Veteterian Training Initiative

Request for Information "Veterinary Training Initiative" Synopsis: This is a Request for Information (RFI). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. This notice is for MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY, and in no way obligates the United States Government to issue a solicitation or otherwise make a contract award. This notice is open to all interested parties. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) intends to establish and support a veterinarian training program pilot initiative to deliver training modules designed to support differential diagnosis of infectious diseases related to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) list of Select Agents and Toxins via a distance learning platform for veterinarians and other animal health care professionals or paraprofessionals in CBEP partner countries. This RFI is being issued to determine if there are qualified sources. Background: DTRA/CBEP aims to restructure its training program according to a measurable, goal-oriented framework that utilizes internationally recognizable, peer reviewed, and evidence based technical content. To this end, DTRA/CBEP is exploring options to introduce a robust approach to promote the explicit and judicious use of current best medical evidence in making clinical decisions at the point-of-care in partner-countries and establish a distance learning platform for veterinary trainings. Purpose and Objectives: CBEP is looking to obtain information on potential providers that have developed or have the sufficient capability to develop a comprehensive offering of regularly updated and peer-reviewed veterinary training material (to target veterinarians and/or veterinary paraprofessionals) that may also be delivered in multiple formats. The provider should not only convey a recognized reputation with expertise in the areas of veterinary medicine, but also demonstrate experience and/or willingness to collaborate with resource-constrained international partners. The provider should have experience partnering with governments across the world, including the regions of the Former Soviet Union, Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia, to support their strategic animal health objectives, while taking into consideration their level of skills, experience, and healthcare infrastructure. The provider shall demonstrate a suite of capabilities that contain the following: - Training modules based on competency of user(s) - Testing mechanism to measure competency and proficiency of user(s) - Personalized recommendations for training, and tracking mechanism for completed modules - Topics corresponding to internationally recognized guidelines (e.g. OIE Day 1 Competencies for Graduating Veterinarians) - Translation into multiple languages (optional but encouraged) Response Requirements: The U.S. Government invites sources to respond to this RFI that have the capability to meet these parameters and would have an interest to bid on a requirement of similar objectives. Any and all information submitted in response to this notice is strictly voluntary and in no way obligates the U.S. Government to a monetary compensation or otherwise to make a contract award. The U.S. Government will not return any submitted data and information. Responses shall be structured in the following format: - Background and history - Summary of capabilities and how they will help veterinarians accurately and safely detect and diagnose infectious diseases caused by Select Agents and Toxins, and how these capabilities can support global biosurveillance efforts - Describe how the capabilities are currently delivered and/or how delivery is envisioned - List countries and/or regions the provider is actively engaged with and/or have expressed interest to work with - If applicable, list incentives that are given to resource-constrained partners - Active contracts or grants with other US Government agencies Submission Instructions: Responses shall be limited to five (5) pages 8x11 pages including diagrams, and shall confirm source's ability and interest to meet purpose and objectives provided above. Pages not included in the total page count are the cover page, the cover letter and the table of contents. Submission shall include: - Cover letter expressing interest to meet purpose and objectives provided above - Cover page with contact information of preparer(s), other contributors, and contracting point of contact (if applicable) Respondents shall respond to this RFI via email to: kamesha.r.walker.ctr@mail.mil Disclaimer and Important Notes: This is a Request for Information. There is no solicitation available at this time. Requests for Solicitation and inquiries related to same will not receive a response. THIS NOTICE IS PUBLISHED FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY, AND IN NO WAY OBLIGATES THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION OR OTHERWISE MAKE A CONTRACT AWARD. Any and all information submitted in response to this synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this notice and shall become the property of DTRA/SCC-WMD. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organizations qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Confidentiality: No classified or confidential information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). Any proprietary information should be clearly marked.