D325--*Notice of Intent to Sole Source* CBT MobileWorkV Data Hosting Services

New requirement, Base + 4 Option Years. The VAPHS Office of Research has a requirement for the hosting of data being collected from a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) mobile application called CBT MobileWorkV. The app is tailored to assist Veterans with behavioral health and wellness techniques using the cognitive behavioral therapy approach in a self-paced, mobile setting. Data collected from the iOS and Android versions of these applications must be stored on servers for research purposes.

The VA Institutional Review Board (IRB) has already established the University of Pittsburgh Network Operations Center (NOC) as the approved institution and data center for the management, security, and storage of data collected from the CBT MobileWorkV apps. The NOC was approved by the VA IRB for data storage during the clinical trial phase of the CBT MobileWorkV project. The iOS and Android apps have been approved for development (work is ongoing) and data will need stored on approved servers.

Additionally, VA Directive 1663 allows for the VA to enter non-competitive contracts with affiliated educational institutions (as defined in 38 U.S.C. 7302) to acquire hospital care and medical services as well as the use of medical equipment, space or research. 38 U.S.C 1701(6)(D) and (8), respectively, define preventative health services and rehabilitative services. These types of services will be provided by the CBT MobileWorkV mobile app. The storage of data on a server will allow for VA and credentialed Affiliate staff to analyze patient data and improve CBT techniques for Veterans at VAPHS and beyond.

Based on the IRB approval of the University of Pittsburgh s role in data management of this project, and the authority provided by VA Directive 1663, NCO 4 intends to award this requirement on a sole source basis to the University of Pittsburgh.