Recruitment and Screening for the Insight into the Determination of Exceptional Aging and Longevity (IDEAL) Study

PRESOLICITATION NOTICE RFP No.: HHS-NIH-NIDA(AG)-RFP-09-008 The National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) intends to solicit a NEW requirement. This procurement is being competed under full and open competitive procedures under NAICS 541712. It is anticipated that a single cost reimbursement, completion type contract will be awarded for a 5-year period of performance beginning on or about April 1, 2010, with an anticipated level of effort of approximately 4 FTEs annually to provide for the recruitment and screening of individuals for eligibility for the "Insight into the Determination of Exceptional Aging and Longevity" or IDEAL Study within the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging (BLSA). The Contractor shall design and implement a recruitment plan that includes multiple, parallel strategies on order to successfully reach potential participants for the IDEAL Study, with particular attention to the recruitment of minorities. The recruitment efforts shall include: a) Advertising of the IDEAL/BLSA study website that will be implemented by NIA; b) Articles written and placed in local and non-local newspapers and magazines, selecting those most likely to reach older individuals who are likely to qualify for the IDEAL Study; c) Develop and run advertisements on local radio stations that broadcast in the catchment area; d) Develop and run advertisements on television stations that broadcast in the catchment area; and, e) Develop pamphlets and brochures for distribution to organizations who have contact with many older individuals who are likely to qualify for the IDEAL Study. The Contractor shall conduct screening in two stages. Stage One shall consist of a telephone interview conducted on all interested individuals 80 years or older recruited. Stage Two screening shall be conducted on all individuals who meet the screening criteria in Stage One. This screening shall consist of in person visits performed either at the homes of potential participants or in an assessment facility established by the Contractor. The Contractor shall conduct a physical exam, a medical history, simple cognitive evaluations, an electrocardiogram (EKG), the administration of physical performance tests, as well as certain blood tests. In addition, the Contractor shall obtain the individuals' consent for participation in the BLSA. The Contractor shall meet a minimum enrollment of 100 participants per year enrolled into the BLSA who are eligible for the IDEAL Study. A database of all information collected from all potential participants screened in both stages shall be developed by the Contractor. A System of Records shall be maintained for this contract in accordance with the Privacy Act. The Contractor shall establish and maintain appropriate information system security measures to protect NIH information and information systems; ensure that all web content or communications conforms to applicable Section 508 standards (see: http://www.hhs.gov/od/Final_Section_508_Policy.html and http://www.hhs.gov/od/508policy/index.html ). The Contractor shall develop and implement standards and procedures for the entry and quality control of all data, ensuring that all data are accurate, complete and entered into the database in a timely fashion. Contractor personnel shall be trained as necessary to ensure a high quality of data collected and entered. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the agency. This notice does not commit the Government to award a contract. No collect calls will be accepted. No facsimile transmissions will be accepted No facilities and or equipment will be provided by the government. Points of Contact Drake Russell, Contract Specialist, Phone: 301-443-0212, Fax: 301-443-0501, Email: russeldr@mail.nih.gov Teresa A. Baughman, Contracting Officer, Phone: 301-443-1193, Fax: 301-443-0501 Email: baughmat@nida.nih.gov