On July 19, 2007, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation (DAIT), American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) co-organized a one-day workshop entitled - Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy. More than 20 professional societies and organizations sent representatives to this meeting. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the potential value of clinical guidelines to be generated with input from a broad range of health care providers who diagnose and treat patients with food allergies and diseases related to food allergy such as atopic dermatitis, asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis. The workshop participants concluded that a significant need exists for guidelines that could be used in a variety of clinical and health care settings. The NIAID plans to use a report based on a systematic literature review, in conjunction with consensus expert opinion, to develop clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy. Drafting of the guidelines will be performed by an independent Food Allergy Guidelines Expert Panel. Step 1: Review of the scientific and clinical literature by an independent Contractor. The Contractor will perform a systematic review, and will evaluate and grade the data. This Contractor will also produce a draft and a final evidence-based report summarizing the state-of-the-science, including knowledge gaps and areas in which consensus has not been reached. Step 2: The NIAID will establish an Expert Panel that includes representatives from professional organizations, patient advocacy groups, NIH Institutes, and other government agencies that have a substantial interest in the care of individuals with food allergy. The Panel will develop draft Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy. The Panelists will use both the evidence-based report and consensus expert opinion as the basis for developing draft guidelines. Draft guidelines will be made available for public review and comment prior to completing the final guidelines. It is anticipated that the Contractors who produce the evidence-based report (Step 1) will designate representatives to serve as consultants to the Expert Panel in an ad hoc capacity. Step 3: The Expert Panel will develop the final set of guidelines based on its review of the draft guidelines, public comment, and endorsement by the participating organizations. The final guidelines will be disseminated to healthcare practitioners and the public by the NIAID and the participating organizations. The ultimate goal of this solicitation is to produce a report of the state of food allergy science in a manner that can used to develop clinical guidelines that will be directly applied to healthcare decisions made by clinicians, patients, policy-makers and payers. The report is expected to cover all relevant clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic areas, including prevention. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA: A. Feasibility of the Approach 45 Points The Contractor will be evaluated on how well it demonstrates its understanding of the functional and technical requirements as well as the methodology for fulfilling the requirements of the SOW. The approach will be evaluated by assessing the degree to which the proposal meets the stated goals and objectives of the Statement of Work and provides sound methods for achieving timely and acceptable performance. B. Staffing/Management Approach 25 Points Documented availability, qualifications, experience, education and competence of professional, technical and other personnel who will be assigned to work on this contract. Documentation should include resumes, endorsements, and explanation of previous experience in preparing systematic literature reviews. The names of expert consultants to be hired should not be included, although a plan for the selection and use of expert consultants should be provided. Managerial ability to achieve delivery or performance requirements as demonstrated by the proposed use of management and other personnel resources, and to successfully manage the project, as evidenced by the management plan and demonstrated by previous experience. The Contractor will be evaluated on the project staffing strategy, a plan for the selection and use of expert consultants, estimated hours and labor mix, the experience, skills and qualifications of the proposed personnel to adequately minimize risk and successfully complete the requirements of this Contract. C. Experience and Resources 30 Points The Contractor will be evaluated on the quality, applicability (e.g., similarity of work), and significance (e.g., size, cost, difficulty) of relevant experience as it relates to the requirements of this RFQ. Additionally, the Contractor will be evaluated on the documented availability of adequate physical facilities, equipment and other resources necessary to meet the requirements of this project. TOTAL: 100 Points The Government anticipates making a single award on/about September 5, 2008. It is anticipated that the duration of the contract will be a maximum three (3) years; however, the length of time for which funds is requested should be consistent with the nature and complexity of the proposed research. Any responsible offeror may submit a proposal which will be considered by the Agency. This RFQ will be available electronically on/about July 10, 2008, and may be accessed through FedBizOpps http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. This notice does not commit the Government to award a contract. No collect calls will be accepted. No facsimile transmissions will be accepted.
