup system that allows users to search and identify exposure codes.

The system shall:

· remain publicly accessible via the AOEC website

· meet current federal accessibility standards (Section 508)

· allow users to search for exposure codes by substance, hazard type, asthmagen, or keyword Task 4 – Reporting and Documentation Provide periodic documentation of updates to the Exposure Code List.

Deliverable 1 – Interim Exposure Code List Update Report The contractor shall submit an interim report documenting all updates to the AOEC Exposure Code List during the reporting period of September 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027.

The report shall include the following components:

1. Updated Exposure Code Dataset A spreadsheet (Excel or comparable format) containing the complete updated Exposure Code List. The dataset shall include, at minimum:

· Exposure Code identifier

· Exposure agent or hazard name

· Description or classification of exposure

· Newly added codes

· Modified codes

· Deleted or retired codes

2. Documentation of Changes A detailed summary describing all updates made to the Exposure Code List during the reporting period, including:

· additions of new exposure codes

· revisions to existing exposure codes or exposure names

· modifications to description or classification of exposure

· deletion or retirement of exposure codes

3. Change Comparison Table A comparison table identifying differences between the current Exposure Code List and the previous version. The table shall clearly indicate:

· newly added codes

· modified codes

· deleted or retired codes

· any changes to code descriptions or classifications.

4. Online Exposure Code Lookup System Status Documentation confirming that the AOEC Exposure Code Lookup System remains operational and publicly accessible through the AOEC website.

The contractor shall ensure that the system:

· allows users to search and identify exposure codes

· supports clinicians and public health practitioners in occupational health practice and surveillance

· complies with Section 508 accessibility requirements and current federal accessibility standards.

5. Website Usage Metrics The report shall include website usage metrics for the AOEC Exposure Code Lookup System during the reporting period, including:

· monthly metrics for page views, unique users, and searches conducted within the Exposure Code Lookup System

· total page views during the reporting period.

Deliverable 2 – Final Exposure Code List Update Report The contractor shall submit a final report documenting all updates to the AOEC Exposure Code List during the reporting period of March 1, 2027 – August 31, 2027.

The report shall include the following components:

1. Updated Exposure Code Dataset A spreadsheet (Excel or comparable format) containing the complete updated Exposure Code List. The dataset shall include, at minimum:

· Exposure Code identifier

· Exposure agent or hazard name

· Description or classification of exposure

· Newly added codes

· Modified codes

· Deleted or retired codes

2. Documentation of Changes A detailed summary describing all updates made to the Exposure Code List during the reporting period, including:

· additions of new exposure codes

· revisions to existing exposure codes or exposure names

· modifications to description or classification of exposure

· deletion or retirement of exposure codes

3. Change Comparison Table A comparison table identifying differences between the current Exposure Code List and the previous version. The table shall clearly indicate:

· newly added codes

· modified codes

· deleted or retired codes

· any changes to code descriptions or classifications.

4. Online Exposure Code Lookup System Status Documentation confirming that the AOEC Exposure Code Lookup System remains operational and publicly accessible through the AOEC website.

The contractor shall ensure that the system:

· allows users to search and identify exposure codes

· supports clinicians and public health practitioners in occupational health practice and surveillance

· complies with Section 508 accessibility requirements and current federal accessibility standards.

5. Website Usage Metrics The report shall include website usage metrics for the AOEC Exposure Code Lookup System during the reporting period, including:

· monthly metrics for page views, unique users, and searches conducted within the Exposure Code Lookup System

· total page views during the reporting period.

Deliverable 3 – Maintenance of Exposure Code List and Lookup System The contractor shall maintain and update the AOEC Exposure Code List and associated publicly accessible online Exposure Code Lookup System throughout the period of performance.

Maintenance activities shall include:

· updating exposure codes to reflect new or revised occupational exposure information

· maintaining the structure and integrity of the Exposure Code List

· ensuring the continued functionality and public accessibility of the Exposure Code Lookup system

· maintaining compliance with Section 508 accessibility requirements and current federal accessibility standards.

The system shall remain publicly available through the AOEC website and support clinicians, researchers, and public health practitioners in identifying standardized exposure codes for occupational health practice and surveillance.

N/A

SECTION 5 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

None.

SECTION 6 – PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Contract work will be performed at the contractor’s facilities.

SECTION 7 – TRAVEL

No travel is anticipated under this contract. Any required travel must be pre-approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal travel regulations.

SECTION 8 – DELIVERABLES / REPORTING SCHEDULE

Deliverables are subject to technical inspection and requests for clarification by COR and CS/CO prior to acceptance. Conference calls may be conducted within 10 business days after a deliverable is due. The Government shall be allowed 15 business days to review the deliverables(s) and provide the Contractor with any recommended changes. Upon receipt of the Government’s review, the Contractor shall have 15 business days to make the requested changes and return the deliverable(s).

Items:

1. A report of the Exposure Code List covering the first 6 months of the period of performance.

2. A report of the Exposure Code List covering the remaining 6 months of the period of performance.

3. The updated and maintained publicly available on-line Exposure Code Look-up System.

SECTION 9 – REFERENCE MATERIALS

None.

SECTION 10 – MINIMUM VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS

The contractor must demonstrate the following qualifications:

· Experience maintaining a standardized occupational exposure classification system used in occupational health clinical practice and public health surveillance.

· Demonstrated access to a national network of occupational and environmental health clinics or clinicians engaged in the diagnosis and management of occupational disease.

· Demonstrated experience maintaining an occupational exposure coding system used by clinicians and public health practitioners for occupational disease surveillance.

· Experience supporting occupational health surveillance programs, including those funded by NIOSH or other public health agencies.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain a publicly accessible exposure code lookup system that supports occupational health practice and surveillance.

SECTION 11 – SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Standard HHS and CDC/NIOSH requirements regarding Section 508 accessibility, information security, Covered Contractor Information Systems, HIPAA compliance (if applicable), and secure data transfer (e.g., CDC SFTP and SAMS) shall apply and may be incorporated consistent with Office of Acquisition Services guidance.

Section 508 and Accessibility Requirements

Part A – Provision Reference HHSAR 352.239-73[8] Electronic Information and [Communication] Technology Accessibility Notice.

[(Deviation)] [(a) Any offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established HHS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/index.html.

(b) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this solicitation are stated in the clause at 352.239-79 Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. In order to facilitate the Government's determination whether proposed ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, and documentation meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit an appropriate HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist (see https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html) or an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) (based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) see https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat), in accordance with the completion instructions. The purpose of the checklists and conformance reports are to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, and documentation conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. Checklists and ACRs evaluate—in detail—whether the ICT conforms to specific Section 508 accessibility standards and identifies remediation efforts needed to address conformance issues.

(c) If an offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards, remediation of the supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense.

(d) In order to facilitate the Government's determination whether proposed ICT supplies meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit an Accessibility Conformance Report, in accordance with its completion instructions and tailored to the requirements in the solicitation. The purpose of the Report is to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed ICT supplies conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. The template allows offerors or developers to self-evaluate their supplies and document, in detail, whether they conform to a specific Section 508 accessibility standard, and any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. Instructions for preparing the Template are available at https://www.section508.gov/.

(e) Additionally, offerors must provide enough information to assist the Government in determining that the ICT services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards, including any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues.

(f) Respondents to this solicitation must identify any inability to conform to Section 508 requirements. If an offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies or services delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards, remediation of the supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense.

(g) Items delivered as electronic content must be accessible to HHS acceptance criteria. Checklist for various formats are available at http://508.hhs.gov/. Materials, other than items incidental to contract management, that are final items for delivery should be accompanied by the appropriate checklist, except upon approval of the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer's Representative.

(End of provision)]

Part B - Clause 352.239-74[9] Electronic, Information, and Communication Technology Accessibility.

[(Deviation)]

(a) Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, all information and communication technology (ICT) supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, and services, or support developed, acquired, maintained or delivered under this contract or order must comply with the Revised 508 Standards, which are located at 36 C.F.R. 1194.1 and Appendices A, B, and C, and are available at https://www.access-board.gov/ict/. Information about Section 508 is available at https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/index.html.

(b) Additional Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this contract or order are identified as follows:

205 WCAG 2.0 Level A & AA Success Criteria 302 Functional Performance Criteria 502 Inoperability with Assistive Technology 503 Applications 504 Authoring Tools 602 Support Documentation 603 Support Services If it is determined by the Government that ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, and services support provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the contract, remediation of the supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense.

(c) In the event of a modification(s) to this contract or order, which adds new ICT supplies or services or revises the type of, or specifications for, supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support, the Contracting Officer shall require that the Contractor submit a completed HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist (see https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html) or an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) (based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) see https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat), and any other additional information necessary to assist the Government in determining that the ICT supplies or services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards. If it is determined by the Government that ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, and services support provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the contract, remediation of the supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense.

(d) If this is an Indefinite-Delivery type contract, a Blanket Purchase Agreement or a Basic Ordering Agreement, the task/delivery order requests that include ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support will define the specifications and accessibility standards for the order. In those cases, the Contractor shall be required to provide a completed HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist (see https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html) or an ACR (based on the VPAT see https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat), and any other additional information necessary to assist the Government in determining that the ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support conform to Section 508 accessibility standards. If it is determined by the Government that ICT supplies and services provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the provided documentation, remediation of the supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense.

(e) The contractor shall identify to the Contracting Officer any perceived exception or exemption to Section 508 requirements for review by the agency Section 508 Program.