Performance Work Statement (PWS) Statistical Support Services Introduction This sources sought notice is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA is currently conducting market research to locate qualified, experienced and interested potential sources, especially Veteran Owned and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses. Responses will not be considered as proposals, nor will any award be incurred by interested parties in responding to this sources sought announcement. NCO 1 Contracting is seeking interested sources for a future solicitation and procurement. At this time, no solicitation exists. 2.0 Scope The contractor shall provide statistical support services, to include, but not limited to the following objectives: Objective 1 Use advanced multimodal data analytical tools to integrate and analyze data related to IRB approved studies examining the psychophysiology and neurobiology of PTSD Objective 2 - Use statistical techniques that include, but are not limited to, mixed effect regression models, cluster analysis, and machine learning. Objective 3 - Assist with manuscript preparation and conference submissions. 3.0 Performance Requirements The contractor will be expected to perform the following tasks: Task 1 Exploratory analysis and modeling: Employ exploratory data analysis, including visual analytics, linear modeling, and robust methods to characterize the data and identify key factors for detailed analysis. The goal is to understand both factors associated with PTSD and important interactions. Task 2 Analysis and modeling of neuropsychiatric data: Perform modeling and analysis, including but not limited to hierarchical linear modeling, to understand the stimulus-response relationships and measurements of physiological responses. Task 3 Classifier development: Apply appropriate machine learning techniques to develop one or more classifiers for predicting PTSD among respondents. To the extent possible with available data, perform model validation using leave-on-out and/or cross-fold validation. Task 4 Documentation and publication: In collaboration with the VA, document the analyses in support of suitable journal publications, conference presentations and/or technical reports. The Contractor shall have prior experience and knowledge in specialized statistical analysis and modeling software, including the following: Statistical Software for the Social Sciences (SPSS 1.4.0) Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) MATLAB 4.0 Deliverables The contractor will perform the tasks listed above and will deliver the results of data analyses to the individual Principal Investigator(s) who have collected the data. These results will be used to enhance a better understanding of PTSD. Additionally, results will be used in presentations at national and international conferences and publications in top tier medical journals. A quality assurance surveillance plan will be submitted as part of an offer and put into place upon award of contract. After acceptance of the quality assurance surveillance plan, the contractor shall receive the contracting officer s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his quality system. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable OSHA, Federal and State laws, the Joint Commission and regulations required as required for performing the type of services required. The government shall evaluate the contractor s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s). 5.0 Period of Performance The anticipated period of performance is one (1) twelve-month base period after date of contract award with four (4) twelve-month option periods subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Option periods are not guaranteed and are subject to the Contracting Officer exercising each period. 6.0 Submittal Information: Contractors having the skills and capabilities necessary to perform the stated requirements should submit a response as detailed below. Companies should provide clear and unambiguous evidence to substantiate their capability to fulfill the requirements above. Interested parties shall furnish the following minimum information: 1. Company name and address ensure your company is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. 2. Company point of contact name, telephone number, and email address. 3. Evidence that you are a small business (if applicable): Small Business ensure you are listed as small business in SAM, reps and certifications. Provide the NAICS codes you are listed as a small business under. SDVOSB or VOSB (or in the process of certification) ensure you are certified in the veteran database at www.vetbiz.gov. Provide evidence of certification. 4. If your company holds a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract, list the Contract Number and SINs. 5. Capabilities/Qualifications: A written response providing clear and unambiguous evidence to substantiate the capacity to fulfill this requirement. Description of the capabilities/qualifications/skills your company possesses to perform services described above. 6. Past Experience: Brief summary of the company history relative to similar requirements. Response may provide information on a maximum of three similar projects for which the responder was a prime or subcontractor. It is requested that the above information be provided no later than June 9, 2018 at 1:00PM EDT. Responses should be emailed to the contracting specialist at
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