Statement_of_Work_1.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

FIC Logistics Support Services

BACKGROUND

The Fogarty International Center (FIC) is dedicated to advancing the mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by supporting and facilitating global health research conducted by U.S. and international investigators, building partnerships between health research institutions in the U.S. and abroad, and training the next generation of scientists to address global health needs.

As related to its mission, the FIC has increased partnerships with other Federal agencies as well as outside organizations in recent years. Due to the increase in partnerships and funding, the FIC has a need for organized and planned support to manage the programs and its related funding effectively and appropriately. The FIC needs support for the following divisions and offices:

The Division of International Epidemiology and Population Studies (DIEPS) conducts original research in epidemiology and mathematical modeling of diseases, genomic evolution of pathogens, implementation sciences and population studies while seeking to enhance the scientific underpinnings of policies related to international health. DIEPS works to build research capacity in low- and middle-income countries through training and collaborative research in mathematical modeling, genomic epidemiology, biorisk management, implementation sciences and studies in childhood health and development.

• Strategic partnerships of DIEPS include:

o Other NIH Institutes and Centers: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious

Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of General Medicine Science (NIGMS), National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).

o US Government agencies: CDC, DHHS (OGA & NVPO), DHS, USDA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of State.

o Global health NGOs: World Health Organization, World Bank, Pan-American Health Organization, U.S. National Academies, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ICDDR,b, and Foundation Merieux.

• Collaborators on individual projects located at academic and government research institutions in the US and abroad, include researchers in Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

DIEPS projects include, but are not limited to the following:

Clean Cooking Implementation Science Network (ISN) DIEPS collaborates with the members of the ISN Network and Steering Committee and with organizations such as the WHO and Clean Cooking Alliance to disseminate the findings of the Clean Cooking Implementation Science Network’s research efforts at international conferences, in-country workshops, policy forums, and international symposia. This engagement with policymakers, implementers, and the research community is a key aspect of the ISN’s mandate to advance the science of clean cooking implementation in LMIC settings.

US-Pakistan Bio-engagement and Science & Technology Projects (BEP) Since 2013 FIC has collaborated with the Pakistan NIH and the Pakistan Biological Safety Association (PBSA) to train health professionals in biosafety and biosecurity, conducting workshops throughout Pakistan, teaching over 1,0000 microbiologists and laboratory technologists, veterinarians and physicians from over 250 institutions. PBSA and FIC have designed biorisk management curricula with consultants, translating these into Urdu and regional languages. The program has grown in scope through deliberate selection of institutions from remote areas. Social media and online resources have been employed to boost impact. Using the “Training of Trainers” modality, outstanding participants are selected to be trained as master trainers. Workshops include Biosafety Awareness, Training-of-Trainers, preparation for the new biorisk management ISO 35001 to enable laboratories to achieve biosafety/biosecurity objectives, Institutional Biosafety Committees, Responsible Conduct in the Life Sciences, and Biosafety Cabinet use.

Research Management Support (RMS) DIEPS conducts epidemiological and computational modeling research related to the emergence and disease transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, disease burden analyses, and the evaluation of biomedical interventions and public health programs. Primary concentrations include regional, national, and cross-national studies of mortality and morbidity patterns with special emphasis on influenza and other rapidly-transmissible diseases; malnutrition; enteric diseases; malaria and other vector-borne diseases; vaccine preventable diseases; zoonotic disease, and child development. Outcomes of DIEPS research and capacity-building activities include changes in public health policies and practices to decrease disease burden and the identification and prioritization of new areas for research and research investments to improve the public's health. Publications in the scientific journals, presentations at relevant scientific meetings and conferences, and consultations with national, bi-lateral, and multi-lateral health and development agencies are the primary mechanisms through which the results of DIEPS research are disseminated. The objectives and outcomes of DIEPS work are accomplished by research, administrative, and management personnel who support on-going projects, FIC wide administrative and reporting requirements, project-specific financial reporting, FIC wide collaboration, and new project development and proposal writing.

The Division of International Science Policy, Planning and Evaluation (DISPPE) provides strategic guidance for planning for future global health needs. DISPPE provides strategic guidance on the development, analysis and evaluation of Fogarty’s programs and on international science policy issues. The Division tracks activities of international funding agencies and research trends in global health; advises Fogarty and its Director on legislative and partnership matters and manages the Center’s involvement in the Disease Control Priorities Project. This project is an ongoing effort to assess disease control priorities and produce evidence-based analysis and resource materials to inform health policymaking in developing countries. The Division designs, structures and implements program assessments across Fogarty. DISPPE has developed a Framework for Evaluation, and has completed evaluations for a variety of Fogarty programs. DISPPE plays a key role in developing Public Private Partnerships (PPP) as a means for Fogarty to accomplish its public health mission through the development of synergistic relationships with outside entities.

Center for Global Health Studies As a program under Fogarty’s Division of International Science Policy, Planning and Evaluation (DISPPE), the Center for Global Health Studies (CGHS) identifies emerging research priorities to inform current and future Fogarty and NIH investments. Through exploring global health research trends, CGHS stimulates new scientific directions in global health, catalyzes multidisciplinary and multi-sector collaboration, and coordinates short-term training to enhance the pool of qualified applicants to Fogarty and NIH global health research programs. CGHS convenes leading scientists from NIH, low- and middle-income countries and the U.S. to discuss critical research priorities, opportunities and synergies around specific global health challenges.

CGHS also moves the global implementation science agenda forward by promoting relevant research methods and frameworks and fostering the development of new approaches and skills to translate scientific evidence into health policy and practice.

CGHS projects aim to generate practical, science-based deliverables, such as publications in reputable scientific journals, training materials, and research tool kits. CGHS projects include, but are not limited to the following:

• Adolescent HIV Prevention and Treatment Implementation Science Alliance

(AHISA)

The Adolescent HIV Prevention and Treatment Implementation Science Alliance (AHISA) aims to support the use of implementation science approaches. AHISA aims to enhance the effective use of evidence and help overcome implementation challenges related to prevention, screening and treatment of HIV among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa by catalyzing collaboration and communication among NIH-funded implementation scientists, program implementers and policymakers.

The goals of the Alliance are to:

• Provide a platform for cross-fertilization and exchange of ideas and information among implementation scientists and other stakeholders focusing on different aspects of HIV in adolescents.

• Enable the research to be better informed by programmatic challenges and questions.

• Inform policymakers of promising evidence and encourage use of the data in decision making; and

• Extend the reach and impact of implementation science related to adolescent HIV prevention and treatment.

AHISA is made up of 26 teams across 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Each team is composed of NIH-funded scientists conducting relevant implementation research;

in-country partners including PEPFAR in-country staff, key in-country government representatives, in-country research collaborators, and other stakeholders; and youth.

The Alliance is led by members of CGHS and driven by a steering committee of experts.

• PEPFAR- Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) HIV-associated Noncommunicable Diseases Research at Low- and Middle-Income Country Institutions aims to support locally relevant research in critical areas of HIV-associated noncommunicable diseases at LMIC institutions, to enhance research capacity and build a network of researchers both within and across LMICs to address this critical burden. This initiative is expected to stimulate new research on the interplay between HIV and development of NCDs in persons living with HIV (PLWH). This includes exploratory studies to uncover the extent to which HIV infection influences the etiopathogenesis of the NCDs; and to identify and develop appropriate approaches for effective diagnosis, prevention, therapeutic interventions and integrated clinical care for PLWH with the comorbid conditions.

• Climate Change and Health Initiative - CCH The overall objective of this project is to identify and understand current adaptation strategies that address or could address deteriorating health outcomes due to climate-led stressors. Lessons from the field: Cases of climate change adaptation to advance global research on climate-led health effects. In collaboration with partner NIH Institutes and Centers, the Fogarty International Center’s Center for Global Health Studies (CGHS) will solicit case studies on adaptation strategies in response to climate change and their impact or potential impact on public health outcomes. The project is one part of the NIH Wide Climate Change and Health initiative to build a solutions-oriented science focused on the threats to health from global climate change. The intent is to select 8-12 case studies on adaptation strategies with focused analysis on diverse health outcomes from different geographical areas. CGHS will engage with leading climate and health-focused journals to explore the potential to publish the selected case studies

• HIV and NCD Comorbidities: M2P HIV The project “HIV and NCD Comorbidities: Modeling to Guide Practice (M2P)” involves developing mathematical models to procure country-level data on the NCD burden in PLWH as well as modeling the effect of integrating NCD and HIV care for PLWH as a first step in supplying policymakers with evidence-based data to determine what model of care and what resources to invest in NCD prevention, care and treatment for PLWH in LMICs. The provision of country-level data on the NCD burden in PLWH was identified as a top priority in the research agenda ascertained through two previous projects (1) Enhancing HIV/AIDS Platforms to Address NCDs in sub-Saharan Africa, (2) HIV and Noncommunicable Disease Comorbidities in LMICs in the ART Era.

The Office of Administrative Management and International Services (OAMIS) provides strategic guidance on the development, analysis and evaluation of Fogarty’s programs and on international science policy issues. The Office advises the Director, Deputy Director and Division/Office Directors on administrative matters affecting the planning and execution of Center programs. OAMIS plans, directs and conducts administrative management functions of the Center including financial management, human resources management, procurement and acquisitions, domestic and international travel, office services and informational resources management, etc.; Interprets, analyzes and implements administrative polices and directives affecting the Center and the NIH; Provides visa/passport services to the NIH and PHS; Provides technical and logistic services in support of NIH foreign programs; and Maintains liaison with other governmental agencies involved in international activities.

OAMIS tracks activities of international funding agencies and research trends in global health;

advises Fogarty and its Director on legislative and partnership matters. OAMIS manages the design, structure and implementation of fiscal assets across Fogarty; and plays a significant role is executing the priorities of Fogarty.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide FIC logistical program support in the US and abroad for the following activities: 1)virtual, hybrid and in person meeting and logistical support for workshops, conferences and meetings; 2) travel support for one or more participants, including lodging and ground transportation as required from diverse geographic locations with some that may require special accommodations; 3) grant and contract support including sub awards monitoring, 4) directed payments for interns, contractors and other specialist consultants and procurements, 5) training and development program services. However, not all work performed can be anticipated, and the work that might be required under this contract is not limited to these examples.

The Contractor shall provide support and services in the following technical categories:

1. Logistical Meeting and Conference Support

2. Travel Support

3. Grant and Contract Support

4. Direct Payment Support

5. Other Support

TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

The general categories of work required of a logistical support contractor are:

1) Meeting and Conference support. Arrange and pay for conference facilities within the U.S.

and abroad (usually low- and middle-income countries). Conferences and meetings will be held at various times and locations, including outside the continental United States, throughout the year. Generally, each conference/meeting will require one facility, and the number of meetings/conferences will be approximately 20-30 per year. Coordinate and pay for receptions associated with conferences. Provide on-site logistical support within the U.S. or abroad, usually in low- and middle-income countries with some meetings and conferences taking place in remote areas. Most on-site support will be needed both before and during the conference. Although dependent on size of meeting and support needs, the average number of support staff needed is approximately two to three per meeting. Disburse funds in foreign country when on-site as necessary.

2) Travel, lodging and other arrangements for research and training activities conducted in the US and abroad. Making logistical arrangements for workshops and travel, lodging and other arrangements for research and training activities conducted in the US and abroad. Arrangement for workshops requires regular communication with participants, before, during, and after the workshop, booking of conference space and hotel rooms, and arrangement for video/IT support as needed. Upfront booking and reimbursement options are required to support travelers. In the weeks leading to a workshop, weekly status reports are expected to inform FIC staff of the progress of travel arrangements. A travel memo should be sent to travelers at least a week before travel takes place.

3) Payments to interns, contractors and other specialist consultants in support of program activities to manage on-going projects; support data analysis and the development of scientific publications; and, to train and build capacity with collaborating institutions in areas including, but not limited to, epidemiological and computational modeling of emergence and disease transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, disease burden analyses, the evaluation of biomedical interventions (e.g., vaccines) and public health programs, and biorisk management strategies.

4) Administrative and Program Support to include, but limited to:

• Leadership training and development and technical assistance

• Program planning and evaluation

• Website design and development

• Records and data management, to include collection, analysis, and reporting

• Development of event planning tools and reporting instruments

5) Miscellaneous Activities: to include payment of services associated with project activities/execution such as publication of fees; data management services; field research supplies; training and development programs and services; data analysis services and support;

subcontractors to collaborating institutions for specific project deliverables and project execution; the contractor will be responsible for remitting final payment for off-site consultancy services; the contractor will coordinate services for publications, printing, and online dissemination of journal supplements; the contractor will be responsible for assembling, printing, and delivering meeting or project related materials as requested; web updates and services; and support as required by other FIC divisions, offices and programs.

Requirements-Management and Administration The Contractor shall provide a Project Manager (PM) for the performance of this request. The PM shall serve as the principal point of contact for the Government. Key personnel, including the Program Manager, must be an employee of the prime contractor. The PM shall provide support and services and be responsible for the following:

• Assign, supervise, and coordinate contractor staff including consultants/subcontracts

• The Project Manager shall maintain budget control.

• The contractor shall provide program management, project control, and contract administration necessary to manage the contract process so that cost, schedule and quality requirements are tracked, communicated to the COR. The COR is located in the Office of Administrative Management and International Services, FIC.

• The Contractor shall provide a qualified multidisciplinary staff, augmented with qualified consultants, as necessary and appropriate. Staff must have demonstrated skills in all areas described in this Statement of Work. The PM shall ensure staff continuity when making task assignments. If key personal changes are necessary, the PM shall provide the PO, for his/her approval, the credentials of new staff assigned and an updated staffing plan.

• The contractor shall comply with all applicable federal standards, laws, codes, regulations policies, and statutes applicable to performance of this contract.

• The contractor shall possess the following knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of financial accounting policies and financial tracking systems.

• Experience with succession program management.

• Experience with workforce planning and development.

• Experience with instructional design, training management, and facilitation.

• Experience with business process improvement methodologies.

• Experience with organizational diagnosis and intervention techniques.

• The Project Manager shall arrange a kickoff meeting within 10 days of award of the contract, participate in a contract initiation meeting with COR, CO and other FIC personnel designated by the COR. The purpose of the Contract initiation meeting shall be to orient the Contractor to FIC contract procedures.

• The Project Manager, or an appropriate designee, shall meet monthly with the COR to discuss contract areas and any problems; and, to determine future tasks to be undertaken, meetings to be attended, and persons to be contacted on a weekly basis.

• The Project Manager/Contractor shall record and forward to the COR any risks identified in the meeting, issues discussed in the meeting, the decisions rendered and the action items for each meeting member to address, within 5 working days after each meeting.

This will include any risk handling activities and mitigation strategies.

• Attend relevant planning meetings, teleconferences, conferences, and forums as directed by the COR.

• Prepare agendas, minutes, briefings, speeches, papers, letters, manuals, job aids, or other documents at the request of the COR.

• Design dashboards and related tools.

• The Project Manager shall develop and maintain components of the contract project schedules as identified by the COR.

TASK AREA 1: CONFERENCE SUPPORT SERVICES

• Arrange and pay for conference facilities rentals within the U.S. and abroad (usually low-and middle-income countries) in the region of sub-Saharan Africa (e.g. Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe etc.). Conferences and meetings will be held at various times and locations, including outside the continental United States, throughout the year. Generally, each conference/meeting will require one facility, and the number of meetings/conferences will be approximately 20-30 per year. Coordinate and pay for receptions associated with conferences. Provide on-site logistical support within the U.S.

or abroad, usually in low- and middle-income countries with some meetings and conferences taking place in remote areas. Most on-site support will be needed both before and during the conference. Although dependent on size of meeting and support needs, the average number of support staff needed is approximately two to three per meeting.

• Disburse funds in foreign country when on-site as necessary.

• Act as a point of contact between participants and FIC staff and co-organizers prior and following the conferences and meetings. This will include responding promptly to participants’ inquiries via fax or email about travel, reimbursement or general information.

• Identify and work with foreign subcontractors for conferences and meetings.

• Provide escorted services for high-level foreign and U.S. officials.

• Prepare conference materials and deliver to participants, project officer and/or conference site within the U.S. and abroad.

• Provide support for participants who may be from the United States or any other country.

Generally, for each conference the average number of people to support is 10-30. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Arrange air travel to and from Conference site.

• Arrange and pay for hotel accommodations and local travel at Conference location.

This may require disbursing funds onsite within developing countries.

• Disburse funds in advance to participants, particularly foreign participants related to local transportation and meals.

TASK AREA 2: TRAVEL SUPPORT SERVICES

• Provide per diem ( to include hotel costs, departure tax, ground transportation, (Visa costs and meals and incidental’s expenses) to participants by FedEx, wire, check, etc. The per diem amount will be calculated using Federal Government travel regulations.

• Travel advances- the majority of participants will require their air travel costs to be provided in advance. For those participants arranging their own travel, receipts will be required for reimbursement of air travel cost.

• The contractor will be responsible for arranging travel for conference participants. The project officer may request itineraries for ticked passengers as well as a status reports of flight arrangements and per diem amounts.

• Provide support for participants who may be from the United States or any other country.

Generally, for each conference the average number of people to support is 10-30. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Arrange air travel to and from Conference site.

• Arrange and pay for hotel accommodations and local travel at Conference location.

This may require disbursing funds onsite within developing countries.

• Disburse funds in advance to participants, particularly foreign participants related to local transportation and meals.

The contractor will be responsible for providing travel services for attendees to various CGHS hosted or sponsored meetings, travel services include:

• providing meeting attendees with initial and final correspondence that includes all sponsored services provided, required confirmations, and pertinent meeting information

• arranging and purchasing the attendees’ flight(s) to and from the meetings

• arranging and purchasing the attendees’ hotel accommodations, including finalizing hotel

• contracts

• supplying a rooming list to hotel staff, including meeting attendee arrival and departure dates

• providing attendees per diem one to two weeks in advance of the meeting, or after the meeting if circumstances prevent advanced per diem remittance

• providing ground transportation for travel to/from airports one to two weeks in advance of the meeting, or after the meeting if circumstances prevent advanced remittance

• researching and/or reserving venues for meeting-relating gatherings as requested

The contractor will be responsible for facilitating weekly or bi-weekly project update meetings, and written project updates or reports if request by the CGHS project lead

TASK AREA 3: GRANT AND CONTRACT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Contractor shall facilitate peer-reviewed research grant competitions through the following steps:

• Assist with competition development, announcement and posting

• Establish research areas for the competition based on regional relevance and/or FIC preference

• Work with FIC to create a comprehensive request for proposals

• Identify target audience for marketing and calling for proposals

• Conduct remote sessions for target audiences to explain competition requirements, answer questions, encourage proposal submission and generally facilitate submission of proposals

• For Application submissions - Use a web-based electronic proposal submission system to receive proposals efficiently, confidentially, and with standard information

• Provide internal review and screening applications for eligibility and completeness

• Use U.S. laws and international standards, screen proposals and participants to ensure compliance with U.S. export controls, apply bioethics guidelines for proposals involving human or animal subjects research, and plagiarism

• Remediating proposals: Depending upon FICs preferences, facilitate a remediation stage to allow applicants to correct minor proposal issues prior to technical review

• Provide independent, external peer review for identifying evaluation criteria based on competition design and objectives

• Establish Conflict of Interest Guidelines in identifying expert reviewers ensuring a fair, meritorious research competition

• Process directed payments to research interns, contractors and other specialist consultants

TASK AREA 4: CAREERTRAC AND PROGRAM EVALUATION SUPPORT SERVICE

CareerTrac Trainee (Database) In 2003, FIC began developing the CareerTrac database as a global trainee tracking and evaluation system; the system has been fully operational to grantees and FIC staff since December 2008. CareerTrac serves as a repository of extramural research-trainee information and its accomplishments; therefore, CareerTrac allows FIC to evaluate and report on the affectivity of its extramural research-training program. Other NIH Institutes have since joined CareerTrac including divisions at NIEHS, NIGMS, NCI, and NLM. It is expected that other Institutes and Centers at NIH may join the system in the upcoming years. All partners of the system contribute financially to the development, operation and maintenance of CareerTrac.

Both NIEHS and FIC approve invoices (via email) before they are submitted for payment to the contract mechanism company.

• The contractor will be responsible for providing timely payment to the CareerTrac developers.

• The contractor will be responsible for providing (as requested) DISPPE with an up-to-date spreadsheet of the CareerTrac balance – which may include financial support at various times throughout the fiscal year from various NIH institutes.

Evaluation of FIC Grant Programs The contractor will support FIC in the evaluation of its extramural portfolio.

The contractor may assist in the design and execution of program evaluations using methodology agreed on by the Task Leader and using the FIC Evaluation Framework as a guide. In this instance, the contractor will use all necessary methods to ensure that evaluation questions are answered. The contractor will then submit a preliminary implementation plan for the evaluation based on the information provided in a Statement of Work and will work closely with the FIC evaluation officer throughout the process of the evaluation.

The following is a list of possible tasks depending on the contractor’s capabilities and type of evaluation as determined by FIC.

• Provide documents, review and guidance during the OMB clearance process

• Advise on and secure reviewers

• Collect existing program data, analyze data, and write data analysis section of briefing book

• Compile briefing book

• Identify and schedule interviews, write interview protocol

• Arrange logistics for review meeting

• Facilitate review, record interviews, produce (with panelists) draft review report

• Coordinate the writing of the final report with the reviewers Produce final report

• Analyze and utilize results of feasibility surveys to design an Outcome Evaluation (OE)

• Work with FIC to assemble an advisory committee for the OE and keep them informed of progress – attend and present at two advisory committee meetings and two advisory conference calls

• Define OE objectives and revise associated logic model

• Design, pretest and obtain OMB clearance for web-based survey of PIs

• Provide help desk and other support as necessary for web-based survey

• Conduct web-based surveys and analysis, database analyses, and other data gathering activities

• Conduct analyses including bibliometric analysis

• Prepare and finalize an outcome evaluation report

• Prepare and conduct briefing for FIC and its NIH partners on the findings of the evaluation report.

• Summarize the final report that documents the evaluation process and highlights the program’s performance, overall operations, and future recommendations

• Attend (by phone or in person) planning meetings (as needed) with Fogarty staff to help guide development of the finished product

• Review report, extract salient facts, and summarize the report in lay language, suitable for broad audiences

TASK AREA 5: TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICE

Training Development and Support, but not limited to: The contractor shall work closely with FIC Federal Staff to identify training needs and mapping out development plans for teams and individuals. Will collaborate with Federal staff to manage, design, develop, coordinate and conduct all training programs. Collaborate with FIC Federal staff to map out annual training plans for all areas of management, HR, customer support and more. Work with FIC Federal staff to design and develop training programs (outsourced and/or in-house). Collaborate with FIC Federal staff to select appropriate training methods or activities (e.g., simulations, mentoring, group, on-the-job training, and professional development) including but not limited to a mix of multi-day, full day, and half day workshops. Sessions may include a combination if presentations, small group discussions, individual exercises, and team activities facilitated by the contractor and designed to promote experiential learning. The contractor shall provide any pre-workshop session activities such as standardized assessments or instruments of which will be determined prior to each training commencement. The contractor shall prepare potential homework activities specifically focusing on continuous learning tools and techniques geared towards participants practicing their recently learned developmental skills. Market available training to FIC staff and users and provide necessary information about sessions. Closely collaborate with FIC Federal staff to conduct organization-wide training needs assessment and identify skills or knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Use known education principals and stay up-to-date on new training methods and techniques. Work with FIC Federal staff to design, prepare and order educational aids and materials. Assess instructional effectiveness and determine the impact of training on FIC staff and users’ skills. Gather valuable feedback from trainers and trainees after each educational session. Collaborate with FIC Federal staff to partner with internal/external stakeholders and liaise with experts regarding instructional design.

Maintain updated curriculum database and training records easily accessible by FIC Federal Staff. Research and recommend new training methods.

In addition, the contractor shall prepare a 508 compliant electronic questionnaire to be completed by all program participants regarding their overall evaluation upon completion of the training. The questionnaire shall be directed toward soliciting participants’ comments as to the value of the material taught, relevance to their own position, changes and additions recommended, and quality of the instructor(s).

Period of Performance The period of performance for this BPA will cover a 5-year ordering period. The anticipated ordering period is September 15, 2024, through September 14, 2029. The BPA is considered complete when the purchases under it equal its total dollar limitation, if any, or when its stated time period expires.

Options: The SOW will include support for the services under the base period and four (4) option periods.

• Base Period: 9/15/2024 – 9/14/2025

• Option Period One (1): 9/15/2025 – 9/14/2026

• Option Period Two (2): 9/15/2026 – 9/14/2027

• Option Period Three (3): 9/15/2027 – 9/14/2028

• Option Period Four (4): 9/15/2028 – 9/14/2029

Resultant BPA calls may include option periods in accordance with FAR 52.217-9. The specific terms and conditions will be specified in each call.

Place of Performance The Contractor shall be expected to perform the primary duties and functions off-site;

however, may be required to provide staff to perform specific tasks on-site at the NIH offices in Bethesda, MD, unless otherwise approved by the Government. The Government shall provide office space, desktops, telephones, necessary security level access, and all equipment and software deemed necessary by the COR to perform the activities listed in this SOW.

DELIVERABLES

Item Deliverable Due Date to

COR/CO

Pre-task Work Plan: For each new Project Assignment, the Contractor will schedule and attend an initial meeting with the COR, the designated Task Leader, and appropriate contract staff. This meeting will be for the purpose of discussing the Project/Assignment objectives, the expectations, and requirements of the FIC, potential problems and cost estimates. The Contractor shall submit a draft Work Plan to the COR for comments to be incorporated into the Work Plan. The Contractor will finalize the Plan and forward it to the COR for approval.

Format: submit Pre-task Work plan in WORD document or EXCEL spreadsheet, with who, what, when, where column structure to help execute the tasks, meetings, and/or projects. For example:

When providing travel services for attendees to CGHS-hosted or sponsored meetings, the contractor will be responsible for providing CGHS with an up-to-date spreadsheet that includes:

• An accurate accounting of all expenses incurred, as of the date the spreadsheet was requested

• A listing of sponsored attendees and the status of their respective travel arrangements, as of the date the spreadsheet was requested, attendee travel arrangement status updates should include:

• Arrival date to the meeting

• Departure date

• Visa status (if applicable)

• Visa cost (if applicable)

• Visa travel cost (if applicable)

• Airfare cost

As specified by

COR

• Number of sponsored nights of lodging

• Number of nights of non-sponsored lodging (if requested by the traveler)

• Per diem rate for the meeting location

• Number of per diem days required to attend the meeting

• Per diem adjustment (if applicable)

• Total cost of incidentals

• Ground transportation cost

• Total expense amount budgeted

• Total expenses incurred

1) FIC DISPPE program management and the COR will plan for an internal kickoff meeting with the successful Contractor within 10 business days of the award.

2 Completion Report: Upon completion of each Task Order, the Contractor will prepare and submit to the COR documentation that the Project Assignment is completed and the total costs. The report will list Project Assignment title, Project Manager, start and completion dates, brief description of the Project Assignment, a detailed account of all services provided, records of any problems experienced, and a detailed breakdown of costs associated with the performance of the Project Assignment. One copy of all documents written, edited, or designed by the Contractor under the Project Assignment will be attached. All data files and other material produced, as part of the Project Assignment will be delivered to the COR or her/his designee.

Format: Provide report in a WORD or PDF document to include graphs, charts, trackers, etc. that may help depict the necessary information. The contractor shall prepare and ensure all reports and documents are 508 compliant upon submission to the CO and COR.

As specified by

COR

3 Monthly Report: The Contractor will submit a narrative progress report and a financial report for the previous month. The narrative report will contain:

• A description, by task, of the Contractor’s program activities.

• Current status of each ongoing Project Assignment.

• Proposed activities for the upcoming period.

• Anticipated deadlines.

• Any problems during the past month, or are anticipated, during the upcoming month and proposed solutions.

In addition, the Contractor may be required to give timely and accurate reports on the status of any Project Assignment at any point in each month at the request of the COR or CO.

1) The Contractor will provide monthly progress reports and monthly financial reports for each division and office to the COR and program management in agreed formats, but the COR and program management

Monthly, NTE the 10th calendar day

OR,

Monthly, at or before the 15th of each month.

holds the right to update the reporting formats and methodology. For example,

2) DISPPE program management may request weekly progress reports on events that require arranging travel for multiple people. Reports will address any outstanding problems and issues and the nature and status of their resolution.

3) The Contractor will link the work it accomplishes to the labor hours budgeted, expended and projected and shall be listed on the monthly reports.

4) Reports will address any outstanding problems and issues and the nature and status of their resolution.

5) FIC programs have multiple ongoing projects with financial support coming from different funders. Therefore, financial reports should be broken down by the different projects managed by each FIC division, office and/or program. For example,

6) DIEPS-BEP is funded by the Department of State, DIEPS-HAPIN is funded by the Foundation for NIH, DIEPS Cook Stove (ISN) if funded by NIH Common Fund (CF) and DIEPS-Core RMS is funded by the Fogarty International Center

7) DISPPE-CGHS, CareerTrac, PEPFAR-NCD/AHISA, HIV-NCD Comorbidities and Implementation Science projects which are funded by the Fogarty International Center and partners.

8) DIEPS interns, contractors and other specialist consultants organize and conduct research and training activities for FIC programs. They develop and complete the research and training activities, manage associated data and data collection, and publish scientific findings and other reports that constitute the tangible outcomes and deliverables of the program. The Contractor will remit payment as follows:

(a) Make Monthly or Quarterly payments, Single Installment, or other payment schedules. DIEPS interns, contractors and other specialist consultants affiliated with DIEPS research and training activities are engaged in both short- and long-term agreements, usually 3 months to 3 years, and receive monthly payments. For each short-term subcontractor, a project assignment details the duration and amount of payments anticipated at the start of his/her work with the program. It is critical that payments to them be accurate and prompt. The following list of steps is a guide, and not considered exhaustive:

a. Within 3 business days of receiving the project assignment/request, the Contractor is to contact each recipient to set up the terms and method of payment

b. Funds are to be distributed by check, ACH payment, or wire transfer (international) on the first business day of the month

c. If a short-term subcontractor’s assignment is terminated before the end of the established terms, the Contractor is to promptly terminate payments, as instructed by DIEPS Director or designate

d. Payments are to be confirmed to DIEPS Director and the COR or designate with the monthly invoice

e. At the end of the year, the Contractor is to send 1099 MISC tax form to all monthly payment recipients

The contractor shall prepare and ensure all reports and documents are 508 compliant upon submission to the CO and COR.

4 Financial reports to include data/information broken out by Technical Area, broken down by Task/Assignment/Request order, period of performance, funds awarded, funds remaining and comments section, or as directed.

• Contractor will provide monthly financial reports and briefings to the COR, in agreed formats, but the COR holds the right to update the reporting formats and methodology.

• The Contractor will link the work it accomplishes to the labor hours budgeted, expended and projected. Reports will address any outstanding problems and issues and the nature and status of their resolution.

• DIEPS and DISPPE project-specific accounts will require discrete management and reporting of funds and activities. Therefore, financial reports should be broken down by the different projects managed by DIEPS, DISPPE and other offices.

The contractor shall prepare and ensure all reports and documents are 508 compliant upon submission to the CO and COR.

To be submitted as an Appendix to each Monthly, Annual (Summary), and Final Status report

5 Annual Report: On a yearly basis the Contractor will submit to the CO and COR an Annual Report that includes:

• description of the significant activities and accomplishments that have occurred in the preceding year, problems encountered, and the resolution of those problems.

• statistical summary of all tasks/assignments/requests (cumulative costs, cost analyses, and trends) from the past year.

Annually - within ten (10) business days after the end of the Base Period and any Option Periods exercised

6 Final status report: The Report will contain an overview as well as a section providing details for each of the Task Areas and all subtask areas.

Statistical summaries of all activities (cumulative costs, cost analyses and trends) will be reported by year. The Final Report will also detail any problems encountered and the resolution of those problems, as well as recommendations and conclusions based on experience and the results obtained over the course of the contract

Final Report is due one month following the conclusion of the contract.

7 Initial Transition-In Plan shall detail how services will be transferred from the incumbent contractor to the successor.

Provide within 30 days of contract award

8 Transition-Out report shall provide how any/all electronic and physical files shall be transferred; communication and coordination with successor and FIC; provide provisions for SOPs to successor; and provide all software developed, purchased, or altered to FIC and successor.

Provide 90 days before the end of the period of performances.

9 Directed Payments DIEPS and DISPPE interns, contractors and other specialist consultants organize and conduct research and training activities for FIC programs.

They develop and complete the research and training activities, manage associated data and data collection, and publish scientific findings and other reports that constitute the tangible outcomes and deliverables of the program. The Contractor will remit payment as follows:

(a) Make Monthly or Quarterly payments, Single Installment, or other payment schedules. Interns, contractors and other specialist consultants affiliated with research and training activities are engaged in both short- and long-term agreements, usually 3 months to 3 years, and receive monthly payments. For each short-term subcontractor, a project assignment details the duration and amount of payments anticipated at the start of his/her work with the program. It is critical that payments to them be accurate and prompt.

The following list of steps is a guide, and not considered exhaustive:

a. Within 3 business days of receiving the project assignment/request, the Contractor is to contact each recipient to set up the terms and method of payment

b. Funds are to be distributed by check, ACH payment, or wire transfer (international) on the first business day of the month

c. If a short-term subcontractor’s assignment is terminated before the end of the established terms, the Contractor is to promptly terminate payments, as instructed by DIEPS Director or designate

d. Payments are to be confirmed to DIEPS Director and the COR or designate with the monthly invoice

e. At the end of the year, the Contractor is to send 1099 MISC tax form to all monthly payment recipients

10 Web Services: The FIC requires assistance to perform regular timely updates to specific program pages on its website, design and development of a new FIC home page, creation and maintenance of a new, searchable, web-based reporting database, and assistance in the design and creation of content changes needed to improve usability of the website. The contractor shall utilize industry-standard development tools and technologies that are strongly supported and widely available. All Web page revisions must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as all other applicable Federal guidelines.