B529--American Association for the Advancement of Science Sole source

The Veteran s Administration (VA) Office of Research and Development, Regional Procurement Office East in Pittsburgh, PA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on behalf of the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF) Program of the Veterans Health Administration Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D).

The requirement is to provide research assistance for planned VA medical studies. The contractor shall manage and administer the STPF program. The STPF program provides opportunities to outstanding scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in the policy realm. Fellows contribute to policy, administration, and implementation of program activities, bringing additional scientific expertise to policymaking and boosting the efficiency of operations of Federal Agencies.

The required services are:

Conducting targeted reviews of existing of scientific literature in specific areas.

Conducting careful program analysis of VA investments in specific research areas.

Working with researchers, clinical leaders and Federal partners to assess relation of VA investments and policies to those of other Federal agencies.

Participating in intra- and inter-agency meetings on specific scientific areas to coordinate VA and other Federal research priorities.

Drafting briefs, fact sheets, presentations and white papers on a range of topics.

Organizing and convening expert meetings with researchers, clinical program leaders and outside experts to help formulate new priorities for VA research.

Developing research solicitations to support research in new program areas and helping organize the review and funding of those projects.

The requirement will take place at the VA Office of Research and Development in Washington, DC. The sole source is pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, however; any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement and supporting documentation to the contracting office no later than Tuesday, June 22, 2021, (10:00 AM, EST). Interest/capability statements may be sent to Michael Haydo at Michael.haydo@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.