R -- Health Inequality Surveillance System

It is the intent of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) on a sole source basis with the American Association for International Aging, Albuquerque, NM. A recent Congressionally mandated report, “Unequal Treatment,” found that “even when [their] insurance and income are the same as those of whites, minorities often receive fewer tests and less sophisticated treatment for a panoply of ailments.” This and other recent reports argue that health disparities can be reduced through assiduous attention to data systems and analyses. Despite this awareness, very little national data is available that can be analyzed by race and ethnicity. In addition, there are very few tools that make the data that are available useful. The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a plan to create a health disparities database and GIS tool focused on the health inequities of the indigenous people of the United States. The proposed requirement will be procured under FAR Part 13 - Acquisition of Non-Commercial Items. The American Association for International Aging has developed a proprietary application using GIS technology to display sensitive demographic and health data pertaining to Native Americans. The project will enable NLM to have access to that software and work with the developers to construct an interface suitable for public access. As a member of the Cherokee Nation, the lead staff member of the proposed contractor also has great credibility within minority communities, specifically Native American tribes, and can take a leadership role in identifying potential data sources. Working with this organization is the only way that NLM will not only have access to the desired application, but will enable the library to make this tool available to the public. The Period of Performance is a base period of six months, with a one year option period. This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ), nor is an RFQ available, however, all responsive sources may submit a capabilities statements in a timely manner which will be considered by NLM. Firms interested in responding to the notice must be able to provide the referenced services as specified above. All capabilities statements received in response to this notice will be evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria: Knowledge of and experience with the technology necessary to carry out this work including Geographic Information Systems and databases software, programming for the world wide web (30%); knowledge of or experience with data sources: demographic, vital statistics and other health data and data sources, particularly those appropriate for indigenous populations and sources of data for environmental hazards required to carry out this project (30%); prior experience with issues of health disparities in minority populations (30%); prior experience successfully managing relevant government contracts (10%). Responses must be in writing and must be received in the office within fifteen (15) calendar days from the publication date of this notice. Proposal must include pricing information. NLM Synopsis No. NLM 04-220-VMW shall be noted on all correspondence to this announcement. Inquires regarding this procurement may be made to Valerie M. Whipple, Contracting Officer on (301) 496 6546.