Attachment_I_-_General_Statement_of_Work.pdf

GENERAL STATEMENT OF WORK FOR

SUPPORT FOR NIEHS BETHESDA OFFICE FOR DISASTER RESEARCH RESPONSE (DR2)

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

BETHESDA, MD

1.0. BACKGROUND: The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), located in Research

Triangle Park, North Carolina, is one (1) of 27 research institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of

Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The mission of the NIEHS is to discover how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives. The NIEHS as a primary function conducts, fosters and coordinates research on the biological effects of chemical substances and physical factors present in the environment, utilizing (1) its own laboratories and personnel; (2) contracts; and (3) grant-in-aid to universities for research projects, training, fellowships and environmental health centers. The NIEHS seeks by these means to develop understanding of the mechanisms of action of environmental substances, to provide the scientific basis for evaluating their extent and severity on a national scale, and to define and develop methods for diagnosis and treatment of environmentally induced illness.

1.1. Through the support of the NIEHS Office of the Director-Bethesda (OD-B) has successfully cultivated, facilitated, and spearheaded the coordination and development of the new trans-NIEHS Disaster Research Response

(DR2) Program. During this time the NIEHS, in collaboration with the NLM, has worked to develop new capabilities in several identified areas needed to support rapid environmental health research including: pre-approved surveys and protocols for both NIH investigators and the extramural community to capture critical baseline health data, a rapidly deployable intramural NIEHS researcher/data collection capacity, a publicly-accessible NIH

“Researcher Response” website, and implementation and training for a national network of environmental researchers. The goal also includes having these research capabilities, including our intramural data collection activities, integrated into the HHS response plans and eventually the National Response and Recovery Frameworks.

1.2. As part of these efforts, the NIEHS has engaged in: 1) extensive outreach and integration activities with various partners and stakeholders including leadership and support for the trans-NIH Disaster Interest Group (IDIG), meetings with HHS/ASPR, CDC, EPA, other federal partners, and NIEHS funded Centers, 2) conducted two (2) research response training exercises, 3) published articles and given numerous presentation on the DR2 Project, and

4) sponsored an NIH workshop with over 200 stakeholders and a NAS Workshop on Ebola. In order to build off of achievements and advance capabilities for timely environmental health research during disasters or in response to emerging threats continuation of the DR2 Program for FY16, will focus on: 1) improving and field testing the DR2 repository, protocols, field collection instruments, survey builder tools and other infrastructure to support timely implementation of field research, 2) strengthening and furthering the NIEHS Environmental Health Science (EHS)

DR2 Network, as well as outreach and engagement of various federal and NGO stakeholders to collectively support timely research, and 3) efforts to improve processes to support timely field research including funding mechanisms, integration into response frameworks, OMB and IRB approaches, and NIEHS organizational and operational strategies to respond to requests or various situations. Additionally, efforts will be incorporated to be complimentary and supportive of the NIEHS “Strategic Planning Goals”.

2.0. OBJECTIVES: Efforts of the DR2 Program will strive to serve as a unifying umbrella over our disaster and emerging public health issues related activities (e.g., hydro-fracking) and include general plans, roles, and responsibilities for NIEHS leadership, with coordinated staff support, in determining the appropriate responses and resources to commit to differing situations. The Contractor shall provide organizational planning, infrastructure, and processes needed by the

NIEHS to organize and facilitate various DR2 Program response activities. The Contractor shall have the ability to react and respond to situations that involve several NIEHS divisions and offices (e.g., NTP research, DERT supplements for grantees, WETP worker training, DIR epidemiology staff or rapid data collection activities, OD outreach and integration, etc.); responses need to be informed, thoughtful, and well-coordinated. The Contractor shall be capable of creating processes that involve training exercises and responses to various real-world incidents can provide a unique and important opportunity for NIEHS to test and showcase efforts and investments, not necessarily specific to disasters, to develop environmental sampling technologies, environmental data collection and management tools, exposure reconstruction models, high-throughput screening toxicology, and a national cadre of environmental health experts with experience in addressing complex environmental situations and issues of concern.

3.0. SCOPE: This Statement of Work (SOW) will be used to execute a broad range of support services under the resultant single award requirements contract. During the contract period, the Government will identify tasks required to complete each specific project. Task orders with more specific details will be placed as needed by the NIEHS. Specific performance dates and quantities will be specified on each individual task order. This is a non-personal services contract to provide the NIEHS with timely research responses through quick access to data collection tools for disasters and public health emergencies, training and exercises for all responders and researchers to be effective in their disaster roles, and planning and protocol during unpredictable situations. The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor. The Contractor, in turn, shall be accountable to the Government for Contractor or subcontractor personnel.

3.1. The Contractor shall provide staff and supervision with adequate skills and experience to perform the required tasks and sub-tasks efficiently.

3.2. All DR2-related Projects/Activities will be led by a steering group comprised of representatives from NIEHS OD, DERT, WETP & Superfund, DIR, and NTP, in collaboration with NLM, to ensure that all activities meet our project goals and are proactively integrated into HHS and other stakeholder efforts.

4.0. TASKS: The Contractor shall provide services to manage and execute task orders awarded under this contract.

4.1. GENERAL SUPPORT SERVICES: The Contractor shall provide support for OD-B Disaster Activities for

DR2 Project Overall Strategic Planning, Coordination, Management, integration, and Outreach

4.1.1. The Contractor shall provide administrative, logistical, and technical services to help support and sustain the

DR2 Program and activities, including outreach efforts to other federal partners, and stakeholders, such as the newly evolving NIEHS Environmental Health Sciences Network (“EHS Disaster Network”). The EHS Disaster Network will consist of experts from around the United States that are proactively engaged in the NIEHS disaster-related project and activities and can help the U.S. government quickly respond to the EHS research needs of new disasters and other emerging threats, utilizing products being developed by NIEHS DR2 Project and the platforms created through ongoing NIEHS engagement, coordination, and forums for stakeholder interaction. This support may include planning, logistics, scheduling, & support of meetings/events, ongoing assessments, analyses, and technical assistance in the development of needed information and materials to further the NIEHS and NIH disaster portfolios

(e.g., webinars, newsletters), overall NIEHS DR2/emerging threats program strategies, and initiatives, as well as, the development of concepts of operations (CONOPS), flow charts, meeting notes, short reports, surveys, and materials for distribution or posting to internet websites (e.g., I-DIG Sharepoint), as indicated.

4.1.2. Deliverables include:

Logistical support for tracking of DR2 Program activities (including integration of extramural portfolio, see

Task 2), meetings, presentations, and responses to requests and disaster situations.

Logistical and technical support for the development of trans-NIEHS portfolio of DR2-related activities, research, funding, etc. to support annual strategic planning and future investments.

Regular DR2 planning meetings to track activities, pending deliverables, action items.

Support for periodic DR2 strategic planning sessions to support development of broader goals and objectives looking forward.

Outreach and integration activities, including forums, meetings, web-based exchanges, improved communication materials, (e.g., presentations, posters, newsletters, webinars, etc.) related to DR2 products/activities to capture and convey ongoing NIH disaster-related issues, program activities, and goals for sharing with external partners and stakeholders; the development of more consistent and structured approaches for engagement, activities, and communications.

Presentations, analysis, reports, briefings, manuscripts, and other materials to capture and convey ongoing

NIEHS program activities, accomplishments, and goals for sharing with NIEHS, external partners, and stakeholders and to assist with education, stakeholder support, and evolving strategic objectives and planning.

Continuing development of a standing “EHS Network” of our partners to facilitate prioritization, critical assessments, and reviews of program plans and deliverables, as well as, input into future development of the

DR2 tools, communication materials, and implementation plans, etc.;

Support for the coordination & development of an internal NIEHS “Emerging Threats” operational strategy involving Institute leadership and all relevant programs to create useful plans and processes for responding to requests for assistance or various emerging/disaster situations.

Support for various activities, processes, and issues involving implementation of the new NIEHS DR2 disaster response (RAPIDD) protocols, other tools, including administrative logistics for IRB pre-approvals, OMB reviews, and inclusion of various partners in these efforts for review and technical input;

Continued support and coordination for trans-NIH Disaster Interest Group (I-DIG) monthly meetings and other meetings/discussions as indicated, including logistics, participant rosters and contact information, meeting agendas, material and information distribution, etc., as indicated, and summary notes of meetings & discussions.

4.2. OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE: The Contractor shall provide support for ODB for the Development and Coordination, in conjunction with other NIEHS Divisions and Programs, for DR2-related conferences, workshops, forums, training, and exercises. The Contractor shall arrange, manage, and provide needed technical support for meetings, workshops, exercises, and other events related to the DR2 Program. Additionally, Contractor shall provide needed reviews, analyses, assessments, etc. to improve achievement of DR2 Program objectives with respect to these events.

4.2.1. The Contractor shall provide support for the development and implementation of meetings, conferences, webinars, and training exercises, including associated materials, to further test and advance the DR2 tools, repository, website, educational information, RAPIDD protocols, and implementation plans, etc. Support will focus on opportunities to advance and practically assess extramural activities and investments and evaluate DR2 strategies, including real-world incidents or situations, where DR2 Program elements can actually be implemented and tested.

This support may include portfolio analyses, planning, logistics, scheduling, & support of meetings/events, ongoing assessments, analyses, and technical assistance in the development of needed information and materials to further the

NIEHS and NIH disaster program activities, program strategies, and initiatives, as well as, the development of training materials and exercises, meeting notes, short reports, surveys, feedback assessments, and materials for internal analysis, distribution, or posting to internet websites, as indicated.

4.2.2. Deliverables include:

Logistics and technical support for development of agendas, programs, invitations, agendas, presentation materials, summary notes, etc. in support of conferences, workshops, forums, and training exercises.

Initial and quarterly updated strategic plans and activity reports related to workshops, conferences, training and exercise efforts, etc. including the integration of these NIEHS activities into larger-scale NIH & HHS disaster response initiatives and activities;

Development of surveys, rosters, assessment tools, etc. to engage and solicit input of stakeholders in the development and implementation of new training materials, concepts of operations, workshops, and exercises designed to test DR2 deliverables and program strategies;

Support for strategic stakeholder engagement to support feedback and improvements of DR2 products, processes, tools, training materials, concepts of operations, and exercises, as indicated.

Assessments NIEHS DR2 Program activities and products, to evaluate (help assess, prioritize, and provide feedback) on developing new DR2 Program products & materials, and to support pilot-testing of such products and materials, where applicable.

4.3. Disaster and Emergency Situations Support Service. The Contractor shall provide support to enable timely high-intensity DR2 responses to new disasters or emerging threats, including management support for such events, when they occur. Flexible capabilities and services to support timely NIEHS responses to new disasters and emergencies, such as the Flint, Michigan and Zika situations, should be anticipated and expected.

4.3.1 The Contractor shall be able to quickly mobilize to provide administrative, logistical, and technical services to help support NIEHS DR2 responses to disasters and other public emergencies or situations. Support will focus on enabling NIEHS assets, programs, and resources to rapidly participate, coordinate, and engage in disaster-related activities with federal partners and other stakeholders as indicated.

Deliverables include:

Timely, and possibly high-intensity, technical support for DR2 meetings, coordination of discussions, outreach to NIEHS grantees and other stakeholders, Close tracking of NIEHS-related activities

Monitoring of relevant disaster/situation-related issues, news, and information

Outreach materials, briefings, reports, presentations, etc. for senior officials, grantees, and other stakeholders

Support for development of disaster/situation-related Concept of Operations (ConOps), strategic plans, and other informational materials to support NIEHS intramural and extramural response efforts.

5.0. DELIVERABLES AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE: See Section 4.1.2 and 4.2.2. above.

6.0. COMPLIANCE: Comply with NIEHS guidelines for websites and other communications materials (see

Attachments). See Section 508 accessibility guidelines as defined by the federal government. Please see the following URLs for details:

Section 508 Information: http://www.section508.gov/

Guide to the Section 508 Standards: https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/guide-to-the-section-508-standards

Making Files Accessible: http://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/making-files-accessible/index.html

NOTE: If the deliverable includes features and functions in addition to those identified as requirements, these features and functions also need to conform to relevant Section 508 technical provisions, functional performance criteria, and information, documentation and support.

7.0. PUBLIC AFFAIRS CLEARANCES: Any printing product produced under this contract for public distribution shall be submitted by the Project Officer to the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA) office for clearance using form HHS-615 (to be completed by contractor). There are no intended public products.

8.0. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES: This section identifies those items such as property, information and/or services that will be provided for the contractor’s use (without cost to the contractor) to allow the contractor to provide the required services, such as materials, facilities, training, etc. as follows:

8.1. The Government will furnish information necessary to fulfill this contract, such as source data and all necessary specifications for databases covered under this activity as well as the necessary information pertaining to the meeting website as described below.

8.2. The Government will furnish all relevant guidelines and standards for communications materials

8.3. The Government will furnish requisite guidance on specific tasks, including timelines and specific deliverables

8.4. The Government will furnish any necessary feedback required to complete tasks in a timely and appropriate manner

9.0. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under section 8 of this PWS.

http://www.section508.gov/ https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/guide-to-the-section-508-standards https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/guide-to-the-section-508-standards http://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/making-files-accessible/index.html

The Contractor shall provide a monthly progress report, which will include but not be limited to the following:

o “time on task” summaries, with amount of time spent for each employee on specific subtasks o listing of deliverables from previous month o timelines and anticipated deliverables for the coming month

The Contractor shall provide an annual summary report that documents the year’s tasks/deliverables, accomplishments, and progress towards program goals.

The Contractor shall meet with NIEHS task leaders as needed to establish a clear scope of work, set of deliverables, and timelines.

The Contractor shall provide personnel with the requisite expertise to accomplish each task and sub-task

The Contractor shall comply with NIEHS guidelines for websites and other communications materials

The Contractor shall provide weekly updates on progress on active tasks, either by phone or e-mail, to project leads and other designated staff

The Contractor shall review, amend as necessary, and meet agreed upon timelines and deadlines for specific tasks and deliverables.

10.0. TRAVEL: The Contractor shall be required to travel to Continental United States (CONUS) and OCONUS locations and shall be in strict compliance with all specifications, terms and conditions, and all other provisions contained herein in.

10.1. Travel requires Government preapproval, authorization, and notification to the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR).

10.2. The Contractor shall be authorized travel expenses consistent with the provisions of Federal Acquisition

Regulations (FAR) 31.205-46 Travel Costs and the limitation of funds specified in this contract.

11.0. HOURS OF OPERATION. Work will be performed up to 40 hours per week during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Core hours are: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

11.1. The National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences observes the following holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King’s Birthday Columbus Day

Presidents Day Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Independence Day Christmas Day

12.0. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The Contractor shall work out of their own facility and shall be required to provide services within the Continental United States (CONUS) and OCONUS in accordance with the SOW. Any work

OCONUS requires Government preapproval, authorization, and notification to the Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR).

13.0. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The requirement has a five (5) year ordering period. Individual task orders issued cannot exceed a 12 month period.

14.0. SAFETY AND HEALTH: The Contractor shall comply with all Federal, North Carolina State, Occupational

Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and local laws and regulations concerning the environmental, occupational safety and health, and hazardous material. The contractor shall ensure employees have all required training and certifications related to OSHA requirements. The documentation shall be readily available for the

Contracting Officer to review at any time during the life of the contract.

15.0. DATA RIGHTS: The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract to the extent permitted by the data rights clauses. The parties mutually acknowledge their understanding that this is the government’s intent. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this task order shall be government owned and are the property of the government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the contracting officer. All materials supplied to the Government will be the sole property of the government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other government rights.