Data Collection III SOW (official).pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK (SERVICES)

(SOW)

Section 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Title of Project:

Data Collection of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Data

1.2 Statement of Need and Purpose:

The National Institute of Drug Abuse, Neuroscience Consolidated Operations Acquisition Center, on behalf of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Emotion and Development Branch (EDB) has a requirement to collect structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data during experiments examining pediatric mood and anxiety disorders.

1.3 Background Information and Objective:

The mission of the EDB is to study the pathophysiology, development, and treatment of pediatric mood and anxiety disorders. EDB probes pathophysiology using structural and functional MRI procedures, and is currently using state-of-the-art techniques to acquire data in each of these areas. Such research requires diverse expertise in cognitive neuroscience techniques. The overall goal of this contract is to obtain support services to assist in the collection of behavioral, psychological and MRI brain imaging data for the NIMH EDB. This service has been provided in the past by hiring a contract neuroscientist to assist with data collection using fMRI. Historically, we have hired less than half a dozen contract neuroscientists to assist with fMRI data collection through contract services such as this.

1.4 Period of Performance:

The period of performance will consist of a base year with one one-year option.

Section 2: SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 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:

a. Provide expertise in structural and functional MRI methods in research on pediatric mental illnesses;

b. Provide expertise in psychological and behavioral experiments in research on pediatric mental illnesses. Specialized expertise in computer paradigms is required;

c. Provide expertise in the use of peripheral psychophysiology equipment to be used during MRI scanning in research on pediatric mental illnesses;

d. Provide expertise and prior work experience in a biomedical setting, with diverse types of scientists. The Contractor shall be familiar with multiple types of data and procedures for collecting such data.

2.2 Specific Requirements:

Careful, appropriate, well-justified collection of vital data on pathophysiology and treatment is paramount to the research mission of the EDB. Thus, it is of vital importance that EDB continue its collection of high-quality structural and functional MRI data during psychological and behavioral experiments in pediatric mood and anxiety disorders.

The contractor shall:

1. Utilize methods to facilitate collection of structural and functional MRI data in the EDB, NIMH;

2. Have experience using specialized computer paradigms such as using eprime and MRI;

3. Assemble a series of computers and associated response devices in a rapid and efficient manner during MRI data collection,

4. Oversee the operation of these devices (e.g., button boxes, claw) and do this in a manner that is coordinated with the activities of the other members of the scanning team (i.e., clinician, post-bac IRTA, scanning technician);

5. Monitor participants’ behavioral responses when undergoing MRI studies;

6. Have experience and knowledge integrating research studies;

7. Be trained and capable of setting up response devices and equipment, setting up the task on the computer, interfacing with the scan technician and the scanning team, orienting the participant to the task, monitoring the behavioral data, transferring the behavioral data, and providing a scan report to the EDB following data acquisition.

2.3 LEVEL OF EFFORT:

During the period of performance of one year from the date of award in addition to a one-year option, multiple awards (three) are anticipated.

The contractor shall provide up to 280 hours of effort during the first year period of performance of the contract in addition to two additional options of 60 hours. This contract is a fixed price per labor hour contract. The offeror shall also include one base period not to exceed 280 hours with two additional options of 60 hours.

2.4 GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Government shall provide, if necessary, workspace and access to EDB databases (if subscription-based) during regular operating hours.

The Government shall review activities and prove feedback. Reports generated shall be reviewed and approved within two weeks of submission.

2.5 DELIVERY OR DELIVERABLES

1. Reporting Requirements

No specific report required other than tracking of hours because contractor is working directly with NIMH clinicians, research assistants and fMRI staff who is aware of work performance.

3. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 Travel:

Not applicable.

3.2 Key Personnel:

The Contractor is the key personnel identified for this requirement.

Key personnel requirements shall be:

1. Pursing Ph.D. in neuroscience or psychology

2. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in all the following:

a. Structural and functional MRI methods in research on pediatric mental illnesses;

b. Psychological and behavioral experiments in research on pediatric mental illnesses. Specialized expertise in computer paradigms is required;

c. The use of peripheral psychophysiology equipment to be used during MRI scanning in research on pediatric mental illnesses;

3. Demonstrated experience working with biomedical staff

4. Currently working within a University or scientific organization possessing a wealth of experience in MRI

3.3 Information System Security Plan:

Contractor personnel performing work under this contract shall satisfy all government clearance requirements for appropriate standard security eligibility in handling access to sensitive information and information systems belonging to or being used on behalf of the NIH/NIMH as specified in the rules governing a Special Volunteer in the NIMH Intramural Research Program. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/labs-at-nimh/scientific-director/office-of-fellowship-and-training/fellowships-and-training-programs/special-volunteer-program.shtml

The Contractor shall only have unaccompanied access to the NIH campus after successfully completing all government security clearance requirements.

All costs associated with obtaining clearances for contractor-provided personnel will be the responsibility of the contractor. Further, the contractor will be responsible for the actions of all individuals provided to work under this contract. If damages arise from work performed by contractor-provided personnel under the auspices of this contract , the contractor will be responsible for all resources necessary to remedy the incident.

3.4 Data Rights:

The NIMH shall have unlimited rights to and ownership of all deliverables provided under this order. 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.

3.5 Section 508—Electronic and Information Technology Standards:

Not applicable

3.6 Publications and Publicity:

The contractor shall contribute to data gathering and will be acknowledged in “white papers” and peer-reviewed manuscripts for publications in scientific journals.

3.7 Confidentiality of Information:

Confidentiality of Information is required. The government will not provide to the contractor any information or data of a personal nature about individual(s) or proprietary information or data pertaining to an institution or organization which is confidential. Whenever the contractor is uncertain with regard to the confidentiality of or a property interest in information under this contract, the contractor should consult with the Contracting Officer prior to any release, disclosure, dissemination, or publication.

3.8 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

1. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) contact information:

TBD

2. The COR is responsible for: (1) monitoring the Contractor's technical progress, including the surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending to the Contracting Officer changes in requirements; (2) interpreting the statement of work and any other technical performance requirements; (3) performing technical evaluation as required; (4) performing technical inspections and acceptances required by this contract; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

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

(6) sign written licensing agreements.

4. The Government may unilaterally change the COR designation for this contract.