The Veteran s Administration (VA) Office of Research and Development, Regional Procurement Office East in Pittsburgh, PA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with NYU Grossman School of Medicine of New York on behalf of the VA Boston Healthcare System. The requirement is to provide research assistance for planned VA medical studies. The minimum specifications are located in the following Statement of Work: Contract with New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine to support the Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) at the Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Informatics Center (MAVERIC) Description: To achieve the CSP mission, it is essential VA Boston HealthCare System receive the support and subject matter expertise provided by the NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM). The specific positions required: Data Scientist (Levels I and II), and Biostatistician (Levels I and II). Deliverables shall include guidance in study design, database management, data analysis, data programming, statistical support and subject matter expertise on various research topics including phenotyping, genomics, and advanced data science. Minimum Position Tasks and Qualifications: Data Scientist Level II (DSLII) The DSLII shall design and develop high-impact research studies using retrospective data from the VHA. The DSLII shall actively supervise the study investigators and team members and provide oversight of the study design and use of advanced analytical methods, including planning, data collection and analytical pipeline strategy, interpretation of data, as well as lead publication of scientific results in high impact journals and national and international congresses. The DSLII shall have: PhD in biomedical research, medicine, biostatistics, epidemiology, public health, or other health related field. 10+ year experience working in large integrated teams with clinical investigators, bioinformaticians, electronic medical record (EMR) informaticians 10+ year experience working with EMR data for research 10+ year experience in mentoring fellows and supervising research teams. 10+ year experience leading research projects using biomedical data including biomarkers, imaging, and other forms of structured and unstructured data. Developing and applying novel methodologies. Ability to execute research projects from conceptualization to study design to full execution. Ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. Strong publication record. Expertise in model selection and validation, statistical interference with high dimensional data Expertise in R, Python, and SQL programming languages Data Scientist Level I (DSLI) The DSLI shall carry out research using advanced data science methods including machine learning, causal inference and advanced statistics to solve healthcare related scientific questions. The DSLI shall contribute to planning, processing electronic health records data, design of analytical pipelines in SQL, R, and Python language and interpretation and publication of results in high impact scientific journals under the supervision of DSLII. The DSLI shall have: MS degree in biostatistics, epidemiology, engineering or any computer or data science-related field and 2-4 years of experience Enrolled in an academic program and working towards completing a PhD degree in a quantitative discipline such as Machine Learning, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or Statistics is desired. Experience with one or more machine learning and survival analysis frameworks. Fluency with Python, R, and SQL operating systems. Familiar with applying machine learning and survival analysis on scientific data. Track record of publications applying computational models is desired. Perseverance, positive attitude, and a strong desire to improve healthcare problems through the use of big data and advanced computational models. Biostatistician Level II (BLII) The BLII shall be a cornerstone in the execution of research projects in coordination with DSLII and providing guidance and support for the rest of study team. The BLII shall be responsible of implementing advanced mathematical methodologies to the biomedical data. The BLII must have: MS degree in mathematics, biostatistics, engineering or a data science-related field 5+ years of experience in quantitative medical research, including bioinformatics, advanced statistics, and precision medicine. 5+ years of experience in Python, R, and SQL operating systems. Experience in research projects from conceptualization to pipeline development and full execution. 5+ year experience in clinical research involving electronic medical records (EMR), the use of structured and unstructured data, and clinical trial design. Experience developing and applying advanced biostatistical methods. Strong publication record. Expertise in model selection and validation, statistical interference with high dimensional data Biostatistician Level I (BLI) The BLI shall function to drive projects and as part of a team with the other study members and mentors. The BLI work shall be central to the execution of research projects. Familiarity with R, Python, and other commonly used languages in bioinformatics and experience with statistical modelling is desired. Training and mentorship shall be provided both by the DSLII and by the other study team members on scientific and technical approaches with the goal of building a career in predictive analytics of healthcare outcomes and clinical research. The BLI must have: Bachelor degree in engineering or any computer or data science-related field. Fluency with Python, R, and SQL operating systems. Over 2 years of experience in quantitative research, including Machine Learning, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or Statistics. Demonstrated ability to think creatively and to solve problems with a strong attention to detail. Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Abundant motivation with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Security and Training: All contracted personnel are required to have a favorably adjudicated background investigation as well as successfully complete all required V.A. trainings prior to working on VA projects. Travel: Travel for 4 persons per year to attend scientific conference Period of Performance: Period of performance will be from the date of the award for a base period of 12 months and four 12-month option periods. The requirement will take place at a VA facility in Boston, MA. The sole source is pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, however; any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement and supporting documentation to the contracting office no later than Tuesday, July 26, 2022, (10:00 AM, EST). Interest/capability statements may be sent to Michael Haydo at
[email protected]. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.