AHRQ-16-10010_Amendment_2.docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Secretary

Washington, D.C. 20201 Request for Proposal No. AHRQ-16-10010 Amendment 2

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A - SOLICITATION FORM

Date Issued: February 23, 2016 Date Questions Due: March 1, 2016 Please Note: All questions and inquires will be processed on a non-attribution basis.

Date Notice of Intent Due: March 15, 2016 Date Proposals Due: April 4, 2016, 11:00 AM, EST

You are invited to submit a proposal to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for Request for Proposal (RFP) No. AHRQ-16-10010 entitled “Scientific Resource Center to Support the USPSTF”. Your proposal must be developed and submitted in accordance with the requirements and instructions of this RFP.

Solicitation Information: Please review the table of contents and refer to the appropriate section of this RFP for requirements, proposal instructions and evaluation information. The Government intends to award this contract without negotiations, so it is imperative that all questions are addressed during the solicitation phase, and that all proposals submitted include the required information and accept the terms and conditions as stated. Failure to comply with proposal instructions or submit required information may result in the removal of a proposal from consideration for award. Please review Section L carefully.

Proposal Intent: If you intend to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation, please inform the Contracting Officer of your intent by completing the Proposal Intent Response Form (See section L.10 and Attachment A) and send it to the Contracting Officer no later than March 15, 2016. You may mail it to the address below; fax it to 301-427-1740, Attention: Scott Henderson, Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer or email it to scott.henderson@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Questions: All Questions regarding this solicitation shall be received in this office no later than the date shown above. All questions shall be submitted electronically by e-mail to Scott Henderson, Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer, at the following email address: scott.henderson@ahrq.hhs.gov. Subject line shall read: Proposal Questions RFP No. AHRQ-16-10010. Answers to questions and all solicitation amendments will be posted to the Federal Business Opportunities web page: www.fbo.gov. It is your responsibility to monitor the web site.

Additional Information:

· A cost plus fixed fee contract is contemplated for a period of one year, with four one-year options.

· The Government anticipates awarding one contract from this solicitation on or about July 1, 2016.

· Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation must state that they are valid for a period of at least 120 days (reference FAR clause 52.215-1 in Section L of this document.

· The NAICS code for this requirement is 541990 with a size standard of $15.0 million.

Proposal Submission: The proposal shall be signed by an authorized official to bind your organization and must be received in our Contracts Office by the due date specified above. Your proposal must be mailed to the following address:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Division of Contracts Management 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 06N34B Rockville, Maryland 20857 Attn: Scott Henderson, (301) 427-1764

Hand carried proposals may be delivered to the above location. Please bring all packages to the loading dock. Please mark each box: AHRQ, OMS/DCM, Attn: Scott Henderson, Mail Stop 06N34B. The packages will be accepted and date/time stamped in the mail room. However, please allow ample time as proposals cannot be accepted until they have gone through security. We will not be held responsible for any delays that may be incurred getting your proposal through security.

NOTE: The U.S. Postal Service’s “Express Mail” does not deliver to our Rockville, Maryland address. Please do not use this means of delivery for proposal submission.

System for Award Management: In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation, all contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database in order to conduct business with the government [See Section I - FAR clause 52.204-7 System for Award Management]. Access the System for Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov.

Reminder: The Procurement Integrity Act prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of, inquiry about, or acceptance of procurement information. Communications with any other individual outside the AHRQ contracting office may result in rejection of an offeror’s proposal. All requests for any information concerning this RFP should be referred to Scott Henderson, (301) 427-1764 or e-mail: scott.henderson@ahrq.hhs.gov. Please note e-mail requests should state subject as RFP AHRQ-16-10010.

Table of Contents

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

“Scientific Resource Center to Support the USPSTF”. See Section C for a complete description.

B.2 ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE

a. The Estimated Cost (exclusive of fees) for performance of the work under the base period of this contract, including direct and indirect costs is $ To Be Determined (TBD).

b. The Fixed Fee for the base period of this contract is $TBD. The fixed fee shall be paid in installments based on the percentage of completion of work, as determined by the Contracting Officer. Payment shall be subject to the withholding provisions of the Clause ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT and FIXED FEE incorporated herein.

c. The total contract value, represented by the sum of the estimated cost plus the fixed fee for the base period is $TBD.

B.3 OPTION COSTS

If the Government exercises its option(s) pursuant to the option article in Section H of this contract, the Government’s total contract amount represented by the sum of the estimated cost and fixed fee will be revised as follows:

The base period and each option are separate and distinct from one another for accumulation of costs and billing purposes.

B. 4 PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO DIRECT COSTS

a. Items Unallowable Unless Otherwise Provided

Notwithstanding the clauses, ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT, and FIXED FEE, incorporated into this contract, unless authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer, the costs of the following items or activities shall be unallowable as direct costs:

(1) Acquisition, by purchase or lease, of any interest in real property;

(2) Rearrangement or alteration of facilities;

(3) Purchase or lease of any item of general purpose-office furniture or office equipment regardless of dollar value. (General purpose equipment is defined as any items of personal property which are usable for purposes other than research, such as office equipment and furnishings, pocket calculators, etc.);

(4) Accountable Government property;

(5) Travel to attend general scientific meetings;

(6) Foreign Travel;

(7) Any costs incurred prior to the contract's effective date;

(8) Rental of meeting rooms not otherwise expressly paid for by the contract;

(9) Any formal subcontract arrangements not otherwise expressly provided for in the contract;

(10) Consultant fees;

(11) Information Technology hardware or software;

(12) Food and Beverages; and

(13) No funding or expenditures are authorized under this contract for travel or meeting expenses of any person that is not an employee of the contractor or approved subcontractor in accordance with the terms of the contract. See 31 USC § 1345 for appropriations restrictions.

Note: Food and Beverages are unallowable costs. Contracting Officer Authorization for Food and Beverages will be only made as specifically authorized by statute, which is extremely rare. The contractor shall not provide food or beverages of any type. The contractor shall not accept food or beverages, even if included in, or provided ‘free’ as part of a meeting/conference ‘package’.

b. Travel Costs

This contract is subject to the provisions of Public Law (P.L.) 99-234 which amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to provide that contractor costs for travel, including lodging, other subsistence, and incidental expenses, shall be allowable only to the extent that they do not exceed the amount allowed for Federal employees. The Contractor, therefore, shall invoice and be reimbursed for all travel costs in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 31.205-46.

The following applies to Educational Institutions: The Contractor shall invoice and be reimbursed for all travel costs in accordance with OMB Circular A-21 - "Cost Principles for Educational Institutions."

B.5 CONTRACTING OFFICER AUTHORIZATION

Other provisions of this contract notwithstanding, approval of the following items within the limits set forth is hereby granted without further authorization from the Contracting Officer.

To Be Determined

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall be required to 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 as follows:

Statement of Work Unless otherwise noted under a specific task, this Statement of Work applies to the base period and all options (if exercised).

Once awarded, AHRQ will supply the contractor with: the revised and most up-to-date USPSTF procedure manual, the COI disclosure form; the template for the LitWatch report and templates for the Topic Nomination Background and the Topic Prioritization Topic Brief.

Background/References The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) is an independent body of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. Since its inception over 30 years ago, the Task Force has worked to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services and health promotion. These recommendations include screening tests, counseling about healthful behaviors, and preventive medications.

Clinical preventive services can have tremendous value in improving the health of the Nation. When provided appropriately, they can identify diseases at earlier stages when they are more treatable or reduce a person’s risk for developing a disease altogether. However, some clinical preventive services can fail to provide the expected benefit or can even cause harm. To make informed decisions, health care professionals, patients, and families need access to trustworthy, objective scientific information about the benefits and harms of clinical preventive services.

Task Force recommendations focus on interventions to prevent or decrease the severity of disease, and they apply only to people without signs or symptoms of the disease or health condition under consideration. USPSTF recommendations address services offered in the primary care setting or services to which patients can be referred by primary care professionals. The Task Force makes recommendations to help primary care clinicians, patients, and families decide together whether a particular preventive service is right for an individual’s needs.

Since 1998, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has been authorized by Congress to convene the Task Force and to provide ongoing scientific, administrative, and dissemination support.

The Task Force makes recommendations based on a rigorous review of existing peer-reviewed evidence. It does not conduct research studies, but rather reviews and assesses published research. The USPSTF follows a multistep process when developing each of its recommendations. For a detailed explanation of the USPSTF's methods, go to the USPSTF Procedure Manual at http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Name/methods-and-processes

Over the past years, the Task Force has focused on making its work as transparent as possible so that stakeholders and the public better understand and have more confidence in the approach of the Task Force. This also ensures that its work is open, credible, independent, and unbiased, and is recognized as such. By expanding opportunities for the public and stakeholders to engage in the process, the Task Force believes that its recommendations are more accurate and relevant.

As a result of these efforts, stakeholders and the public can:

· Nominate new members to serve on the Task Force

· Nominate new topics for Task Force consideration or request an update of an existing topic

· Provide comments on all draft research plans

· Provide comments on all draft evidence reports

· Provide comments on all draft recommendation statements

The overall purpose of this contract is to establish a Scientific Resource Center (SRC) to support AHRQ in its role of supporting the USPSTF in its work to make evidence-based recommendations on clinical preventive services.

1. Overview/Objectives

Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor and its subcontractors shall furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government as needed to perform the specific requirements below.

Under this contract the contractor shall: establish a Scientific Resource Center to support and coordinate some of the governing functions of the USPSTF and many of the activities associated with all USPSTF topics including:

1. Conflict of Interest

1. Horizon Scanning

1. Topic Nomination & Topic Development

1. Methods

1. Liability Insurance

1. Specific Requirements/Tasks

For the base and each option period (if exercised), the contractor shall complete the following tasks.

Within a week of the award, the Contractor shall meet with the COR and other relevant AHRQ personnel to review and clarify the scope of work and delivery schedule, to delineate further roles and responsibilities, and to establish communication protocols. This meeting may take place by teleconference. The contactor shall provide meeting notes no later than one week after the Kick-Off call.

Subtask 1.2: Monthly Progress Reports The Contractor shall submit a monthly progress report in electronic format to the COR within ten (10) days after the end of the month being reported.

The report shall state in concise form:

· What was accomplished for each assigned task during the reporting report

· Preliminary or interim results and conclusions that the contractor believes shall be of assistance to AHRQ

· Problems or delays the Contractor has experienced in the conduct of performance requirements including what specific action is proposed to alleviate the problem(s)

· Activities planned for the next reporting period, including anticipated staffing requirements, level of effort and cost

Subtask 1.3 Progress Calls The Contractor shall conduct bi-weekly phone calls with the COR and relevant AHRQ staff after the submission of the monthly report to discuss outstanding issues. These calls may be cancelled at the discretion of the COR if deemed unnecessary at any stage of the project.

The public must have confidence in the integrity of the process by which the Task Force makes its recommendations. The reputations of the Task Force members as highly regarded researchers, clinicians, and academicians contribute to this objective and must be protected if the Task Force recommendation statements are to be accepted and implemented. It is also essential that Task Force deliberations benefit from members' vigorous exchange of perspectives that are derived from and shaped by the member's research and/or practice experiences.

The USPSTF has recently revised its conflict of interest policy focusing on disclosures and mitigation of potential conflicts for USPSTF members. The updated policy and forms are available in the USPSTF Procedure Manual. The USPSTF requires each member to disclose all information regarding any possible financial and non-financial conflicts of interest prior to each meeting for all topics under development or that will be discussed at each meeting. Previous disclosures for continuing topics must also be updated to reflect changes in a member’s situation since the form was last completed.

The contractor shall implement the updated USPSTF COI policy which includes:

· Developing a secure and confidential online tool to collect the COIs and update the tool and related materials before each TF meeting for all TF members, before the start of new topics for TF members continuing to serve on the USPSTF the following year, before the appointment of new TF members.

· On a bi-weekly progress call with AHRQ staff review the process, timeline and updated information before the deployment of the disclosures.

· Distributing the secure online disclosure links to USPSTF members and summarizing all potential conflicts and providing results in an excel spreadsheet and individual word documents.

· The Contractor should report the progress of this work as part of the monthly progress reports to AHRQ. This should include a discussion of the challenges and successes of implementing the COI policy.

The contractor also shall continue to support the update of the COI policy which will include: maintaining and updating a template for publically reporting conflicts of interest (USPSTF members’ disclosures and mitigation activities); and supporting the development of and maintaining a COI policy for others who work with the USPSTF such as investigators at Evidence-based Practice Centers, peer-reviewers, AHRQ staff and other contractors. The contractor shall meet with AHRQ staff by conference calls to discuss a proposed policy and present a draft of the proposed policy to the COI Workgroup of the Task Force during a conference call to seek approval for an updated COI policy.

Task 3: Implement Horizon Scanning Subtask 3.1: Implement Horizon Scanning The Task Force has developed a process for conducting a literature watch (“LitWatch”), consisting of a timely search of selected journals for new evidence that could influence either USPSTF topics currently under review or the timing of an update of a USPSTF topic. The USPSTF LitWatch is described in the USPSTF Procedure Manual.

The Contractor shall implement horizon scanning by conducting a LitWatch at least 6 times a year and reporting the results by email to the USPSTF Scientific Director, the USPSTF Topic Prioritization Workgroup, USPSTF members, EPC staff, AHRQ Medical Officers, and other related staff. The contractor shall upload the LitWatch report on to the USPSTF Extranet and send out the link to the distribution list. The Contractor shall report the progress of this work as part of its monthly progress reports to AHRQ. This should include a discussion of the challenges and successes of horizon scanning.

Task 4: Topic Nominations & Topic Development The contractor shall manage the receipt, initial assessment, processing, and tracking of topic nominations and reconsiderations received via the USPSTF Web site (www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org). Depending on the volume, the contractor shall conduct an initial assessment of nominations and reconsiderations on a monthly or bimonthly basis. The initial assessment could include documenting how new nominations fit within the scope of the USPSTF and how they may be related to previous USPSTF recommendations.

The contractor shall follow the processes for topic nominations as described in the USPSTF Procedure Manual in order to assist the Topic Prioritization Workgroup, a subset of USPSTF members, in determining the final disposition of nominated topics. The contractor may need to contact the nominating organization for further specification. The contractor shall prepare an initial contextual assessment document for all nominations for consideration by the topic prioritization workgroup. The initial contextual assessment document shall at a minimum include the following information: Topic Name, Date received, Nominator Affiliation, Nomination Type, USPSTF SRC Draft Scope & Relevance Evaluation, Notes from Nomination and Other Considerations and Topic Workgroup Final Evaluation and Disposition. After the initial assessment of the nominations by the topic prioritization workgroups, the contractor shall produce Topic Nomination Background document for topics assigned as in scope of less relevance, in scope potential new topics and some in scope already addressed.

Once a newly nominated topic has been selected, it is prioritized by the Task Force. Because the Task Force has as its goal to update all topics every 5 years, each year it reviews all active topics that will need to be updated. In general, new topics and reconsiderations will be prioritized during this yearly prioritization process by the Task Force. The Task Force first decides if an active topic will stay active or if it should be inactivated or referred to another organization.

The contractor shall follow the processes described in the USPSTF Procedure Manual for assisting the Topic Prioritization Workgroup in prioritizing the active queue of topics. The contractor shall produce Topic Briefs with the goal of providing the necessary background information (based on criteria for topic selection and prioritization, as described in the USPSTF Procedure Manual) for the Topic Prioritization Workgroup and USPSTF to review, discuss, and vote on a final disposition for active topics and to assist with prioritizing all active topics.

The contractor shall prepare Topic Nomination documents and participate in a conference call with the Topic Prioritization Workgroup at least one month prior to each Task Force meeting to determine final disposition and recommendation for all nominated topics. This information will be presented to the full Task Force for a vote at each in-person meeting (Spring, Summer and Winter).

The contractor shall develop Topic Briefs for all topics eligible for updating (topics published 2-3 years earlier). The contractor shall plan on preparing for and participating on monthly conference calls with the Topic Prioritization Workgroup to determine the final disposition for all active topics. The contractor shall upload the topic nomination background documents/briefs on the USPSTF Extranet.

In addition, the contractor shall participate in topic prioritization. The SRC shall update and implement the USPSTF’s process for soliciting feedback on the annual priority rating of all topics in its active queue. The goal of this process is to have a prioritized list of 12-20 topics each year whose review will begin over the next 12-18 months. The SRC shall facilitate involvement of USPSTF members, partners and other identified stakeholders in the process. The contractor shall develop and distribute a paper-based and online tool to collect the feedback from the different stakeholders. The contractor shall provide a summary memo and provide results in Microsoft excel and word.

The contractor shall use the USPSTF content management system to document and track the full library of USPSTF topics focusing on the status of newly nominated topics, the prioritization of active topics, and the timing of updates.

Subtask 4.1: Implement Topic Nominations and Topic Development The Contractor shall implement the processes associated with topic nomination, and development. The Contractor shall report the progress of this work as part of its monthly progress reports to AHRQ. This should include a discussion of the challenges and successes of topic nominations, prioritization and development.

Subtask 4.2: Implement Topic Prioritization The contractor shall implement the processes associated with USPSTF’s process for soliciting feedback on the annual priority rating of all topics in its active queue. This should include a discussion of the challenges and successes of topic prioritization.

The Contractor(s) shall conduct 1 – 3 methods research projects each year to advance the work of the USPSTF; the number will depend on the size (small, medium, large) of methods research projects prioritized by AHRQ with input from the USPSTF Methods Workgroup.

Small methods research projects typically involve an expert providing scientific support and feedback to the USPSTF on a specific issue of concern. This would likely be in conjunction with one of the USPSTF methods work groups and would require up to 3 conference calls with TF members and AHRQ; the small methods research project would likely span 3-6 months. An example of a small methods research project is a summary of a previously published report on evaluating studies of diagnostic accuracy; this would include calls with TF members to draft language to be incorporated into the USPSTF procedure manual.

Medium-sized methods research projects would involve a small team (an investigator and a research associate) to provide support to a USPSTF work group in a targeted area. The work conducted by the contractor would likely include activities such as a (non-systematic) literature review, audit of current processes, and or development of a conceptual framework. The contractor would likely need to take part in 3-6 conference calls with TF members and AHRQ; a medium methods research projects would likely span 6-8 months. The methods research project deliverable would be a brief report or update to the Procedure Manual. An example of a recent medium-sized methods research project is an update to how the USPSTF will consider subpopulations in the development of its analytic frameworks for specific topics.

Finally, large methods research projects would be the most intense in terms of staffing and development of new or more extensive methods guidance. A typical team would include two investigators along with a research associate who are devoting a fairly substantial effort to the project with the intention of authoring a methods manuscript in conjunction with a USPSTF work group or a more extended final report. The contractor would likely need to take part in 5-8 conference calls with TF members and AHRQ; a large methods research project would likely span 8-12 months. An example of a recent large methods research project is the development of criteria and procedures for when and how the USPSTF will use decision analysis in making its recommendations which resulted in the preparation of a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

The contractor shall participate in monthly calls with AHRQ staff to discuss methods research projects.

Subtask 5.2 : Participate in Methods Workgroup Calls

The contractor may be asked to attend conference calls with the USPSTF Methods Workgroup, a subset of USPSTF members, to discuss specific methods research projects and prioritization of methods research projects. The contractor may be asked to present draft results from prioritized methods project. The Methods Workgroup meets monthly; the contractor should anticipate 6 calls throughout the year (these are in addition to the calls required above for methods research projects).

Subtask 5.3: Present Research Findings The contractor shall present research findings and/or proposed updates to the methods workgroup or to the full Task Force at its in-person meetings and scientific meetings.

Task 6: Assist the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in Purchasing Liability Insurance Subtask 6.1: The Offeror shall secure the services of an insurance agent to work with USPSTF members to review the existing liability insurance policy.

Subtask 6.2: The Offeror shall ensure that the policy meets the current requirements of USPSTF members. While AHRQ staff will review the policy, the USPSTF members will approve the final policy.

Subtask 6.3: The Offeror shall arrange for the Task Force to renew/purchase a one-year policy based on the final approved policy. The Offeror shall monitor the policy and arrange coverage for new members who join the Task Force.

Subtask 6.4: The Offeror shall respond to any correspondence from the insurance company or Task Force members related to the policy.

Subtask 6.5: The Offeror shall distribute and collect reimbursement forms and process reimbursement payments for 3 to 16 members for the cost of the policy.

Subtask 6.6: The Offeror shall send a copy of the policy and receipt of purchase of liability insurance policy to all current members of the USPSTF.

Subtask 6.7: The Offeror shall provide updates to the COR on the bi-weekly update calls and provide an update in the monthly electronic progress reports to the TOO until the policy has been purchased and all Task Force members have been reimbursed.

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

All deliverables required under this contract shall be packaged, marked and shipped in accordance with Government specifications. At a minimum, all deliverables shall be marked with the Contract Number, Contractor Name and Item Number. The Contractor shall guarantee that all required materials shall be delivered in immediate usable and acceptable condition. Note as appropriate on the face page of each deliverable, or on the binding, (1) one volume only, or (2) volume 1 of 2, etc.

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

a. The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will perform inspection and acceptance of materials and services to be provided.

b. For the purpose of this SECTION the Contracting Officer’s Representative is the authorized technical representative of the Contracting Officer.

c. Inspection and acceptance will be performed at:

Rockville, Maryland 20857

E.2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates the following clause by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text.

FAR Clause No. Title and Date

52.246-5 Inspection of Services-Cost Reimbursement (April 1984)

SECTION F - DELIVERIES or PERFORMANCE

F.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

a. The base period of performance of this contract shall be from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.

b. If the Government exercises any Options pursuant to the OPTION PROVISION Article in Section H of this contract, the period of performance will be revised as follows:

F.2 DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE

The items specified for delivery below are subject to the review and approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) before final acceptance. The contractor shall be required to make revisions deemed necessary by the COR. The deliverable schedule may not be changed without the agreement of the COR and an authorized modification completed by an AHRQ Contracting Officer (CO). Delivery dates reflect calendar time unless otherwise specified.

Unless otherwise noted under a specific task, this Deliverables Schedule applies to the base period and all options (if exercised).

The contractor shall submit the following items electronically to the COR:

Administration

Call summary no later than one week after the call

Conflict of Interest

TF Meetings - No later than eight weeks prior to the Winter, Spring and Summer Task Force in-person meetings.

New topics - No later than eight weeks prior to the member assignments

New TF Members – No later than four weeks prior to the end of the year No later than one week prior to the call

New topics - No later than six weeks prior to the members assignments

New TF Members – No later than three weeks prior to the end of the year

New topics - No later than three weeks prior to the member assignments

New TF Members – No later than one week prior to appointments

Horizon Scanning

Topic Nomination & Topic Development

No later than one month prior to each of the in-person TF Meetings No later than one week prior to the call

No later than one month prior to the deployment of the topic prioritization ranking No later than one week prior to the call

(508 compliant)

Methods

Based on the size of the methods project participate in 3 – 8 calls

No later than one week prior to the call

(508 compliant)

Shall participate in call every 1 to 2 month for to support the Methods Workgroup (up to 6 calls) No later than one week prior to the call

Liability Insurance

*Denotes 508 Accessibility Standards Applicable

The Contracting Officer shall receive one copy of each progress report, annual report and final report/ final deliverable. The Contracting Officer shall also receive one copy of the manuscript, if required.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ATTN: Contracting Officer Division of Contracts Management, OMS 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 06N34B Rockville, Maryland 20857

F.3 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates the following clause 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.

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 KEY PERSONNEL, HHSAR 352.242-70 (January 2006)

Pursuant to the Key Personnel clause incorporated in Section I of this contract, the following individual(s) is/are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder:

NAME TITLE

(To Be Determined)

The clause cited above contains a requirement for review and approval by the Contracting Officer of written requests for a change of Key Personnel reasonably in advance of diverting any of these individuals from this contract. Receipt of written requests at least 30 days prior to a proposed change is considered reasonable.

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

The following Contracting Officer’s Representative will represent the Government for the purpose of this contract:

(TO BE COMPLETED AT TIME OF CONTRACT AWARD)

The Contracting Officer’s Representative 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 by this contract; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

The Government may unilaterally change its Contracting Officer’s Representative designation.

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER

The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as an 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 of any costs incurred during the performance of this contract; or (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this contract.

G.4 INVOICE SUBMISSION – Cost Reimbursement

a. INVOICE SUBMISSION

The following directions for the submission of invoices must be followed to meet the requirements of a "proper" payment request pursuant to FAR 32.9, and must be in accordance with the General Provisions clause 52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2008).

Invoices/financing requests shall be submitted in an original and two (2) copies to:

b. INFORMATION ON INVOICES

(2) The Contractor shall furnish the following minimum information in support of costs submitted:

(a) Direct Labor – include all persons, listing the person’s name, title, number of hours or days worked, hourly rate (unburdened), the total cost per person and a total amount of this category.

(b) Fringe Costs - show rate, base and total amount as well as verification/allowability or rate changes (when applicable);

(c) Overhead or Indirect Costs - show rate, base and total amount as well as verification/allowability or rate changes (when applicable);

(d) Consultants - include the name, number of days or hours worked, a total amount per consultant and a total amount for this category;

(e) Travel - include for each airplane or train trip taken the name of the traveler, date of travel, destination, the transportation costs including ground transportation, shown separately, and per diem costs. Other travel costs shall also be listed. A total amount for this category shall be provided;

(f) Subcontractors - include for each subcontractor, the same data that is being provided for the prime contractor. A total number for this category shall be provided.

(g) Data Processing - include all non-labor costs, i.e., computer time, equipment purchase, lease or rental, data tapes, etc. A total amount for this category shall be provided.

(h) Other - include a listing of all other direct charges to the contract, i.e., office supplies, telephone, equipment rental, duplication, etc.

(i) Equipment Cost - itemize and identify separately from material costs including reference to approval in all cases;

(j) G&A - show rate, base and total as well as verification/allowability of rate changes (when applicable);

(k) Fee - show rate, base and total and;

(l) Current amount billed by individual cost element and total dollar amount and cumulative amount billed by individual cost element and total dollar amount.

(3) Payment shall be made by:

G.5 INDIRECT COST RATES and FEES

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1) Clause 52.216-7(d)(2), Allowable Cost and Payment, incorporated by reference in this contract, in Part II, Section I, the primary contact point responsible for negotiating provisional and/or final indirect cost rates is the cognizant contracting official as set forth in FAR Subpart 42.7 - Indirect Cost Rates.

Reimbursement will be limited to the rates and time periods covered by the negotiated agreements. The rates, if negotiated, are hereby incorporated without further action of the Contracting Officer, subject to any specific limitations stated elsewhere in this contract.

G.6 ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER

Pursuant to FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003), the Contractor shall designate a financial institution for receipt of electronic funds transfer payments. This designation shall be submitted, in writing, to the finance office designated in the contract.

G.7 POST AWARD EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

Interim and final evaluations of Contractor performance will be prepared on this contract in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.15. The final performance evaluation will be prepared at the time of completion of work. In addition to the final evaluation, interim evaluation(s) will be prepared annually.

Interim and final evaluations will be provided to the Contractor as soon as practicable after completion of the evaluation. The Contractor will be permitted thirty days to review the document and to submit additional information or a rebutting statement. If agreement cannot be reached between the parties, the matter will be referred to an individual one level above the Contracting Officer, whose decision will be final.

Copies of the evaluations, Contractor responses, and review comments, if any, will be retained as part of the contract file, and may be used to support future award decisions.

Contractors may access evaluations through a secure Web site for review and comment at the following address: https://www.cpars.csd.disa.mil

G.8 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY

The contractor shall provide ALL property required to perform all requirements under the contract. Only in extremely limited circumstances shall property be approved. Refer to FAR 45.102 for additional information. If the Contracting Officer authorizes the use of government property or the acquisition of government property (other than real property), the HHS Publication, entitled, “HHS Contracting Guide for Contract of Government Property” shall apply.

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 RELEASE AND USE AND COPYRIGHT OF DATA FIRST PRODUCED FROM WORK PERFORMED UNDER THIS CONTRACT

(a) Release and Use – Data first produced in the performance of the Contract. As permitted in FAR 52.227-17, the provisions of this Section H.1 shall apply to any release or use of data first produced in the performance of the Contract and any analysis, tools, methodologies, or recorded product based on such data.

(b) Release and Use – Requirements related to confidentiality and quality. To ensure public trust in the confidentiality protections afforded participants in Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)-supported research, AHRQ requires and monitors compliance by its contractors with section 934(c) of the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) (42 U.S.C. 299c-3(c)), which states in part that

No information, if the establishment or person supplying the information or described in it is identifiable, obtained in the course of activities undertaken or supported under this title, may be used for any purpose other than the purpose for which it was supplied unless such establishment or person has consented...to its use for such other purpose. Such information may not be published or released in other form if the person who supplied the information or who is described in it is identifiable unless such person has consented...to its publication or release in other form.

In addition to this requirement, section 933(b)(1) of the PHS Act (42 U.S.C. 299c-2(b)(1)) requires AHRQ to assure that statistics and analyses developed with Agency support are of high quality, comprehensive, timely, and adequately analyzed. Accordingly --

(1) prior to the release or use of data based upon work performed under this Contract, the Contractor agrees to consult with the Contracting Officer’s Representative and Contract Officers regarding the proposed release or use. The Contractor will in good faith consider, discuss, and respond to any comments or suggested modifications that are provided by AHRQ within two months of receiving the proposed release or use.

The purpose of such consultation is to assure that:

(A) identifiable information is being used exclusively for the purpose(s) for which it was supplied or appropriate consents have been obtained;

(B) the confidentiality promised to individuals and establishments supplying identifiable information or described in it is not violated; and

(C) the quality of statistical and analytical work meets the statutory standards cited above.

(2) The Contractor must satisfy conditions (1)(A) and (1)(B). At the conclusion of any consultation required by paragraph (b)(1) above, if AHRQ and the Contractor cannot agree that a proposed use or release satisfies condition (1)(C) above:

THIS PRESENTATION/ PUBLICATION/OR OTHER PRODUCT IS DERIVED FROM WORK SUPPORTED UNDER A CONTRACT WITH THE AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY (AHRQ) CONTRACT# . HOWEVER, THIS PRESENTATION/ PUBLICATION/OR OTHER PRODUCT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE AGENCY.

(c) Required Statement Regarding Protected Information. On all written material or other recorded products, or preceding any presentation or…