RFQ_2017-696_(SF18)_AIAN_mentoring.doc

Standard Form 18, Request for Quotation (RFQ)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – INSTRUCTIONS

ARTICLE 1 – General …………………………………………………………………….2

ARTICLE 2 - Quote Submission …………………………………………………………3

ARTICLE 3 - Socio-Economic Small Business Set-Aside Program …………………3

ARTICLE 4 - Price Reductions …………………………………………………………..3 ARTICLE 5 - Evaluation of Quotes and Award Determination ……………………….3 ARTICLE 6 - Evaluation Criteria …………………………………………………………4

ARTICLE 7 - Period of Performance …………………………………………………….5

ARTICLE 8 - Price Quote ………………………………………………………………

ARTICLE 9 - Technical Approach / Plan ………………………………………….....….5 ARTICLE 10 - Quote Packaging and Delivery Instructions ……………………..…….6

PART II: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION ……………………………………………………

PART III: PURCHASE DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / SCOPE OF WORK / STATEMENT OF WORK ……………………………………………………………………………………….….13 Standard Form 18, Request for Quotation (RFQ)

PART I – INSTRUCTIONS

ARTICLE 1 – General

This request for quote is issued in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This acquisition is conducted under FAR Part 13 procedures and the value of this purchase order (base plus one option year) is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

This request for quote does not commit the Government to pay any cost incurred in the submission of quotes or make necessary studies or designs for the preparation thereof, nor to procure or contract for the articles or services. It is also brought to your attention that the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed acquisition. Any other commitment, either explicit or implied, is invalid.

In addition to the clauses/provision of this request for quote, the resultant purchase order shall include any clauses/provisions required by Public Law, Executive Order, or acquisition regulations, in effect at the time of execution of the award.

Responses’ to this RFQ are not to be considered an offer that can be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The actual purchase order award is considered the offer by the Government to the contractor and the contractor's written acceptance of the purchase order, or the commencement of performance under the purchase order, is the contractor's indication of their acceptance of the offer.

THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE AN AWARD WITHOUT FURTHER DISCUSSIONS OF THE QUOTES RECEIVED. THEREFORE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE QUOTE IS INITIALLY SUBMITTED ON THE MOST FAVORABLE TERMS FROM BOTH THE TECHNICAL AND COST STANDPOINTS.

All communications must be directed to the attention of the Contract Specialist / Contracting Officer.

All documents and deliverables described in this RFQ and amendments or modifications, shall be submitted in a professional manner and on the prime contractor's letterhead. All work (hardware, software and services) will be Year 2000 Compliant.

ARTICLE 2 - Quote Submission

Responses to this RFQ are due on September 3, 2017 at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

The Contractor must submit with their quote the following:

· Cost-Price Quote

· Technical Specifications or Technical Plan, if applicable;

· Dun and Bradstreet Number (DUNS); and

· Verification of System for Award Management (SAM) Registration www.sam.gov.

ARTICLE 3 - Socio-Economic Small Business Set-Aside Program

1. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 541990 All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services and the size standard is $15,000,000.

2. This requirement is released on a Full & Open Competitive basis with no set-aside restrictions.

ARTICLE 4 - Price Reductions

Vendors are expected to propose pricing that is fair and reasonable and should consider offering price reductions which are guided by the complexity, scope and estimated value of the requirement.

ARTICLE 5 - Evaluation of Quotes and Award Determination

1. The Government will evaluate all responses received on using the evaluation criteria set forth in the article titled: “Evaluation Criteria” proportionately weighted.

2. Each quote will be evaluated in strict conformity with the evaluation factors, utilizing written critiques. The evaluation will be based upon the demonstrated capabilities of the prospective contractor in relation to the needs of the project as set forth in the RFQ and will use an adjectival evaluation scheme based on the following ratings:

_Excellent; _Good; _Acceptable; _Marginal; _Unacceptable; _Neutral

3. The price quoted will also be evaluated taking into consideration any price reductions, the level of effort and the mix of labor proposed to perform the task(s) being ordered. A price reasonable determination will be made and a best value analysis will be performed. The best value analysis will take into consideration the results of the technical evaluation, price evaluation, and the ability to complete the work within the Government's required schedule. The analysis will document that the award represents the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special features, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government’s needs. The Government reserves the right to issue an order to the best value of the Government, technical merit, price, and other factors considered.

4. All aspects of a quote are subject to discussion, including price, technical approach and terms and conditions. At the completion of discussions, the contractor will ensure his technical plan and price quote reflects the mutual understandings of the requirement and if requested, submit a revised technical plan and price quote to the Contracting Officer. The technical plan should consist of the contractor’s intent and approach to this particular effort, any considerations that should be made by the government, as well as any additional information that expresses the Contractor’s position above others for this effort.

5. The Government may request clarifying information from the schedule contractor, as it relates to its quote.

6. If an award will be made without conducting discussions, schedule contractors may be given the opportunity to clarify certain aspects of their quote or to resolve minor or clerical errors.

7. The Government reserves the right to make a single award, multiple awards, or no award at all as a result of the RFQ. In addition, the RFQ may be amended or canceled as necessary to meet the Government’s requirements.

ARTICLE 6 - Evaluation Criteria

1. Technical Evaluation Criteria A. Management Approach and Technical Capabilities (30%)

1. Understanding of the work and deliverables, including the creativity, thoroughness, processes, practices, personnel, and resources to carry out the tasks and objectives in the SOW designed to enhance professional development opportunities for underrepresented scholars conducting basic and/or translational biomedical substance abuse research.

2. Ability to address anticipated potential problem areas, and creativity and feasibility of solutions to problems and future integration of new processes and technology enhancements.

3. Quality and effectiveness of the allocation and integration of personnel, collaborators and other collaborative efforts, institutional resources and infrastructure support, and other resources to augment scholar training in substance abuse research.

4. Ability to employ strategies to successfully select, train, and retain participant scholars.

B. Personnel Qualifications (35%)

1. The quality and depth of experience of individual personnel in working on similar projects. Documentation of quality and depth of experience of all named Project Director(s) and Mentors must reflect significant expertise and experience in substance abuse research (including grant support equivalent to the NIH R01 for substance abuse research, training/mentoring, and peer-reviewed publications). Similar projects must convey similarity in topic, dollar value, workload, duration, and complexity.

2. Quality and depth of education and experience on other projects which may not be similar enough to include in response to B.1. (Immediately above) but may be relevant.

3. The quality and depth of how the Project Director(s) will supervise and coordinate the workforce.

C. Organizational Experience (35%)

1. Evidence that the organization has current capabilities; and for assuring performance of this requirement.

2. Appropriate mix and balance of education and training of team members.

3. The organization’s history of successful completion of projects; history of producing high-quality reports and other deliverables; history of staying on schedule and within budget.

4. The organization’s specific past performance on prior similar efforts specified within this SOW.

TECHNICAL EVALUATION SUBFACTORS (Evaluated separately but not scored)

1. Past performance:

Offeror's past performance information will be evaluated subsequent to the technical evaluation. However, this evaluation will not be conducted on any offeror whose proposal is determined to be technically unacceptable.

The evaluation will be based on information obtained from references provided by the offeror, other relevant past performance information obtained from other sources known to the Government, and any information supplied by the offeror concerning problems encountered on the identified contracts and corrective action taken.

The government will assess the relative risks associated with each offeror. Performance risks are those associated with an offeror's likelihood of success in performing the acquisition requirements as indicated by that offeror's record of past performance.

The assessment of performance risk is not intended to be a product of a mechanical or mathematical analysis of an offeror's performance on a list of contracts but rather the product of subjective judgment by the Government after it considers relevant information.

When assessing performance risks, the Government will focus on the past performance of the offeror as it relates to all acquisition requirements, such as the offeror's record of performing according to specifications, including standards of good workmanship; the offeror's record of controlling and forecasting costs; the offeror's adherence to contract schedules, including the administrative aspects of performance; the offeror's reputation for reasonable and cooperative behavior and commitment to customer satisfaction; and generally, the offeror's business-like concern for the interest of the customer.

The Government will consider the currency and relevance of the information, source of the information, context of the data, and general trends in the offeror's performance.

The lack of a relevant performance record may result in an unknown performance risk assessment, which will neither be used to the advantage nor disadvantage of the offeror.

To assist in the evaluation of past performance as part of the proposals, offerors should submit with their proposal a list of the last three contracts completed during the past two years and / or contracts awarded currently in process that are similar in nature to the work scope. Contracts listed may include those entered into by the Federal Government, agencies of state and local governments and commercial concerns. Newly formed entities without prior contracts should list contracts and subcontracts as required above for such key personnel. For each contract, subcontract, or reference include: (i) Name of Contracting Organization; (ii) Contract Number (for subcontracts, provide the prime contract number and the subcontract number); (iii) Contract Type; (iv) Total Contract Value; (v) Description of Requirement; (vi) North American Industry Classification System(NAICS) Code.

ARTICLE 7 - Period of Performance

The Period of Performance shall be effective from September 30, 2017 through September 29, 2018 with one additional option year. The Government contemplates awarding a Fixed-Price type of Purchase Order contract for non-commercial items as a result of the solicitation. The Government anticipates making MULTIPLE awards as a result of this solicitation.

ARTICLE 8 - Price Quote The Vendor shall submit a price quote for each period of performance with the following:

1. Number of hours proposed

2. Fully loaded fixed-price hourly rate

3. Total price proposed

4. All other relevant information and documentation that the item(s) quoted meets the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics as specified in the purchase description, brand name or equal description, or brand name only description.

ARTICLE 9 - Technical Approach / Plan

1. Instructions

The Contractor must submit a technical plan and price quote for this requirement to the Contract Specialist / Contracting Officer cited herein.

The total number of pages, (combination of technical plan and price quote) must not exceed 25 pages in length, excluding resumes. The Contractor shall submit its quote electronically in a “read only” format.

A detailed work plan must be submitted indicating how each aspect of the statement of work is to be accomplished. Your technical approach should be in as much detail as you consider necessary to fully explain your proposed technical approach or method. The technical plan should reflect a clear understanding of the nature of the work being undertaken. The technical plan must include information on how the project is to be organized, staffed, and managed. Information should be provided which will demonstrate your understanding and management of important events or tasks.

Plans which merely state that the tasks will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Government's scope of work will not be eligible for further consideration. The schedule contractor must submit an explanation of the proposed technical approach in conjunction with the tasks to be performed in achieving the project objectives.

The technical plan shall include:

· Technical Approach of how the work will be performed.

· A milestones and time lines for the project, indicating the estimated period of performance for each task.

· Facilities and /or resources used.

2. Technical Plan Format The suggested outline for the technical plan is as follows:

a. Work Scope

b. Objectives. State the overall objectives and the specific accomplishments you hope to achieve. Indicate the rationale for your plan, and relationship to comparable work in progress elsewhere. Review pertinent work already published which is relevant to this project and your proposed approach. This should support the scope of the project as you perceive it.

c. Approach. Discuss the possible or probable outcome of approaches proposed.

d. Methods. Describe in detail the methodologies you will use for the project, indicating your level of experience with each, areas of anticipated difficulties, and any unusual expenses you anticipate.

e. Schedule. Provide a schedule for completion of the work and delivery of items specified in the statement of work. Performance or delivery schedules shall be indicated for phases or segments, as applicable, as well as for the overall program. Schedules shall be shown in terms of calendar months from the date of authorization to proceed or, where applicable, from the date of a stated event, as for example, receipt of a required approval by the Contracting Officer. Unless the request for quotes indicates that the stipulated schedules are mandatory, they shall be treated as desired or recommended schedules. In this event, Plans based upon the schedule contractor's best alternative schedule, involving no overtime, extra shift or other premium, will be accepted for consideration.

f. Personnel. Describe the experience and qualifications of personnel who will be assigned for direct work on this project. Information is required which will show the composition of the task or work group, its general qualifications, and recent experience with similar equipment or programs.

ARTICLE 10 - Quote Packaging and Delivery Instructions

The quote must be submitted in accordance with Part I - "Instructions.”

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY:

Responses to the Request for Quote are due on the specified closing date at local prevailing time. The response must be submitted in a “read-only” electronic format via e-mail to the Contract Specialist citing the RFQ number and the name of firm in the subject line. In the event that an electronic copy cannot be submitted, a print copy must be received by the due date and addressed in accordance with the instructions below.

RFQ packages shall be delivered via electronic format to Mr. Hunter Tjugum, Contract Specialist, at hunter.tjugum@nih.gov. Fax responses will not be accepted.

PART II

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Price and Costs

The total estimated amount of this contract shall not exceed $<to be specified>.

1.

Contact Points Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) / Project Officer (PO):

To be specified at time of award.

Contract Specialist:

Mr. Hunter Tjugum 6001 Executive Blvd

Room 3157, NSC, SSSA, NIDA, NIH

Rockville, MD 20852

Telephone Number: 301-827-5304

Email Address: hunter.tjugum@nih.gov

Contracting Officer:

To be specified at time of award The Vendor’s primary contact after award will be with the COR/PO, who will provide information, clarifications to the requirement, and answer questions. All correspondence, letters, reports, and other deliverables will be submitted to the COR/PO for acceptance.

The Contracting Officer (CO) is the only person with authority to act as agent of the Government. Only the CO has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3) change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the Contractor any costs incurred during the performance; or (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of the award.

3. Invoice and Payment Provisions (2/2014)

The following clause is applicable to all Purchase Orders, Task or Delivery Orders, and Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Calls: Prompt Payment (Jul 2013) FAR 52.232-25. Highlights of this clause and NIH implementation requirements follow:

I Invoice Requirements A. An invoice is the Contractor's bill or written request for payment under the contract for supplies delivered or services performed. A proper invoice is an "Original" which must include the items listed in subdivisions 1 through 12, below, in addition to the requirements of FAR 32.9. If the invoice does not comply with these requirements, the Contractor will be notified of the defect within 7 days after the date the designated billing office received the invoice (3 days for meat, meat food products, or fish, and 5 days for perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, edible fats or oils) with a statement of the reasons why it is not a proper invoice. (See exceptions under II. below.) Untimely notification will be taken into account in the computation of any interest penalty owed the Contractor.

1. Vendor/Contractor: Name, Address, Point of Contact for the invoice (Name, title, telephone number, e-mail and mailing address of point of contact).

2. Remit-to address (Name and complete mailing address to send payment).

3. Remittance name must match exactly with name on original order/contract. If the Remittance name differs from the Legal Business Name, then both names must appear on the invoice.

4. Invoice date.

5. Unique invoice #s for all invoices per vendor regardless of site.

6. NBS document number formats must be included for awards created in the NBS: Contract Number; Purchase Order Number; Task or Delivery Order Number and Source Award Number (e.g., Indefinite Delivery Contract number; General Services Administration number); or, BPA Call Number and BPA Parent Award Number.

7. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) or DUNS + 4 as registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR).

8. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). In those exceptional cases where a contractor does not have a DUNS number or TIN, a Vendor Identification Number (VIN) must be referenced on the invoice. The VIN is the number that appears after the contractor’s name on the face page of the award document.

9. Identify that payment is to be made using a three-way match.

10. Description of supplies/services that match the description on the award, by line billed.*

11. Freight or delivery charge must be billed as shown on the award. If it is included in the item price do not bill it separately. If identified in the award as a separate line item, it must be billed separately.

12. Quantity, Unit of Measure, Unit Price, Extended Price of supplies delivered or services performed, as applicable, and that match the line items specified in the award.*

* NOTE: If your invoice must differ from the line items on the award, please contact the Contracting Officer before submitting the invoice. A modification to the order or contract may be needed before the invoice can be submitted and paid.

B. Shipping costs will be reimbursed only if authorized by the Contract/Purchase Order. If authorized, shipping costs must be itemized. Where shipping costs exceed $100, the invoice must be supported by a bill of lading or a paid carrier's receipt.

C. Mail an original and 1 copy of the itemized invoice to:

National Institutes of Health

Office of Financial Management, Commercial Accounts

2115 East Jefferson Street, Room 4B-432, MSC 8500

Bethesda, MD 20892-8500

For inquiries regarding payment call: (301) 496-6088

D. In order to facilitate the prompt payment of invoices, the vendor must submit an electronic copy of the invoice to the “Consignee” designated for the acquisition in blocks 6A – 6E of the face page of the Order/Award document at NIDASSSAPurchaseRequ@mail.nih.gov

II.

Invoice Payment A. Except as indicated in paragraph B., below, the due date for making invoice payments by the designated payment office shall be the later of the following two events:

1.

The 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice.

2.

The 30th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed.

B.

The due date for making invoice payments for meat and meat food products, perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, and edible fats or oils, shall be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, as amended.

III.

Interest Penalties

A.

An interest penalty shall be paid automatically, if payment is not made by the due date and the conditions listed below are met, if applicable.

1.

A proper invoice was received by the designated billing office.

2.

A receiving report or other Government documentation authorizing payment was processed and there was no disagreement over quantity, quality, or contractor compliance with an term or condition.

3.

In the case of a final invoice for any balance of funds due the contractor for supplies delivered or services performed, the amount was not subject to further settlement actions between the Government and the Contractor.

B. Determination of interest and penalties due will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, as amended, the Contract Disputes Act, and regulations issued by the Office of Management and Budget.

IV. PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS, FAR 52.232-40 (December 2013)

a. Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor.

b. The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the prompt Payment Act.

c. Include the substance of this clause, include this paragraph c, in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial items. (End of Clause)

In order to facilitate the prompt payment of invoices, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Station Support Contracts and Simplified Acquisition Branch request the Contractor / Vendor to submit an electronic copy of the invoice to the “Consignee” designated for the acquisition in blocks 6A – 6E of the face page of the Order/Award document to:

NIDASSSAPurchaseRequ@mail.nih.gov.

4. HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) Provision incorporated as an attachment 352.231-70 Salary Rate Limitation (December 18, 2015)

5. FAR Clauses incorporated as attachments 52.213-4, Terms and Conditions--Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial Items) (JAN 2017) is applicable and included as an attachment to this RFQ.

6. FAR Provisions and Clauses incorporated in Full Text 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (July 1990) Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s). (End of provision) 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor prior to contract expiration provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 15 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed TWO (2) years. (End of clause)

PART III – PURCHASE DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS

/ SCOPE OF WORK / STATEMENT OF WORK

STATEMENT OF WORK

Title of Project: Mentoring Program for Career and Research Development of American Indian/Alaskan Native Scholars Conducting Research within AI/AN communities Statement of Need and Purpose: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) requires support for the development of a mentoring program, which supports the career and research development of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) scholars dedicated to pursuing substance abuse and addiction research within AI/AN communities.

To address the overall underrepresentation of racial/ethnic populations in the sciences, the National Institute on Drug Abuse established the Office of Diversity and Health Disparities (ODHD) Office 20 years ago. The ODHD’s mission is to strengthen the NIDA extramural research portfolio through a more diverse and robust workforce, attracting and retaining talented individuals from all populations in order to fulfill the mission of the NIDA. The ODHD’s goals are to (1) increase the number of underrepresented scholars and researchers actively participating in and independently funded to conduct substance abuse research and (2) to ensure that minority and health disparity issues in drug abuse research are adequately represented in the NIDA’s extramural research portfolio.

Background Information and Objective: The contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the tasks and deliverables described in this Statement of Work (SOW). This contract will help facilitate the growth of American Indian and Alaska Native early-career scientists in NIDA’s funded research workforce.

Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be:

Base Period: 9/30/2017 – 9/29/2018

Option Year 1: 9/30/2018 – 9/29/2019

SCOPE OF WORK

General Requirements: Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall 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 below:

The contractor shall improve AI/AN health and eliminate substance abuse-related health disparities by performing the following tasks:

1.

Facilitating interaction and exchange of information among scholars/trainees studying child development in Native communities, focusing on research on the effects of contextual substance use on children’s own substance abuse problems. Established investigators/mentors are expected to have documented experience conducting substance use-related research with AI/AN populations and have grant support equivalent to the NIH R01 in the area of substance abuse research, experience in training/mentoring early-stage investigators, and peer-reviewed publications in substance abuse. Provide mentors for each scholar/trainee, include scholars/trainees in the Native Children’s Reach Exchange network, and develop a dialogue between established investigators and scholars/trainees studying child development in Native communities, focusing on research on the effects of contextual substance use on children’s own substance abuse problems;

2.

Providing support, guidance, and direction to scholars/trainees for the submission of NIH grant applications and peer review papers. Create tailored, individualized short and long-term individual development plans for each scholar/trainee, identifying activities to address the career development needs of each scholar/trainee;

3.

Fostering collaborative relationships with Indian communities to advance the understanding of substance use and Native Children’s development. The scholars/trainees will have access to the NCRE network which consists of 136 members affiliated with over 40 AI tribes and representing 48 university and 15 other tribal, federal, foundation, and social service groups across the U.S. and Canada. The scholars/trainees can connect directly with the NCRE members at the annual conference as well as through email and teleconference calls. In addition, the Center for American Indian and Alaska Native Health has 7 faculty with expertise in AI/AN research that the scholars/trainees will be able to work with locally;

4.

Participating in annual scientific meetings convened by groups with a mission and interest similar to the goals of the mentoring program for the purpose of recruiting students/faculty, encouraging interest in addiction research, educating attendees about drug abuse and addiction in AI/AN communities, e.g., the Association of American Indian Physicians, Indian Health Service, the Office for Minority Health, American Indian Research Network American Psychiatric Association, Society for Neuroscience, and the College on Problems of Drug Dependence; and

5.

Ensuring, developing and documenting strong communication and mentoring experiences between mentors and scholars/trainees.

DELIVERY OR DELIVERABLES

a) Conduct a structured and managed mentoring program to train and support the research and career development of AI/AN scholars/trainees interested in pursuing research careers in substance abuse and addiction in AI/AN communities. Create tailored, individualized short and long-term mentoring plans for each scholar/trainee, and identifying either didactic training or research experiences to help scholars/trainees transition to independent scientists.

b) Participate in an annual scientific meetings convened by groups with a mission and interest similar to the goals of the mentoring program for the purpose of recruiting students/faculty, encouraging interest in substance abuse research, educating attendees about drug abuse and addiction in Al/AN communities, e.g., the NIDA, Office of Diversity and Health Disparities, Association of American Indian Physicians, Indian Health Service, the Office for Minority Health, American Indian Research Network and American Psychiatric Association.

c) Conduct training opportunities for scholars/trainees as part of their research training experiences which should include the following topics: publishing and scientific writing, research proposal development for NIH grant applications, understanding the NIH application, submission, and review process, information on funding opportunities, research-related topics, and exposure/access to networks of AI/AN investigators. These research training experiences should serve as a critical component of the program and enable a face-to-face meeting between mentors and scholars/trainees to discuss career, research plans, and training opportunities. This information should be included in the semi-annual and annual report.

d) Within one year of support from this contract, scholars/trainees at the post-doctoral or faculty level should submit an NIH grant application;

e) Provide documented communication and mentoring experiences between mentors and scholars/trainees by scheduling monthly calls and routine electronic communication.

f) Create, maintain, and provide in the annual report a comprehensive participant database, which includes detailed information on all scholars/trainees including name, career level, affiliation, number of published papers, all program activities/support, degrees earned, grant applications submitted, grant applications funded, future career positions of past scholars/trainees, mentor’s name while in the program, other accomplishments and relevant information.

g) Provide support to scholars/trainees to attend meetings and workshops related to their research interests, career goals and technical assistance in order to network with other researchers. Provide travel awards and other professional support to encourage meeting attendance.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The contractor will update NIDA ODHD every other month, for the life of this contract, through email, telephone conferencing, and/or face to face meetings. They will also distribute outlines and drafts for tentative and planned activities to the NIDA COR before proceeding to conduct any activity (e.g., training, meetings, staff assignments and their salary, honoraria disbursements) which will utilize the contract funds.

The contractor shall provide a semi-annual report, which includes an overview of established mentoring plans, a description of major program activities, agendas, participant information, meeting outcomes (group scientific meeting attendance, annual mentoring program meeting). Semi-annual reports must also document mentor-scholars/trainees communication, scholar/trainee progress, scholar/trainee publications, grant submissions and grant awards, core courses, program activities/support, degrees, new positions, and other accomplishments.

Annual comprehensive report that describes the program's activities, accomplishments, products, outcomes, lessons learned, major barriers, major achievements and recommendations. The annual report must also include an update on the mentoring plans, mentor- scholar/trainee communication, scholar/trainee progress, scholar/trainee publications, grant submissions and grant awards, core courses, program activities/support, degrees, new positions, and other scholar/trainee accomplishments, workshop outcomes (group scientific meeting attendance, annual mentoring program meeting). The progress report shall cover all work completed during the specified period and shall present the work to be accomplished during the subsequent period. This report shall also identify any problems that arose and a statement explaining how the problem was resolved. This report shall also identify any problems that have arisen but have not been completely resolved and provide an explanation.

Annual evaluation assessments or reports from program participants regarding their activities, expectations, benefits, and continuing needs as they relate to the mentoring program. This assessment should involve NIDA's input before distribution. Annual evaluation assessments or reports from mentors describing scholar/trainee performance should also be included.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Travel:

The principal place of performance is the contractor location accordingly, reimbursable travel and per diem for the contractor’s employees performing work on a regular basis at this place of performance is not authorized. Any changes to this must be approved in advance by the contracting officer.

Key Personnel:

a) The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts (or as soon as possible, if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employ of the Contractor), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit comprehensive justification for the diversion or replacement request (including proposed substitutions for key personnel) to permit evaluation by the Government of the impact on performance under this contract. The Contractor shall not divert or otherwise replace any key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Government may modify the contract to add or delete key personnel at the request of the Contractor or Government. (End of Clause)

b) The following individual(s) is/are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder:

Information System Security Plan:

The contractor shall not be required to develop, have the ability to access, or host and/or maintain a federal information system. Applicable Information Security clauses are appended.

DATA RIGHTS

The National Institute of Mental Health shall have unlimited rights to and ownership of all deliverables provided under this contract, including reports, recommendations, briefings, work plans and all other deliverables. This includes the deliverables provided under the basic contract and any optional task deliverables exercised by the contracting officer. In addition, it includes any additional deliverables required by contract change. The definition of “unlimited rights” is contained in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 27.401, “Definitions.” FAR clause 52.227-14, “Rights in Data-General”, is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this contract/order.

Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards:

All electronic files submitted shall be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Additional information about testing documents for Section 508 compliance, including guidance and specific checklists, by application, can be found at: http://www.hhs.gov/web/508/index.html under "Making Files Accessible."

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 electronic and information technology (EIT) products and services developed, acquired, maintained, or used under this contract/order must comply with the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Provisions" set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the "Access Board") in 36 CFR part 1194. Information about Section 508 provisions is available at http://www.section508.gov/. The complete text of Section 508 Final provisions can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards.

REVIEW OF MANUSCRIPTS

In order to balance the oversight responsibility of the U.S. Federal Government with the authorization provided the Contractor by the Rights in Data clause of this contract, the government has established a process to review manuscripts produced under this contract. Please note that the government does not require contractors to seek approval of manuscripts.

However, the contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer advance notice of intent to submit a manuscript for publication at least 45 days prior to submission to the publisher. The advance notice should briefly describe the plans for publication of the manuscript. Concurrently or as soon as possible following this notice, provide a copy of the manuscript to the COR.

Any comments from the government will be provided in writing within 15 days after receipt of the manuscript by the COR. Comments expressed by the government about the manuscript shall not be a cause for action under the Disputes clause of the contract by either government or the Contractor, since the government does not approve manuscripts and draft manuscripts are not contract deliverables.

HHSAR 352.227-70 Publications and Publicity (January 2006)

(a) Unless otherwise specified in this contract, the Government encourages the Contractor to publish the results of its work under this contract. A copy of each article the Contractor submits for publication shall be promptly sent to the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative. The Contractor shall also inform the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative when the article or other publication is published, and furnish a copy of it as finally published.

(b) Unless authorized by the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative, the Contractor shall not display the HHS logo on any publications.

(End of clause)

PUBLICATION AND PUBLICITY

In addition to the requirements set forth in HHSAR Clause 352.227-70, Publications and Publicity incorporated in this contract, the Contractor shall acknowledge the support of the National Institutes of Health whenever publicizing the work under this contract in any media by including an acknowledgment substantially as follows:

"This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the NIDA, ODHD, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No.

Confidentiality of Information:

a. Confidential information, as used in this article, means information or data of a personal nature about individual or proprietary information or data submitted by or pertaining to an institution or organization.

b. The Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify elsewhere in this contract specific information and/or categories of information which the Government will furnish to the Contractor or that the Contractor is expected to generate which is confidential. Similarly, the Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify such confidential information from time to time during the performance of the contract. Failure to agree will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause.

c. If it is established elsewhere in this contract that information to be utilized under this contract, or a portion thereof, is subject to the Privacy Act, the Contractor will follow the rules and procedures of disclosure set forth in the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and implementing regulations and policies, with respect to systems of records determined to be subject to the Privacy Act.

d. Confidential information, as defined in paragraph (a) of this article, shall not be disclosed without the prior written consent of the individual, institution, or organization.

e. Whenever the Contractor is uncertain with regard to the proper handling of material under the contract, or if the material in question is subject to the Privacy Act or is confidential information subject to the provisions of this article, the Contractor should obtain a written determination from the Contracting Officer prior to any release, disclosure, dissemination, or publication.

f. Contracting Officer’s determinations will reflect the result of internal coordination with appropriate program and legal officials.

g. The provisions of paragraph (d) of this article shall not apply to conflicting or overlapping provisions in other Federal, State or local laws.

The following information is covered by this article: “To Be Determined” ISSO Pre Solicitation Checklist 3810989

INFORMATION SECURITY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

INFORMATION SECURITY IS NOT APPLICABLE for this requirement INFORMATION SECURITY IS APPLICABLE and the following information is required for solicitation preparation:

A. INFORMATION TYPE (Attach brief description) http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-60-rev1/SP800-60_Vol2-Rev1.pdf Management and Support Information: Description Attached (e.g. meeting and travel arrangements, developing procedures, manuals) Mission Based Information: Description Attached (e.g. health research, education, training)

B. SECURITY CATEGORIES AND LEVELS (SCL):

https://ocio.nih.gov/aboutus/publicinfosecurity/acquisition/Pages/table1.aspx Confidentiality:

[√] Low [ ] Moderate [ ] High

Integrity:

[√] Low [ ] Moderate [ ] High

Availability:

[√] Low [ ] Moderate [ ] High

Overall:

[√] Low [ ] Moderate [ ] High

C. POSITION SENSITIVITY DESIGNATIONS (PSD):

https://ocio.nih.gov/aboutus/publicinfosecurity/acquisition/Pages/table2.aspx The following position sensitivity designations and associated clearance and investigation requirements apply under this contract:

Level 6: Public Trust—High Risk (Requires Suitability Determination with a BI). Contractor employees assigned to a Level 6 position are subject to a Background Investigation (BI).

Level 5: Public Trust—Moderate Risk (Requires Suitability Determination with MBI or LBI). Contractor employees assigned to a Level 5 position with no previous investigation and approval shall undergo a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI), or a Limited Background Investigation (LBI).

Level 1: Non Sensitive (Requires Suitability Determination with an NACI). Contractor employees assigned to a Level 1 position are subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry Investigation (NACI).

D. PROSPECTIVE OFFEROR NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

Offerors WILL NOT require access to sensitive information in order to prepare an offer.

Offerors WILL require access to sensitive information in order to prepare an offer:

Description of sensitive information:

Systems Security Plan (SSP) NOT Required.

Systems Security Plan (SSP) Required.

E. CONTRACT CLAUSES: Incorporated by the Contracting Officer / Contract Specialist See anticipated Clauses Attached