Community Field Center Establishment & Tribal Engagement

The contract entails establishing and operating a Community Field Center to support a longitudinal cohort study focused on Native American young adults, with a strong emphasis on tribal engagement and cultural appropriateness. Key responsibilities include securing necessary approvals from tribal governments, forming and sustaining a Community Advisory Board composed of tribal representatives to guide study design and implementation, and conducting culturally grounded outreach efforts to build trust and ensure meaningful participation. All activities must be rooted in respectful, collaborative partnerships with Native communities, honoring sovereignty and traditional values throughout the research process. The center will serve as the primary operational hub for recruitment, data collection, and community liaison activities, with performance centered in Bethesda, Maryland, under the oversight of the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This subcontract, classified under NAICS code 923120, is designed to advance public health research through ethical and culturally responsive methods, requiring the contractor to navigate complex tribal governance structures while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. Proposals must be submitted by May 26, 2026, and the work demands deep cultural competency, proven experience in tribal engagement, and the ability to sustain long-term relationships with Native communities.