Statement of Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Contract Title. Consultation on VA Portland Research Study

2. Background.

*** Must demonstrate ability to perform and execute all aspects of contract as described in this Statement of Work. ***

VA HSRD-funded study Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans Engaged with Community Care: Modifiable Mechanisms to Improve Patient-Centered Outcomes (IIR 22-193-3). We will use systems dynamics stock-and-flow modeling in conjunction with our thematic qualitative analysis. This is a novel technique within health services research but has been used widely within policy analysis and economics. Stock-and-flow modeling is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and NCI to help “identify levers for improving performance” in a system. Using this approach, we will be able to visualize and identify modifiable factors to improve outcomes for Veterans engaged in lung cancer screening. We are soliciting the services of an outside consultant with expertise in Systems Dynamics to collaborate with our qualitative team on the iterative development of this stock-and-flow model.

3. Scope.

The consultant will work directly with our study team in the iterative development of the stock-and-flow model, one of our core outputs for Aim 3 of the study.

4. Specific Tasks.

The consultant will meet regularly with our qualitative team throughout study years 2-4 to provide guidance and input on the development of a stock-and-flow model representing processes for Veterans engaged in lung cancer screening.

Meetings will occur on an as-needed basis and scheduling will be decided by the qualitative team and the consultant. The consultant will not have access to protected health information (PHI) or potentially identifiable information (PII) and will only review aggregate qualitative results presented by the qualitative team.

The development of the stock-and-flow model requires iteration at several points, notably following feedback from study participants on the model which will be solicited during Aim 3 interviews. At each point of iteration, the consultant will draw on expertise in Systems Dynamics to interpret aggregate study findings, including participant feedback, and provide guidance or direct revisions concerning the model.

5. Performance Monitoring (if applicable).

The consultant’s work will be evaluated on an ongoing basis by the study team.

The final deliverable will be a stock-and-flow model developed in collaboration between the study team and the consultant; the expectation is that this model will be representative of the goals of Aim 3 of this study as outlined above.

6. Security Requirements.

The contractor employees shall not have access to VA sensitive or computer information and will not require routine access to VA Facilities. The contractor employees shall require intermittent access only and will be escorted by VA employees while at VA Facilities. No background investigation is required.

7. Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE)/Government-Furnished Information (GFI).

No GFE or GFI is required for this contract.

8. Other Pertinent Information or Special Considerations.

Nonapplicable.

9. Risk Control

There were no risks identified in the development of this Scope of Work.

10. Place of Performance.

All work undertaken by the consultant will be conducted remotely at their institution of residence. Collaboration with the study team will take place synchronously via Microsoft Teams and asynchronously via email. The study team will operate at the VA Portland Health Care System.

11. Period of Performance.

Base plus 2-year contract.

12. Delivery Schedule.

The consultant’s contributions to the stock-and-flow model will be completed at the close of Aim 3.