National Children's Study-Vanguard Center

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) intends to negotiate sole source awards with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Mount Sinai Medical School of Medicine; University of North Carolina; South Dakota State University; University of California, Irvine; University of Utah; and University of Wisconsin. The Government is currently conducting a study entitled The National Children's Study (NCS). This study is a longitudinal cohort study intended to capture data about exposure and events in childhood, so that researchers can analyze the long-term developmental effects of environmental factors. Children will be followed from before birth until the age of 21 years. The goal of the Study is to provide information that will ultimately lead to improvements in the health, development, and well being of children. It is anticipated that Study participants will be enrolled from 105 distinct geographic areas (referred to as Study Locations) across the country to form a statistically valid national sample. Due to its size and complexity, the NCS was designed to include a preliminary pilot or feasibility study known as the Vanguard Study, its purpose is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and cost of the recruitment strategy, study procedures, and outcome assessments that are to be used in the NCS Main Study. The Vanguard Study begins earlier and then runs in parallel with the NCS Main Study, for the same length of time. At every phase of the NCS, the experience of the Vanguard Study will inform the implementation and analysis plan for the Main Study. The planned awards will allow the seven Vanguard Study Centers to a) continue enrollment of additional women into the Pilot Study from the designated Study Locations and b) continue follow-up visits with participants already enrolled in the Study. Statutory authority to justify this procurement is 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1) as set forth in the FAR 6.3201-1, Only one Responsible Sources. Inherent duplication of costs to the Government and unacceptable delays in providing the required services make competition of this requirement unfeasible. The existing contractors have established the necessary infrastructureand relationships to recruit, enroll and conduct study visits with study participants as well as have facilities located within the Study Locations. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interests and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received with 15 days after the date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed modification based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any questions concerning this announcement or proposals must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer listed.