A1.b. Statement of Work part 2.docx

Statement of Work / Performance Work Statement Title: Outreach, Training, and Virtual Certification Opportunities to Increase the Number of B-Readers in the United States Period of Performance Period of performance of this contract is: September 1, 2026 to November 30, 2027 Base Period: September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027 Option Period One: September 1, 2027 to November 30, 2027

SECTION 1 – BACKGROUND

The NIOSH B Reader Program, established in 1974, was developed to ensure consistent, accurate classification of chest radiographs for the detection and surveillance of pneumoconioses, including coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and asbestos-related lung disease.

The program certifies physicians who demonstrate proficiency in applying the International Labor Organization (ILO) International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses, a globally recognized standard designed to minimize variability in radiographic interpretation. Certified B Readers play a critical role in:

· Federal health surveillance programs such as the NIOSH Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program

· Epidemiologic research and public health monitoring

· Legal and administrative proceedings related to occupational lung disease compensation

· Worker health protection efforts in industries with mineral dust exposure

To maintain certification, B Readers are required to successfully retest every five years, underscoring the need for rigorous, up‑to‑date examination preparation and validated assessment methods.

SECTION 2 – PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this contract is to deliver virtual training and certification to maintain a qualified pool of B Readers.

Objectives include delivering three courses, providing ~20 hours instruction each, enabling expert interaction, administering three exams, and transitioning to virtual delivery.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor (American College of Radiology) shall transition in-person training to a virtual environment and deliver three training and certification cycles including LMS setup, course delivery, and secure exams.

1. Deliver three NIOSH B Reader preparation courses aligned with current examination standards.

2. Provide 20 hours of instruction per course, equivalent to previously delivered in‑person programs.

3. Incorporate live virtual “in‑person” sessions to allow direct interaction with expert faculty.

4. Administer three secure, remotely proctored NIOSH-aligned virtual examinations.

5. Fully transition instruction and assessment to a virtual system within the same instructional time and scope historically provided.

This proposal supports the ongoing mission of NIOSH to maintain a highly trained, competent pool of certified B Readers essential to federal worker surveillance programs, research activities, and compensation systems.

SECTION 4 – TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

Task 1: One-Time Content Transition to ACR Virtual Learning System This project includes two discrete, one‑time setup activities to transition existing NIOSH B Reader preparation courses and examinations from the information technology infrastructure that currently supports ACR’s in‑person course and examination offerings to ACR’s established virtual learning and assessment system. These activities are initial, non‑recurring implementation efforts designed to enable sustainable virtual delivery while maintaining program integrity.

a. One-Time Preparation Course Setup ACR will conduct a one‑time setup and configuration of the three NIOSH B Reader preparation courses for delivery within its virtual learning environment. Existing instructional materials developed for in‑person delivery will be migrated and structured for virtual access without modification to content scope, instructional rigor, or total instructional hours.

This one‑time preparation course setup includes:

· Migration of existing lecture content, case-based learning materials, and supporting resources into the ACR learning management system (LMS)

· Configuration of course structure, sequencing, and learner workflows to support approximately 20 hours of instruction per course

· Integration of live virtual session functionality to enable expert-led instruction and real-time participant questions

· System testing and quality assurance to ensure functionality, accessibility, and instructional continuity

Upon completion of this one‑time setup, the preparation courses will be fully configured for repeat virtual delivery within the same instructional timeframe and structure previously provided through in‑person offerings.

b. One-Time Examination Setup ACR will also perform a one‑time setup and validation of the three examinations associated with the NIOSH B Reader preparation courses. This activity transitions the existing in‑person exam infrastructure to a secure virtual testing environment and establishes standardized workflows for future exam administration.

This one‑time examination setup includes:

· Configuration of examinations within ACR’s secure virtual assessment platform

· Integration of professional remote proctoring services, including identity verification and monitoring

· Establishment of exam access controls, scoring processes, and reporting mechanisms

· System testing to ensure examination security, reliability, and alignment with NIOSH B Reader certification standards

Following completion, the virtual exam environment will be fully operational and will only require regular infrastructure updates, as needed, to support ongoing exam administrations.

Task 2: Virtual Preparation Courses Followed by Virtual Examination ACR will deliver three virtual NIOSH B Reader preparation courses, each followed by a corresponding secure, remotely proctored virtual examination. This integrated instructional model ensures that participants progress from structured learning to formal assessment in a consistent, standardized manner aligned with NIOSH B Reader certification expectations.

a. Virtual Preparation Courses Number of Courses: 3 Total Instructional Time: Approximately 60 hours (approximately 20 hours per course)

Each preparation course will include:

· Asynchronous recorded lectures covering ILO classification principles, radiographic features of pneumoconiosis, and common interpretation challenges

· Case‑based radiograph review and applied learning exercises

· Integrated formative assessments to reinforce key concepts

· Curated reference materials aligned with NIOSH B Reader examination competencies

· Scheduled live virtual sessions that enable expert‑led instruction and real‑time participant questions and discussion

Each course will be delivered over a one‑month instructional period, with structured weekly modules that support progressive learning while maintaining flexibility for participant schedules.

b. Virtual Examination and Proctoring Upon completion of each virtual preparation course, participants will be eligible to sit for the corresponding virtual examination.

Number of Examinations: 3 (one examination per course)

Each examination will:

· Be delivered through ACR’s secure online testing platform

· Utilize professional remote proctoring services, including identity verification, real‑time monitoring, and standardized testing controls

· Align directly with NIOSH B Reader examination competencies and assessment standards

· Provide secure scoring, reporting, and documentation of examination outcomes

This integrated approach ensures a seamless transition from instruction to assessment while maintaining examination integrity and alignment with NIOSH B Reader Program requirements.

ACR Virtual System Capabilities All instructional and examination components will be delivered through ACR’s established virtual learning environment, which supports:

· Learning management system (LMS) content delivery

· Secure examination hosting

· Remote proctoring integration

· Participant tracking, analytics, and reporting

Both setup activities will be completed once during the project period and within the originally allocated instructional timeframe, ensuring continuity with ACR’s current in‑person offerings and avoiding any extension of course duration or reduction in educational content.

SECTION 5 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

None.

SECTION 6 – PLACE OF PERFORMANCE AND CONTRACT SUPPORT HOURS

Place of Performance: Virtual/offsite.

Support Hours: Standard business hours with flexibility for sessions/exams.

SECTION 7 – TRAVEL

No travel required.

SECTION 8 – DELIVERABLES/REPORTING SCHEDULE

Deliverables

1. Three virtual NIOSH B Reader preparation courses (~20 hours each)

2. Live virtual expert-led instructional sessions

3. Three secure, remotely proctored virtual examinations

4. Performance and participation reports

Project Timeline The project will be implemented in two distinct phases: (1) a one‑time content preparation and transition phase, followed by (2) scheduled delivery of three virtual preparation courses and examinations. This phased approach ensures that all instructional and assessment components are fully configured and validated prior to participant enrollment.

Phase 1: One-Time Content Preparation and Virtual Transition September 2026 – December 2026

During this phase, ACR will complete the one‑time setup activities required to transition the existing in‑person NIOSH B Reader preparation courses and examinations to ACR’s virtual learning and assessment system. Activities will include:

· Migration and configuration of preparation course content within the ACR learning management system

· Configuration and validation of virtual examinations and remote proctoring workflows

· Integration of live virtual session functionality

· System testing, quality assurance, and final readiness verification

All content transition and system setup activities will be completed within this period, establishing a fully operational virtual infrastructure for subsequent course and examination delivery.

Phase 2: Virtual Course and Examination Delivery Calendar Year 2027

Following completion of Phase 1, ACR will deliver three virtual NIOSH B Reader preparation courses, each followed by the corresponding virtual examination. Courses will be scheduled to allow appropriate spacing for participant enrollment, instruction, and assessment.

Planned course offerings will occur in three delivery windows during 2027, which may include:

· January 2027

· May 2027

· September 2027

Each course will:

· Be delivered over a one‑month instructional period

· Include approximately 20 hours of instruction

· Conclude with a secure, remotely proctored virtual examination This schedule provides flexibility while ensuring consistent availability of NIOSH B Reader preparation and assessment opportunities throughout the year.

Summary Timeline

· September–December 2026: One‑time preparation and transition of courses and examinations to virtual delivery

· January 2027: Virtual Course 1 with examination

· May 2027: Virtual Course 2 with examination

· September 2027: Virtual Course 3 with examination

SECTION 9 – REFERENCE MATERIALS

NIOSH B Reader Program guidance and ILO classification standards.

SECTION 10 – MINIMUM VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in radiology education, LMS delivery, and secure online testing.

SECTION 11 – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements and ensure data security.

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 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.