U -- National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Science Enrichment Program (SEP)

This proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with the University of Kentucky, pursuant to the authority of FAR 6.302-1. This contract action will represent two (02) additional years of contract performance for the National Cancer Institute?s (NCI) Science Enrichment Program (SEP). NCI implemented the SEP in 1990. The program encourages rising tenth-graders from under-represented minority and medically under-served population to pursue careers in biomedical research. The overall goals of the program are to: 1) encourage under-represented minority and underserved students to select careers in science, mathematics and/or research, 2) broaden and enrich students? science, research, and socio-cultural backgrounds. The major objectives through which these goals are met are executed by 1) providing opportunities for student to experience the fields of science, mathematics and laboratory research through hand-on techniques and resources that extend beyond those of the typical high school classroom 2) provide students with an ?I can-do-it? feeling regarding their abilities in the sciences and 3) Contribute to the advancement of a strong core future researchers. The project expanded in 1992 with the award of four competitive contracts. The project was re-competed in 1998 with a successful award to the University of Kentucky. As of July 2002 approximately 1,750 students had participated in the SEP experience. Although there are no longitudinal data yet about these students? continuing interests in the sciences as a career, data are beginning to show positive increases in their levels of academic confidence and attitudes about science. In addition to assessing the aptitudes and attitudes of current students and tracking their progress, the program?s evaluation component also includes a survey of the 1,250 students who participated in SEP prior to 1997. The alumni study and collection of data was temporarily halted by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) June 2002 pending their approval of NCI?s revised collection plan submitted in March of this year. The revised plan also included a request for a six-month extension to complete a final round of parent?s surveys. OMB will provide authorization to continue only after resolution of any issues that may be raised during the lengthy approval process. The intent of this sole source action is to prevent a programming hiatus with the SEP while NCI receives OMB approval and subsequently completes the evaluation work necessary to make an informed, evidenced-based decision regarding the continuation of the SEP program. The data necessary for this decision will not be completed by the time the current contracts expire. This extension will provide contract performance through January 2005. This action is under the authority of 41 USC 253(c)(1), as set forth in FAR 6.302-1 and HHSAR 306.302. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. All proposals received within 45 days after publication of the synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract modification based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement (See numbered note 22).