Attachment 3 Performance Work Statement.pdf

USDA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF): High-Containment Laboratories as High Reliability Organization (HRO) Support and implementation, Manhattan, Kansas

The Purpose of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to detail requirements for a Contractor to provide advisory and assistance services (A&AS) to USDA NBAF, a high-containment laboratory, supporting NBAFs transformation to become an HRO.

The Scope of this work will include direct provision of training and support, site specific assessment diagnostics, recommended implementation and sustainment plans, analysis of facility HRO efforts to include implementation and sustainment plans. This pilot work will be performed at USDA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, a high Containment Laboratory located in Manhattan, KS.

Training activities will include a kickoff training of Laboratory Leadership including Unit Leads, Research Leaders and Scientists (preferably in person but due to the current Coronavirus pandemic remote options are a possibility to familiarize ARS, APHIS, and the laboratories’ leadership on HRO principles, methods of implementing and sustaining HRO principles. Further training of identified implementation teams, Unit Leads and laboratory staff will be conducted using video, print, and web-based training materials, including formal onsite training courses (in coordination with laboratory leadership).

The contractor will collaborate with NBAF and Laboratory leadership in developing tools, organizational structures and systems, and strategies to facilitate the development and sustainment of safe and reliable work practices with a focus on the pillars of HROs – leadership commitment, safe and just culture, continuous process improvement, and deference to expertise.

Background

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility is a complex, state-of-the-art, high- and maximum-containment research facility for the study of transboundary, emerging, and zoonotic animal diseases that threaten the US agricultural economy, food supply, and public health. When fully staffed and operational, NBAF expects to employ approximately 450 individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions in a broad array of tightly coupled organizational units. NBAF leadership recognizes the value of implementing High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles at NBAF and is soliciting consultation in their effort to do so.

Technical Requirements

The successful proposal will include a personnel portfolio that includes at least 4 years’ expertise in the implementation of High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles at large, complex facilities with diverse workforces. Preference is given to a proposal that includes personnel with experience with high consequence pathogens in a research and diagnostic setting.

Place of Performance

National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), 1880 Kimball Ave, Suite 300, Manhattan, KS 66502

Period of Performance

365 Days after receipt of award

Deliverables:

Initial USDA HRO Leadership Workshop which includes:

• Definition of HRO tenets and a description of importance relating to High-Containment Laboratories

• Description of HRO concepts in High-Containment Laboratories

• Description of possible approaches for application of HRO in High- and Maximum- Containment

Laboratories

• Work with Leadership on HRO Implementation Strategy

Two HRO training courses at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility or virtually, if necessary, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Definition of HRO tenets and a description of importance relating to High-Containment Laboratories

• Description of HRO concepts in High-Containment Laboratories

• Approach for application of HRO in High-Containment Laboratories

• Review NBAF laboratory processes and procedures to determine areas of potential failure or friction points where there is a potential for failure

• Facilitate a listening session with NBAF regarding the current state of communication with

Laboratory leadership

Conduct a culture perception survey prior to listening and feedback session with employees.

• Demonstrate role modeling techniques for HROs

• Train HRO HeROs (Champions)

• Facilitate and help delineate role and responsibilities for all the organizations

Documentation and resource development:

• Develop a toolkit for Leadership to support and inform team members of HRO in High- Containment Laboratories

• Develop communication tools for expressing concerns for review

• Develop HRO Implementation Strategy

• Develop a toolkit for distribution and use by government team members specific to establishing

HRO culture in High-Containment Laboratories

• Develop risk/issue hand-off communication standard and tool for shift transition

Define the elements of a standardized, structured handoff and the ideal order of element presentation;

document whether this approach results in improved handoffs and/or leads to unintended consequences; and document how this approach effects teamwork

Define low-risk and high-risk handoff situations and describe how to prioritize the importance of specific information

Develop tool and document use of a protocol, checklist, handoff mnemonic either manually or via technology.