R -- Professional Services for Evaluation of the NLM Associate Fellowship Program

This is a synopsis being conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. This solicitation document incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through the July 2005 Federal Acquisition Regulation revision, which includes the consolidation of all Federal Acquisition Circulars through 2005-04. This acquisition is 100% small business set-aside and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541720 with a small business size standard of $6.0 million. It is the intent of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to procure professional services from a qualified vendor to conduct an evaluation of the NLM Associate Fellowship Program. The Associate Fellowship Program is a one-year postgraduate training fellowship at the NLM in Bethesda, Maryland, with an optional second year program component. The program is designed to prepare librarians for future leadership roles in health sciences libraries and in health services research, and is widely known among medical librarians. The Associate Fellows are introduced to a wide range of technologies and skills used in managing information at a national library. Since its inception in 1963, more than 200 individuals have completed the program. The purpose of the evaluation is to track program changes over time and to contact former Associates in order to measure the effects of the program against the goals it set out to accomplish. Qualified vendors should have successful experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research; knowledge of the Associate Fellowship Program; and understanding of the field of medical librarianship. Request for Quotations (RFQ) Number NLM-05 168-UHP will be available on or about August 24, 2005. Request for RFQ NLM-05 168-UHP may be obtained by writing to the National Library of Medicine, Office of Acquisitions Management, 8600 Rockville Pike, Building 38A, Room B1N20, Bethesda, Maryland 20894; Attention: Uyen H. Phuong, Contract Specialist. Facsimiles WILL NOT BE ACCEPTABLE. The period of performance is anticipated on or about September 19, 2005. All responsive sources may submit a proposal which will be considered by the NLM.