SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Pain Neuroscience Education.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) Curriculum Development and Training Indian Health Service (IHS) Notice Type: Sources Sought (Market Research Only) Response Due Date: 03/30/2026 Set-Aside Status: To Be Determined

DISCLAIMER

This is a Sources Sought Notice issued for market research purposes only. This is not a solicitation (RFP/IFB/RFQ), and no contract will be awarded from this notice. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with submitting information.

The purpose of this notice is to determine the availability of qualified small and large businesses capable of fulfilling the requirements described below and to inform acquisition strategy.

BACKGROUND

The Indian Health Service (IHS) seeks to address significant disparities in chronic pain management and opioid-related harms among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. AI/AN communities experience the highest age-adjusted drug overdose death rates nationally. Evidence-based, culturally grounded secondary prevention strategies are needed to reduce chronic pain-related disability and prevent unnecessary opioid exposure.

IHS intends to develop and implement a culturally responsive Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) curriculum aligned with the biopsychosocial model of care and value-based clinical practice.

REQUIREMENT OVERVIEW

IHS seeks a contractor to develop a comprehensive, scalable Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) curriculum and train-the-trainer program designed for AI/AN youth and adults.

The curriculum must:

· Be evidence-based and grounded in contemporary pain neuroscience

· Align with the biopsychosocial model of care

· Integrate culturally responsive approaches and traditional practices

· Support safe pain self-management and reduce reliance on high-risk treatments (including opioids)

SCOPE (SUMMARY)

The contractor shall:

1. Develop Curriculum and Training Materials

· Train-the-Trainer facilitator guide (adaptable for youth/adolescents)

· Self-paced learning modules

· Participant workbooks/handouts (literacy appropriate; culturally adapted)

· 1–2 prerecorded video or on-demand sessions

· Slides and LMS-compatible materials (if required)

· CME/CEU-eligible provider training materials

· Section 508-compliant products

2. Core Content Areas

· Nociception vs. pain

· Peripheral and central sensitization

· Brain threat appraisal and stress-endocrine interactions

· Biopsychosocial model of pain

· Endogenous pain-modulating strategies (movement, breathing, mindfulness)

· Safe medication use and opioid risk education

· Integration of biomedical and traditional healing approaches

3. Community Engagement & Co-Design

· Convene a Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB)

· Conduct listening sessions/focus groups (youth, adults, elders, clinicians)

· Culturally translate key neuroscience concepts

· Incorporate storytelling, descriptive imagery, and culturally resonant metaphors

4. Training Delivery

· Train approximately 20 AI/AN providers, CHRs, peer specialists, and/or school-based staff as facilitators

· Provide on-demand training access

5. Evaluation & Reporting

· Develop pre/post evaluation tools

· Conduct pilot implementation

· Submit interim evaluation and curriculum revisions

· Submit final report with recommendations and draft training rollout plan

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Interested vendors must demonstrate:

· Minimum 10 years of verifiable experience working in Tribal communities advancing health initiatives

· Experience developing culturally adapted health curricula

· Experience conducting stakeholder advisory processes and evaluation

· Inclusion of:

· A Pediatrician advisor

· A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Twelve (12) months from date of award, with potential option period if required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Primarily contractor site (virtual delivery), with possible limited on-site support at one selected IHS Area/site.

NAICS (Preliminary – Subject to Change) The Government is considering NAICS codes including:

· 611430 – Professional and Management Development Training

· 541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

· 541720 – Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities Vendors may recommend an appropriate NAICS code.

RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

Interested parties shall submit a capability statement (no more than 10 pages) including:

1. Company name, UEI, CAGE, and business size

2. Relevant experience (past 5–10 years)

3. Experience working with Tribal communities

4. Proposed project team (including required clinical roles)

5. Examples of similar curriculum development

6. Recommended NAICS code

7. Small business status

This notice is for planning purposes only and does not obligate the Government in any way.