Science and Health Communication Consulting Services

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking Science and Health Communication Consulting Services through a competitive solicitation. The requirement is for a lead consultant to provide comprehensive communication support for the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD), involving tasks such as creating newsletters, managing website content, developing digital communication assets, supporting scientific manuscript editing, and conducting bi-monthly science communication trainings. The government will award a firm-fixed-price purchase order with a 12-month base period and four 12-month option years. Technical capability and past performance will be significantly more important than price in the evaluation process, with the successful offeror required to submit detailed labor categories, estimated hours, fully loaded rates, and other direct costs. Quotes are due by 9:00 AM EST on December 6, 2024, and must be submitted electronically, with offerors required to be actively registered in SAM.gov.

The solicitation is specifically set aside for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) under NAICS code 541690 with a size standard of $19 million. The contract requires a part-time lead consultant working 30 hours per week (1,560 hours annually) from January 2024 through January 2029, with the primary work location at the contractor's site and Building T44 in Bethesda, MD. The lead consultant must possess a PhD in mass communication, expertise in science communication, at least 12 years of relevant experience, and an advanced degree in biological sciences or engineering. Travel reimbursement up to $16,000 annually is included for approved travel within the contiguous United States. The contract includes comprehensive security requirements, including Tier 2S with Subject Interview (Moderate Risk Public Trust) clearance level for contractor employees and mandatory security awareness training.