PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION AIDS-RELATED SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION AIDS-RELATED SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTRODUCTION The following requirement shall be solicited utilizing FAR Subpart 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures and is therefore mandated by law to be set aside for small business concerns. The Simplified Acquisition award threshold shall not exceed $100,000. This SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE seeks to determine the availability of small business concerns (e.g. 8(a) concerns, service-disabled, veteran-owned small business concerns, HubZone small business concerns, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses) that have the capability to: Develop and implement a model training program, specifically designed to train domestic violence service providers that counsel female survivors of domestic violence, to address the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS prevention intervention strategies with their clients. Also provide training to HIV/AIDS service providers on the intersection between domestic violence and HIV/AIDS. This information is sought for market research purposes and will assist the Government plan its acquisition strategy. THIS IS STRICTLY MARKET RESEARCH. THE OFFICE ON WOMEN'S HEALTH WILL NOT ENTERTAIN QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS MARKET RESEARCH. BACKGROUND Female victims of domestic violence are particularly vulnerable to contracting HIV/AIDS because many are unable to protect themselves from infected partners. Unlike individuals in non-abusive partnerships, individuals in abusive partnerships do not have the liberty to negotiate safe-sex practices such as using condoms or practicing abstinence. There is a severe imbalance of power in abusive relationships, moreover, many individuals are unable to promptly leave their partners'should they suspect that their partner is having unprotected sex with others, using illegal substances, or engaging in other HIV related risky behaviors. Through this program, counselors and shelter workers are trained to integrate the messages about the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS in the services they provide to survivors of domestic violence. The major aim of this program is to educate counselors about how they can incorporate HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, and provide HIV/AIDS-related services, in a manner that is sensitive to the unique social and emotional challenges of the survivors. This program should include teaching materials for both group and one-on-one settings. RESPONSE INFORMATION Responses must clearly convey a contactors experience and/or capability to perform the following identified tasks: 1. Develop and implement a model training program for domestic violence service providers and HIV/AIDS service providers on the intersection between domestic violence and HIV/AIDS. 2. Build (lead and develop) partnerships/coalitions between the domestic violence service community and the HIV/AIDS services community. 3. Develop capacity within a community among community organizations to service the needs of survivors of domestic violence who may be at risk for HIV/AIDS. 4. Develop an effective, evidenced-based method for assessment of the model program. 5. Plan a regional and national level meeting focusing on the intersection between domestic violence and HIV/AIDS. 6. Work in collaboration with other contractors and Federal staff members. 7. Write, publish and present information obtained from research and from implementing this model training program. Each response should include the following Business Information: a. DUNS. b. Company Name. c. Company Address. d. Type of Company (i.e., small business, 8(a), woman owned, veteran owned, etc.) as validated via the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). All companies or individual seeking to contract with the Government must register on the CCR located at http://www.ccr.gov/index.asp e. Company Point of Contact, Phone and Email address Teaming Arrangements: All teaming arrangements should also include the above-cited information and certifications for each entity on the proposed team. Teaming arrangements are encouraged. Responses must be submitted not later than July 23, 2008. Capability statements will not be returned and will not be accepted after the due date. The maximum number of pages for submission is 15 pages. GENERAL INFORMATION This Sources Sought Notice is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a commitment by the Government. This is not a solicitation announcement for proposals and no contract will be awarded from this notice. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this evaluation. Capability statements will not be returned and will not be accepted after the due date. The Government will not entertain questions regarding the results of this Market Research; however, general questions prior to submitting a timely response may be forwarded to the following: Contracts Specialist: Heather Harraf Email Address: heather.harraf@psc.gov Contracting Officer: Marie Sunday Email Address: Marie.Sunday@psc.gov