Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Research Board C6645

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Public Health, Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement is issuing RFP 728 2600000364 to procure Director of Research services for the Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Research Board (KSCHIRB). The primary deliverables include impaneling and moderating a peer review Study Section composed of leading researchers in spinal cord and head injury trauma, conducting annual reviews of grant proposals submitted by the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville, presenting findings and recommendations to the KSCHIRB for funding determinations, recruiting Study Section members, monitoring Human Subject Committee and International Animal Care and Use Committee approvals, negotiating contracts with funded institutions, and maintaining comprehensive records and documentation. Mandatory qualifications require a minimum of five years of experience as a funded investigator in National Institute of Health (NIH) Research Protocols, a minimum of five years of service as an NIH Study Section member, and current engagement in grant review and administrative organization of grant proposal services for at least one year. The evaluation criteria include compliance with mandatory requirements and up to 400 points for cost proposals, with an optional 200 points for oral presentations if required by the Commonwealth. The RFP was released on May 5, 2026, with written questions due by May 12, 2026, and proposals due by May 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated contract term runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with the Commonwealth reserving renewal rights for up to two additional two-year periods subject to approval by the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Legislative Research Commission Government Contract Review Committee.

Contractors must maintain independence with no current employment, contractual, financial, or professional affiliation with the University of Kentucky or the University of Louisville to avoid conflicts of interest and preserve grant review integrity. All qualified vendors must provide a notarized affidavit and supporting documentation confirming eligibility to perform required services. The RFP specifies comprehensive insurance requirements, including Commercial General Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and Professional Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 per claim. Contractors must comply with federal regulations under 2 CFR Part 200 and adhere to confidentiality and HIPAA requirements. Pricing shall be submitted on a cost proposal form with a monthly all-inclusive fee structure, with costs broken down by task and billed hourly except for direct purchases such as travel and honorariums, which shall be itemized separately. The solicitation does not guarantee minimum use of the contract, and the Commonwealth reserves the right to reject all proposals or to negotiate fair and reasonable compensation based on submitted pricing.