R -- The Role of the Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps in Providing Health Care Services to American Indian and Alaskan Native Communities

This is not a solicitation announcement. This is a sources sought synopsis only. The purpose of this sources sought synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classifications 8(a) and HUBZONE relative to this 541720 - Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities, North American Industrial Classification Code (NAICS). Responses to this sources sought synopsis will be used by the Government to make appropriate determinations about potential sources only. The period of performance for the intended contract shall be eighteen months. Responses to this notice shall include company name, address, point of contact, size of business pursuant to the NAICS code and must respond to the following questions: 1) Are you considered to be a certified HUBZone firm? 2) Does your firm qualify as a small disadvantaged business? 3) If disadvantaged, specify is your firm certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act? 4) Are you considered to be woman-owned or operated business? (5) Are you a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned or Veteran Owned? In addition, please provide a capability statement addressing your organization's ability to perform as a prime contractor for the following: Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Officers have been providing health care services for the American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) since the early 1900's. Until 1955 this was accomplished by assignment of officers to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In 1955, the Federal responsibility for providing healthcare services to AI/AN was transferred to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, now known as the Department of Health and Human Services. The accomplishments of the PHS Commissioned Corps Officers have been unprecedented in the history of service for indigenous peoples. While this accomplishment may be well recorded in general terms, the role of the PHS Commissioned Corps Officers has not been compiled or documented into a single document. Because of this lack of documentation, there is often a lack of knowledge and awareness, on the part of the general public and American Indian and Alaska Native communities, of the role the Corps has played in AI/AN healthcare in the past and, thus, the future positive potential for the service of these officers who clearly serve with distinction. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a fuller documentation of the activities and accomplishments of the PHS Commissioned Corps relative to improving the health of AI/AN. This documentation would include a pamphlet for public consumption and a full report of Commissioned Corps activities within AI/AN communities. A significant portion of the personnel working on this project should have had experience as Commissioned Corps Officers in the IHS; however, the Contractor may hire graduate students in public health as associate researchers. Face to face interviews are required so there will some travel involved. It is expected that research and preparation of the report will take approximately 18 months. This is not a request for proposal and in no way obligates the Government to award any contract. Responses to this notice shall sent to Michele Namoski, Contracting Officer, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Program Support Center, Strategic Acquisitions Service, Division of Acquisition Management, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 5-101, Rockville, MD 20857. Responses must be received in writing no later than 4:00pm, local prevailing time, June 8, 2004. Responses to this sources sought announcement will not be considered adequate responses to the solicitation, a request to be added to a prospective offerors list or to receive a copy of the solicitation. No solicitation is currently available.