PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK STATEMENT (PBWS)

Contract for Demographic Analysis Indian Health Service Office of Public Health Support, Division of Program Statistics

PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Contract Type and Nature

This is a Contract for the provision of expert demographic research and statistical analysis services to support the Indian Health Service's ongoing efforts to produce accurate, high-quality demographic reports and data products for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations.

Services shall be provided by qualified individual(s) who work under the general supervision of the Government, performing work that is integral to the Government's operations. The contractor shall be accountable to the Government for the quality and timeliness of all work products.

The demographic analysis services provided under this contract are integral to IHS health service delivery. The adjusted vital statistics data, life expectancy calculations, and population health measures produced under this contract directly inform resource allocation, budget formulation, and health program planning for American Indian and Alaska Native populations served by IHS.

This contract is therefore authorized under 25 U.S.C. § 1638c, which permits Contracts for services supporting Indian health programs, and satisfies the statutory authority requirement of FAR 37.104(b).

1.2 Background and Justification

The Indian Health Service (IHS) and Indian Tribes rely on accurate demographic data for health planning, policy development, resource allocation, and outcome measurement. Since 1997, the Division of Program Statistics (DPS) has processed county-level vital statistics data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to correct racial misclassification of American Indians and Alaska Natives on state birth and death certificates.

Published research demonstrates that AI/AN race is frequently misidentified on state vital records. The IHS has developed and validated adjustment methodologies to correct these errors.

However, continued application of these complex adjustment processes, analysis of vital statistics data, and production of demographic reports requires specialized expertise in both statistical analysis and public health demography using and modifying code used and owned by the government.

This contract establishes a personal services arrangement whereby a qualified demographer works in partnership with DPS staff to ensure continuity, quality, and timeliness of demographic data products used for three primary publications: Trends in Indian Health and Regional Differences in Indian Health, the Life Expectancy Report, as well as other ad hoc demographic analyses as needed.

1.3 Period of Performance

The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Year of 12 months plus four option years.

1.4 Place of Performance

Work shall be performed virtually 95% of the time, with in-person services required only for activities such as obtaining Personal Identification Verification (PIV) cards and other security-related requirements. Work with confidential data must be performed exclusively on Government-furnished equipment in the secure Windows server environment.

1.5 Hours of Operation

Services shall be provided during core business hours of 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays and Government-directed facility closings.

The contractor shall maintain adequate availability to ensure uninterrupted performance of all assigned tasks.

PART 2: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES

2.1 Primary Performance Objectives

The contractor shall demonstrate competency in and responsibility for achieving the following performance outcomes:

2.1.1 Accurate Data Processing and Adjustment

Accurately apply IHS-approved adjustment methodologies to mortality, natality, and linked birth/infant death datasets using statistical analysis methods.

Produce adjusted datasets that correctly compensate for documented racial misclassification on state vital records.

Ensure all adjusted datasets match approved denominators by age group, sex, county, service unit, and administrative area.

Maintain data quality through rigorous validation and quality assurance processes.

2.1.2 Timely Deliverable Production

Deliver all primary demographic reports (Regional Differences, Trends in Indian Health, Life Expectancy, YPLL) meeting the deadlines specified in the Deliverables Schedule (Technical Exhibit 1).

Provide periodic ad hoc demographic analyses and special reports as requested by the Director, Division of Program Statistics.

Submit monthly progress reports documenting status, milestones achieved, and any obstacles encountered.

Provide all supporting code, documentation, and data files in machine-readable format for Government review and future use.

2.1.3 High-Quality Technical Products

Produce well-documented, efficient, and maintainable analytical code, also contributing successfully to the modification of existing code, following industry best practices.

Provide clear, comprehensive written explanations of methodologies, calculations, and results.

Ensure all demographic tables are accurate, clearly labeled, and presented in Government-approved Excel and PowerPoint templates.

Deliver code that Government staff can understand, review, modify, and execute independently.

2.1.4 Technical Expertise and Problem-Solving

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of demographic methods including mortality analysis, life table construction, life expectancy calculation, YPLL analysis, and standardization techniques.

Provide technical assistance to DPS staff regarding analytical methods, algorithmic approaches, and interpretation of results.

Contribute expertise in designing approaches to correct for natality data misclassification in the first contract year.

Support DPS responses to technical questions from other Government entities and Congressional inquiries.

2.1.5 Data Security and Compliance

Comply with all IHS information security requirements, HIPAA regulations, and data handling protocols.

Complete required ISSA and privacy training before accessing Government systems.

Sign and maintain appropriate Nondisclosure Agreements and Business Associate

Agreements.

Safeguard all Government-furnished equipment and confidential data in accordance with

Federal regulations.

PART 3: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

3.1 Standard of Performance for All Deliverables

Each deliverable must meet the following criteria for Government acceptance:

Accuracy: All calculations, adjustments, and presented data must be verifiable and correct. Data must accurately reflect the Government-approved methodologies and adjustment factors. DPS staff shall have the authority to request revisions until accuracy is confirmed.

Completeness: All required components must be provided, including analytical code, documentation, supporting data files, and explanatory materials. Deliverables missing any required element shall be considered defective.

Timeliness: Deliverables must be submitted by the date specified in Technical Exhibit 1. Late submissions shall be documented and may affect contractor performance ratings.

Documentation Quality: All code must include clear comments explaining logic and calculations. All supporting documentation must explain methodologies in plain language understandable to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Usability: All deliverable formats must follow Government-provided templates exactly. Code must be written in a style that Government staff can interpret, maintain, and execute independently after contract completion.

3.2 Defective Service Definition

A deliverable is considered defective and subject to revision or replacement if it:

Contains mathematical or computational errors.

Fails to apply required adjustment methodologies correctly.

Does not follow the Government-approved format or template.

Lacks required supporting documentation or code.

Is submitted late without Government approval for extension.

Cannot be executed or understood by Government staff.

Does not address the Government's stated analytical requirements.

The Government reserves the right to require the contractor to revise any defective deliverable at no additional cost until it meets all acceptance criteria.

3.3 Performance Evaluation Criteria

The contractor's performance shall be evaluated regularly against the following criteria:

Criterion Excellent Satisfactory Unsatisfactory

Technical Quality

All deliverables are accurate, complete, and exceed quality standards on first submission.

Most deliverables are accurate and complete;

minor revisions requested for 1-2 items per reporting period.

Multiple deliverables contain errors;

significant revisions required; quality concerns noted.

Timeliness

All deliverables submitted by deadline or with approved extension;

monthly reports submitted on schedule.

Most deliverables on time; occasional delays with notification; reports submitted within 5 days of deadline.

Frequent late submissions; deadlines missed without notification; reports consistently late.

Responsiveness, Code Quality, and Communication

Responds to Government requests within 2 business days; code is exemplary, well-commented, efficient, and follows best practices;

communication with Government staff is excellent.

Responds to most requests within 3-5 business days; code is functional and adequately commented;

communicates effectively and responds to feedback appropriately.

Slow to respond to requests; code is difficult to follow or inadequately documented; limited communication or participation.

PART 4: CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY PERSONNEL

4.1 Minimum Qualifications

The contractor must be an individual or firm with personnel who collectively possess the following minimum qualifications. If a firm, the contractor must designate the Demographer as the primary point of contact and the individual responsible for overall contract performance.

4.2 Demographer Qualifications

The individual performing the primary demographic and statistical analysis work must have:

Education

Minimum Doctoral degree in demography, possibly population studies, economics, quantitative sociology or a directly related field.

Substantial coursework in demographic methods.

Demographic Expertise

Demonstrated background in demographic analysis including vital statistics (mortality, natality, fertility rates), life table construction, life expectancy calculations, Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) calculations.

Practical knowledge of direct and indirect standardization methods.

Understanding of population estimation and projection techniques.

Demonstrated expertise in population health measures and demographic processes.

Demographic Statistical Analysis Proficiency

Advanced demonstrated proficiency in demographic statistical analysis.

Minimum 2 years of professional demographic statistical analysis experience.

Demonstrated ability to write efficient, well-documented code following industry best practices.

Experience with intermediate level data management and statistical analysis.

Experience

Minimum 2 years of combined experience in demographic analysis.

Documented experience analyzing vital statistics data (mortality, natality) from NCHS or similar Federal sources.

Practical experience with indirect standardization methods for correcting racial/ethnic misclassification in vital records.

Proven ability to work with large, confidential datasets in secure environments.

Experience producing publications or reports using demographic data.

Technical Knowledge

Strong working knowledge of demographic methods sufficient to explore and apply standardization techniques.

Understanding of HIPAA and data security requirements for health information.

Knowledge of Federal vital statistics data sources (CDC/NCHS, NIH/NCI).

Communication Skills

Ability to explain complex demographic concepts and statistical methodologies to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to participate effectively in technical discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

Capability to produce clear, understandable documentation.

4.3 Identification and Notification

All contractor personnel must identify themselves as contractor employees when interacting with Government staff, attending meetings, or answering Government communications. The contractor shall ensure all documents and deliverables are clearly marked as contractor products with appropriate contractor identification.

PART 5: GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

5.1 Equipment and Software

Laptop computer with Government-approved statistical analysis software installed and configured for Government network access.

Access to secure Windows server environment for data processing and storage.

Licensed statistical analysis software (SAS) maintained on Government-furnished equipment.

R and RStudio for supplementary analytical work.

Virtual meeting facilities for Government-contractor collaboration.

PIV card and Government network access (following background check and security clearance).

ihs.gov email address.

5.2 Data and Documentation

Demographic datasets from CDC/NCHS and other Federal sources.

IHS-approved adjustment factors and methodologies for correcting vital records data.

Standard Operating Procedures and Policies related to demographic data research.

County identifiers and additional data/information as needed.

Government-provided templates and models for reports (Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations).

Technical guidance on Government-specific administrative boundaries and classification schemes.

5.3 Government Support Services

Liaison through designated Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for technical direction and contract administration.

Requirements, direction, and feedback on research and analysis needs.

Access to Government staff for technical consultation and clarification.

Virtual meeting space for regular progress reviews and technical discussions.

PART 6: CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1 Personnel and Staffing

The contractor shall furnish the key personnel identified in the contract proposal and maintain staffing stability and continuity throughout the contract period. Any change in key personnel shall require written notification to the Contracting Officer and COR at least 30 days in advance, with justification for the change and information on the replacement personnel.

6.2 Materials and Supplies

The contractor shall furnish all supplies and materials necessary for contract performance not provided by the Government, including office supplies, telecommunications, and secure storage of intermediate work products and documents.

6.3 Equipment for Non-Secure Work

The contractor shall furnish personal laptop computer(s) for non-secure work activities such as planning, documentation, and communication. All work with confidential Government data must be performed exclusively on Government-furnished equipment.

6.4 Security and Compliance

The contractor shall:

Complete all required security training (ISSA, privacy training) before accessing Government systems.

Execute Nondisclosure Agreements and any required Conflict of Interest certificates.

Comply with IHS rules for computer resource use and sensitive information handling.

Pass and maintain background check status necessary to retain a PIV card.

Secure all Government equipment and materials at the close of each work period.

Maintain confidentiality of all data accessed during contract performance.

Comply with all HIPAA regulations and Federal data protection requirements.

6.5 Data Ownership and Intellectual Property Rights

The Government retains unlimited rights to all documents, materials, and code products developed under this contract, including all analytical code and any R scripts. The contractor may not use, reproduce, or distribute any deliverables without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials are the sole property of the Government with full ownership rights and copyright privileges.

PART 7: WORK REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES

7.1 Core Demographic Products

The contractor shall produce the following primary demographic data products, which form the foundation of IHS's published reports:

Regional Differences in Indian Health

One report per year containing 85 demographic tables for 12 IHS Areas.

Tables derived from adjusted mortality, natality, and linked birth/infant death datasets.

Supporting code, data files, and documentation.

Delivery: 28 weeks after contract date.

Trends in Indian Health

One report per year containing 190 demographic tables at National level.

1/3 of these tables require 20 years of data processing.

Comparison data for AI/AN populations and US All Races.

Supporting code, data files, and documentation.

Delivery: 28 weeks after contract date.

Life Expectancy Report

Annual life expectancy calculations by age, sex, and IHS Area.

Automated statistical calculations replicating and improving upon existing Excel-based processes.

Tables formatted per Government-approved Life Expectancy Report template.

Delivery: 20 weeks after contract date.

Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) Report

Annual YPLL calculations by cause of death, age, sex, and IHS Area.

Tables formatted per Government-approved YPLL report template.

Supporting code and documentation.

Delivery: 20 weeks after contract date.

7.2 Data Processing and Adjustment Tasks

Mortality Data Processing (2020-2025, three-year groupings for total of four):

Apply validated adjustment factors to correct for AI/AN race misclassification on state death certificates.

Apportion data by age group, sex, county, service unit, and purchased referred care delivery area.

Match denominators provided by Government.

Produce national-level adjusted mortality datasets (eight datasets covering 2008-2014, 2020-2025).

All deliverables with code, data files, and written explanations.

Allow up to four revisions before finalization.

Natality Data Processing (2020-2025, three-year groupings for total of four):

Apply validated adjustment factors to correct for AI/AN race misclassification on state birth certificates.

Apportion by required demographic and administrative categories.

Produce national-level adjusted natality datasets (four datasets covering 2019-2024).

All deliverables with code, data files, and written explanations.

Allow up to four revisions before finalization.

Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Processing (2008-2014, 2019-2024, three-year groupings for total of eight):

Apply adjustment factors to correct for AI/AN race misclassification.

Support infant mortality calculations and analysis.

Apportion by required demographic and administrative categories.

Produce national-level adjusted datasets.

All deliverables with code, data files, and written explanations.

Allow up to four revisions before finalization.

7.3 First-Year Specialized Tasks

Migration: Characterization of AI/AN Population Movement Methods Development:

Review and analyze relevant research literature on American Indian/Alaska Native migration since 2010.

Develop crosswalk and geographic harmonization tools that can align tribal statistical geographies — which change across census years — with standard Census units are essential for consistent longitudinal analysis.

Reconcile racial identification instability across census cycles must be developed so that true residential movement can be distinguished from shifts in self-reported racial identity between surveys.

Develop and document methods that can be applied to all migration data in subsequent years.

Integrate multi-source data integration frameworks that can combine different kinds of administrative records while accounting for their differing coverage biases.

Produce methodology report with recommendations, analytical code samples, and test results.

Delivery: 36 weeks after contract date.

7.4 Periodic Ad Hoc Demographic Studies

The contractor shall provide up to four special demographic analysis reports per year (approximately one every 70 days), addressing topics identified by the Director, Division of Program Statistics. Topics may include:

Analysis of Congressional priorities.

Emerging public health issues (substance abuse, opioid mortality, etc.).

Underreported causes of death or birth-related issues.

Small area population growth estimates in remote, rural communities.

Other demographic research as needed.

Each report shall consist of:

4-6 page written narrative analysis.

Up to 8 supporting demographic tables.

Code for all calculations.

Professional formatting per Government-provided template.

Delivery: Periodic as assigned, approximately 13 weeks apart.

7.5 Technical Assistance and Support

The contractor shall provide ongoing technical assistance to Government staff, including:

Code Support: Explanation of analytical code functionality, logic, algorithms, and modifications as requested.

Data Interpretation: Explanation of analytical results, statistical significance, and demographic meaning.

External Inquiries: Technical support for questions from other Government entities and Congressional offices.

Custom Analysis: Development of analytical code to address analytical questions not covered by existing programs.

Problem-Solving: Proactive identification and resolution of issues arising during data processing and analysis.

PART 8: REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

8.1 Monthly Progress Report

The contractor shall submit a written report within 5 business days following the end of each calendar month, including:

Summary of work completed during the month.

Status of all active deliverables (on track, at risk, delayed).

Progress toward deliverable deadlines specified in Technical Exhibit 1.

Meeting minutes from Government meetings.

Summary of technical assistance provided.

Any obstacles encountered and proposed solutions.

Fund burn rate relative to spending plan.

Anticipated work for the following month.

8.2 Verbal Status Update

The contractor shall participate in frequent daily conference calls or virtual meetings with the COR to discuss progress, address concerns, and coordinate on upcoming deliverables. Additional technical meetings shall be scheduled as needed.

8.3 Annual Summary Report

Upon contract completion, the contractor shall submit a comprehensive final report including:

Aggregate summary of all monthly reports.

Overview of all deliverables completed and their status.

Summary of data quality improvements or adjustments implemented.

Technical innovations or process improvements developed.

Successes and lessons learned.

Challenges encountered and how they were addressed.

Recommendations for future contract periods.

PART 9: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

9.1 Contracting Officer Representative (COR)

The Government shall designate a COR who serves as primary Government liaison for all technical matters. The COR shall:

Provide technical direction within the scope of the contract.

Monitor contractor performance against established standards.

Coordinate with the contractor on data availability and requirements.

Review and accept deliverables.

Notify the contractor of any performance deficiencies.

Facilitate contractor access to Government-furnished property and services.

The COR is not authorized to change contract terms, conditions, or costs.

9.2 Post-Award Conference and Periodic Review Meetings

Within 30 days of contract award, the Government and contractor shall convene a post-award conference to discuss:

Contract requirements and expectations.

Quality standards and acceptance criteria.

Schedule coordination.

Government-furnished property and equipment.

Security requirements and training.

Communication protocols.

Key personnel roles and responsibilities.

Following the initial conference, the Government and contractor shall meet periodically (at least monthly) to review progress, address technical issues, and ensure alignment on deliverables.

9.3 Performance Monitoring and Evaluation

The COR shall monitor contractor performance on an ongoing basis, including:

Review of submitted deliverables against acceptance criteria.

Evaluation of timeliness and completeness.

Assessment of code quality and documentation.

Feedback on responsiveness and communication.

Documentation of any performance deficiencies.

Formal performance evaluations shall occur at 6 months and at contract completion, using the performance evaluation criteria specified in Section 3.3.

9.4 Corrective Action

If the contractor's performance falls below "Satisfactory" in any evaluation area, the Government shall:

Notify the contractor in writing of the specific deficiencies.

Allow the contractor 15 business days to propose a corrective action plan.

Work with the contractor to implement corrections.

Re-evaluate performance within 30 days.

Failure to achieve satisfactory performance after corrective action may result in contract termination or other remedies available to the Government.

9.5 Contract Modifications and Changes

Any change to contract scope, schedule, cost, or deliverables must be requested in writing through the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall not proceed with work on changes until formal written approval has been issued. Changes requested by the COR that affect scope, schedule, or cost must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for formal modification.

PART 10: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

10.1 Holidays and Hours

The contractor shall work Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Eastern Time, except on Federal holidays or when Government facilities are closed. Work shall resume immediately upon facility reopening unless otherwise directed. Federal holidays recognized by the Government are:

New Year's Day (January 1).

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday (3rd Monday in January).

Presidents Day (3rd Monday in February).

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May).

Juneteenth (June 19).

Independence Day (July 4).

Labor Day (1st Monday in September).

Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October).

Veterans Day (November 11).

Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November).

Christmas Day (December 25).

10.2 Travel

The contractor shall not be required to travel to IHS HQ in Rockville, MD except initially to obtain a PIV card for Government system access and for a total of four quarterly trips per year.

All travel shall be coordinated with the Government and expenses shall be reimbursed in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations (FAR 31.205-46) upon Government pre-approval.

10.3 Training and Professional Development

The contractor is responsible for maintaining all required training status as determined by the IHS Office of Human Resources and Office of Information Technology. This includes but is not limited to ISSA training, privacy training, and any security updates required by Government policy.

10.4 Conflict of Interest

The contractor shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the Contracting Officer immediately upon identification. The contractor may be required to sign a Conflict of Interest Certificate if the Contracting Officer determines that the contract work may affect the contractor's or employer's financial interests.

10.5 Contract Value and Funding

Base Year Contract Value: $300,000.

Estimated Annual Hours: 2,080 hours (100% Demographer).

Contract Type: Personal Services Performance Based.

Payment Terms: To be determined in contract award documentation.

10.6 Invoicing and Payment

The contractor shall submit detailed monthly invoices to the address specified in the final contract, including hours worked, deliverables completed, and any other information required by the Contracting Officer. Payment shall be made within 30 days of receipt of invoice, provided deliverables meet acceptance criteria.

PART 11: SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

11.1 Information Security Agreement

All contractor personnel with access to Government systems or sensitive data must complete and sign an IHS Information Security Agreement before access is granted. This agreement establishes contractor responsibility for compliance with IHS rules for computer resource use and handling of sensitive information.

11.2 Nondisclosure Agreement

The contractor shall execute a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) in a form provided by the Government. The contractor shall provide the names of all personnel with access to IHS data and confirm that all such personnel have signed the NDA. Copies shall be retained by both the contractor and the Government's Privacy Office.

11.3 Business Associate Agreement

Given the nature of demographic health data, a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) shall be executed between the contractor and the Government, establishing roles and responsibilities for compliance with HIPAA regulations. The Government shall retain a copy in the IHS Privacy Office.

11.4 Background Check and PIV Card

Any contractor personnel requiring access to Government systems or facilities must pass a background check sufficient to retain a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card. The contractor is responsible for arranging and coordinating this process through Government-designated channels.

11.5 Physical Security

The contractor shall safeguard all Government-furnished equipment and materials. Government equipment shall be secured at the close of each work period. The contractor is responsible for preventing unauthorized access to Government data or systems.

11.6 Data Handling and Confidentiality

All demographic data accessed by the contractor is confidential and subject to HIPAA protections and Federal privacy regulations. The contractor shall:

Access data only as necessary to perform contract tasks.

Not discuss or disclose any identifying information about individuals in datasets.

Not replicate sensitive data outside the secure Government environment.

Not retain copies of Government data after contract completion.

Immediately report any suspected unauthorized data access or security incidents.

PART 12: INVOICES AND DELIVERABLES SUBMISSION

12.1 Deliverables Submission

All deliverables shall be submitted via secure data transfer to the designated Government mailbox at https://securedata.ihs.gov/bds/Logout.do or through the secure Windows server, as directed by the COR.

Physical deliverables requiring signature or certification shall be addressed to:

Indian Health Service Director, Division of Program Statistics 5600 Fishers Lane Suite 09E Rockville, MD 20857 Contact: Kirk Greenway Kirk.greenway@ihs.gov

12.2 Deliverables Format and Documentation

All deliverables shall include:

Primary work product (dataset, table, report, or code).

Comprehensive written explanation of methodology and results.

Complete analytical code or scripts with detailed comments.

Supporting data files in Government-approved machine-readable format.

Spreadsheet or template-formatted final deliverable.

12.3 Quality Assurance Before Submission

The contractor shall:

Verify all calculations are accurate and match Government-approved methodologies.

Confirm all code executes without errors on Government systems.

Validate that deliverables match Government-provided templates.

Review documentation for clarity and completeness.

Test that Government staff can interpret and execute code independently.

PART 13: APPLICABLE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

13.1 Applicable Regulations and Standards

The contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal regulations, IHS policies, and professional standards, including:

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-11 and A-94.

IHS Information Security policies.

IHS Privacy Office policies and procedures.

Statistical analysis best practices and industry standards.

Demographic methods, public health epidemiology standards, and statistical analysis best practices.

Government publications standards for vital statistics reporting.

All publications referenced in this work statement are available at the DPS Publications website:

https://www.ihs.gov/dps/publications.

13.2 Section 508 and Accessibility

Standards

The standards applicable to this contract are drawn from the following resources. Compliance is mandatory for Federal agencies subject to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794d):

Section 508 Standards and Guidelines: https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21

Applicability

This contract is a professional services acquisition and does not constitute a procurement of information and communication technology (ICT) systems, software, or platforms for Government use. Accordingly, Section 508 requirements do not apply to the contractor's internal tools or analytic environments (e.g., R, SAS, Python, SPSS) used in performance of this work.

Section 508 does apply to all electronic deliverables provided to the Government under this contract. This includes, but is not limited to, demographic analyses, population projections, statistical reports, Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, and any other digital content delivered for Government use, reuse, or dissemination.

Electronic Content Accessibility – Web Based

602 Support Documentation 603 Support Services All WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA Success Criteria

Deliverable-Level Requirements

All electronic deliverables must conform to applicable Section 508 and HHS accessibility requirements, including WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA standards. At a minimum, the contractor shall ensure:

Statistical tables and data summaries include descriptive headers and are structured for screen reader compatibility.

Charts, graphs, and population visualizations include alternative text and do not rely solely on color to convey data distinctions.

Color contrast in all visual outputs meets WCAG 2.1 AA thresholds.

Written reports and presentations use proper heading structure, descriptive hyperlinks, and tagged PDF formatting where applicable.

Excel workbooks are structured with labeled columns, descriptive sheet names, logical tab order, and are compatible with screen reader technology.

No Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is required for contractor tools or software. Accessibility compliance shall be enforced through deliverable acceptance standards as outlined in Part 3.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1: DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

Deliverable Reference Frequency Due Date Duration First Year Only

Submit To

Regional Differences in Indian Health, datasets and tables

7.1 One per year

28 weeks

ADC*

28 weeks - DPS, CO

Trends in Indian Health, datasets and tables

7.1 One per year

28 weeks ADC 28 weeks - DPS, CO

Life Expectancy report, datasets and tables

7.1 One per year

20 weeks ADC 20 weeks - DPS, CO

YPLL datasets and tables

7.1 One per year

20 weeks ADC 20 weeks - DPS, CO

Migration methods development and implementation

7.3 One per year

36 weeks ADC 24 weeks X DPS, CO

Periodic special reports as needed

7.4 Four per year

Periodic ~13 weeks apart

- DPS, CO

Monthly Progress Report

8.1 Monthly

Within 5 business days of month-end

Ongoing - COR

Technical Assistance 7.5 As requested

Upon request Ongoing - DPS, COR

Annual Summary Report

8.3 One time

Upon contract completion

Contracting Officer

*ADC = After Date of Contract

Note: All deliverables commence after July 1, 2026. Specific start dates will be determined at contract award.