Clinical Research Training

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number is NIH-NICHD-10-107 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-40. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 541990 and the business size standard is $7M. However, this solicitation is not set aside for small business. This acquisition is being conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) intends to contract on a sole source basis with Duke University Medical Center to continue to provide an on-line certificate program in clinical research methodology to trainees in the Clinical Research Reproductive Scientist Training (CREST) scholars. This is an ongoing collaboration between NICHD and Duke University. The program’s goals will be accomplished by the development and implementation of a model for on-line training in the principles, methods, ethics and management of clinical research based on Duke University’s Clinical Research Training (CRTP). This requirement includes the following to be performed by Duke University to continue to: 1) Provide a program web-page w/information about program content and structure, how to prepare for on-line learning, resources required to participate, the faculty and frequently asked questions. 2) Develop six on-line course based on existing Duke University CRPT program core course (Principles of Clinical Research, Responsible Conduct of Research and Research Management and electives such as Clinical Trials and Genetic Analysis and one Practicum course. 3) Provide a student support system using existing on-line campus infrastructure, faculty mentors and periodic group seminars 4) Deliver on-line courses using Blackboard™ platform supported by Duke University. 5) Evaluate effectiveness of instruction, impact of program and user satisfaction. 6) Revise program as appropriate based on evaluation. 7) Institutionalize program within Duke’s Clinical Research Training Program family of programs (to allow students access to Duke’s educational resources and to allow for the awarding of a Certificate in Clinical Research upon satisfactory completion of the program) and 8) Disseminate program information and lessons learned through appropriate academic and professional channels. Duke University personnel (located at Duke University) within the following programs: CRTP Educational Team, Educational Media Services, Center of Instructional Technology and Duke University Medical Center Library will provide/support the operation of the existing CRTP and other campus programs that utilize a mix of technological methods to deliver education programs. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of the 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), FAR 6.302. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations however, all responses received, within 15 days from the date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. The offeror must include a completed copy of the provision of FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items with its offer. The provisions of FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items; and FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items – Deviation for Simplified Acquisitions applies to this acquisition. The offeror must include their Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. The clauses are available in full text at http://www.arnet.gov/far. Interested vendors capable of furnishing the government with the service specified in this synopsis should submit two (2) copies of their quotation to the below address. Quotations will be due fifteen (15) calendar days from the publication date of this synopsis or by May 13, 2010 by 3pm EST. The quotation must reference “Solicitation number” NIH-NICHD-10-107. All responsible sources may submit a quotation, which if timely received, shall be considered by the agency. Quotations must be submitted in writing to Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 5Z00, Bethesda, MD 20852. Attention: Tina Robinson. Faxed copies/responses will not be accepted. Email copies/responses will not be accepted. Note: In order to receive an award, contractor must be registered and have valid certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) http://www.ccr.gov