Questions and Answers.doc

Questions and Answers

1. Regarding the learning objectives listed for both the evolution of medicine and rare diseases modules: There are a substantial number of complex objectives and skills to be addressed with a limited amount of classroom time (five 45-minute classes). Will the contractor be allowed to choose a subset of objectives and skills? If all objectives and skills must be addressed, what assumptions have been made about students¹ capabilities and preparation to meet objectives and acquire skills in such a brief period of time?

Answer:

There are more learning objectives listed for each supplement than can realistically be addressed in five 45-minute class periods. The objectives originate from the two groups of NIH content advisors, one for each supplement. These objectives are meant to guide offerors in preparing proposals and in choosing key personnel/advisors with the scientific expertise needed to design the curricula. Proposals should reflect the offeror¹s deep knowledge in the listed areas. The final learning objectives, likely a subset of those listed in Section C of the RFP, will be determined in collaboration between the winning curriculum development contractor, their science and education advisors, and NIH staff.

We are not asking offerors to submit proposals with the entire, final curricula set in stone. The real curriculum development is an iterative process that happens after the contract is awarded. The proposal allows the offeror to demonstrate that they have the expertise and proven ability to develop the two outlined curriculum supplements within the two-year contract period.

2. Regarding the evolution of medicine module: Will it be necessary to address the research of all nine institutes in the five lessons? How will decisions be made about the research content that can be addressed with the allotted classroom time?

3. For the Evolution in Medicine supplement, will one institute be designated as the "lead institute" or will we involve representatives from each of the participating institutes in the development of the supplement?

Answer:

The NIH Office of Science Education (OSE) will be the main NIH contact for both supplements. With the Evolution supplement, OSE will work with a group of advisors from the partnering NIH institutes and centers. This group will advise OSE’s oversight of the curriculum development. The contractor is required to have their own advisory panel of experts.

4. Is the Web portion for each supplement to be hosted by the offeror's organization in addition to the NIH Office of Science Education?

Answer:

OSE will host the Web portion on our site as we do with the other NIH curriculum supplements. The contract is to develop the lessons, not to continue to host them online after the two-year contract period.