Internet Analysis on Marketing and Sales of Tobacco Products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), intends to issue a solicitation to obtain services for assistance in developing policy options regarding tobacco internet marketing and sales. This is not a solicitation for proposals. The purpose of this notice is to obtain capability statements regarding the availability and capability of qualified small business sources for the proposed acquisition. Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a small business set-aside is possible. The NAICS Code for this requirement is 541990, All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. Background On June 22, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA) into law. FSPTCA authorizes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products. In 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry's report indicated the causal relationship between tobacco use and serious health related diseases. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease for both men and women. Cigarettes account for over 440,000 deaths each year and $193 billion in healthcare costs annually. Cigarette use can result in a lifetime of consequences for health. The CTP is requesting assistance with regulatory and policy analysis of tobacco control regulation or other tobacco control initiatives. Objective The objective of this acquisition is Documentation and Literature review, and Support for Policy Analysis and Regulatory Action. 1. 0 Statement of Work Overview: The project will increase knowledge and understanding of the internet tobacco vendor sales community and will establish a baseline from which to assess changes in marketing strategies and sales of the tobacco industry. The results will be used to further understand internet activities of the following: retailers' understanding, attitudes, and behaviors around tobacco initiation and sales to youth; consumer's behavior in purchasing tobacco products; sale of non-compliant products; tax collection for states, and other related areas. 1.1 Task 1: Kick-off meeting Task 1. Following communication from the COR of the notice of award of the task order, the Contractor shall meet with the COR and FDA staff to discuss the proposed work plan and proposed progress schedule. 1.2 Task 2: Contractor Feedback for Next Steps Task 2. The Contractor shall prepare and submit a final work plan based on the proposed progress schedule and feedback on the project's clarity, methodology, and expectations. In case a second conference call is needed with the COR to resolve any issues, the Contractor shall set up the call. 1.3 Task 3: Literature Review Task 3. The Contractor shall perform an annual literature review summarizing the scientific evidence related to the impact of internet tobacco vendors on tobacco use especially youth initiation. The purpose of this literature review will be to understand what is known about marketing and sales behaviors of the tobacco industry through the internet as well as the impact of internet tobacco vendors on tobacco use, especially youth initiation. The contractor shall deliver a summary report of the literature review. 1.4 Task 4: Research Plan Task 4. After completion of the first literature review, the Contractor shall develop a research plan to monitor online tobacco information. Contractor shall devise a plan to monitor and provide quarterly reports summarizing required surveillance information. In addition to providing the surveillance data, Contractor will provide a summary analysis and recommendations. 1.5 Task 5: FDA Review The FDA will review the research plan within 2 weeks of being submitted. The Contractor will make requested revisions to the proposed research plan in coordination with the COR. 1.6 Task 6: Quarterly Monitoring Reports The Contractor shall deliver electronically a quarterly report summarizing the internet monitoring described in the research plan developed under Task 1.4. 1.7 Task 8: Progress Reports (Monthly) The contractor shall submit an invoice monthly to the COR. 1.8 Contract Type This is an anticipated firm fixed price type contract. 1.9 Period of Performance Base Period (12 Months) + 4 (12 month) Optional Periods 2.0 Place of performance It is anticipated that the preponderance of work to be performed at the contractor's location. CAPABILITY STATEMENT This notice is issued for informational purposes and is not a request for competitive proposals. Any interested party should submit a statement of capabilities in sufficient detail to determine if the requirements of this synopsis can be met, no later than 15 days from the date of this announcement. The solicitation will be available on or about May 30, 2012, on the Federal Business Opportunities website at https://www.fbo.gov. Prospective offerors are responsible for downloading the solicitation and amendments. It is the offerors responsibility to monitor the Federal Business Opportunities website for the release of the solicitation and amendments. Hard copies will be provided to individuals eligible under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act upon request. Responses and capability statements for this synopsis must be sent via email to: Vivian.Lucas@fda.hhs.gov within 15 days from the date posted of this notice. No phone calls will be accepted.