National Chaplain Center (Office of Rural Health) Education and Training in Rural Areas and Building and Expanding Collaborations in Rural Areas

The Department of Veterans Affairs Mid Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6) intends to negotiate Sole Source commercial service procurement with Dr. James Goalder to expand upon the rural clergy training project that was developed in FY2010. The intention of both the original and expansion project is to increase enrollment of rural OEF/OIF Veterans into needed VA care, to sooth their integration into family and community, to enhance the community's understanding of rural Veterans' readjustment needs, and to enhance the Veteran's sense of belonging to a supportive community. The project contributes to the Office of Rural Health's strategic plan by addressing the following: Access of Rural Veterans to VA healthcare services, Education and Training in Rural Areas and Building Collaborations in Rural Areas. This project requires extensive knowledge of the and spiritual needs of Veterans who have suffered physical, emotional or psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury, symptoms of combat stress, depression and risk for suicide. The period of performance is November 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013 and must be completed during Fiscal Year 13. This proposed procurement is for a service for which the government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement no later than November 7, noon local time. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Point of contact Lori D. Miller, Contract Specialist via e-mail Lori.Miller@va.gov