OMB 0990-0115

**PART I - THE SCHEDULE** Request for Proposal

**SECTION A - SOLICITATION FORM** No. AHRQ-05-0013

Date Issued: June 30, 2005

Date Questions Due: July 14, 2005

Date Proposals Due: August 11, 2005

Time Due: 12 noon local time

You are invited to submit a proposal to the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ) for Request for Proposal (RFP) No.
AHRQ-05-0013, entitled "Clinical Decisions and Communications Science
Center." Your proposal must be developed and submitted in accordance
with the requirements and instructions of this RFP. A single award is
anticipated.

A cost-plus-fixed-fee, incrementally funded contract is contemplated for
a two year period of performance with 3 one year options. You are
expected to respond with technical and pricing proposals for the entire
period of performance. In addition to a cumulative cost proposal, the
offeror must submit separate cost proposals for each year of the
proposed contract, including each option period.

If you intend to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation,
please inform the Contracting Officer of your intent by completing the
Proposal Intent Response Form (Attachment 3 to this solicitation) and
send it to the Contracting Officer no later than July 14, 2005. You may
send it to the address below or fax it to 301-427-1740.

It is your responsibility to monitor the web site where the RFP will be
posted to learn about any amendments to the solicitation. The RFP and
any amendments will be posted on two web sites. One is the Federal
Business Opportunities web site:
[www.fedbizopps.gov](http://www.fedbizopps.gov/) and the other is AHRQ's
web site: [www.ahrq.gov](http://www.ahrq.gov/).

Offerors shall submit the following:

A.  Technical Proposal (See Section L.8) **Original and 12 copies**

B.  Past Performance Information (See Section L.9) **Original and 5
    copies**

C.  Business Proposal (See Section L.10) **Original and 5 copies**

D.  Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Plan (See Section L.11)
    **Original and 3 copies**

Your proposal must provide the full name of your company, the address,
including county, Tax Identification Number (TIN), DUN and Bradstreet
No., and if different, the address to which payment should be mailed.

**YOUR ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE LATE PROPOSAL PROVISIONS PROVIDED IN
SECTION L.3 OF THIS RFP. YOUR ATTENTION IS ALSO DIRECTED TO THE
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN SECTION L.8 OF THE
SOLICITATION.**

Questions regarding this solicitation shall be received in this office
no later than July 14, 2005 (See Section L.6). It is preferred that all
questions be submitted electronically by e-mail to Jessica Alderton,
Contracting Officer at the following email address: <jalderto@ahrq.gov>.
Otherwise, please address your written questions to Jessica Alderton,
Contracting Officer, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 540
Gaither Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850 and the envelope should be
marked "Proposal Questions RFP No. AHRQ-05-0013**."**

**[Discussions with any other individual outside the Division of
Contracts Management, may result in rejection of the potential offeror's
proposal]{.underline}.**

The proposal shall be signed by an authorized official to bind your
organization and must be received in our Contracts Office no later than
**12 noon**, local prevailing time, on **August, 2 2005**. Your proposal
must be mailed to the following address:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Division of Contracts Management

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

Hand carried proposals may be dropped off at the above location.
However, please allow ample time as proposals cannot be accepted until
they have gone through security. We will not be held responsible for any
delays that may be incurred getting your proposal through security.

NOTE: The U.S. Postal Service's "Express Mail" [does not]{.underline}
deliver to our Rockville, Maryland address. Packages delivered via this
service will be held at a local post office for pick-up. [The Government
will not be responsible for picking up any mail at a local post
office]{.underline}. If a proposal is not received at the place, date,
and time specified herein, it will be considered a "late proposal."

The RFP does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the
preparation and submission of a proposal. It is also brought to your
attention that the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can
legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in
connection with the proposed acquisition.

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2001-16, all
contractors must be registered in the central contractor registration
(CCR) database in order to conduct business with the government \[See
Section I -  FAR clause 52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration (OCT
2003), Alternate 1 (Oct 2003)\] .  As stated in paragraph (h) of this
clause, additional information can be obtained at
[http://www.ccr.gov](http://www.ccr.gov/) or by calling 1-888-227-2423,
or 269-961-5757.

Requests for any information concerning this RFP should be referred to
Jessica Alderton,

\(301\) 427-1783.

Sincerely,

Jessica Alderton

> Contracting Officer, Contracts Management
>
> Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

**[TABLE OF CONTENTS]{.underline}**

**[PART I]{.underline} [Pages]{.underline}**

Section A Solicitation 1-2

Table of Contents 3

Section B Supplies or Services & Prices/Costs 4-5

Section C Description/Specification/Work Statement 6-33

Section D Packaging and Marking 34

Section E Inspection and Acceptance 34

Section F Deliveries or Performance 35-41

Section G Contract Administration Data 42-44

Section H Special Contract Requirements 45-49

**[PART II]{.underline}**

Section I Contract Clauses 50-55

**[PART III]{.underline}**

Section J List of Attachments 56

**[PART IV]{.underline}**

Section K Representations and Instructions 57-63

Section L Instructions, Conditions & Notices to Offerors 64-86

Section M Evaluation Factors for Award 87-90

**[Attachments]{.underline}**

1\. Past Performance Questionnaire and Contractor Performance Form

2\. SF LLL-A, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

3\. Proposal Intent Response Sheet

4\. Small Business Subcontracting Plan

5\. Guidelines for Developing Web-Based Products

**[SECTION B-SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS]{.underline}**

**B.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES**

> "Clinical Decisions and Communications Science Center." See Section C
> for a complete description.

**B.2.** **ESTIMATED COST AND FIXED FEE**

> **Note:** The Government estimates the cost of this procurement for
> the base period (not including option years) at approximately
> \$4,600,000.
>
> a\. The estimated cost of this two year contract is \$ (TO BE
> COMPLETED UPON AWARD)
>
> b\. The fixed fee for this contract is \$ (TO BE COMPLETED UPON
> AWARD). The fixed fee shall be paid in installments based on the
> percentage of completion of work, as determined by the Contracting
> Officer, and subject to the withholding provisions of the Clauses
> ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT and FIXED FEE incorporated herein.
>
> c\. The Government's obligation, represented by the sum of the
> estimated cost plus fixed fee, is \$ (TO BE COMPLETED UPON AWARD). The
> following is the total estimated cost plus fixed fee broken down by
> year:
>
> [Cost]{.underline} [Fixed Fee]{.underline} [Total]{.underline}
>
> Year 1 (09/12/05-09/11/06) (TO BE COMPLETED UPON AWARD)

Year 2 (09/12/06-09/11/07) (TO BE COMPLETED UPON AWARD)

Option 1 (09/12/07-09/11/08) (TO BE COMPLETED UPON AWARD)

Option 2 (09/12/08-09/11/09) (TO BE COMPLETED UPON AWARD)

Option 3 (09/12/09-09/11/10) (TO BE COMPLETED UPON AWARD)

Total

> d\. Total funds currently available for payment and allotted to this
> contract are \$(TO BE COMPLETED UPON AWARD), of which \$(TO BE
> COMPLETED UPON AWARD) represents the estimated costs, and \$(TO BE
> COMPLETED UPON AWARD) represents the fixed fee.
>
> e\. It is estimated that the amount currently allotted will cover
> performance of the contract through (TO BE COMPLETED UPON AWARD).
>
> f\. The Contracting Officer may allot additional funds to the contract
> without the concurrence of the Contractor. For further provisions on
> funding, see the Limitation of Funds and the Allowable Cost and
> Payment (and Fixed Fee) clauses incorporated into the contract.

**B.3 PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO DIRECT COSTS**

a\. Items Unallowable Unless Otherwise Provided

> Notwithstanding the clauses, ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT, and FIXED
> FEE, incorporated into this contract, unless authorized in writing by
> the Contracting Officer, the costs of the following items or
> activities shall be unallowable as direct costs:

\(1\) Acquisition, by purchase or lease, of any interest in real
property;

> \(2\) Rearrangement or alteration of facilities;
>
> \(3\) Purchase or lease of [any]{.underline} item of general
> purpose-office furniture or office equipment regardless of dollar
> value. (General purpose equipment is defined as any items of personal
> property which are usable for purposes other than research, such as
> office equipment and furnishings, pocket calculators, etc.);

\(4\) Accountable Government property (defined as both real and personal
property with an acquisition cost of \$1,000 or more, with a life
expectancy of more than two years) and \"sensitive items\" (defined and
listed in the [Contractor\'s Guide for Control of Government Property,
1990,]{.underline} regardless of acquisition value;

\(5\) Travel to attend general meetings;

\(6\) Foreign Travel;

\(7\) Any costs incurred prior to the contract\'s effective date;

\(8\) Rental of meeting rooms not otherwise expressly paid for by the
contract;

\(9\) Any formal subcontract arrangements not otherwise expressly
provided for in the contract;

\(10\) Consultant fees in excess of \$500/day; and

> \(11\) Information Technology hardware or software.

b\. This contract is subject to the provisions of Public Law (P.L.)
99-234 which amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to
provide that contractor costs for travel, including lodging, other
subsistence, and incidental expenses, shall be allowable only to the
extent that they do not exceed the amount allowed for Federal employees.

The Contractor, therefore, shall invoice and be reimbursed for all
travel costs in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
31.205-46.

**SECTION C**

**DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT**

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is soliciting
proposals for a Clinical Decisions and Communications Science Center
(Decision Sciences Center). The Center will work with AHRQ and its
contractors to implement Section 1013 of the Medicare Modernization Act
of 2003 (MMA) which focuses on comparative effectiveness of clinical
therapeutics and appropriate clinical approaches**.** In addition, the
Center will assist AHRQ in promoting the usability and comprehension of
complex scientific information for health care decision makers.

Activities of the Decision Sciences Center will support the mandate to
disseminate the scientific evidence in a form that is understandable and
accessible to health care decision makers, namely, patients, providers
and policymakers. This section of the mandate supports the basic premise
that patient safety and health care quality can be enhanced by ensuring
health care decisions are based on quality evidence. AHRQ's
Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs), other synthesis organizations,
and DEcIDE (DEcIDE stands for "Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions
about Effectiveness") Research Centers (DRCs), and other AHRQ
initiatives will develop scientific evidence about the comparative
effectiveness, outcomes, appropriateness, and provision of such items
and services, including prescription drugs. The Decision Sciences Center
will in turn translate the scientific evidence into targeted products
for patients, providers, policymakers and the public. This primary
activity will require familiarity with the evidence reviews and other
research findings which will guide product development.

Other Decision Sciences Center activities will facilitate greater access
to and understanding of scientific evidence as well as provide insights
into the various factors that influence health care decisions, the
identification of partners for disseminating and leveraging information
in collaboration with components of AHRQ, including the Office of
Communication and Knowledge Transfer. The Decision Sciences Center is
encouraged to be innovative in its thinking and approach regarding
contract tasks.

The Decision Sciences Center will be expected to work closely with AHRQ
Offices and Centers (<http://www.ahrq.gov/about/offcntrs.htm>) and AHRQ
programs, involved with implementing Section 1013, including the
Resource Center, the EPCs and other synthesis organizations, and the
DRCs.

A. [Background]{.underline}

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was established in
1989 as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Its
reauthorizing legislation (42 U.S.C. 299 et seq; "Healthcare Research
and Quality Act of 1999\") renamed the Agency as the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and established it as the lead
Federal agency for enhancing the safety, quality, appropriateness, and
effectiveness of health services and access to such services.

To achieve these goals, the Agency conducts and supports a broad base of
scientific research and promotion of improvements in clinical and health
system practices, including the prevention of diseases and other health
conditions. AHRQ sponsors and conducts research that develops and
presents evidence-based information on healthcare outcomes, quality,
patient safety, cost, use and access. Included in AHRQ's mandate is
support of generation, synthesis and dissemination of scientific
evidence, including effectiveness research and analytic methods. AHRQ
also sponsors and conducts research on existing as well as innovative
technologies, and conducts research on methods for measuring quality and
strategies for improving quality.

AHRQ recognizes that a number of populations experience persistent
disparities in access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes. To
address these disparities, AHRQ encourages research projects, including
work performed by the EPCs and DRCs, and the Decision Sciences Center to
include special populations such as low-income groups, racial and ethnic
minority groups, women, children, the elderly, and individuals with
disabilities and chronic health conditions. AHRQ-supported research
helps health care decision makers - patients and clinicians, health
system leaders, and policymakers - make more informed decisions and
improve the quality of health care.

In 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization
Act was enacted into law. Section 1013 of MMA authorizes AHRQ to conduct
research, demonstrations, and evaluations designed to improve the
quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of Medicare, Medicaid, and the
State Children\'s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The essential goals
of the Section 1013 mandate are to develop valid evidence, and make it
easily accessible to decision makers, about the comparative
effectiveness of different treatments and appropriate clinical
approaches to difficult health problems. Achieving these key goals will
encompass reviewing, synthesizing, and translating published and
unpublished scientific evidence, as well as identifying important issues
for which existing scientific evidence is insufficient for making
adequate decisions about health care. Through the EPCs, DRCs and other
synthesis organizations, new scientific evidence will be developed to
address knowledge gaps that are essential to improving the quality,
effectiveness, and efficiency of health care delivered through Medicaid,
Medicare and the SCHIP programs.

In consultation with relevant stakeholders, the Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) undertook a priority setting process for
identifying important topics to initially address the MMA Section 1013
legislation. Recommendations for research made by stakeholders were
reviewed and prioritized by a steering committee composed of
representatives from several components of DHHS. The Department has
published a priority list of ten conditions under which research and
related activities will be initially undertaken. The ten conditions are:
arthritis and non-traumatic joint disorders; cancer; chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease/asthma; dementia, including alzheimer\'s disease;
depression and other mood disorders; diabetes mellitus; ischemic heart
disease; peptic ulcer/dyspepsia; pneumonia; and stroke, including
control of hypertension. It is anticipated that this list of priority
conditions will be reviewed annually and updated according to
programmatic needs, resources, and stakeholder input.

Scientific evidence produced by the EPCs, DRCs and other synthesis
organizations and AHRQ programs will have multiple consumers including
patients, providers, health care systems, provider societies, health
plans, public and private purchasers, States, and others. Working
closely with the Resource Center, the EPCs, the DRCs, and other relevant
components of AHRQ, evidence related to the effectiveness or
appropriateness of specific health care items or services will be
translated by the Decision Sciences Center into targeted products and
used to inform decisions of this diverse group of consumers.
Acknowledging that information alone does not necessarily result in
quality decisions, the Decision Sciences Center will initiate activities
that will communicate the various factors that influence individual
decision making and can be incorporated into decision aids. Developed
decision aids will include: evidence-based information, values
clarification methods, and guidance or coaching in communicating values
and personal preferences (O'Connor, et al, 2004).

B. [Objectives]{.underline}

The purpose of this contract is to establish a research and translation
decision science and communication center that will facilitate access to
and use of evidence-based clinical and health care delivery information,
and foster informed health care decisions by patients, providers, and
policy makers. In support of MMA Section 1013 statutory mandates, the
Decision Sciences Center, in close collaboration with the Agency's
Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer, will serve as the
primary vehicle for making the evidence generated by the EPCs and other
synthesis organizations, and the DRCs both accessible and
understandable. It is anticipated that the Decision Sciences Center will
also assist in translation of additional and related AHRQ supported
research to increase the usability and implementation of these findings.
The Decision Sciences Center will also engage in research and tool
development activities intended to better understand and improve upon
the health decision making process and to identify factors that
contribute to the successful use of scientific findings in decision
making.

The primary contract objectives of the decision science and
communication center are to:

1\. Develop a *health care intervention information service program*
that serves to translate and make accessible scientific evidence
generated by the MMA Section 1013 evidence synthesis, research
activities, and other related AHRQ supported research for patients,
providers and policy makers in ways that promote informed choice.

2\. Develop a *clinical decision science research program* that will
conduct research with the intent of communicating the complexities of
decision making and informs the development of health care information
products, and decision aids.

3\. Develop a *health care intervention decision tools development lab*
that: a) constructs prototypes for decision aids based on information
developed by MMA sponsored research, and b) houses any MMA 1013 related
decision aids.

To better understand the context of this solicitation, it is recommended
that offerors consult descriptions of the issues and definitions
contained in the MMA Section 1013 legislation (see
<http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareReform/108s1013.pdf>).

C. [Specific Requirements]{.underline}

Products and activities stemming from the Decision Sciences Center
contract are intended to help policy makers, providers and patients make
informed and evidence-based decisions on various health care items and
services. Given the breadth of contract tasks, offerors are expected to
assemble a multi-disciplinary core team with expertise in the fields of
health services research, clinical health education, behavior medicine,
decision psychology, marketing, and Web site services and development.
In addition, the offeror should have access to expertise in clinical
specialties and health systems.

Familiarity with the SCHIP, Medicare and Medicaid programs and their
beneficiaries should be addressed in the proposal since they are the
intended primary focus of the MMA 1013 mandate. Previous experience with
the following activities should also be addressed in the proposal:

1\. Developing information tools for a diverse audience. Specific
experiences with patients, low literacy populations, providers, or
policymakers should be emphasized.

2\. Developing decision aids consisting of three key elements:
information, values clarification exercises, and guidance/coaching.

3\. Maintaining Web pages within the AHRQ Web site.

The tasks to be completed by the Decision Sciences Center are outlined
below:

Contract Management

**Task 1 Participate in an orientation meeting to discuss center goals
and tasks**

**Subtask 1.1** Meet with AHRQ staff within 5 days of the effective date
of the contract to discuss the goals, objectives and assigned tasks. The
"kick-off" meeting will include representatives of various AHRQ programs
and AHRQ's Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer. The
discussion will also include how the center will interface and
coordinate with the other AHRQ partners (Resource Center, EPCs and other
synthesis organizations, and DRCs) and AHRQ components in accomplishing
all tasks under the three major programmatic components stipulated in
the RFC. A schedule for periodic meetings (via regular conference calls
or in-person meetings) will be established to ensure the successful
completion of this requirement.

**Subtask 1.2** Discuss the project tasks in detail to ensure a full
understanding of the work envisioned under this contract and the
required resources.

**Subtask 1.3** Within 2 weeks of the meeting, develop a comprehensive
work plan, with a projected timeline. The plan should address the
specific tasks outlined in the RFC and incorporate those areas addressed
during the meeting. The work plan shall also address mechanisms for
frequent (at least monthly) scheduled communications with the resource
center, DRCs, the Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer, and
the Project Officer. The work plan shall be updated on an annual basis,
or at mutual agreement between AHRQ and the contractor.

**Task 2 Develop and implement an evaluation plan**

**Subtask 2.1** Develop an evaluation plan to measure the impact of the
various translational products (e.g., information and decision aids) on
the target audiences. The evaluation will include process measures
(e.g., number of products requested from the AHRQ Publications
Clearinghouse or downloaded) but extend to intermediate measures (e.g.,
was there a change in knowledge or attitudes, was the product useful in
the decision making process) deemed relevant to this project. The
Project Officer will coordinate the access of this information with the
AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse Project Officer. The plan should also
allow for exploration into the impact of the different dissemination
modes. Information collected during the evaluation will be used to
inform the development of future products.

**Subtask 2.2** The evaluation plan shall be submitted to AHRQ for
approval. Upon approval, the plan shall be implemented.

**Task 3 Provide progress reports to AHRQ**

**Subtask 3.1** Submit monthly reports to AHRQ with sufficient detail to
support monitoring of contractor progress on key activities for the
previous month. The report should include activities performed within
each task; barriers or problems encountered in performance of tasks and
how they were handled; labor hours expended and an estimate of costs;
and any issues of which AHRQ should be aware. The progress reports do
not preclude the contractor from contacting AHRQ regarding any issue
that may have a negative impact on the project.

**Subtask 3.2** Submit quarterly reports to AHRQ. The progress report
should include a description of project accomplishments for the previous
quarter and activities planned for the upcoming quarter. Any changes in
the delivery schedule should also be addressed. Reporting requirements
may change over the course of the contract.

**Task 3.3** Participate in monthly management meetings which will
include staff from the Resource Center, the EPCs and other synthesis
contractors, the DRCs, the Project Officer, and staff from AHRQ's Office
of Communication and Knowledge Transfer. The meetings do not need to be
in-person and can utilize teleconferencing and video conferencing as
appropriate.

Health Care Intervention Information Service Program

**Task 4 Develop a health care intervention information service program
in partnership with evidence review and synthesis contractors (e.g., the
EPCs), the DRC contractors and the Resource Center.**

**Subtask 4.1** The contractor shall establish an on-going working
relationship with the Effective Health Care Resource Center, EPCs, and
DRCs to ensure awareness of the different topics and which EPC will be
working on the assigned topic. The contractor shall also inquire about
timelines to ensure they are prepared to start the translation process
at the earliest date. The Project Officer will coordinate relationships
with other AHRQ funded projects to ensure that appropriate findings from
these efforts are effectively included in the translation process. This
is intended to be an ongoing processes to promote translation efforts
that are proactive, informed, and inclusive of all relevant studies.

**Task 5 Conduct assessment of information needs among target
audiences**

**Subtask 5.1** Conduct an initial assessment of the various audiences
(patients, providers, and policy makers) to inform future product
development. Issues such as literacy, numeracy, culture and ethnicity
should be addressed, as appropriate. Focus groups, key informant
interviews and similar methods should be considered. The Contractor,
through Project Officer coordination, shall meet with appropriate AHRQ
staff regarding earlier assessments to avoid duplication and to identify
assessment gaps. Specific attention shall be placed on impediments to
understanding and using complex scientific findings and measures of
benefit and harm.

**Subtask 5.2** Provide the results of the assessment to AHRQ in report
and PowerPoint format. The report should highlight identified needs and
issues/barriers for each audience, and recommend products. The
Contractor shall meet by teleconference or in person with AHRQ staff to
discuss the results.

**Subtask 5.3** Update the assessment as needed and in consultation with
the Project Officer and AHRQ staff.

**Task 6 Review effectiveness reviews (ERs) and identify key messages in
consultation with evidence review and synthesis contractors**

**Subtask 6.1** Develop a process to verify the accuracy of messages and
subsequent translation of the messages with the ER authors and AHRQ. The
Contractor shall assume there will be 12 ERs produced in the first year
of the contract and 15 ERs produced in the second year of the contract.
The contractor shall estimate 20-25 ERs for each option year.

**Subtask 6.2** The contractor shall assign the review of each
electronically transmitted ER to a content expert. ERs shall be
carefully reviewed to ensure a full understanding of the content and to
provide contextual background for the review findings in subsequent
products. The contractor shall work with the Project Officer to identify
other related AHRQ supported research.

**Subtask 6.3** Identify the key messages within the reviews. The
contractor shall work closely with the Resource Center and individual
EPC and DRC to ensure the key messages are accurate. The messages will
serve as the foundation for the development of products; therefore the
contractor should start thinking about how the message will be framed
for each audience as early in the development of the study as possible.

**Task 7 Develop templates for information products and a process to
ensure quality standards of developed products**

**Subtask 7.1** Develop criteria that will facilitate an assessment of
products developed by the contractor. Currently no gold standard has
been established for developing health information products. There are,
however, extant tools which aid consumers and providers in their
evaluation of information presented in print and on the internet. The
criteria should be forwarded to AHRQ for review and approval. The
Project Officer will coordinate internal AHRQ review of the criteria and
the contractor shall identify at least 5 experts in translation of
complex information for review of the draft criteria. The contractor
shall revise the criteria based on the comments received. The contractor
should use the established criteria as a checklist for all developed
products to ensure a minimum level of quality. Assessment criteria
should be updated as needed.

**Subtask 7.2** Develop 4-5 templates per year (including option years)
for the information products. The templates will reflect quality
standards and serve to introduce consistency within the information
products. At a minimum each template will include the health condition,
currency of the evidence review, and highlight risks and benefits of
interventions. It is anticipated that there will be different templates
for different audiences to be responsive to information needs of various
audiences. The templates shall be developed to provide the most user
friendly interface possible for end users and for intermediate users --
organizations that will further disseminate developed products. The
contractor, through Project Officer coordination, shall also consult
with the appropriate AHRQ staff for consideration of and guidance on
Agency "branding" in the design of the templates. The final templates
shall be forwarded to AHRQ for review. The Project Officer will
coordinate internal AHRQ review.

**Task 8 Develop health care information products from ERs for patients,
providers, and policymakers**

**Subtask 8.1** Draft an information product for each audience as
appropriate (patient, provider, policy maker) on assigned topics that is
based on previously approved key messages (see Subtask 6.3). Previously
identified audience needs and the various factors that impact health
decisions will be considered during the development phase. To facilitate
reader comprehension, product content will be concise and use plain
language. AHRQ requires use of the Government Printing Office format and
will provide specific direction regarding use of color, font, and
presentation so the products are in conformance with DHHS policies and
regulations. AHRQ will provide publication numbers and disseminate via
the AHRQ Publication Clearinghouse and Web site.

An information product will not necessarily be developed for each ER or
each audience. AHRQ will determine which ERs are developed into
information products and for which audience(s). The contractor will
receive prompt notification regarding decisions about product
development from AHRQ.

Note: For proposal purposes, estimate 10-14 information products be
developed in Year 1 and 20-25 information products in Year 2 and 20-25
in each option year.

**Subtask 8.2** Identify a small pool of individuals who are willing and
able to review products within an abbreviated timeframe. The Project
Officer will facilitate review by AHRQ's Office of Communication and
Knowledge Transfer and other AHRQ components. The draft document will be
disseminated in near final form for review and comment from AHRQ and
other outside reviewers. The document will be modified per reviewer
comments, as appropriate.

**Subtask 8.3** The information product shall be pre-tested with
representatives from each key audience. At a minimum the contractor
shall attempt to assess audience comprehension, ratings of acceptability
and appropriateness, and ability to implement in his/her respective
setting. Audience feedback will be incorporated into the final product,
as appropriate.

**Subtask 8.4** The final information product shall be submitted in
"camera-ready" form to the AHRQ Project Officer in print and in an
electronic file. The electronic file shall be forwarded to the Office of
Communication and Knowledge Transfer.

**Task 9 Develop a health care interpretation guide for the general
public, including patients, providers and policy makers.**

**Subtask** **9.1** Identify terms and phrases (e.g., probabilities,
relative risks) commonly used in the medical research literature and in
health care discussions, particularly risk and benefit discussions and
decision-making as a balance of risk and benefit, that could be
cognitively misunderstood by consumers, providers and policy makers.

**Subtask** **9.2** Develop a process to make the terms and phrases
identified in Subtask 9.1 understandable and meaningful to the reader.
In addition to the definitions, the contractor should consider ways to
provide context for a more comprehensive and meaningful understanding.
This shall be reflected in all of the products developed under this
solicitation.

**Subtask** **9.3** Develop a user guide that facilitates the conversion
of technical scientific language to plain language that can be
understood by the general public. The format should employ strategies
such as examples and graphics to further simplify the information. The
guide shall be updated as necessary.

The final guide should be paper- and Web-enabled. Furthermore, the
Web-based version should be linked to information development products
(see Task 8) as appropriate.

Reference: ARHQ Guidelines for Developing Web-Based Products --
Attachment #5

**Task 10. Work in collaboration with AHRQ's Office of Communication and
Knowledge Transfer on the dissemination of developed products**

In keeping with the Agency's efforts to translate the results of
AHRQ-funded research into practice and policy, grantees and/or
contractors are to inform the Office of Communications and Knowledge
Transfer (OCKT) when articles from their studies are accepted for
publication in the professional literature. Grantees and contractors
should also discuss any ideas about other dissemination and marketing
efforts with OCKT staff. The goal is to ensure that efforts to
disseminate research findings are coordinated with other Agency
activities to maximize awareness and application of the research by
potential users, including clinicians, patients, health care systems and
purchasers and policymakers. This is critical when outreach to the
general and trade press is involved. Contact with the media will take
place in close coordination with OCKT and the press offices of the
grantee's or contractor's institutions. In cases when products are
created (such as annual or final reports, Web-based tools, CD-ROMs),
grantees and contractors will be asked to submit to OCKT a brief plan
describing the product development process and how the product will be
publicized. An OCKT staff person will be assigned to each product and
will coordinate the implementation of the plan, especially issues
related to printing and electronic dissemination, and outreach to the
media.

**Subtask 10.1** Working in partnership with the Effective Health Care
Resource Center, public and private sector intermediaries, AHRQ's Office
of Communication and Knowledge Transfer and the Project Officer, develop
a dissemination plan for products developed under this contract. The
plan should reflect an attempt to increase accessibility of all products
to targeted audiences and the public. The plan shall also emphasize
leveraging intermediate distribution through public and private sector
entities. For example, the contractor could identify and establish
partnerships with relevant groups (e.g., electronic clinical decision
support vendors, consumer organizations, professional associations, or
State agencies) that would in turn disseminate the products.

The appropriate medium for the different products should also be
addressed in the plan. Specifically, the plan should state how the
contractor shall create interactive, Web-enabled and other electronic
products. The contractor must be proactive and creative to ensure wide
dissemination and use of all products. The proposed dissemination plan
will be developed collaboratively with AHRQ and modified as needed.

AHRQ will assume production responsibility for paper-based products,
while the Decision Sciences Center will assume responsibility for all
other dissemination mediums. Thus, close communication and collaboration
with AHRQ's Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer (OCKT) is
critically important. OCKT also houses AHRQ's public relations
operations and will be instrumental in publicizing these activities and
contributing, reviewing and assessing the dissemination plan. The
Project Officer will facilitate on-going consultation with OCKT and
other components of AHRQ.

**Subtask** **10.2** In collaboration with OCKT, implement the
dissemination plan. The Project Officer will facilitate coordination
with the appropriate units within OCKT to implement the dissemination
plan in an orderly, synchronized manner.

**Subtask** **10.3** Provide limited technical assistance to users to
facilitate product implementation. For example, Web-enabled products
housed on the AHRQ Web site could issue general implementation
instructions to each target audience (i.e., patient, provider and
policymaker) based on user identification. The offeror shall maintain a
log of technical assistance provided to users.

Reference: ARHQ Guidelines for Developing Web-Based Products --
Attachment #5

Health Care Intervention Decision Science Research Program

**Task 11 Organize a White Paper series on Health care intervention
Decisions**

(Estimate 3-5 white papers per year including option years)

**Subtask** **11.1** Conduct a scan of the literature and speak to
experts to assess the state of the art in health behavior and informed
health care decision making. Identify knowledge gaps, emerging areas,
etc.

**Subtask** **11.2** Submit a draft plan for the white paper series to
AHRQ for review and approval. The plan should include a theme, potential
topics, authors, and a timeline. Final plan due 5 months from EDOC.

**Subtask** **11.3** Invite authors to write papers. Contractor shall
convey the topic and give additional guidance to the author.

**Subtask** **11.4** Identify and invite experts to a working meeting.
Potential attendees will be informed that they will be asked to review
white papers and participate in a discussion intended to inform AHRQ
activities. Estimate no more than 25 experts and 7 Federal Employees to
attend the working group meetings to take place in the Washington DC
Metro area.

**Subtask** **11.5** Hold a meeting to discuss the papers.

The contractor shall be responsible for planning and conducting the
meeting. Specific activities will include: agenda preparation,
discussion facilitation, meeting logistics (including meals, per diem
and travel reimbursements), and a meeting summary. The meeting summary
is due 1 month after the meeting.

**Task 12 Conduct Health Care Decision Symposiums**

Contractor should anticipate planning a minimum of two symposiums each
year. One symposium will be targeted to the health consumer, and the
other can target providers, policy makers, or intermediate distributors.
The venue should be based on audience appropriateness (e.g., radio talk
shows for consumers, professional meetings or briefings for providers or
policymakers). The Project Officer will coordinate these activities with
other on-going AHRQ efforts to reach these audiences and to maximize
synergy between these efforts. Estimate 50 attendees and provide
unlimited telephone access.

**Subtask 12.1** Identify symposium topics. The Contractor shall submit
a list of topics, audiences, presenters, and potential venues for each
symposium to AHRQ for review and approval. The goal of the symposium is
to reach the target audience(s) effectively while making the maximum use
of intermediaries to reach the largest possible audience.

**Subtask 12.2** Working with AHRQ staff, the contractor shall contact
necessary parties to discuss plans for an AHRQ sponsored symposium at
their location. The contractor shall be responsible for completing and
submitting any and all paperwork required by the event sponsor. AHRQ
staff will be contacted upon acceptance of the symposium and provided
with event dates.

**Subtask 12.3** Contact researchers and secure their participation at
planned symposiums. Contractor shall assist researchers with per diem
and travel reimbursements.

**Subtask 12.4** AHRQ's Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer
will work closely with the contractor on marketing the symposia.

**Subtask 12.5** Contractor shall submit an activity report for each
symposium. The report should at a minimum provide symposium details,
audience description, and symposium impact.

**Task 13 Develop and implement a mechanism to highlight recent
activities in the decision science field on a broad scale.** This task
will be implemented bi-annually.

**Task 13.1** Contractor shall conceive a product or activity (e.g.,
electronic newsletter, Public Service Announcement, a column in a
newsletter, trade journal or popular magazine) that can be used to
communicate current information to patients, providers and policymakers
regarding the decision science field. The product or activity should
fill a gap and be relevant to the audience. The contractor shall use
products developed under this solicitation as examples and coordinate
this activity closely with other AHRQ programs and OCKT. The Project
Officer will serve as a facilitator and use the monthly management
meetings as a coordination vehicle.

Creativity should inform the conception, development, and eventual
dissemination phase of this task.

**Task 13.2** Contractor shall submit a plan that captures the conceived
idea to AHRQ for review and approval. The plan should specify
development and implementation activities along with a timeline.

**Task 13.3** Contractor shall implement the approved plan and submit an
activity report to AHRQ.

Health Care Intervention Decision Tools Development Lab

**Task 14 Develop an algorithm for a prototype decision aid for selected
ERs**

The algorithm will serve as a platform from which other organizations
and programs can adapt to satisfy their specific needs as they develop
decision aids. The algorithm will build on the information products by
helping the individual use acquired knowledge and understanding of a
particular intervention to make a decision regarding his/her use of the
intervention. Essentially the final decision aid is intended to ensure
the individual makes an informed decision based on scientific evidence,
and that the decision reflects his/her values and preferences, and
provides coaching or guidance.

**Subtask 14.1** Conduct an assessment of existing decision aids and
related literature to increase familiarity with what currently exists
and what needs to be incorporated in future decision aids. During this
assessment the contractor shall also identify critical components of a
targeted decision aid algorithm. For instance, while the consumer may
need assistance in making individual decisions, the provider might
require assistance in helping the consumer make a decision that
incorporates his/her values and preferences.

**Subtask 14.2** Convene a working group to draft an algorithm for
selected ERs and audiences (AHRQ will approve the selected ERs and
audiences with input from the contractor). Invited experts will be asked
to participate in discussions regarding development strategies and other
relevant topics. Estimate 1-2 working group meetings in the Washington
DC Metro area and 3-4 teleconferences per year (including option years).
Estimate 5-10 attendees per meeting.

**Subtask 14.3** Develop an algorithm for selected ERs. Finalized
algorithms will be available in paper and Web-enabled versions.

**Subtask 14.4** Develop and identify potential vendors and inform them
of the availability of the algorithm. The contractor shall be prepared
to deliver a paper-based and Web-enabled version of the algorithm to
interested vendors. Contractor shall maintain a log of vendors who
request algorithms and track their activities. A summary report
reflecting log entries will be submitted to AHRQ.

**Task 15. Assume Web-page Deployment Responsibilities for MMA Program
Activities**

AHRQ MMA activities will be made available via the AHRQ Web site using
sub-ordinate URLs supplied by AHRQ. The development and maintenance of
the Web site and access to MMA related activities will be performed by
the Contractor.

**Subtask 15.1** Migrate the MMA web activities from the Resource Center
to the Decision Sciences Center. Up until this point, the web activities
will have been used to ensure transparency of MMA activities.
Specifically, the web pages will post manuals/processes, and peer review
and final documents. The web pages will also be used as a vehicle to
solicit input on key questions and draft products. The Resource Center
will manage user input and peer review comments and post other relevant
material. Thus, access to the Web site for these purposes must be made
available to the Resource Center and AHRQ.

Once the Decision Sciences Center assumes web responsibilities, the
scope will be broadened to support its activities. The web site will be
used to: 1) post developed products in various formats (for vendors,
patients, clinicians, and policy makers); 2) advertise events; 3) post
white papers and decision algorithms; 4) serve as a dissemination
mechanism; and 5) host a listserv. Additionally, the web content must be
searchable. The Web pages should have a "look and feel" that is similar
to the main AHRQ Web site.

The offeror should consider the use of XML, RSS feeds, and other
mechanisms to facilitate the uptake of information from the website.

**Subtask 15.2** The Contractor shall maintain and update the existing
web access for the MMA 1013 activities for each year (base period and
all option years). The web access shall be versatile and expandable to
accommodate varied needs of users while allowing for expansion and
technological improvements as well as technical and information
environment changes. The Contractor shall develop individual pages for
each individual AHRQ project or program in consultation with the project
officer. The Contractor shall ensure that the website meets the
Agency\'s requirements as follows:

-   Maintain its presence on the World Wide Web (WWW), and make it
    available to invited participants through unique Uniform Resource
    Locators (URLs) that are sub-ordinate to the AHRQ Home Page. The
    URLs will be supplied and registered by AHRQ.

```{=html}
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-   The Contractor-developed website shall have the capacity for
    information searches to locate information locally stored or
    remotely linked data and contain sections describing how the
    contents are maintained. The website also shall contain a direct
    link to a privacy statement approved by the Project Officer, and a
    search feature that supports both keyword searches and scrolling for
    information.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   The Contractor shall provide support for Web production, provide all
    application hardware necessary to host the website and connect it to
    the Internet with sufficient bandwidth to meet project needs, and
    provide for a physical location to house the Web site. The
    Contractor shall plan for a load tolerance of at least 100
    simultaneous users and support a minimum of 1,000 user sessions per
    day. The Contractor shall prepare a contingency plan in case traffic
    appears to be exceeding these estimates so that it will be able to
    reconstitute the hardware/software platform to tolerate the
    increased load within 60 calendar days of a noted need to expand
    capacity. (No costs shall be budgeted for the contingency plan in
    the offerer\'s proposal, and no costs for implementing the
    contingency plan shall be incurred by the Contractor unless approved
    in advance by the Contracting Officer.)

```{=html}
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```
-   The Contractor shall provide mechanisms for 24 x 7 systems near-full
    time availability to ensure system uptime for user operations
    including updates. Any hardware or software failure shall not result
    in a loss of more than 27 hours of current data, any software
    failure shall not result in more than 72 hours of downtime, any
    hardware failure shall not result in more than 72 hours of downtime,
    and any Internet connectivity failure shall not result in more than
    48 hours of downtime. The contractor shall test the backup/restore
    process at least monthly and report any failures to the Project
    Officer through the progress report.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   The Contractor shall provide a system that maximizes security and
    data privacy (even in the event of a catastrophic failure). The
    Contractor shall use necessary and appropriate firewall mechanisms
    and/or other blocking devices. Any unauthorized access shall be
    immediately reported to the Project Officer as well as being
    included in the progress report. The Contractor shall comply with
    all Federal and DHHS security guidelines. A copy of the current DHHS
    Systems Security Program Handbook can be found at
    [[http://wwwoirm.nih.gov/policy/aissp.html]{.underline}](http://wwwoirm.nih.gov/policy/aissp.html).
    An overview of Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act
    compliance can be found at
    <http://www.usability.gov/accessibility/index.html>

> The Contractor shall not use persistent cookies.

-   The Contractor shall not require the provision of personal
    information to visit the website, and personal information shall not
    be automatically collected. Personal information may be collected to
    respond to a user\'s message or to fulfill the stated purpose of any
    communication by a user, or to obtain voluntary input, comment, or
    review.

-   The Contractor shall post the AHRQ and DHHS logo prominently on the
    Web site.

> The Contractor may collect the name of the domain users to access the
> site, bandwidth, the type of browser and operating system the user
> utilized to access the site, the date and time of the user\'s visit,
> and the address of the website the user came from when referred by
> another site. COTS software shall be proposed to track and monitor
> website usage. Keywords entered into the search engine of the website
> may also be tracked. COTS software shall be used for provision of
> database capabilities.

**Subtask 15.3** Maintain Web-enabled versions of decision aids and
related products that result from MMA related activities.

**Subtask** **15.4** Create a user e-mail through which inquiries about
MMA products could be directed. Contractor should develop an
implementation plan for AHRQ review and approval. The plan should also
address response times. An e-mail report should be submitted to AHRQ
each quarter. Reporting frequency may be changed to reflect the quantity
of user e-mails.

AHRQ expects that the e-mails will capture user needs, product
usefulness, etc. This information will ultimately be used to inform
future activities.

**If exercised, the following tasks are to be completed during Option
Years 1 -- 3:**

Contract Management

**Task 1 Participate in a meeting to discuss center tasks**

**Subtask 1.1** Develop a comprehensive work plan, with a projected
timeline. The plan should address the specific tasks outlined in the RFC
and incorporate those specific areas addressed throughout the second
year of the contract. The work plan will also address mechanisms for
frequent (at least monthly) scheduled communications with the resource
center, DRCs, the Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer, and
the Project Officer. The work plan will be updated on an annual basis,
or at mutual agreement between AHRQ and the contractor.

**Task 2 Revise and implement the evaluation plan**

**Subtask 2.1** The contractor shall review the evaluation plan used
during the first 2 years of the contract and revise as necessary.

**Subtask 2.2** The revised evaluation plan shall be submitted to AHRQ
for approval. Upon approval, the plan shall be implemented.

**Task 3 Provide progress reports to AHRQ**

**Subtask 3.1** Submit monthly reports to AHRQ with sufficient detail to
support monitoring of contractor progress on key activities for the
previous month. The report should include activities performed within
each task; barriers or problems encountered in performance of tasks and
how they were handled; labor hours expended and an estimate of costs;
and any issues of which AHRQ should be aware. The progress reports do
not preclude the contractor from contacting AHRQ regarding any issue
that may have a negative impact on the project.

**Subtask 3.2** Submit quarterly reports to AHRQ. The progress report
should include a description of project accomplishments for the previous
quarter and activities planned for the upcoming quarter. Any changes in
the delivery schedule should also be addressed. Reporting requirements
may change over the course of the contract.

**Task 3.3** Participate in monthly management meetings which will
include staff from the Resource Center, the EPCs and other synthesis
contractors, the DRCs, the Project Officer, and staff from AHRQ's Office
of Communication and Knowledge Transfer. The meetings do not need to be
in-person and can utilize teleconferencing and video conferencing as
appropriate.

Health Care Intervention Information Service Program

**Task 4 Maintain a health care intervention information service program
in partnership with evidence review and synthesis contractors (e.g., the
EPCs), the DRC contractors and the Resource Center.**

**Subtask 4.1** The contractor shall maintain an on-going working
relationship with the Effective Health Care Resource Center, EPCs, and
DRCs to ensure awareness of the different topics and which EPC will be
working on the assigned topic. The contractor shall also inquire about
timelines to ensure they are prepared to start the translation process
at the earliest date. The Project Officer will coordinate relationships
with other AHRQ funded projects to ensure that appropriate findings from
these efforts are effectively included in the translation process. This
is intended to be an ongoing processes to promote translation efforts
that are proactive, informed, and inclusive of all relevant studies.

**Task 5 Update the information needs assessment among target
audiences**

**Subtask 5.1** Update the audience assessment (developed during the
first year of the contract) as needed and in consultation with the
Project Officer and AHRQ staff.

**Subtask 5.2** Provide the results of the updated assessment to AHRQ in
report and PowerPoint format. At a minimum, the report should highlight
identified needs and issues/barriers for each audience, and recommend
products. The Contractor shall meet by teleconference or in person with
AHRQ staff to discuss the results.

**Task 6 Review effectiveness reviews (ERs) and identify key messages in
consultation with evidence review and synthesis contractors**

**Subtask 6.1** Verify the accuracy of messages and subsequent
translation of the messages with the ER authors and AHRQ. The Contractor
shall estimate 20-25 ERs for each option year.

**Subtask 6.2** The contractor shall assign the review of each
electronically transmitted ER to a content expert. ERs will be carefully
reviewed to ensure a full understanding of the content and to provide
contextual background for the review findings in subsequent products.
The contractor shall work with the Project Officer to identify other
related AHRQ supported research.

**Subtask 6.3** Identify the key messages within the reviews. The
contractor shall work closely with the Resource Center and individual
EPC and DRC to ensure the key messages are accurate. The messages will
serve as the foundation for the development of products; therefore the
contractor should start thinking about how the message will be framed
for each audience as early in the development of the study as possible.

**Task 7 Develop templates for information products and ensure quality
standards of developed products**

**Subtask 7.1** Update the assessment criteria (developed during the
initial contract year) as needed. The contractor should use the
established criteria as a checklist for all developed products to ensure
a minimum level of quality.

**Subtask 7.2** Develop 4-5 templates per option year for the
information products. The templates will reflect quality standards and
serve to introduce consistency within the information products. At a
minimum each template will include the health condition, currency of the
evidence review, and highlight risks and benefits of interventions. It
is anticipated that there will be different templates for different
audiences to be responsive to information needs of various audiences.
The templates shall be developed to provide the most user friendly
interface possible for end users and for intermediate users --
organizations that shall further disseminate developed products. The
contractor, through Project Officer coordination, shall also consult
with the appropriate AHRQ staff for consideration of and guidance on
Agency "branding" in the design of the templates. The final templates
shall be forwarded to AHRQ for review. The Project Officer will
coordinate internal AHRQ review.

**Task 8 Develop health care information products from ERs for patients,
providers, and policymakers**

**Subtask 8.1** Draft an information product for each audience as
appropriate (patient, provider, policy maker) on assigned topics that is
based on previously approved key messages (see Subtask 6.3). Previously
identified audience needs and the various factors that impact health
decisions will be considered during the development phase. To facilitate
reader comprehension, product content will be concise and use plain
language. AHRQ requires use of the Government Printing Office format and
will provide specific direction regarding use of color, font, and
presentation so the products are in conformance with DHHS policies and
regulations. AHRQ will provide publication numbers and disseminate via
the AHRQ Publication Clearinghouse and Web site.

An information product will not necessarily be developed for each ER or
each audience. AHRQ will determine which ERs are developed into
information products and for which audience(s). The contractor shall
receive prompt notification regarding decisions about product
development from AHRQ.

Note: For proposal purposes, estimate 20-25 information products will be
developed in each option year.

**Subtask 8.2** Identify a small pool of individuals who are willing and
able to review products within an abbreviated timeframe. The Project
Officer will facilitate review by AHRQ's Office of Communication and
Knowledge Transfer and other AHRQ components. The draft document shall
be disseminated in near final form for review and comment from AHRQ and
other outside reviewers. The document shall be modified per reviewer
comments, as appropriate.

**Subtask 8.3** The information product will be pre-tested with
representatives from each key audience. At a minimum the contractor
shall attempt to assess audience comprehension, ratings of acceptability
and appropriateness, and ability to implement in his/her respective
setting. Audience feedback will be incorporated into the final product,
as appropriate.

**Subtask 8.4** The final information product will be submitted in
"camera-ready" form to the AHRQ Project Officer in print and in an
electronic file. The electronic file shall be forwarded to the Office of
Communication and Knowledge Transfer.

**Task 9 Update the health care interpretation guide for the general
public, including patients, providers and policy makers.**

**Subtask** **9.1** Update the web-enabled health care interpretation
guide as necessary.

Reference: ARHQ Guidelines for Developing Web-Based Products --
Attachment #5

**Task 10. Work in collaboration with AHRQ's Office of Communication and
Knowledge Transfer on the dissemination of developed products**

**Subtask 10.1** Working in partnership with the Effective Health Care
Resource Center, public and private sector intermediaries, AHRQ's Office
of Communication and Knowledge Transfer and the Project Officer, update
the dissemination plan for products developed under this contract.

**Subtask** **10.2** In collaboration with OCKT, implement the revised
dissemination plan. The Project Officer will facilitate coordination
with the appropriate units within OCKT to implement the dissemination
plan in an orderly, synchronized manner.

**Subtask** **10.3** Provide limited technical assistance to users to
facilitate product implementation. For example, Web-enabled products
housed on the AHRQ Web site could issue general implementation
instructions to each target audience (i.e., patient, provider and
policymaker) based on user identification. The offeror shall maintain a
log of technical assistance provided to users.

Reference: ARHQ Guidelines for Developing Web-Based Products --
Attachment #5

Health Care Intervention Decision Science Research Program

**Task 11 Organize a White Paper series on Health care intervention
Decisions**

(Estimate 3-5 white papers per option year)

**Subtask** **11.1** Conduct a scan of the literature and speak to
experts to assess the state of the art in health behavior and informed
health care decision making. Identify knowledge gaps, emerging areas,
etc.

**Subtask** **11.2** Submit a draft plan for the white paper series to
AHRQ for review and approval. The plan should include a theme, potential
topics, authors, and a timeline. Final plan due 5 months from EDOC.

**Subtask** **11.3** Invite authors to write papers. Contractor shall
convey the topic and give additional guidance to the author.

**Subtask** **11.4** Identify and invite experts to a working meeting.
Potential attendees will be informed that they will be asked to review
white papers and participate in a discussion intended to inform AHRQ
activities. Estimate no more than 25 experts and 7 Federal Employees to
attend the working group meetings to take place in the Washington DC
Metro area.

**Subtask** **11.5** Hold a meeting to discuss the papers.

The contractor shall be responsible for planning and conducting the
meeting. Specific activities will include: agenda preparation,
discussion facilitation, meeting logistics (including meals, per diem
and travel reimbursements), and a meeting summary. The meeting summary
is due 1 month after the meeting.

**Task 12 Conduct Health Care Decision Symposiums**

Contractor should anticipate planning a minimum of two symposiums each
option year. One symposium will be targeted to the health consumer, and
the other can target providers, policy makers, or intermediate
distributors. The venue should be based on audience appropriateness
(e.g., radio talk shows for consumers, professional meetings or
briefings for providers or policymakers). The Project Officer will
coordinate these activities with other on-going AHRQ efforts to reach
these audiences and to maximize synergy between these efforts. Estimate
50 attendees and provide unlimited telephone access.

**Subtask 12.1** Identify symposium topics. The Contractor shall submit
a list of topics, audiences, presenters, and potential venues for each
symposium to AHRQ for review and approval. The goal of the symposium is
to reach the target audience(s) effectively while making the maximum use
of intermediaries to reach the largest possible audience.

**Subtask 12.2** Working with AHRQ staff, the contractor shall contact
necessary parties to discuss plans for an AHRQ sponsored symposium at
their location. The contractor shall be responsible for completing and
submitting any and all paperwork required by the event sponsor. AHRQ
staff will be contacted upon acceptance of the symposium and provided
with event dates.

**Subtask 12.3** Contact researchers and secure their participation at
planned symposiums. Contractor shall assist researchers with per diem
and travel reimbursements.

**Subtask 12.4** AHRQ's Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer
will work closely with the contractor on marketing the symposia.

**Subtask 12.5** Contractor shall submit an activity report for each
symposium. The report should at a minimum provide symposium details,
audience description, and symposium impact.

**Task 13 Develop and implement a mechanism to highlight recent
activities in the decision science field on a broad scale.** This task
will be implemented bi-annually.

**Task 13.1** Contractor shall conceive a product or activity (e.g.,
electronic newsletter, Public Service Announcement, a column in a
newsletter, trade journal or popular magazine) each option year that can
be used to communicate current information to patients, providers and
policymakers regarding the decision science field. The product or
activity should fill a gap and be relevant to the audience. The
contractor shall use products developed under this solicitation as
examples and coordinate this activity closely with other AHRQ programs
and OCKT. The Project Officer will serve as a facilitator and use the
monthly management meetings as a coordination vehicle.

Creativity should inform the conception, development, and eventual
dissemination phase of this task.

**Task 13.2** Contractor shall submit a plan that captures the conceived
idea to AHRQ for review and approval. The plan should specify
development and implementation activities along with a timeline.

**Task 13.3** Contractor shall implement the approved plan and submit an
activity report to AHRQ.

Health Care Intervention Decision Tools Development Lab

**Task 14 Develop an algorithm for a prototype decision aid for selected
ERs**

The algorithm will serve as a platform from which other organizations
and programs can adapt to satisfy their specific needs as they develop
decision aids. The algorithm will build on the information products by
helping the individual use acquired knowledge and understanding of a
particular intervention to make a decision regarding his/her use of the
intervention. Essentially the final decision aid is intended to ensure
the individual makes an informed decision based on scientific evidence,
and that the decision reflects his/her values and preferences, and
provides coaching or guidance.

**Subtask 14.1** Update previous assessment (developed during the first
year of the contract) of existing decision aids to capture any changes
that may have occurred in the decision science field since the initial
assessment.

**Subtask 14.2** Convene a working group to draft an algorithm for
selected ERs and audiences (AHRQ will approve the selected ERs and
audiences with input from the contractor). Invited experts will be asked
to participate in discussions regarding development strategies and other
relevant topics. Estimate 1-2 working group meetings in the Washington
DC Metro area and 3-4 teleconferences per year. Estimate 5-10 attendees
per meeting.

**Subtask 14.3** Develop an algorithm for selected ERs. Finalized
algorithms will be available in paper and Web-enabled versions.

**Subtask 14.4** Develop and identify potential vendors and inform them
of the availability of the algorithm. The contractor shall be prepared
to deliver a paper-based and Web-enabled version of the algorithm to
interested vendors. Contractor shall maintain a log of vendors who
request algorithms and track their activities. A summary report
reflecting log entries shall be submitted to AHRQ.

**Task 15. Maintain Web-page Deployment Responsibilities for MMA Program
Activities**

AHRQ MMA activities will be made available via the AHRQ Web site using
sub-ordinate URLs supplied by AHRQ. The maintenance of the Web site and
access to MMA related activities will be performed by the Contractor.

**Subtask 15.1** The Contractor shall maintain and update the existing
web access for the MMA 1013 activities for each year. The web access
shall be versatile and expandable to accommodate varied needs of users
while allowing for expansion and technological improvements as well as
technical and information environment changes. The Contractor shall
develop individual pages for each individual AHRQ project or program in
consultation with the project officer. The Contractor shall ensure that
the website meets the Agency\'s requirements as follows:

-   Maintain its presence on the World Wide Web (WWW), and make it
    available to invited participants through unique Uniform Resource
    Locators (URLs) that are sub-ordinate to the AHRQ Home Page. The
    URLs will be supplied and registered by AHRQ.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   The Contractor-developed website shall have the capacity for
    information searches to locate information locally stored or
    remotely linked data and contain sections describing how the
    contents are maintained. The website also shall contain a direct
    link to a privacy statement approved by the Project Officer, and a
    search feature that supports both keyword searches and scrolling for
    information.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   The Contractor shall provide support for Web production, provide all
    application hardware necessary to host the website and connect it to
    the Internet with sufficient bandwidth to meet project needs, and
    provide for a physical location to house the Web site. The
    Contractor shall plan for a load tolerance of at least 100
    simultaneous users and support a minimum of 1,000 user sessions per
    day. The Contractor shall prepare a contingency plan in case traffic
    appears to be exceeding these estimates so that it will be able to
    reconstitute the hardware/software platform to tolerate the
    increased load within 60 calendar days of a noted need to expand
    capacity. (No costs shall be budgeted for the contingency plan in
    the offerer\'s proposal, and no costs for implementing the
    contingency plan shall be incurred by the Contractor unless approved
    in advance by the Contracting Officer.)

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   The Contractor shall provide mechanisms for 24 x 7 systems near-full
    time availability to ensure system uptime for user operations
    including updates. Any hardware or software failure shall not result
    in a loss of more than 27 hours of current data, any software
    failure shall not result in more than 72 hours of downtime, any
    hardware failure shall not result in more than 72 hours of downtime,
    and any Internet connectivity failure shall not result in more than
    48 hours of downtime. The contractor shall test the backup/restore
    process at least monthly and report any failures to the Project
    Officer through the progress report.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   The Contractor shall provide a system that maximizes security and
    data privacy (even in the event of a catastrophic failure). The
    Contractor shall use necessary and appropriate firewall mechanisms
    and/or other blocking devices. Any unauthorized access shall be
    immediately reported to the Project Officer as well as being
    included in the progress report. The Contractor shall comply with
    all Federal and DHHS security guidelines. A copy of the current DHHS
    Systems Security Program Handbook can be found at
    [[http://wwwoirm.nih.gov/policy/aissp.html]{.underline}](http://wwwoirm.nih.gov/policy/aissp.html).
    An overview of Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act
    compliance can be found at
    <http://www.usability.gov/accessibility/index.html>

> The Contractor shall not use persistent cookies.

-   The Contractor shall not require the provision of personal
    information to visit the website, and personal information shall not
    be automatically collected. Personal information may be collected to
    respond to a user\'s message or to fulfill the stated purpose of any
    communication by a user, or to obtain voluntary input, comment, or
    review.

-   The Contractor shall post the AHRQ and DHHS logo prominently on the
    Web site.

> The Contractor may collect the name of the domain users to access the
> site, bandwidth, the type of browser and operating system the user
> utilized to access the site, the date and time of the user\'s visit,
> and the address of the website the user came from when referred by
> another site. COTS software shall be proposed to track and monitor
> website usage. Keywords entered into the search engine of the website
> may also be tracked. COTS software shall be used for provision of
> database capabilities.

**Subtask 15.2** Maintain Web-enabled versions of decision aids and
related products that result from MMA related activities.

**Subtask** **15.3** Maintain the user e-mail through which inquiries
about MMA products could be directed. An e-mail report should be
submitted to AHRQ each quarter. Reporting frequency may be changed to
reflect the quantity of user e-mails.

AHRQ expects that the e-mails will capture user needs, product
usefulness, etc. This information will ultimately be used to inform
future activities.

**[SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING]{.underline}**

Not Applicable

**[SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE]{.underline}**

**E.1 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE**

a\. The contracting officer or the duly authorized representative will
perform inspection and acceptance of materials and services to be
provided.

b\. For the purpose of this SECTION the Government Project Officer is
the authorized technical representative of the contracting officer.

c\. Inspection and acceptance will be performed at:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

**E.2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)**

> This contract incorporates the following clause by reference, with the
> same force and effect as if it were given in full text. Upon request,
> the Contracting [Officer]{.underline} will make its full text
> available.

**FAR Clause No. Title and Date**

52.246-5 Inspection of Services-Cost Reimbursement (April 1984)

> **[SECTION F - PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND DELIVERY
> SCHEDULE]{.underline}**

**F.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)**

> This contract incorporates the following clause by reference, with the
> same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon
> request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

**FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES**

**FAR Clause No. Title and Date**

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989)

Alternate I (APRIL 1984)

**F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE**

> The Government anticipates the period of performance shall begin on or
> about September 30, 2005 and run through September 29, 2007 with 3 one
> year options (if exercised) from September 30, 2007 through September
> 29, 2010.

**F.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE**

> The items specified for delivery below are subject to the review and
> approval of the Project Officer before final acceptance. The
> Contractor shall be required to make revisions deemed necessary by the
> Project Officer.
>
> The Contractor shall produce the following scheduled
> reports/deliverables in the amount, and within the time frame
> indicated. Deliverables shall be submitted to the Project Officer,
> Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 540 Gaither Road,
> Rockville, MD 20850. Draft deliverables are those submitted to the
> Project Officer for review. Final deliverables are those incorporating
> changes requested by the Project Officer. The Contractor shall submit
> the following items in accordance with the stated delivery schedule:

+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| ** | **  | **Description**    | >             | **Delivery\***     |
| It | Tas |                    |  **Quantity** |                    |
| em | k** |                    |               |                    |
| ** |     |                    |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 1  | 1.1 | Meet with AHRQ     | > \--         | 7 days from EDOC   |
|    |     | Staff              |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 2  | 1.3 | Draft work plan    | > 2 copies; 1 | 20 days from EDOC  |
|    |     |                    | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 3  | 1.3 | Final work plan    | > 2 copies; 1 | 35 days from EDOC  |
|    |     |                    | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 4  | 2.1 | Draft evaluation   | > 2 copies; 1 | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | plan               | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 5  | 2.2 | Final evaluation   | > 2 copies; 1 | 2 months from EDOC |
|    |     | plan               | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 6  | 3.1 | **Monthly progress | > 1 copy; 1   | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | reports\***        | > electronic  | and monthly        |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 7  | 3.2 | **Quarterly        | > 1 copy; 1   | 3 months from EDOC |
|    |     | progress           | > electronic  | and quarterly      |
|    |     | reports\***        |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 8  | 3.3 | Monthly management | > \--         | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | meetings           |               | and monthly        |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 9  | 4.1 | Establish          | > \--         | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | relationship with  |               | and as needed      |
|    |     | EPCs, DRCs and     |               |                    |
|    |     | Resource Center    |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 10 | 5.1 | Conduct initial    | > \--         | 45 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | assessment of      |               |                    |
|    |     | target audiences   |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 11 | 5.2 | Assessment results | > 2 copies; 1 | 60 days from EDOC  |
|    |     |                    | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 12 | 5.3 | Update assessment  | > 1           | TBD                |
|    |     | (if required)      | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 13 | 6.1 | Develop            | > 1           | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | verification       | > electronic  | and thereafter as  |
|    |     | process            |               | needed             |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 14 | 6.3 | Identify key       | > 1           | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | messages per ER    | > electronic  | and thereafter     |
|    |     |                    |               | within 1 month of  |
|    |     |                    |               | assigned ER        |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 15 | 7.1 | Develop criteria   | > 1           | 45 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | to assess          | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | information        |               |                    |
|    |     | products           |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 16 | 7.2 | Develop templates  | > 1 copy; 1   | 45 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | for information    | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | products           |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 17 | 8.1 | Draft information  | > 1           | 60 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | products           | > electronic  | and continually    |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter as      |
|    |     |                    |               | specified          |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 18 | 8.2 | Identify potential | > 1           | 60 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | reviewers and      | > electronic  | identify           |
|    |     | disseminate draft  |               | reviewers; 60 days |
|    |     | product for        |               | from EDOC          |
|    |     | review. Modify     |               | disseminate draft; |
|    |     | product based on   |               | 2 ½ months from    |
|    |     | review comments    |               | EDOC submit        |
|    |     |                    |               | modified draft.    |
|    |     |                    |               | All activities     |
|    |     |                    |               | will be completed  |
|    |     |                    |               | continually        |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter as      |
|    |     |                    |               | specified.         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 19 | 8.3 | Pretest modified   | > \--         | 3 ½ months from    |
|    |     | draft product with |               | EDOC               |
|    |     | representative     |               |                    |
|    |     | from key audiences |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 20 | 8.4 | Finalize           | > 2 copies; 1 | 4 months from EDOC |
|    |     | information        | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | product            |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 21 | 9.1 | Identify terms and | > 1           | 2 ½ months from    |
|    |     | phrases for        | > electronic  | EDOC               |
|    |     | inclusion in the   |               |                    |
|    |     | interpretation     |               |                    |
|    |     | guide              |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 22 | 9.3 | Develop a user     | > 2 copies; 1 | 5 months from EDOC |
|    |     | interpretation     | > electronic  | and as needed      |
|    |     | guide that is      |               |                    |
|    |     | paper-and          |               |                    |
|    |     | web-based. The     |               |                    |
|    |     | guide should be    |               |                    |
|    |     | updated as needed. |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 23 | 1   | Develop a          | > 1 copy; 1   | 3 months from EDOC |
|    | 0.1 | dissemination plan | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | in partnership     |               |                    |
|    |     | with AHRQ and      |               |                    |
|    |     | designated others  |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 24 | 1   | Implement the      | > \--         | 4 months from EDOC |
|    | 0.2 | dissemination plan |               | and continually as |
|    |     | in collaboration   |               | needed             |
|    |     | with OCKT          |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 25 | 1   | Log technical      | > 1           | 4 ½ months from    |
|    | 0.3 | assistance         | > electronic  | EDOC and           |
|    |     | provided to users  |               | continually as     |
|    |     |                    |               | needed             |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 26 | 1   | Conduct literature | > \--         | 3 ½ months from    |
|    | 1.1 | scan and contact   |               | EDOC for 1^st^     |
|    |     | experts to         |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     | identify potential |               | thereafter         |
|    |     | topics             |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 27 | 1   | Develop white      | > 1           | 4 ½ months from    |
|    | 1.2 | paper series plan  | > electronic  | EDOC for 1^st^     |
|    |     |                    |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 28 | 1   | Invite authors to  | > \--         | 4 ½ months from    |
|    | 1.3 | write white papers |               | EDOC for 1^st^     |
|    |     |                    |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 29 | 1   | Invite experts to  | > \--         | 5 ½ months from    |
|    | 1.4 | a working meeting  |               | EDOC for 1^st^     |
|    |     |                    |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 30 | 1   | Hold white paper   | > 1 copy; 1   | 7 months from EDOC |
|    | 1.5 | meeting and submit | > electronic  | for 1^st^          |
|    |     | meeting summary.   |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 31 | 1   | Identify symposium | > 1           | 3 ½ months from    |
|    | 2.1 | topics             | > electronic  | EDOC               |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 32 | 1   | Contact symposium  | > \--         | 4 months from EDOC |
|    | 2.2 | event              |               | 1^st^ event;       |
|    |     | representative     |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | 6 months from EDOC |
|    |     |                    |               | 2^nd^ event        |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 33 | 1   | Invite researchers | > \--         | 4 ½ months from    |
|    | 2.3 | to participate in  |               | EDOC 1^st^ event;  |
|    |     | symposium and make |               |                    |
|    |     | necessary          |               | 6 ½ months from    |
|    |     | arrangements       |               | EDOC 2^nd^ event   |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 34 | 1   | Market symposia    | > 1           | Submit plan 5      |
|    | 2.4 |                    | > electronic  | months from EDOC   |
|    |     |                    |               | 1^st^ event;       |
|    |     |                    |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | 7 ½ months from    |
|    |     |                    |               | EDOC 2^nd^ event;  |
|    |     |                    |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | implement plan 6   |
|    |     |                    |               | months from EDOC   |
|    |     |                    |               | 1^st^ event;       |
|    |     |                    |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | 8 ½ months from    |
|    |     |                    |               | EDOC 2^nd^ event   |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 35 | 1   | Submit an activity | > 1 copy; 1   | 6 ½ months from    |
|    | 2.5 | report for each    | > electronic  | EDOC 1^st^ event;  |
|    |     | symposium          |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | 9 months from EDOC |
|    |     |                    |               | 2^nd^ event        |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 36 | 1   | Submit plan for    | > 1           | 3 months from EDOC |
|    | 3.2 | decision science   | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | activity           |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 37 | 1   | Implement concept  | > 1 copy; 1   | implement 7 ½      |
|    | 3.3 | per plan and       | > electronic  | months from EDOC;  |
|    |     | submit report      |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | report 8 months    |
|    |     |                    |               | from EDOC          |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 38 | 1   | Assess existing    | > \--         | 2 months from EDOC |
|    | 4.1 | decision aids and  |               |                    |
|    |     | related literature |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 39 | 1   | Convene working    | > \--         | 5 months from EDOC |
|    | 4.2 | group to draft     |               | and thereafter as  |
|    |     | decision aid       |               | needed             |
|    |     | algorithm          |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 40 | 1   | Develop an         | > 1 copy; 1   | 8 months from EDOC |
|    | 4.3 | algorithm for      | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | selected ERs       |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 41 | 1   | Identify potential | > \--         | 8 ½ months from    |
|    | 4.4 | vendors and submit |               | EDOC and           |
|    |     | tracking log       |               | bi-annually        |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter (log)   |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 42 | 1   | Migrate the MMA    | > \--         | 20 days from EDOC  |
|    | 5.1 | web site from the  |               |                    |
|    |     | Resource Center to |               |                    |
|    |     | the Decision       |               |                    |
|    |     | Sciences Center    |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 43 | 1   | Maintain and       | > \--         | 20 days from EDOC  |
|    | 5.2 | update Web site    |               | and continually    |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 44 | 1   | Maintain           | > \--         | 20 days from EDOC  |
|    | 5.3 | web-enabled        |               | and continually    |
|    |     | versions of        |               | thereafter         |
|    |     | decision aids and  |               |                    |
|    |     | related products   |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 45 | 1   | Create a user      | > 1           | 60 days from EDOC  |
|    | 5.4 | e-mail and an      | > electronic  | and quarterly      |
|    |     | implementation     |               | thereafter         |
|    |     | plan. Submit       |               |                    |
|    |     | quarterly e-mail   |               |                    |
|    |     | report.            |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+

**\* The Contracting Officer shall receive [one copy]{.underline} of
each deliverable denoted by an asterisk.**

Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality

OPART/CM

Attention: Jessica Alderton

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, MD 20850

**If exercised, the following is the Deliverable Schedule for Option
Years 1 -- 3:**

+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| ** | **  | **Description**    | >             | **Delivery\***     |
| It | Tas |                    |  **Quantity** |                    |
| em | k** |                    |               |                    |
| ** |     |                    |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 1  | 1.1 | Meet with AHRQ     | > \--         | 7 days from EDOC   |
|    |     | Staff              |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 2  | 1.3 | Draft work plan    | > 2 copies; 1 | 20 days from EDOC  |
|    |     |                    | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 3  | 1.3 | Final work plan    | > 2 copies; 1 | 35 days from EDOC  |
|    |     |                    | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 4  | 2.1 | Draft evaluation   | > 2 copies; 1 | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | plan               | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 5  | 2.2 | Final evaluation   | > 2 copies; 1 | 2 months from EDOC |
|    |     | plan               | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 6  | 3.1 | **Monthly progress | > 1 copy; 1   | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | reports\***        | > electronic  | and monthly        |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 7  | 3.2 | **Quarterly        | > 1 copy; 1   | 3 months from EDOC |
|    |     | progress           | > electronic  | and quarterly      |
|    |     | reports\***        |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 8  | 3.3 | Monthly management | > \--         | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | meetings           |               | and monthly        |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 9  | 4.1 | Maintain           | > \--         | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | relationship with  |               | and as needed      |
|    |     | EPCs, DRCs and     |               |                    |
|    |     | Resource Center    |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 10 | 5.1 | Update initial     | > \--         | 45 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | assessment of      |               |                    |
|    |     | target audiences   |               |                    |
|    |     | as needed          |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 11 | 5.2 | Assessment results | > 2 copies; 1 | 60 days from EDOC  |
|    |     |                    | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 12 | 5.3 | Update assessment  | > 1           | TBD                |
|    |     | (if required)      | > electronic  |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 13 | 6.1 | Develop            | > 1           | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | verification       | > electronic  | and thereafter as  |
|    |     | process            |               | needed             |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 14 | 6.3 | Identify key       | > 1           | 30 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | messages per ER    | > electronic  | and thereafter     |
|    |     |                    |               | within 1 month of  |
|    |     |                    |               | assigned ER        |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 15 | 7.1 | Update criteria to | > 1           | 45 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | assess information | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | products           |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 16 | 7.2 | Develop templates  | > 1 copy; 1   | 45 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | for information    | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | products           |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 17 | 8.1 | Draft information  | > 1           | 60 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | products           | > electronic  | and continually    |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter as      |
|    |     |                    |               | specified          |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 18 | 8.2 | Identify potential | > 1           | 60 days from EDOC  |
|    |     | reviewers and      | > electronic  | identify           |
|    |     | disseminate draft  |               | reviewers; 60 days |
|    |     | product for        |               | from EDOC          |
|    |     | review. Modify     |               | disseminate draft; |
|    |     | product based on   |               | 2 ½ months from    |
|    |     | review comments    |               | EDOC submit        |
|    |     |                    |               | modified draft.    |
|    |     |                    |               | All activities     |
|    |     |                    |               | will be completed  |
|    |     |                    |               | continually        |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter as      |
|    |     |                    |               | specified.         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 19 | 8.3 | Pretest modified   | > \--         | 3 ½ months from    |
|    |     | draft product with |               | EDOC               |
|    |     | representative     |               |                    |
|    |     | from key audiences |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 20 | 8.4 | Finalize           | > 2 copies; 1 | 4 months from EDOC |
|    |     | information        | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | product            |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 21 | 9.1 | Update web-enabled | > 1           | 2 ½ months from    |
|    |     | version of the     | > electronic  | EDOC               |
|    |     | interpretation     |               |                    |
|    |     | guide              |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 22 | 1   | Update the         | > 1 copy; 1   | 3 months from EDOC |
|    | 0.1 | dissemination plan | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | in partnership     |               |                    |
|    |     | with AHRQ and      |               |                    |
|    |     | designated others  |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 23 | 1   | Implement the      | > \--         | 4 months from EDOC |
|    | 0.2 | revised            |               | and continually as |
|    |     | dissemination plan |               | needed             |
|    |     | in collaboration   |               |                    |
|    |     | with OCKT          |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 24 | 1   | Log technical      | > 1           | 4 ½ months from    |
|    | 0.3 | assistance         | > electronic  | EDOC and           |
|    |     | provided to users  |               | continually as     |
|    |     |                    |               | needed             |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 25 | 1   | Conduct literature | > \--         | 3 ½ months from    |
|    | 1.1 | scan and contact   |               | EDOC for 1^st^     |
|    |     | experts to         |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     | identify potential |               | thereafter         |
|    |     | topics             |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 26 | 1   | Develop white      | > 1           | 4 ½ months from    |
|    | 1.2 | paper series plan  | > electronic  | EDOC for 1^st^     |
|    |     |                    |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 27 | 1   | Invite authors to  | > \--         | 4 ½ months from    |
|    | 1.3 | write white papers |               | EDOC for 1^st^     |
|    |     |                    |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 28 | 1   | Invite experts to  | > \--         | 5 ½ months from    |
|    | 1.4 | a working meeting  |               | EDOC for 1^st^     |
|    |     |                    |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 29 | 1   | Hold white paper   | > 1 copy; 1   | 7 months from EDOC |
|    | 1.5 | meeting and submit | > electronic  | for 1^st^          |
|    |     | meeting summary.   |               | symposium and TBD  |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 30 | 1   | Identify symposium | > 1           | 3 ½ months from    |
|    | 2.1 | topics             | > electronic  | EDOC               |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 31 | 1   | Contact symposium  | > \--         | 4 months from EDOC |
|    | 2.2 | event              |               | 1^st^ event;       |
|    |     | representative     |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | 6 months from EDOC |
|    |     |                    |               | 2^nd^ event        |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 32 | 1   | Invite researchers | > \--         | 4 ½ months from    |
|    | 2.3 | to participate in  |               | EDOC 1^st^ event;  |
|    |     | symposium and make |               |                    |
|    |     | necessary          |               | 6 ½ months from    |
|    |     | arrangements       |               | EDOC 2^nd^ event   |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 33 | 1   | Market symposia    | > 1           | Submit plan 5      |
|    | 2.4 |                    | > electronic  | months from EDOC   |
|    |     |                    |               | 1^st^ event;       |
|    |     |                    |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | 7 ½ months from    |
|    |     |                    |               | EDOC 2^nd^ event;  |
|    |     |                    |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | implement plan 6   |
|    |     |                    |               | months from EDOC   |
|    |     |                    |               | 1^st^ event;       |
|    |     |                    |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | 8 ½ months from    |
|    |     |                    |               | EDOC 2^nd^ event   |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 34 | 1   | Submit an activity | > 1 copy; 1   | 6 ½ months from    |
|    | 2.5 | report for each    | > electronic  | EDOC 1^st^ event;  |
|    |     | symposium          |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | 9 months from EDOC |
|    |     |                    |               | 2^nd^ event        |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 35 | 1   | Submit plan for    | > 1           | 3 months from EDOC |
|    | 3.2 | decision science   | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | activity           |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 36 | 1   | Implement concept  | > 1 copy; 1   | implement 7 ½      |
|    | 3.3 | per plan and       | > electronic  | months from EDOC;  |
|    |     | submit report      |               |                    |
|    |     |                    |               | report 8 months    |
|    |     |                    |               | from EDOC          |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 37 | 1   | Update decision    | > \--         | 2 months from EDOC |
|    | 4.1 | aid assessent      |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 38 | 1   | Convene working    | > \--         | 5 months from EDOC |
|    | 4.2 | group to draft     |               | and thereafter as  |
|    |     | decision aid       |               | needed             |
|    |     | algorithm          |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 39 | 1   | Develop an         | > 1 copy; 1   | 8 months from EDOC |
|    | 4.3 | algorithm for      | > electronic  |                    |
|    |     | selected ERs       |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 40 | 1   | Identify potential | > \--         | 8 ½ months from    |
|    | 4.4 | vendors and submit |               | EDOC and           |
|    |     | tracking log       |               | bi-annually        |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter (log)   |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 41 | 1   | Maintain and       | > \--         | 20 days from EDOC  |
|    | 5.2 | update Web site    |               | and continually    |
|    |     |                    |               | thereafter         |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 42 | 1   | Maintain           | > \--         | 20 days from EDOC  |
|    | 5.3 | web-enabled        |               | and continually    |
|    |     | versions of        |               | thereafter         |
|    |     | decision aids and  |               |                    |
|    |     | related products   |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| 43 | 1   | Maintain a user    | > 1           | 60 days from EDOC  |
|    | 5.4 | e-mail. Submit     | > electronic  | and quarterly      |
|    |     | quarterly e-mail   |               | thereafter         |
|    |     | report.            |               |                    |
+----+-----+--------------------+---------------+--------------------+

**\* The Contracting Officer shall receive [one copy]{.underline} of
each deliverable denoted by an asterisk.**

Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality

OPART/CM

Attention: Jessica Alderton

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, MD 20850

**[SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA]{.underline}**

**G.1 KEY PERSONNEL**

> Pursuant to the Key Personnel clause incorporated in Section I of this
> contract, the following individual(s) is/are considered to be
> essential to the work being performed hereunder:

[NAME]{.underline} [TITLE]{.underline}

**(TO BE COMPLETED AT TIME OF CONTRACT AWARD)**

> The clause cited above contains a requirement for review and approval
> by the Contracting Officer of written requests for a change of Key
> Personnel reasonably in advance of diverting any of these individuals
> from this contract. Receipt of written requests at least 30 days prior
> to a proposed change is considered reasonable.

**G.2 PROJECT OFFICER**

> The following Project Officer(s) will represent the Government for the
> purpose of this contract:

**(TO BE COMPLETED AT TIME OF CONTRACT AWARD)**

> The project officer is/are responsible for: (1) monitoring the
> contractor\'s technical progress, including the surveillance and
> assessment of performance and recommending to the contracting officer
> changes in requirements; (2) interpreting the statement of work and
> any other technical performance requirements; (3) performing technical
> evaluation as required; (4) performing technical inspections and
> acceptances required by this contract; and (5) assisting in the
> resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.
>
> The contracting officer is the only person with authority to act as an
> agent of the Government under this contract. Only the contracting
> officer has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes in the
> statement of work; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3)
> change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the
> contractor of any costs incurred during the performance of this
> contract; or (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this
> contract.
>
> The Government may unilaterally change its Project Officer
> designation.

**G.3 INVOICE SUBMISSION**

a\. INVOICE SUBMISSION

> Billing Instructions are attached and made part of this contract.
> Instructions and the following directions for the submission of
> invoices must be followed to meet the requirements of a \"proper\"
> payment request pursuant to FAR 32.9, and must be in accordance with
> the General Provisions clause 52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2003).

Invoices/financing requests shall be submitted in an original and three
copies to:

Contracting Officer

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Division of Contracts Management

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

**G.4 INFORMATION ON VOUCHERS**

\(1\) The Contractor agrees to include the following minimum information
on vouchers:

\(a\) Contractor's name and invoice date;

\(b\) Contract Number;

\(c\) Description and price of services actually rendered;

\(d\) Other substantiating documentation or information as required by
the contract;

\(e\) Name (where practicable), title, phone number, and complete
mailing address or responsible official to whom payment is to be sent;
and

\(f\) The Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Identification Number.

\(2\) The Contractor shall furnish the following [minimum]{.underline}
information in support of costs submitted:

\(a\) [Direct Labor]{.underline} - include all persons, listing the
person's name, title, number of hours or days worked, the total cost per
person and a total amount of this category;

\(b\) [Fringe Costs]{.underline} - show rate, base and total amount as
well as verification/allowability or rate changes (when applicable);

\(c\) [Overhead or Indirect Costs]{.underline} - show rate, base and
total amount as well as verification/allowability or rate changes (when
applicable);

\(d\) [Consultants]{.underline} - include the name, number of days or
hours worked, a total amount per consultant and a total amount for this
category;

\(e\) [Travel]{.underline} - include for each airplane or train trip
taken the name of the traveler, date of travel, destination, the
transportation costs including ground transportation, shown separately,
and per diem costs. Other travel costs shall also be listed. A total
amount for this category shall be provided;

\(f\) [Subcontractors]{.underline} - include for each subcontractor, the
same data that is being provided for the prime contractor. A total
number for this category shall be provided.

\(g\) [Data Processing]{.underline} - include all non-labor costs, i.e.,
computer time, equipment purchase, lease or rental, data tapes, etc. A
total amount for this category shall be provided.

\(h\) [Other]{.underline} - include a listing of all other direct
charges to the contract, i.e., office supplies, telephone, equipment
rental, duplication, etc.

\(i\) [Equipment Cost]{.underline} - itemize and identify separately
from material costs including reference to approval in all cases;

\(j\) [G&A]{.underline} - show rate, base and total as well as
verification/allowability of rate changes (when applicable); and

\(k\) [Fee]{.underline} - show rate, base and total.

\(3\) Payment shall be made by:

PSC Finance

Parklawn Building, Room 16-23

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, Maryland 20857

Telephone Number (301) 443-6766

**G.5 INDIRECT COST RATES and FEE**

> In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR
> Chapter 1) Clause 52.216-7(d)(2), [Allowable Cost and
> Payment]{.underline}, incorporated by reference in this contract, in
> Part II, Section I, the primary contact point responsible for
> negotiating provisional and/or final indirect cost rates is the
> cognizant contracting official as set forth in FAR Subpart 42.7 -
> Indirect Cost Rates.
>
> Reimbursement will be limited to the rates and time periods covered by
> the negotiated agreements. The rates, if negotiated, are hereby
> incorporated without further action of the contracting officer.

**G.6 ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER**

> Pursuant to FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer -
> Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003), the Contractor shall
> designate a financial institution for receipt of electronic funds
> transfer payments. This designation shall be submitted, in writing, to
> the finance office designated in the contract.

**SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS**

**H.1 RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLICATION AND DISSEMINATION OF MATERIAL DERIVED
FROM WORK PERFORMED UNDER THIS CONTRACT**

> Section 903(c) of the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act), 42 U.S.C.
> 299a-1, states in part that \"No information, if the establishment or
> person supplying the information or described in it is identifiable,
> obtained in the course of activities undertaken or supported under
> this title, may be used for any purpose other than the purpose for
> which it was supplied unless such establishment or person has
> consented\...to its use for such other purpose. Such information may
> not be published or released in other form if the person who supplied
> the information or who is described in it is identifiable unless such
> person has consented\...to its publication or release in other form.\"
>
> To ensure compliance with these requirements and to fulfill the
> mandate of 923(b)(1) of the PHS Act, 42 U.S.C. 299c-2(b)(1), to assure
> that statistics developed with AHRQ support are of high quality,
> comprehensive, timely, and adequately analyzed, except as otherwise
> provided in this contract, the Agency for Healthcare Research and
> Quality (AHRQ) must, prior to dissemination by the contractor, review
> all reports, presentations, or other disclosures that contain
> information, statistics, analytical material, or any other material,
> which is based on or derived from work performed under this contract.
> Accordingly:

\(a\) Except as provided in H.2(c), (e), and H.2(d), the contractor will
not publish, have published, or otherwise disseminate any material
resulting or derived from the work performed for AHRQ-funded research,
except in accordance with the terms or conditions required by the
Project Officer or until AHRQ has published the results of the research.

\(b\) AHRQ will, within three months of the receipt of any proposed
publication, presentation, or any other disclosure of materials derived
from information collected or produced for a particular task order, use
best effort to review the proposed report, presentation, or other text
to assure that (1) identifiable information is being used for the
purpose for which it was supplied; (2) the privacy of individuals
supplying the information or described in it is not violated; and (3)
the quality of statistical work meets the statutory standards cited
above.

\(c\) Except as provided in H.2(e)***,*** in the event no written
conditions or approval are received from the Project Officer by the end
of the three month period following submission of a request (that is
accompanied by the proposed text) to publish a report or to make a
presentation or other disclosure of material derived from work performed
for AHRQ-funded research, the contractor may publish, present, or
otherwise disclose this material subject to the restrictions of Section
903(c). However, the contractor must print prominently on the report or
any portion of it which is released, or state prior to any oral or other
disclosure of material derived from work performed under this contract,
the following disclaimer:

> \"THIS REPORT ***(or other appropriate description of publication)***
> HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND
> QUALITY"

\(d\) Whether or not written approval of the Project Officer is
received, the contractor must:

**.** print the following statement prominently on written reports or
other forms of recorded data derived from work performed under this
contract which is to be released; or

**.** preceding any presentation or other oral disclosure of such
material make the following statement:

> \"IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION ON WHICH THIS REPORT, PRESENTATION, OR
> OTHER FORM OF DISCLOSURE IS BASED, IS CONFIDENTIAL AND PROTECTED BY
> FEDERAL LAW, SECTION 903(c) OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT, 42
> U.S.C. 299a-1(c). ANY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION THAT IS KNOWINGLY
> DISCLOSED IS DISCLOSED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT HAS BEEN
> SUPPLIED. NO IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUPPLYING
> THE INFORMATION OR DESCRIBED IN IT WILL BE KNOWINGLY DISCLOSED EXCEPT
> WITH THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THAT INDIVIDUAL.\"

\(e\) In cases where the Contracting Officer has given written notice
that the Government intends to retain all rights in any particular data
produced under this contract, the contractor shall have no right without
prior written permission of the Contracting Officer to publish any of
those data or analyses based on those data, depending on the scope of
the Contracting Officer's notice.

> \(f\) Whenever data or analyses are to be developed by a subcontractor
> under this contract, the contractor must include the terms of H.2.(a),
> (b), (c), (d) and (e) in the subcontract, without substantive
> alteration, and with a prohibition on the subcontractor engaging in
> further assignment of its obligations to the contractor. No clause may
> be included to diminish the Government's restriction on publication
> and dissemination of work or material derived from work performed
> under this contract.

**H.2 DEBARMENT**

> Violation of the special provisions of this contract entitled
> **RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLICATION AND DISSEMINATION OF MATERIAL DERIVED
> FROM WORK PERFORMED UNDER THIS CONTRACT, and RIGHTS IN DATA - SPECIAL
> WORKS** will be viewed as a serious violation of the terms of this
> contract as the requirements in this provision reflect AHRQ statutory
> obligations and responsibilities. Such violations, as well as other
> violations, of the contract terms which are deemed serious, could
> result in the initiation of debarment proceedings in accordance with
> the Federal Acquisition Regulations and the Department of Health and
> Human Services implementing regulations.

**H.3 SUBCONTRACTS**

> The contractor must include in any subcontracts executed or used to
> provide the support specified in this contract the terms of
> requirements H.1, H.2 and H.3. These requirements are to be included
> without substantive alteration, and no clause may be included to
> diminish these requirements.
>
> Award of any subcontract is subject to the written approval of the
> Contracting Officer upon review of the supporting documentation as
> required by FAR Clause 52.215-12, Subcontractor Cost or Pricing Data,
> of the General Clauses incorporated into this contract. A copy of the
> signed subcontract shall be provided to the Contracting Officer.

**H.4 LATE PAYMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT**

> Late payment of debts owed the Government by the Contractor, arising
> from whatever cause, under this contract/order shall bear interest at
> a rate or rates to be established in accordance with the Treasury
> Fiscal Requirements Manual. For purposes of this provision, late
> payments are defined as payments received by the Government more than
> 30 days after the Contractor has been notified in writing by the
> Contracting Officer of:

a\. The basis of indebtedness.

b\. The amount due.

c\. The fact that interest will be applied if payment is not received
within 30 days from the date of mailing of the notice.

d\. The approximate interest rate that will be charged.

**H.5 PRIVACY ACT**

> The Privacy Act clauses cited in Section I (FAR 52.224-1 and 52.224-2)
> are applicable to the consultant records kept by the Contractor for
> the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
>
> You are hereby notified that the Contractor and its employees are
> subject to criminal penalties for violations of the Act (5 U.S.C.
> 552a(i)) to the same extent as employees of the Department. The
> Contractor shall assure that each Contractor employee is aware that
> he/she can be subjected to criminal penalties for violations of the
> Act. Disposition instructions: Records are to be destroyed after
> contract closeout is completed and final payment is made and in
> accordance with IRS regulations.

**H.6 PRO-CHILDREN ACT of 1994**

> The Pro-Children Act of 1994, P.L. 103-227, imposes restrictions on
> smoking where certain federally funded childrens' services are
> provided. P.L. 103-227 states in pertinent part:
>
> "PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide
> a smoke-free workplace and to promote the non-use of all tobacco
> products. In addition, P.L. 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994,
> prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion
> of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day
> care, health care or early childhood development services are provided
> to children."

**H.7** **SALARY CAP GUIDE NOTICE**

> Pursuant to P.L.108-447, no Fiscal Year 2005 (October 1, 2004 -
> September 30, 2005) funds may be used to pay the direct salary of an
> individual through this contract at a rate in excess of the direct
> salary rate for Executive Level I of the Federal Executive Pay Scale.
> That rate is \$180,100 per year for the period of January 1, 2005
> through December 31, 2005. Direct salary is exclusive of overhead,
> fringe benefits, and general and administrative expenses. The salary
> limit also applies to individuals proposed under subcontracts. If this
> is a multi-year contract, it may be subject to unilateral
> modifications by the Government if any salary rate ceilings are
> established in future DHHS appropriation acts. P.L.108-447 states in
> pertinent part:
>
> None of the funds appropriated in this Act for the National Institutes
> of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the
> Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shall be
> used to pay the salary of an individual, through a grant or other
> extramural mechanism, at a rate in excess of Executive Level I.
>
> Contractors shall absorb that portion of an employee's salary (plus
> the dollar amount for fringe benefits and indirect costs associated
> with the excess) that exceeds a rate of \$180,100 a year.

**H.8** **PERSONNEL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS**

**BACKGROUND**

The Office of Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget, Department
of Health and Human Services (DHHS), requires that all DHHS employees
and contractor employees (including subcontractors) who will be working
in a DHHS-owned or leased space and/or who will have access to DHHS
equipment, and non-public privileged, proprietary, or trade secret
information, undergo a background investigation.

**GENERAL**

Notwithstanding other submission requirements stated elsewhere in this
contract, the contractor shall appoint and identify a Contractor
Security Representative and submit the following information for each
employee to the Contracting Officer within thirty (30) calendar days
after contract award.

SF-85 Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions

HHS Credit Release (Attachment Number 3)

OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment

Current resume

*Note: Forms are available at:
[[http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/formslibrary.jsp]{.underline}](http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/formslibrary.jsp)*

Within thirty (30) days after contract award each employee will be
required to have electronic fingerprinting performed ---- Fingerprinting
services are available by appointment only through the Program Support
Staff (PSC) and will be arranged by AHRQ.

(01/05-DCM)

(FAC 2005-03)

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

GENERAL CLAUSES FOR A COST-PLUS-A-FIXED-FEE CONTRACT

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEBRUARY 1998)

This contract incorporates the following clauses by reference, with the
same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request,
the Contracting Officer will make their full

text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed
electronically at this address: http://www.arnet.gov/far/

I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

FAR Clause No. Title and Date

52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984)

52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fee (APR 1984)

52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government

> (Jul 1995)

52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures (JUL 1995)

52.203-8 Cancellation, Rescission, and Recovery of Funds for Illegal

or Improper Activity (JAN 1997)

52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity (JAN
1997)

52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal
Transactions (JUN 2003)

52.204-4 Printing or Copying Double-Sided on Recycled Paper (AUG 2000)

52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration. (OCT 2003)

52.209-6 Protecting the Government\'s Interest When Subcontracting With
Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (JAN 2005)

52.215-2 Audit and Records - Negotiation (JUN 1999)

52.215-8 Order of Precedence-Uniform Contract Format (Oct 1997)

52.215-10 Price Reduction for Defective Cost or Pricing Data (OCT 1997)

> (applicable to contract actions over \$550,000)

52.215-12 Subcontractor Cost or Pricing Data (OCT 1997)

> (applicable to contract actions over \$550,000)

52.215-15 Pension Adjustments and Asset Reversions (OCT 2004)

52.215-17 Wavier of Facilities Capital Cost of Money (OCT 1997)

52.215-18 Reversion or Adjustment of Plans for Postretirement Benefits
(PRB) Other Than Pensions (OCT 1997)

52.215-19 Notification of Ownership Changes (OCT 1997)

52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment (DEC 2002)

52.216-8 Fixed Fee (MAR 1997)

52.216-27   Single or Multiple Awards (OCT 1995)

52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)

52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small
Business Concerns (OCT 2004)

52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (MAY 2004)

52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (JAN 2002)

> (Applicable to contracts over \$500,000)

52.219-16 Liquidated Damages - Subcontracting Plan (JAN 1999)

52.219-25 Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program -
Disadvantaged Status and Reporting ( OCT 1999)

52.222-2 Payment for Overtime Premiums (JUL 1990). The amount in

> paragraph (a) is \"zero\" unless different amount is separately
>
> stated elsewhere in contract.

52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUNE 2003)

52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (APR 2002)

52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of
the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans. (DEC 2001)

52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers With Disabilities (JUNE 1998)

52.222-37 Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of
the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans. (DEC 2001)

52.222-39 Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union
Dues or Fees (DEC 2004)

52.223-6 Drug Free Workplace (MAY 2001)

52.223-14 Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (AUG 2003)

52.224-1 Privacy Act Notification (APRIL 1984)

52.224-2 Privacy Act (APRIL 1984)

52.225-1 Buy American Act - Supplies (JUNE 2003)

52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (DEC 2003)

52.227-1 Authorization and Consent (JULY 1995)

52.227-2 Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copy-

> Right Infringement (AUG 1996)

52.227-3 Patent Indemnity (APRIL 1984)

52.227-14 Rights in Data - General (JUNE 1987)

52.228-7 Insurance-Liability to Third Persons (MAR 1996)

52.230-2 Cost Accounting Standards (APR 1998)

52.230-3 Disclosure and Consistency of Cost Accounting Practices (APR
1998)

52.230-6 Administration of Cost Accounting Standards (APR 2005)

52.232-9 Limitation on Withholding of Payments (APRIL 1984)

52.232-17 Interest (JUNE 1996)

52.232-18 Availability of Funds (APRIL 1984)

52.232-20 Limitation of Cost (APR 1984)

52.232-22 Limitation of Funds (APR 1984) (This clause supersedes the
Limitation of Cost clause found in the General Clauses of this
contract.)

52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (JAN 1986)

52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2003)

52.233-1 Disputes (JULY 2002)

52.233-3 Protest After Award (AUG 1996) Alternate I (JUNE 1985)

52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004)

52.237-10 Identification of Uncompensated Overtime (Oct 1997)

52.239-1 Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996)

52.242-1 Notice of Intent to Disallow Costs (APRIL 1984)

52.242-3 Penalties for Unallowable Costs (MAY 2001)

52.242-4 Certification of Final Indirect Costs (Jan 1997)

52.242-13 Bankruptcy (JULY 1995)

52.243-2 Changes - Cost Reimbursement (AUG 1987) - Alternate II

> (APRIL 1984)

52.244-2 Subcontracts (AUGUST 1998)

52.244-5 Competition in Subcontracting (DEC 1996)

52.245-5 Government Property (Cost Reimbursement, Time-and-

> Material, or Labor-Hour Contract (MAY 2004)

52.246-5 Inspection of Services-Cost Reimbursement (APRIL 1984)

52.246-23 Limitation of Liability-(FEB 1997)

52.248-1 Value Engineering (FEB 2000)

52.249-6 Termination (Cost-Reimbursement) (MAY 2004)

52.249-14 Excusable Delays (APRIL 1984)

52.251-1 Government Supply Sources (APRIL 1984)

52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (JAN 1991)

II\. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ACQUISITION

REGULATION (HHSAR) (48 CFR CHAPTER 3) CLAUSES

HHSAR

[Clause No]{.underline}. [Title and Date]{.underline}

352.202-1 Definitions (JAN 2001)

> Alternate h

352.223-70 Safety and Health (JAN 2001)

352.224-70 Confidentiality of Information (APRIL 1984)

352.228-7 Insurance - Liability to Third Persons (DEC 1991)

352.232-9 Withholding of Contract Payments (APRIL 1984)

352.233-70 Litigation and Claims (APR 1984)

352.242-71 Final Decisions on Audit Findings (APRIL 1984)

352.270-1 Accessibility of Meetings, Conferences, and Seminars to

> Persons with Disabilities (JAN 2001)

352.270-6 Publication and Publicity (JUL 1991)

352.270-7 Paperwork Reduction Act (JAN 2001)

352.270-8 Protection of Human Subjects (JAN 2001)

The following clauses are applicable to this contract and are provided
in full text:

**KEY PERSONNEL (APR 1984) (HHSAR 352.270-5)**

The personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential
to the work being performed hereunder. Prior to diverting any of the
specified individuals to other programs, the Contractor shall notify the
Contracting Officer reasonably in advance and shall submit justification
(including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit
evaluation of the impact on the program. No diversion shall be made by
the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer;
provided, that the Contracting Officer may ratify in writing such
diversion and such ratification shall constitute the consent of the
Contracting Officer required by this clause. The contract may be amended
from time to time during the course of the contract to either add or
delete personnel, as appropriate.

(End of clause)

**OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) 52.217-9  **

\(a\) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written
notice to the Contractor within 30 days of the expiration date of the
contract; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a
preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days
before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the
Government to an extension.

\(b\) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract
shall be considered to include this option clause.

\(c\) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any
options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 months.

(End of clause)

### EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JULY 1990) 52.217-5  

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be
in the Government's best interests, the Government will evaluate offers
for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the
total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not
obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(End of provision)

**PART III- LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS**

**SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS**

[Attachment]{.underline} [Pages]{.underline}

1\. Past Performance Questionnaire and Contractor Performance Form 5

2\. SF LLL-A, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 3

3\. Proposal Intent Form 1

4\. Small Business Subcontracting Plan 8

5\. Guidelines for Developing Web-Based Products 6

**NOTE: ALL ATTACHMENTS ARE LOCATED AT THE END OF THIS REQUEST FOR
PROPOSAL**.

(FAC 2005-03)

PART IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 HHSAR 315.204-5 Representations and Instructions

K.2. FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (JAN 2005)

K.3. FAR 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999)

K.4. FAR 52.230-1 Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification
(JUNE 2000)

K.5. FAR 15.406-2 Certificate of Current Cost and Pricing Data

K.6. P.L. 103-227 Certification Regarding Environmental

> Tobacco Smoke

K.l REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

\(a\) Section K, Representations, certifications, and other statements
of offerors.

\(1\) This section shall begin with the following and continue with the
applicable representations and certifications:

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE OFFEROR: (The Representations and Certifications
must be executed by an individual authorized to bind the Offeror.) The
Offeror makes the following Representations and Certifications as part
of its proposal. (Check or complete all appropriate boxes or blanks on
the following pages.)

(Name of Offeror) (RFP No.)

(Signature of Authorized Individual) (Date)

(Typed Name of Authorized Individual)

NOTE: The penalty for making false statements in offers is prescribed in
18 U.S.C. 1001.

K.2. ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (JAN 2005) (FAR 52.204-8)

(a)(1) If the clause at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, is
included in this solicitation, paragraph (b) of this provision applies.

\(2\) If the clause at 52.204-7 is not included in this solicitation,
and the offeror is currently registered in CCR, and has completed the
ORCA electronically, the offeror may choose to use paragraph (b) instead
of completing the corresponding individual representations and
certifications in the solicitation. The offeror shall indicate which
option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

\[ \] (i) Paragraph (b) applies

> \[ \] (ii) Paragraph (b) does not apply and the offeror has completed
> the individual representations and certification in the solicitation.

\(b\) The offeror has completed the annual representations and
certifications electronically via the Online Representations and
Certifications Application (ORCA) website at
[[http://orca/bpn.gov.]{.underline}](http://orca/bpn.gov.) After
reviewing the ORCA database information, the offeror verifies by
submission of the offer that the representations and certifications
currently posted electronically have been entered or updated within the
last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this
solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the
NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this
offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201);
except for the changes identified below (offeror to insert changes,
identifying change by clause number, title, date). These amended
representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this
offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this
offer.

FAR Clause# Title Date Change

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation
only, and do not result in an update to the representations and
certifications posted on ORCA.

(End of provision)

K.3. PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES

(FEB 1999) (FAR 52.222-21)

\(a\) \"Segregated facilities,\" as used in this clause, means any
waiting rooms, work areas, rest rooms and wash rooms, restaurants and
other eating areas, time clocks, locker rooms and other storage or
dressing areas, parking lots, drinking fountains, recreation or
entertainment areas, transportation, and housing facilities provided for
employees, that are segregated by explicit directive or are in fact
segregated on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin
because of written or oral policies or employee custom. The term does
not include separate or single-user rest rooms or necessary dressing or
sleeping areas provided to assure privacy between the sexes.

\(b\) The Contractor agrees that it does not and will not maintain or
provide for its employees any segregated facilities at any of its
establishments, and that it does not and will not permit its employees
to perform their services at any location under its control where
segregated facilities are maintained. The Contractor agrees that a
breach of this clause is a violation of the Equal Opportunity clause in
this contract.

\(c\) The Contractor shall include this clause in every subcontract and
purchase order that is subject to the Equal Opportunity clause of this
contract.

(End of Clause)

K.4. COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND

CERTIFICATION

(FAR 52.230-1) (JUNE 2000)

NOTE: This notice does not apply to small businesses or foreign
governments. This notice is in three parts, identified by Roman numerals
I through III.

> Offerors shall examine each part and provide the requested information
> in order to determine Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) requirements
> applicable to any resultant contract.
>
> If the offeror is an educational institution, Part II does not apply
> unless the contemplated contract will be subject to full or modified
> CAS-coverage pursuant to 48CFR 9903.201-2(c)(5) or
> 9903.201-2(c)(6),respectively.

I. Disclosure Statement - Cost Accounting Practices and Certification

> \(a\) Any contract in excess of \$500,000 resulting from this
> solicitation, will be subject to the requirements of the Cost
> Accounting Standards Board (48 CFR, Chapter 99), except for those
> contracts which are exempt as specified in 48 CFR 9903.201-1.
>
> \(b\) Any offeror submitting a proposal which, if accepted, will
> result in a contract subject to the requirements of 48 CFR Chapter 99
> must, as a condition of contracting, submit a Disclosure Statement as
> required by 48 CFR 9903.202. When required, the Disclosure Statement
> must be submitted as a part of the offeror\'s proposal under this
> solicitation unless the offeror has already submitted a Disclosure
> Statement disclosing the practices used in connection with the pricing
> of this proposal. If an applicable Disclosure Statement has already
> been submitted, the offeror may satisfy the requirement for submission
> by providing the information requested in paragraph (c) of Part I of
> this provision. Caution: In the absence of specific regulations or
> agreement, a practice disclosed in a Disclosure Statement shall not,
> by virtue of such disclosure, be deemed to be a proper, approved, or
> agreed-to practice for pricing proposals or accumulating and reporting
> contract performance cost data.

\(c\) Check the appropriate box below:

\[ \] (1) Certificate of Concurrent Submission of Disclosure Statement.

> The offeror hereby certifies that, as a part of the offer, copies of
> the Disclosure Statement have been submitted as follows: (i) original
> and one copy to the cognizant Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO)
> or cognizant Federal agency official authorized to act in that
> capacity, as applicable, and (ii) one copy to the cognizant Federal
> auditor.

(Disclosure must be on Form No. CASB DS-1 or CASB

> DS-2, as applicable. Forms may be obtained from the cognizant ACO or
> Federal official and/or from the loose-leaf version of the Federal
> Acquisition Regulation.)

Date of Disclosure
Statement:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Name and Address of Cognizant

ACO or Federal official where filed:

> The offeror further certifies that practices used in estimating costs
> in pricing this proposal are consistent with the cost accounting
> practices disclosed in the Disclosure Statement.

\[ \] (2) Certificate of Previously Submitted Disclosure Statement.

> The offeror hereby certifies that the required Disclosure Statement
> was filed as follows:
>
> Date of Disclosure
> Statement:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Name and Address of Cognizant

ACO or Federal official where filed:

> The offeror further certifies that the practices used in estimating
> costs in pricing this proposal are consistent with the cost accounting
> practices disclosed in the applicable Disclosure Statement.
>
> \[ \] (3) Certificate of Monetary Exemption.
>
> The offeror hereby certifies that the offeror together with all
> divisions, subsidiaries, and affiliates under common control, did not
> receive net awards of negotiated prime contracts and subcontracts
> subject to CAS totaling more than \$25 million in the cost accounting
> period immediately preceding the period in which this proposal was
> submitted. The offeror further certifies that if such status changes
> before an award resulting from this proposal, the offeror will advise
> the Contracting Officer immediately.
>
> \[ \] (4) Certificate of Interim Exemption.
>
> The offeror hereby certifies that (i) the offeror first exceeded the
> monetary exemption for disclosure, as defined in (3) of this
> subsection, in the cost accounting period immediately preceding the
> period in which this offer was submitted and (ii) in accordance with
> 48 CFR, Subpart 9903.202-1, the offeror is not yet required to submit
> a Disclosure Statement. The offeror further certifies that if an award
> resulting from this proposal has not been made within 90 days after
> the end of that period, the offeror will immediately submit a review
> certificate to the Contracting Officer, in the form specified under
> subparagraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of Part I of this provision, as
> appropriate, to verify submission of a completed Disclosure Statement.
>
> Caution: Offerors currently required to disclose because they were
> awarded a CAS-covered prime contract or subcontract of \$25 million or
> more in the current cost accounting period may not claim this
> exemption (4). Further, the exemption applies only in connection with
> proposals submitted before expiration of the 90-day period following
> the cost accounting period in which the monetary exemption was
> exceeded.

II\. Cost Accounting Standards - Eligibility for Modified Contract
Coverage

> If the offeror is eligible to use the modified provisions of 48 CFR,
> Subpart 9903.201-2(b) and elects to do so, the offeror shall indicate
> by checking the box below. Checking the box below shall mean that the
> resultant contract is subject to the Disclosure and Consistency of
> Cost Accounting Practices clause in lieu of the Cost Accounting
> Standards clause.
>
> \[ \] The offeror hereby claims an exemption from the Cost Accounting
> Standards clause under the provisions of 48 CFR, Subpart 9903.201-2(b)
> and certifies that the offeror is eligible for use of the Disclosure
> and Consistency of Cost Accounting Practices clause because during the
> cost accounting period immediately preceding the period in which this
> proposal was submitted, the offeror received less than \$25 million in
> awards of CAS-covered prime contracts and subcontracts or the offeror
> did not receive a single CAS-covered award exceeding \$1 million. The
> offeror further certifies that if such status changes before an award
> resulting from this proposal, the offeror will advise the Contracting
> Officer immediately.

Caution: An offeror may not claim the above eligibility for modified
contract coverage if this proposal is expected to result in the award of
a CAS-covered contract of \$25 million or more or if, during its current
cost accounting period, the offeror has been awarded a single
CAS-covered prime contract or subcontract of \$25 million or more.

III\. Additional Cost Accounting Standards Applicable to Existing
Contracts

> The offeror shall indicate below whether award of the contemplated
> contract would, in accordance with subparagraph (a)(3) of the Cost
> Accounting Standards clause, require a change in established cost
> accounting practices affecting existing contracts and subcontracts.

\[ \] Yes \[ \] No

(End of Provision)

ALTERNATE I (APR 1996)

\[ \] (5) Certificate of Disclosure Statement Due Date by Educational
Institution.

> If the offeror is an educational institution that, under the
> transition provisions of 48 CFR 9903.202-1(f), is or will be required
> to submit a Disclosure Statement after receipt of this award, the
> offeror hereby certifies that (check one and complete):

\[\] (a) A Disclosure Statement filing Due Date of

> has been established with the cognizant Federal agency.
>
> \[\] (b) The Disclosure Statement will be submitted within the six
> month period ending months after receipt of this award.
>
> Name and Address of cognizant ACO or Federal Official where Disclosure
> Statement is to be filed:

**(END OF ALTERNATE I)**

K.5. CERTIFICATE OF CURRENT COST OR PRICING DATA

(FAR 15.406-2)

CERTIFICATE OF CURRENT COST OR PRICING DATA

When cost or pricing data are required, the contracting officer shall
require the contractor to execute a Certificate of Current Cost or
Pricing Data using the format in this paragraph, and shall include the
executed certificate in the contract file.

This is to certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the
cost or pricing data (as defined in Section 15.401 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulation(FAR) and required under FAR subsection 15.403-4)
submitted, either actually or by specific identification, in writing, to
the contracting officer or the contracting officer\'s representative in
support of \* are accurate, complete, and current as of \*\*.

This certification includes the cost or pricing data supporting any
advance agreements and forward pricing rate agreements between the
offeror and the Government that are part of the proposal.

FIRM

NAME Signature

TITLE

DATE OF EXECUTION\*\*\*

\* Identify the proposal, request for price adjustment, or other
submission involved, giving the appropriate identifying number (e.g.,
Request for Proposal number).

\*\* Insert the day, month, and year when price negotiations were
concluded and price agreement was reached or, if applicable, an earlier
date agreed upon between the parties that is as close as practicable to
the date of agreement on price.

\*\*\* Insert the day, month, and year of signing, which should be as
close as practicable to the date when the price negotiations were
concluded and the contract price agreed to.

End of Certificate

K.6. ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE

> The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant and contract
> recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and to promote the nonuse
> of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the
> Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or
> in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine
> education, library, day care, health care or early childhood
> development services are provided to children.

[CERTIFICATION REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE]{.underline}

Public Law 103-227, also known as the Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Act),
requires that smoking not be permitted in any portion of any indoor
facility owned or leased or contracted for by an entity and used
routinely or regularly for the provision of health, day care, early
childhood development services, education or library services to
children under the age of 18, if the services are funded by Federal
programs either directly or through State or local governments, by
Federal grant, contract, loan, or loan guarantee. The law also applies
to children\'s services that are provided in indoor facilities that are
constructed, operated, or maintained with such federal funds. The law
does not apply to children\'s services provided in private residences;
portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment;
service providers whose sole source of applicable Federal funds is
Medicare or Medicaid; or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the
imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to \$1000 for each
violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on
the responsible entity.

By signing this certification, the offeror/contractor certifies that the
submitted organization will comply with the requirements of the Act and
will not allow smoking within any portion of any indoor facility used
for the provision of services for children as defined by the Act.

The submitting organization agrees that it will require that the
language of this certification be included in any subawards which
contain provisions for children\'s services and that all subrecipients
shall certify accordingly.

Organization:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Signature\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Title\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS**

**L.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) (FAR
52.252-1)**

> This solicitation incorporates the following solicitation provisions
> by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in
> full text. Upon request, the contracting officer will make the full
> text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be assessed
> electronically at this address: http://www.arnet.gov/far/

a\. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1) Solicitation
Provisions

\(1\) 52.215-16 Facilities Capital Cost of Money (OCT 1997)

> \(2\) 52.215-20 Requirements for Cost or Pricing Data or Information
> Other Than Cost or Pricing Data (OCT 1997)

**L.2 DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING (DUNS) (OCT 2003) (FAR 52.204-6)**

\(a\) The offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on
the cover page of its offer, the annotation "DUNS" or "DUNS+4" followed
by the DUNS number or "DUNS+4" that identifies the offeror's name and
address exactly as stated in the offer. The DUNS number is a nine-digit
number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet Information Services. The DUNS+4
is the DUNS number plus a 4-character suffix that may be assigned at the
discretion of the offeror to establish additional CCR records for
identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see
Subpart 32.11) for the same parent concern.

\(b\) If the offeror does not have a DUNS number, it should contact Dun
and Bradstreet directly to obtain one.

\(1\) An offeror may obtain a DUNSnumber---

\(i\) If located within the United States, by calling Dun and Bradstreet
at 1-866-705-5711 or via the iInternet at
[*http://www.dnb.*com](http://www.dnb.com/); or

\(ii\) If located outside the United States, by contacting the local Dun
and Bradstreet office.

\(2\) The offeror should be prepared to provide the following
information:

\(i\) Company legal business name.

\(ii\) Tradestyle, doing business, or other name by which your entity is
commonly recognized.

\(iii\) Company physical street address, city, state and Zip Code.

\(iv\) Company mailing address, sity, state and Zip Code (if separate
from physical).

\(v\) Company telephone number.

\(vi\) Date the company was started.

\(vii\) Number of employees at your location.

\(viii\) Chief executive officer/ key manager.

\(ix\) Line of business (industry)

\(X\) Company Headquarters name and address (reporting relationship
within your entity).

(End of provision)

**L.3 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (MAY 2001)**

**ALTERNATE I (JAN 2004)(FAR 52.215-1)**

\(a\) Definitions. As used in this provision --

> "Discussions" are negotiations that occur after establishment of the
> competitive range that may, at the Contracting Officer's discretion,
> result in the offeror being allowed to revise its proposal.
>
> "In writing," "writing," or "written" means any worded or numbered
> expression that can be read, reproduced, and later communicated, and
> includes electronically transmitted and stored information.
>
> "Proposal modification" is a change made to a proposal before the
> solicitation's closing date and time, or made in response to an
> amendment, or made to correct a mistake at any time before award.
>
> "Proposal revision" is a change to a proposal made after the
> solicitation closing date, at the request of or as allowed by a
> Contracting Officer as the result of negotiations.
>
> "Time," if stated as a number of days, is calculated using calendar
> days, unless otherwise specified, and will include Saturdays, Sundays,
> and legal holidays. However, if the last day falls on a Saturday,
> Sunday or legal holiday, then the period shall include the next
> working day.

\(b\) Amendments to solicitations. If this solicitation is amended, all
terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged. Offerors
shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation by the
date and time specified in the amendment(s).

\(c\) Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals.

\(1\) Unless other methods (e.g., electronic commerce or facsimile) are
permitted in the solicitation, proposals and modifications to proposals
shall be submitted in paper media in sealed envelopes or packages (i)
addressed to the office specified in the solicitation, and (ii) showing
the time and date specified for receipt, the solicitation number, and
the name and address of the offeror. Offerors using commercial carriers
should ensure that the proposal is marked on the outermost wrapper with
the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this
provision.

\(2\) The first page of the proposal must show---

\(i\) The solicitation number;

\(ii\) The name, address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the
offeror (and electronic address if available);

\(iii\) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms,
conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to
furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set
opposite each item;

\(iv\) Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and
electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on
the offeror's behalf with the Government in connection with this
solicitation; and

\(v\) Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the
proposal. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence
of that agent's authority, unless that evidence has been previously
furnished to the issuing office.

\(3\) Submissions, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals.

\(i\) Offerors are responsible for submitting proposals, and any
modification or revisions, so as to reach the Government office
designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the
solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for
receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office
on the date that proposal or revision is due.

\(ii\) (A) Any proposal, modification, or revision received at the
Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time
specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered
unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer
determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the
acquisition; and -

\(1\) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method
authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of
entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one
working day prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals; or

\(2\) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at
the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was
under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of
offers; or

\(3\) It is the only proposal received.

\(B\) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful proposal
that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be
considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

\(iii\) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the
Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that
installation on the proposal wrapper, other documentary evidence of
receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements
of Government personnel.

\(iv\) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal
Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the office
designated for receipt of proposals by the exact time specified in the
solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of
the solicitation, the time specified for receipt of proposals will be
deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the
solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes
resume.

\(v\) Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time
before award. Oral proposals in response to oral solicitations may be
withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile proposals,
proposals may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before
award, subject to the conditions specified in the provision at 52.215-5,
"Facsimile Proposals." Proposals may be withdrawn in person by an
offeror or an authorized representative, if the representative's
identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the
proposal before award.

\(4\) Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, the offeror may
propose to provide any item or combination of items.

\(5\) Offerors shall submit proposals submitted in response to this
solicitation in English, unless otherwise permitted by the solicitation,
and in U.S. dollars, unless the provision at FAR 52.225-17, Evaluation
of Foreign Currency Offers, is included in the solicitation.

\(6\) Offerors may submit modifications to their proposals at any time
before the solicitation closing date and time, and may submit
modifications in response to an amendment, or to correct a mistake at
any time before award.

\(7\) Offers may submit revised proposals only if requested or allowed
by the Contracting Officer.

\(8\) Proposals may be withdrawn at any time before award. Withdrawals
are effective upon receipt of notice by the Contracting Officer.

> \(d\) Offer expiration date. Proposals in response to this
> solicitation will be valid for the number of days specified on the
> solicitation cover sheet (unless a different period is proposed by the
> offeror).

\(e\) Restriction on disclosure and use of data. Offerors that include
in their proposals data that they do not want disclosed to the public
for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation
purposes, shall ---

\(1\) Mark the title page with the following legend:

> This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the
> Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed--in whole
> or in part--for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If,
> however, a contract is awarded to this offeror as a result of--or in
> connection with-- the submission of this data, the Government shall
> have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent
> provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit
> the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it
> is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject
> to this restriction are contained in sheets \[insert numbers or other
> identification of sheets\]; and

\(2\) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following
legend:

> Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the
> restriction on the title page of this proposal.

\(f\) Contract award.

\(1\) The Government intends to award a contract or contracts resulting
from this solicitation to the responsible offeror(s) whose proposal(s)
represents the best value after evaluation in accordance with the
factors and subfactors in the solicitation.

\(2\) The Government may reject any or all proposals if such action is
in the Government's interest.

\(3\) The Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities in
proposals received.

\(4\) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract
after conducting discussions with offerors whose proposals have been
determined to be within the competitive range. If the Contracting
Officer determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be
in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient
competition can be conducted, the Contracting

> Officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to
> the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among
> the most highly rated proposals. Therefore, the offeror's initial
> proposal should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and
> technical standpoint.

\(5\) The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for
a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit cost or prices
offered, unless the offeror

specifies otherwise in the proposal.

\(6\) The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if,
after considering the additional administrative costs, it is in the
Government's best interest to do so.

\(7\) Exchanges with offerors after receipt of a proposal do not
constitute a rejection or counteroffer by the Government.

\(8\) The Government may determine that a proposal is unacceptable if
the prices proposed are materially unbalanced between line items or
subline items. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable
total evaluated price, the price of one or more contract line items is
significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application
of cost or price analysis techniques. A proposal may be rejected if the
Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an
unacceptable risk to the Government.

\(9\) If a cost realism analysis is performed, cost realism may be
considered by the source selection authority in evaluating performance
or schedule risk.

\(10\) A written award or acceptance of proposal mailed or otherwise
furnished to the successful offeror within the time specified in the
proposal shall result in a binding contract without further action by
either party.

\(11\) If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the
Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

\(i\) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient
factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.

\(ii\) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the
successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on
the debriefed offeror.

\(iii\) The overall raking of all offerors, when any ranking was
developed by the agency during source selection

(iv) A summary of the rationale for award

(v) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item
    to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(vi) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed
     offerors as to whether source-slection procedures set forth in the
     solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable
     authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of provision)

**L.4 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APRIL 1984)(FAR 52.216-1)**

> The Government contemplates award of a cost-plus fixed fee contract
> resulting from this solicitation.
>
> It is anticipated that one (1) award will be made from this
> solicitation and that the award will be made on/about September 30,
> 2005.

**L.5 SERVICE OF PROTEST (AUG 1996)(FAR 52.233-2)**

\(a\) Protests, as defined in Section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any
protests that are filed with the General Accounting Office (GAO) shall
be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining
written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Director, Division of Contracts Management

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

\(b\) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated
above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

**L.6 POINT OF CONTACT FOR TECHNICAL INQUIRIES**

> The technical contact for additional information and answering
> inquiries is the Contracting Officer. All questions regarding this
> solicitation shall be in writing and received by the Contracting
> Officer no later than **July 14, 2005**. It is preferred that all
> questions be e-mailed to Jessica Alderton at <jalderto@ahrq.gov>. Hard
> copies can be sent to:
>
> Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

OPART/Contracts Management

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, MD 20850

Attention: Jessica Alderton, Contracting Officer

> Fax: (301) 427-1740

**L.7 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS**

[Introduction]{.underline}

> The following instructions will establish the acceptable minimum
> requirements for the format and contents of proposals. Special
> attention is directed to the requirements for technical and business
> proposals to be submitted in accordance with these instructions:

a\. [Contract Type and General Provisions]{.underline}: It is
contemplated that a cost-type contract will be awarded. In addition to
the special provisions of this request for proposal (RFP), any resultant
contract shall include the general clauses applicable to the selected
offeror\'s organization and type of contract awarded. Any additional
clauses required by Public Law, Executive Order, or procurement
regulations, in effect at the time of execution of the proposed
contract, will be included.

b\. [Authorized Official and Submission of Proposal]{.underline}: The
proposal shall be signed by an official authorized to bind your (the
offeror\'s) organization. Your proposal shall be submitted in the number
of copies, to the address, and marked as indicated in the cover letter
of this solicitation. Proposals will be typewritten, reproduced on
letter sized paper and will be legible in all required copies. To
expedite the proposal evaluation, all documents required for responding
to the RFP should be placed in the following order:

I. [TECHNICAL PROPOSAL]{.underline}: See Technical Proposal Instructions
for recommended format (L.8). Please mark as original or copy.

> II\. [PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION]{.underline}: See Past Performance
> Information Instructions for format (L.9)

III. [BUSINESS PROPOSAL]{.underline}: See Business Proposal Instructions
     for recommended format (L.10). (Includes Small Business
     Subcontracting Plan)

IV\. [SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION PLAN]{.underline} See
Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Plan Instructions for
recommended format (L.11).

c\. [Separation of Technical, Past Performance Information, Small
Disadvantaged Business Participation Plan and Business
Proposal]{.underline}: The proposal shall be in 4 parts:

> \(1\) Technical Proposal; (2) Past Performance Information; (3) Small
> Disadvantaged Business Participation Plan and (4) Business Proposal.
> Each of the parts shall be separate and complete in itself so that
> evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of, and
> concurrently with, evaluation of the other. The technical proposal
> shall not contain reference to cost; however resources information,
> such as data concerning labor hours and categories, materials,
> subcontracts, etc., shall be contained in the technical proposal so
> that your understanding of the Statement of Work (SOW) may be
> evaluated. It must disclose your technical approach in as much detail
> as possible, including, but not limited to, the requirements of the
> technical proposal instructions.

d\. [Evaluation of Proposals]{.underline}: The Government will evaluate
technical proposals in accordance with the criteria set forth in Section
M, [Evaluation/Award Criteria]{.underline}.

e\. [Rejection of Proposals]{.underline}: The Government reserves the
right to reject any or all proposals received. It is understood that
your proposal will become part of the official contract file.

f\. [Unnecessarily Elaborate Proposals]{.underline}: Unnecessarily
elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to
present a complete and effective proposal are not desired and may be
construed as an indication of the offeror\'s lack of cost consciousness.
Elaborate art work, expensive visual and other presentation aids are
neither necessary nor wanted.

g\. [Privacy Act]{.underline}: The Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law
(P.L.) 93-579) requires that a Federal agency advise each individual
whom it asks to supply information: 1) the authority which authorized
the solicitation; 2) whether disclosure is voluntary or mandatory; (3)
the principal purpose or purposes for which the information is intended
to be used; (4) the uses outside the agency which may be made of the
information; and 4) the effects on the individual, if any, of not
providing all or any part of the requested information.

Therefore:

> \(1\) The Government is requesting the information called for in this
> RFP pursuant to the authority provided by Section 301(g) of the Public
> Health Service Act, as amended, and P.L. 92-218, as amended.

\(2\) Provisions of the information requested are entirely voluntary.

\(3\) The collection of this information is for the purpose of
conducting an accurate, fair, and adequate review prior to a discussion
as to whether to award a contract.

\(4\) Failure to provide any or all of the requested information may
result in a less than adequate review.

\(5\) The information provided by you may be routinely disclosed for the
following purposes:

> -to the cognizant audit agency and the General Accounting Officer for
> auditing;

-to the Department of Justice as required for litigation;

-to respond to Congressional inquiries; and

-to qualified experts, not within the definition of Department employees
for opinions as a part of the review process.

In addition, the Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579, Section 7) requires
that the following information be provided when individuals are
requested to disclose their social security number.

> Provision of the social security number is voluntary. Social security
> numbers are requested for the purpose of accurate and efficient
> identification, referral, review and management of AHRQ contracting
> programs. Authority for requesting this information is provided by
> Section 305 and Title IV of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.

h\. The RFP does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the
preparation and submission of a proposal. It is also brought to your
attention that the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can
legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in
connection with this or any acquisition action.

> The Government reserves the right to award a contract without
> discussions if the Contracting Officer determines that the initial
> prices are fair and reasonable and that discussions are not necessary.

**L.8 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS**

> The technical proposal shall contain an original and twelve (12)
> copies. The technical proposal described below shall be limited to
> **125 pages** not including resumes or bibliographies, with no less
> than a 11 point pitch, with the majority of the text double-spaced
> (lists of deliverables, person loading charts, and similar materials
> need not be double-spaced, so long as they are legible). Resumes or
> CVs are only required for key personnel. Brief biographic sketches of
> other personnel may be provided. Lengthy proposals and voluminous
> appendices are neither needed nor desired as they are difficult to
> read and evaluate and may indicate the offeror's inability to
> concisely state their proposal.

a\. [Recommended Technical Proposal Format]{.underline}

> The offeror's proposal should present sufficient information to
> reflect a thorough understanding of the work requirements and a
> detailed plan for achieving the objectives of the scope of work.
> Technical proposals shall not merely paraphrase the requirements of
> the Agency's scope of work or parts thereof, or use of phrases such as
> "will comply" or "standard techniques will be employed." The technical
> proposal must include a detailed description of the techniques and
> procedures to be used in achieving the proposed end results in
> compliance with the requirements of the Agency's scope of work.

\(1\) [Cover Page]{.underline}: The name of the proposing organization,
author(s) of the technical proposal, the RFP number and the title of the
RFP should appear on the cover. One (1) manually signed original copy of
the proposal and the number of copies specified in the RFP cover letter
are required.

\(2\) [Table of Contents]{.underline}: Provide sufficient detail so that
all important elements of the proposal can be located readily.

\(3\) [Introduction]{.underline}: This should be a one or two page
summary outlining the proposed work, your interest in submitting a
proposal, and the importance of this effort in relation to your overall
operation.

> \(4\) [Technical Discussion]{.underline}: The offeror shall prepare a
> technical discussion which addresses evaluation criteria A, B, C, D, E
> and F below. The evaluation criteria are as follows:

A\) Understanding the Problem

B\) Technical Approach

> C\) Management Plan

D\) Key Personnel

E\) Facilities

F\) Past Performance (See Section L.9)

> **[Technical proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall address
> each of the items described below, and shall be organized in the same
> manner and within the page limitations specified. Proposals shall be
> prepared in double-spaced format, with numbered pages.]{.underline}**

A.  **Understanding the Problem**

> The Offeror shall provide a brief statement of the issues which
> underscore the concept of and need for this contract. Also included in
> this section shall be a description of the scope, purpose, products,
> and events called for under this contract. The offer shall include a
> discussion of the issues as they relate to Section 1013 of the
> Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. General discussion of technical
> approaches to the different types of activities identified in the RFP
> should be included.
>
> **B. Technical Approach**
>
> Briefly, but in sufficient detail to demonstrate Offeror's knowledge,
> the offeror shall describe its understanding of the objectives and
> underlying need for this contract, the role and responsibilities of a
> Clinical Decisions and Communications Science Center, and discuss
> approaches to the different types of activities. Offeror should
> clearly demonstrate experience in and ability to: (a) establish and
> implement a Decisions Sciences Center; (b) develop and pretest health
> information products and decision aids; (c) conduct an audience
> assessment to inform product development (d) evaluate health
> information products and modes of dissemination (process and impact);
> (e) plan and provide logistics for meetings; (f) market products and
> events; (g) disseminate products and provide technical assistance to
> users, particularly patients, providers, and policy makers; (h)
> develop and maintain a Web site.
>
> The Offeror shall address the technical approach proposed for each
> task required by the Statement of Work.
>
> **C. Management Plan**
>
> Offeror shall demonstrate his/her ability to achieve the delivery of
> performance requirements through the proposed use of corporate
> management and other personnel resources as well as demonstrate that
> the Offeror\'s organizational structure and capabilities will meet the
> project\'s milestones in a timely manner. In doing so, and at a
> minimum, the offeror shall:

1\. Demonstrate corporate experience in managing projects of a similar
size and nature.

2\. Provide a fully supported narrative showing offeror\'s understanding
of the requirements in the Statement of Work from a managerial
perspective. The narrative should at a minimum address the following
topics:

> a\) labor skill mix determination
>
> b\) personnel selection and assignment;
>
> c\) the percentage of full time core personnel (if a ratio of less
> than 70 percent full time core staff to 30 percent
> consultants/subcontractors is proposed, offeror shall provide a
> detailed explanation of how the proposed staffing plan ensures that
> the work is conducted by individuals with a mastery of the technical
> requirements of the Statement of Work.
>
> d\) monitoring and control of services provided: technical quality,
> responsiveness, cost control, and effective and efficient resource
> utilization, compliance with technical requirement and contract
> provisions. Clearly show proposed system for quality control of work
> performed including documents to be produced, and proposed system for
> management control and contract provision compliance;
>
> e\) managerial problems offeror expects to encounter. Describe the
> methods you propose to solve these problems. Demonstrate ability and
> flexibility to rapidly solve the same or similar managerial problems
> encountered previously;
>
> f\) ability and flexibility to respond rapidly to changes in budget,
> priorities, and schedule.

3\. Indicate clear lines of authority and delineation of staff
responsibilities.

> 4\. Describe the number of person hours for each task and for service
> delivery.

5\. Provide an organizational chart and a Program Evaluation Review
Technique (PERT) chart showing all tasks (staffing plan).

6\. Describe coordination with proposed subcontractors, including
monitoring of their performance.

7\. Provide a signed agreement, e.g., a letter of commitment, between
the Offeror and any personnel other than current direct employees that
includes dates of employment and specific tasks to be performed.

8\. Provide a person-level task-loading chart (to include consultants
and subcontractors effort) and an organizational chart indicating clear
lines of authority, delineating staff responsibilities and a plan for
organizational backup. Employees not currently employed by the Offeror
shall be listed with an asterisk (\*).

> **D. Key Personnel**
>
> The proposal shall specify the project team, including subcontractors
> and consultants. In this project, the Project Director, and Project
> Manager (if used) are key personnel.
>
> 1\. Offeror shall provide evidence of the availability,
> qualifications, and demonstrated experience of key management
> personnel, including the Project Director, and Project Manager, if
> used. The Project Director should have, at a minimum, a doctoral or
> medical degree and have extensive experiences in developing health
> information tools and program management. The Project Director should
> not have less than ten (10) years total work experience which
> includes: 1) at least eight (8) years in the SOW\'s specialty services
> field in progressively supervisory positions; and 2) demonstrated
> skills in organizing and monitoring complex projects conducted by
> groups of diverse professionals.
>
> The Project Manager, if used, should have, at a minimum, a master's
> degree in a health and human services-related specialty and not less
> than ten (10) years total work experience which includes: 1) at least
> eight (8) years in the health education, health services research
> field, or behavior medicine; 2) demonstrated skills in developing
> information products for diverse audiences; 3) knowledge of the
> Medicaid, Medicare, and SCHIP programs; and 4) demonstrated skills in
> organizing and monitoring complex projects conducted by groups of
> diverse professionals.
>
> a\. Describe how the education and technical experience of the Project
> Director, the Project Manager and other key technical personnel
> specifically relate to the SOW.
>
> b\. Provide length and currency of the overall education of the
> Project Director, the Project Manager and other key technical
> personnel.
>
> c\. Describe the experience of the proposed Project Director and the
> Project Manager in managing the SOW and complex projects involving
> scheduling multiple projects that require the participation of
> external partners, providing logistics support for off-site projects
> and small meetings, information system development and management,
> report development and production, and quality control. This
> description shall include at a minimum the size of projects managed,
> start-up time required, number of projects managed, problems
> encountered, and the resolution of those problems. Describe those
> projects currently managed. Describe how the management experience of
> the proposed Project Director and the Project Manager equips them to
> manage a staff which reflects the diversity of the SOW.
>
> d\. Describe the ability of the proposed Project Director and the
> Project Manager to address issues of policy and legal sensitivity as
> they relate to the SOW.
>
> 2\. Offeror shall provide evidence of availability, qualifications,
> and demonstrated experience of key clinical, education, behavior,
> dissemination and technical personnel.
>
> a\. Describe how the education and technical experience of the
> proposed technical personnel specifically relate to the SOW (e.g.,
> writing for different audiences, developing and maintaining Web site,
> translating scientific information into information products for a
> diverse audience, conducting literature reviews, managing meetings,
> planning and implementing events to include meetings, evaluating
> projects, quality assurance, audience assessments, marketing and
> dissemination).
>
> b\. Provide length and currency of the overall education of the
> proposed technical personnel.
>
> c\. Describe the management experience of the technical personnel, if
> they are to serve as team leaders. Include a description of their
> experience in independent problem solving and conflict resolution, in
> facilitating groups in the analysis of large quantities of
> information, and in coordinating and editing the work of others in the
> production of extensive, complex reports. Describe those projects
> currently managed.
>
> d\. Describe the ability of the technical personnel to address issues
> of health access to information, and health literacy and numeracy, as
> they relate to the SOW.
>
> The Offorer is not required to have all types of expertise available
> on a full-time basis. To ensure top performance of the tasks set forth
> in the SOW, however, the Offeror must demonstrate that there will be
> personnel with general clinical health education, behavior medicine,
> decision psychology, Web site services, marketing and dissemination
> experience, with basic knowledge of epidemiology, with health
> information writing and editing expertise, and meeting management
> expertise, available either as core staff or as core staff plus rapid
> availability as consultants or subcontractors.

**E. Facilities**

> offeror must demonstrate that adequate facilities, space and equipment
> are available for the accomplishment of project goals and objectives.

**L.9 Past Performance** **Information**

> Offerors shall submit the following information (original and 5
> copies) as part of their proposal for both the offeror and proposed
> major subcontractors:

\(1\) A list of the last five (5) contracts and subcontracts completed
during the past three years and all contracts and subcontracts currently
in process. Contracts listed may include those entered into by the
Federal Government, agencies of State and local governments and
commercial customers. Offerors that are newly formed entities without
prior contracts should list contracts and subcontracts as required for
all key personnel. Include the following information for each contract
and subcontract:

> a: Name of contracting activity
>
> b: Contract number
>
> c: Contract type
>
> d: Total contract value
>
> e: Contract work
>
> f: Contracting Officer and telephone number
>
> g: Program Manager and telephone number
>
> h: Administrative Contracting Officer, if different from item f, and
> telephone number
>
> i: List of major subcontracts

\(2\) The offeror may provide information on problems encountered on the
contracts and subcontracts identified in (1) above and corrective
actions taken to resolve those problems. Offerors should not provide
general information on their performance on the identified contracts.
General performance information will be obtained from the references.

\(3\) The offeror may describe any quality awards or certifications that
may indicate the offeror possesses a high-quality process for developing
and producing the product or service required. Identify what segment of
the company (one division or the entire company) that received the award
or certification. Describe when the award or certification was bestowed.
If the award or certification is over three years old, present evidence
that the qualifications still apply.

\(4\) Each offeror will be evaluated on his/her performance under
existing and prior contracts for similar products or services.
Performance information will be used for both responsibility
determinations and as an evaluation factor against which offeror's
relative rankings will be compared to assure best value to the
Government. The Government will focus on information that demonstrates
quality of performance relative to the size and complexity of the
procurement under consideration. References other than those identified
by the offeror may be contacted by the Government with the information
received used in the evaluation of the offeror's past performance.

> The attached Past Performance Questionnaire and Contractor Performance
> Form shall be completed by those contracting organizations listed in
> (1) above. The evaluation forms shall be completed and forwarded
> directly to the following:
>
> Jessica Alderton
>
> Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
>
> Division of Contracts Management
>
> 540 Gaither Road
>
> Rockville, Maryland 20850
>
> FAX: 301-427-1740
>
> Evaluation forms must be received by **[August 11, 2005]{.underline}**
> in order to be included in the review process. It is the
> responsibility of the offeror to ensure that these documents are
> forwarded to the Contracting Officer.

**L.10 BUSINESS PROPOSAL**

> The offeror shall submit as part of the proposal a
> [separate]{.underline} enclosure titled "Business Proposal." The
> Business Proposal shall include the Cost/Price Proposal, the Small
> Business Subcontracting Plan and Other Administrative Data in
> accordance with the following:
>
> The offeror shall submit as part of the proposal a
> [separate]{.underline} enclosure titled "Business Proposal." The
> Business Proposal shall include the Cost/Price Proposal, the Small
> Business Subcontracting Plan and Other Administrative Data in
> accordance with the following:

A. [Cost/Price Proposal]{.underline}

A cost proposal, original and 5 copies, shall be provided only to the
extent that it shall include:

1\. Certified, unloaded, labor rates for individuals expected to work on
a project of this size and nature primarily on-site and full time (see
Section B.2, C.2 and L.8).

2\. Certified documentation indicating that the offeror has a cost
accounting system in place which allows for the collection, tracking and
reporting of all costs under a cost reimbursement-type contract.

3\. Certified documentation that the offeror has a current indirect cost
rate agreement in place with a federal agency or that is in the process
of obtaining or revising such an agreement. A copy of the indirect cost
rate agreement or the proposed rate agreement shall be provided.

> The business proposal must contain sufficient information to allow the
> Government to perform a basic analysis of the proposed cost or price
> of the work. This information shall include the amounts of the basic
> elements of the proposed cost or price.

As appropriate, cost breakdowns shall be provided for the following cost
elements.

\(a\) [Direct Labor]{.underline}

> The estimated cost for all personnel who will be assigned for direct
> work on this project shall be included. Give the name, title, percent
> of effort or time, salary and fringe benefits for each employee.
>
> Salary increases that are anticipated during performance of a
> resultant contract should be proposed as a cost. If escalation is
> included, state the degree (percent) and methodology, e.g., annual
> flat rate applied to a base rate as of a specific date or a
> mid-pointed rate for the period of performance. State whether any
> additional direct labor (new hires) will be required during the
> performance period of this procurement. If so, state the number
> required and anticipated date of hire. Also, specifiy the month and
> day on which your fiscal year commences.

\(b\) [Supplies and Equipment]{.underline}

> Include description, unit price, quantity, total price, justification
> for purchasing or leasing items and the basis for pricing (vendor
> quotes, invlices prices, etc.).
>
> \(c\) [Travel]{.underline}
>
> The amount proposed for travel shall be supported with a breakdown
> which includes purposes, destination, duration, and estimated cost
> (transportation and per diem) for each proposed trip. If travel costs
> are proposed on the basis of your organization's established travel
> policy, a copy of the policy must be provided.
>
> \(d\) [Consultants]{.underline}
>
> This element should include name(s) of consultant, number of days, and
> daily rate. The method of obtaining each consultant, either sole
> source or competitive, and the degree of competition or the rationale
> for sole source shall be explained.
>
> \(e\) [Subcontractors]{.underline}
>
> Subcontractor costs shall be broken down and supported by cost and
> pricing data adequate to establish the reasonableness of the proposed
> amount. Support documentation should include degree of subcontract
> competition and basis for selecting source. The subcontractor cost and
> pricing detail should be similar to the detail provided for the prime
> contractor.
>
> \(f\) [Other Direct Costs]{.underline}
>
> Any proposed other direct costs shall be supported with breakdown
> outlining the separate costs proposed and details supporting the
> formulation of the costs proposed. A signed agreement between the
> offeror and any personnel other than direct employees that includes
> dates of employment, salary, and specific tasks to be performed should
> be included.
>
> \(g\) [Indirect Costs]{.underline}
>
> Indicate how you have computed and applied indirect costs, and provide
> a basis for evaluating the reasonableness of the proposed rates.

B. [Small Business Subcontracting Plan]{.underline}:

All offerors except small businesses are required to submit a
subcontracting plan in accordance with the Small Business Subcontracting
Plan, FAR 52.219-9, incorporated in this solicitation. A copy of the
AHRQ model subcontracting plan is provided as an attachment to this
solicitation. If the model plan is not used, all elements outlined must
be addressed in the offeror\'s format. If the offeror is not a small
business and fails to submit a subcontracting plan with the initial
proposal, the offeror will be considered nonresponsive and their
proposal will be returned without further consideration.

This provision does not apply to small business concerns. This provision
does apply to all other offerors, including large business concerns,
colleges, universities and non-profit organizations.

> The term \"subcontract\" means any agreement (other than one involving
> an employer-employee relationship) entered into by a Federal
> Government prime contractor or subcontractor calling for supplies or
> services required for the performance of the original contract or
> subcontract. This includes, but is not limited to, agreements/
> purchase orders for supplies and services such as equipment purchase,
> copying services, and travel services.

The offeror understands that:

> a\. No contract will be awarded unless and until an acceptable plan is
> negotiated with the Contracting Officer. The plan will be incorporated
> in to the contract.
>
> b\. An acceptable plan must, in the determination of the Contracting
> officer, provide the maximum practicable opportunity for small
> business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by
> socially and economically disadvantaged persons to participate in the
> performance of the contract.
>
> c\. If a subcontracting plan acceptable to the Contracting Officer is
> not negotiated within the time limits prescribed by the contracting
> activity and such failure arises out of causes within the control and
> with the fault or negligence of the offeror, the offeror shall be
> ineligible for award. The Contracting Officer shall notify the
> Contractor in writing of the reasons for determining a subcontracting
> plan unacceptable early enough in the negotiation process to allow the
> Contractor to modify the plan within the time limits prescribed.
>
> d\. Prior compliance of the offeror with other such subcontracting
> plans under previous contracts will be considered by the Contracting
> Officer in determining the responsibility of the offeror for award of
> the contract.
>
> e\. It is the offeror\'s responsibility to develop a satisfactory
> subcontracting plan with respect to small business concerns and small
> business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically
> disadvantaged individuals, and women-owned small business concerns,
> and that each such aspect of the offeror\'s plan will be judged
> independent of the other.
>
> f\. The offeror will submit, as required by the Contracting Officer,
> subcontracting reports in accordance with the instructions therein,
> and as further directed by the Contracting Officer. Subcontractors
> will also submit these reports to the Government Contracting Officer
> or as otherwise directed, with a copy to the prime Contractor\'s
> designated small and disadvantaged business liaison.
>
> g\. For this particular acquisition, the AHRQ recommended goal (as a
> percentage of total contract value for the base period) is **23% for
> Small Businesses**, which shall included at least **5%** (as a
> percentage of total planned subcontract dollars for the base period)
> for **Small Disadvantaged Businesses**, at least **5%** (as a
> percentage of total planned subcontract dollars total planned
> subcontract dollars for the base period) for **Women-Owned Small
> Businesses**, and at least **2%** (as a percentage of total planned
> subcontract dollars for the base period) for **HUBZone Small
> Businesses** and at least **3%** (as a percentage of total planned
> subcontract dollars for the base period) for **Veteran-Owned Small
> Businesses**. These goals represent AHRQ's expectations of the minimum
> level for subcontracting with small business at the prime contract
> level. Any goal stated less than the AHRQ recommended goal shall be
> justified and is subject to negotiation.

C. Other Administrative Data

\(1\) [Terms and Conditions]{.underline}: The proposal shall stipulate
that it is predicated upon the terms and conditions of the RFP. In
addition, it shall contain a statement to the effect that it is firm for
a period of at least 120 days from the date of receipt thereof by the
Government.

> Minimum Bid Acceptance Period (April 1984)

\(a\) \"Acceptance period,\" as used in this provision, means the number
of calendar days available to the Government for awarding a contract
from the date specified in this solicitation for receipt of bids.

\(b\) This provision supersedes any language pertaining to the
acceptance period that may appear elsewhere in this solicitation.

\(c\) The Government requires a minimum acceptance period of 120 days.

\(d\) A bid allowing less than the Government\'s minimum acceptance
period may be rejected.

\(e\) The bidder agrees to execute all that it has undertaken to do, in
compliance with its bid, if that bid is accepted in writing within (i)
the acceptance period stated in paragraph (3) above, or (ii) any longer
acceptance period stated in paragraph (4) above.

\(2\) [Authority to Conduct Negotiations]{.underline}: The proposal
shall list the names and telephone numbers of persons authorized to
conduct negotiations and to execute contracts.

> \(3\) [Property]{.underline}:

\(a\) It is HHS policy that contractors will provide all equipment and
facilities necessary for performance of contracts. Exception may be
granted to furnish Government-owned property, or to authorize purchase
with contract funds, only when approved by the contracting officer. If
additional equipment must be acquired, you shall include the
description, estimated cost of each item and whether you will furnish
such items with your own funds.

\(b\) You shall identify Government-owned property in your possession
and/or property acquired from Federal funds to which you have title,
that is proposed to be used in the performance of the prospective
contract.

\(c\) The management and control of any Government property shall be in
accordance with HHS Publication (OS) 74-115 entitled,
[Contractor\'s]{.underline}

> [Guide for Control of Government Property]{.underline}\" 1990, a copy
> of which will be provided upon request.

\(4\) [Royalties]{.underline}: You shall furnish information concerning
royalties which are

> anticipated to be paid in connection with the performance of work
> under the proposed contract.

\(5\) [Commitments]{.underline}: You shall list other commitments with
the Government relating to the specified work or services and indicate
whether these commitments will or will not interfere with the completion
of work and/or services contemplated under this proposal.

\(6\) [Financial Capacity]{.underline}: You shall provide sufficient
data to indicate that you have the necessary financial capacity, working
capital, and other resources to perform the contract without assistance
from any outside source. If not, indicate the amount required and the
anticipated source. (Financial data such as balance sheets, profit and
loss statements, cash forecasts, and financial histories of your
organization\'s affiliated concerns should be utilized.)

\(7\) [Performance Capability]{.underline}: You shall provide acceptable
evidence of your \"ability to obtain\" equipment, facilities, and
personnel necessary to perform the requirements of this project. If
these are not represented in your current operations, they should
normally be supported by commitment or explicit arrangement, which is in
existence at the time the contract is to be awarded, for the rental,
purchase, or other acquisition of such resources, equipment, facilities,
or personnel. In addition, you shall indicate your ability to comply
with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule taking
into consideration all existing business commitments, commercial as well
as Government.

\(8\) Representations and Certifications: Section K, \"Representations
and Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors\" shall be completed
and signed by an official authorized to bind your organization. **This
section shall be made a part of the original business proposal**

**L.11 SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION PLAN**

> In accordance with FAR Part 15.304(c)4, the extent of participation of
> Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) concerns in performance of the
> contract shall be evaluated in unrestricted acquisitions expected to
> exceed a total estimated cost of \$500,000 (\$1,000,000 for
> construction) subject to certain limitations (see FAR 19.201 and
> 19.1202).
>
> . All offerors, regardless of size, shall submit the following
> information **in an original and 3 copies**.

A plan on the extent of participation of Small Disadvantaged Business
concerns in performance of the contract. Participation in performance of
the contract includes the work expected to be performed by SDB
concern(s). This can include SDB (as prime contractor), joint ventures,
teaming arrangements, and subcontracts. Include the following
information in SDB participation plans:

1\. The extent of an offeror's commitment to use SDB concerns.
Commitment should be as specific as possible, i.e., are subcontract
arrangements already in place, letters of commitment, etc. Enforceable
commitments will be weighted more heavily than non-enforceable ones.

> 2\. Specifically identify the SDB concerns with point of contact and
> phone number.

3\. The complexity and variety of the work SDB concerns are to perform.

4\. Realism for the use of SDB in the proposal.

> 5\. Past performance of the Offeror in complying with subcontracting
> plans for SDB concerns.

6\. Targets expressed as dollars and percentage of total contract value
for each participating SDB; which will be incorporated into and become
part of any resulting contract.

> 7\. The extent of participation of SDB concerns in terms of the total
> acquisition.
>
> B. SDB participation information will be used for both responsibility
> determinations and as an evaluation factor against which offeror's
> relative rankings will be compared to assure the best value to the
> Government. The Government will focus on information that demonstrates
> realistic commitments to use SDB concerns relative to the size and
> complexity of the acquisition under consideration. The Government is
> not required to contact all references provided by the offeror. Also,
> references other than those identified by the offeror may be contacted
> by the Government to obtain additional information that will be used
> in the evaluation of the offeror's commitment to SDB participation.

**L.12 SELECTION OF OFFERORS**

a\. The acceptability of the technical portion of each contract proposal
will be evaluated by the technical review committee. The committee will
evaluate each proposal in strict conformity with the evaluation criteria
of the RFP, utilizing point scores and written critiques. The committee
may suggest that the Contracting Officer request clarifying information
from an offeror.

b\. The business portion of each contract proposal will be subjected to
a limited cost review, management analysis, etc.

c\. The Contracting Officer will, in concert with Agency staff, evaluate
past performance of the technically acceptable offerors and decide which
proposals are in the competitive range. Oral or written discussions will
be conducted with all offerors in the competitive range, if necessary.
All aspects of the proposals are subject to discussions, including cost,
technical approach, past performance, Small Disadvantage Business
Participation Plan, and contractual terms and conditions. Final Proposal
Revisions will be requested with the reservation of the right to conduct
limited negotiations after submission of the Final Proposal Revisions.

d\. A final best-buy analysis will be performed taking into
consideration the results of the technical evaluation, cost analysis,
past performance, and ability to complete the work within the
Government's required schedule. The Government reserves the right to
make an award to the best advantage of the Government, technical merit,
cost, past performance, and other factors considered.

e\. The Government reserves the right to make a single award, multiple
awards, or no award at all to the RFP.

**L.13 PROPOSAL INTENT**

> It is requested that if an offeror intends to submit a proposal to
> this solicitation that the attached Proposal Intent Form (Attachment
> 3) be completed and returned to the address indicated by July 14,
> 2005. The submission of the intent form is not binding on an offeror
> to submit a proposal, nor does the failure to submit the form prohibit
> an offeror from submitting a proposal. The purpose is to provide us
> with an estimated number of proposals to assist us in our planning and
> logistics for proposal reviews. We have added a request to include
> your contact information to a bidders list. The bidders list will be
> provided to interested offerors for subcontracting opportunities. In
> order for AHRQ to include your contact information on the bidders
> list, you must return the Proposal Intent Form and check the box that
> grants permission to add your name no later than the date listed
> above.
>
> **[SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD]{.underline}**

**[TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA]{.underline}**

**M.1** Selection of an offeror for contract award will be based on an
evaluation of proposals against three factors and award will be made to
that responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the
Government. The three factors are: technical, cost and past performance.
The technical proposal will receive paramount consideration in the
selection of the Contractor(s) for this acquisition. Offerors that
submit technically acceptable proposals will then be evaluated for past
performance. Following the evaluation of the offeror's past performance,
a competitive range will be determined.

**M.2** All evaluation factors, other than cost or price, when combined
are significantly more important than cost or price. However, cost/price
may become a critical factor in source selection in the event that two
or more offerors are determined to be essentially equal following the
evaluation of all factors other than cost or price. In any event, the
Government reserves the right to make an award to that offeror whose
proposal provides the best overall value to the Government. The
Government reserves the right to make a single award, multiple awards,
or no award at all.

**THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE AN AWARD WITHOUT
DISCUSSIONS.**

**M.3** All proposals will be reviewed in accordance with the governing
regulations and AHRQ policies and procedures. The technical proposal and
past performance information will be evaluated in terms of the offeror's
responses to each of the evaluation factors. Each proposal will be
evaluated on the likelihood of meeting the Government's requirements.
The evaluation factors and assigned weights which will be used in the
overall review of the offeror's proposal are outlined below. The
technical proposal shall consist of the responses to evaluation criteria
A through D. The offeror should show that the objectives stated in the
proposal are understood and offer a logical program for their
achievement. The following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals
and will be weighed as indicated in establishing a numerical rating for
all proposals submitted. Factors facilitating the evaluation of each
criteria below are referenced in the corresponding criteria found in
Section L of this solicitation:

***OFFERORS PLEASE NOTE***: Evaluation Criteria A through E, for a total
of 100 points, will be evaluated by a technical peer review committee,
who will also recommend technical acceptability or unacceptability of
the proposal. Program staff and contracting staff will review and
evaluate Criteria F for a total of 20 points and Criteria G for a total
of 5 points. The total possible points for Evaluation Criteria A through
G is 125 points.

> **[Evaluation Criteria]{.underline} [Weight]{.underline}**
>
> A. [Understanding the Problem]{.underline} 15
>
> The proposal shall be evaluated on the completeness of the proposal
> and the offeror\'s demonstrated understanding of the problems of the
> project in its response to the objectives and tasks and solution
> approach thereto, specifically as it relates to Section 1013 of the
> Medicare Modernization Act.
>
> B. [Technical Approach]{.underline} 35
>
> The proposal shall be evaluated on the completeness, reasonableness,
> clarity, and feasibility of the approach to satisfy the requirement of
> each individual task in the Statement of Work. Specific attention will
> be paid to the extent to which the offeror clearly demonstrates its
> experience, creativity, and ability to:

-   Establish and implement a Decisions Sciences Center

-   Extent to which the proposal demonstrates a capability to provide
    continuity of support over the multi-year period of performance
    required of the Decisions Sciences Center

-   Approach to working with, and providing technical assistance to a
    diverse audience, particularly patients, providers, and policymakers

-   Developing and pretesting information products, decision aids and
    other tools for a diverse audience

-   Plan meetings and other events

-   Developing and maintaining a Web site

-   Evaluating (process and impact) health information products and
    modes of dissemination

-   Conducting an audience assessment

-   Dissemination and marketing of products, services and events

C.  [Management Plan]{.underline} 20

> The Offeror's demonstrated ability to achieve the delivery of
> performance requirements through the proposed use of
> corporate/organizational management and other personnel resources will
> be evaluated. The offeror's demonstrated ability to manage
> subcontractors and consultants, and the ability to complete the
> project milestones using a cost-effective approach will be evaluated.

D.  [Key Personnel]{.underline} 25

> The background, skills, professional experience and education of key
> personnel, consultants, and subcontractors in the area of clinical
> health education, behavioral medicine, decision psychology, marketing
> and web site services and development. Background, skills and
> experience shall be evaluated in: developing information tools for a
> diverse audience; developing decision aids; marketing and
> dissemination, providing technical assistance; conducting process and
> impact evaluations; developing and maintaining Web sites; interacting
> with AHRQ programs.
>
> Offerors will also be evaluated on:

-   Availability of scientific personnel with the breadth and depth of
    clinical specialties and health systems; working with patients,
    providers and policy makers.

-   Overall degree to which Offeror is able to provide the range of
    professional, technical, management and other personnel, both in
    leadership positions and support positions, with required experience
    and expertise to meet the requirements for work envisioned under
    this contract.

-   Percentage and category(ies) of personnel who are (a) full-time or
    part-time employees, (b) consultants, or (c) subcontractors.

E.  [Facilities]{.underline} 5

> Proposals will be evaluated on the availability of adequate
> facilities, space, and equipment (computers, word-processing,
> photocopying, facsimile) for accomplishing the project goals and
> objectives. In addition to computer hardware, the contractor must
> provide necessary computer software capability.
>
> **TOTAL POINTS BEFORE PAST PERFORMANCE [100]{.underline}**

F. [Past Performance]{.underline} 20

> a\) The offeror\'s past performance will be evaluated after completion
> of the technical evaluation. Only those offerors determined to be
> technically acceptable will be evaluated. Each offeror will be
> evaluated on its performance under existing and prior contracts for
> similar products or services. Performance information will be used for
> both responsibility determinations and as an evaluation factor to
> compare relative rankings.
>
> b\) Evaluation of past performance will often be quite subjective
> based on consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances. It
> will not be based on absolute standards of acceptable performance. The
> Government is seeking to determine whether the offeror has
> consistently demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction and
> timely delivery of services at fair and reasonable prices.
>
> c\) The Government reserves the right to evaluate relevant past
> performance information not specifically provided by the offeror.
>
> d\) The Government will assess the relative risks associated with each
> offeror. Performance risks are those associated with an offeror\'s
> likelihood of success in performing the acquisition requirements as
> indicated by the offeror\'s record of past performance.
>
> e\) If the offeror or the proposed employees for the offeror, do not
> have a past performance history relative to this acquisition, or past
> performance not relative to this acquisition, the offeror will not be
> evaluated favorably or unfavorably on this factor. A neutral rating
> will be determined.
>
> f\) In evaluating past performance, the Government will consider the
> offeror\'s effectiveness in producing quality products or services;
> timeliness of performance; cost control; business practices; customer
> satisfaction; accomplishments in writing, editing, design, and
> dissemination of agency products; and, the past performance of key
> personnel in the areas of health services research and health care
> policy.
>
> g\) The assessment of the offeror's past performance will be used as a
> means of evaluating the relative capability of the offeror and the
> other competitors. Thus, an offeror with an exceptional record of past
> performance may receive a more favorable evaluation than another whose
> record is acceptable, even though both may have acceptable technical
> proposals.
>
> h\) The Government will consider the number or severity of an
> offeror's problems, the effectiveness of corrective actions taken, the
> offeror's overall work record, and the age and relevance of past
> performance information.
>
> G. [Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Plan]{.underline} 5
>
> The evaluation will be based on information obtained from the plan
> provided by the offeror, the realism of the proposal, other relevant
> information obtained from named SDB concerns, and any information
> supplied by the offeror concerning problems encountered in SDB
> participation.
>
> Evaluation of the SDB Participation Plan will be a subjective
> assessment based on a consideration of all relevant facts and
> circumstances. It will not be based on absolute standards of
> acceptable performance. The Government is seeking to determine whether
> the offeror has demonstrated a commitment to use SDB concerns for the
> work that it intends to perform as the prime contractor.
>
> The assessment of the offeror's SDB Participation Plan will be used as
> a means of evaluating the relative capability and commitment of the
> offeror and the other competitors. Thus, an offeror with an
> exceptional record of participation with SDB concerns may receive more
> points and a more favorable evaluation than another whose record is
> acceptable, even though both may have acceptable technical proposals.
>
> SDB participation will be scored with offerors receiving points from 0
> to 5, with 5 being the most favorable.

**TOTAL AVAILABLE POINTS [125]{.underline}**

**ATTACHMENT 1**

**PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE**

**PART ONE: INSTRUCTIONS**

The offeror listed below has submitted a proposal in response to the
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Solicitation No.
AHRQ-04-0007, entitled "Technical, Analytical and Logistical Support for
the Office of Extramural Research, Education and Priority Populations."
Past performance is an important part of the evaluation criteria for
this acquisition, so input from previous customers of the offeror is
important. This office would greatly appreciate you taking the time to
complete this form. **This information is to be provided to Jessica
Alderton, the AHRQ Contracting Officer and is NOT to be disclosed to the
offeror either verbally or in writing.** Please provide an honest
assessment and return to AHRQ to the address shown below, no later than
**August 11, 2005**. If you have any questions, please contact Ms.
Jessica Alderton at (301) 427-1783.

Ms. Jessica Alderton

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Division of Contracts Management

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

FAX: (301) 427-1740

NAME OF
OFFEROR:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ADDRESS:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**[Contractor Performance Form]{.underline}**

1\. Name of
Contractor:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

2\.
Address:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

3\. Contract/Grant Number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

4\. Contract/Grant Value (Base Plus Options):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

5\. Contract/Grant Award Date:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

6\. Contract/Grant Completion Date:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

7\. Type of Contract/Grant: (Check all that apply) ( )FP ( )FPI (
)FP-EPA

( ) Award Fee ( ) CPFF-Completion ( ) CPFF-Term ( ) CPIF ( ) CPAF

( ) IO/IQ ( ) BOA ( ) Requirements ( ) Labor-Hour ( )T&M ( ) SBSA

( )8(a) ( )SBIR ( ) Sealed Bid( )Negotiated( )Competitive (
)Non-Competitive

8\. Description of Requirement:

**[CONTRACTOR'S PERFORMANCE RATING]{.underline}**

Ratings: Summarize contractor performance and circle in the column on
the right the number which corresponds to the performance rating for
each rating category. Please see reverse page for explanation of rating
scale.

+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
| Quality of       | Comments                                      | 0 |
| Product or       |                                               |   |
| Service          |                                               | 1 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 2 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 3 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 4 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 5 |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
| Cost             | Comments                                      | 0 |
|                  |                                               |   |
| Control          |                                               | 1 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 2 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 3 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 4 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 5 |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
| Timeliness of    | Comments                                      | 0 |
|                  |                                               |   |
| Performance      |                                               | 1 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 2 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 3 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 4 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 5 |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
| Business         | Comments                                      | 0 |
| Relations        |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 1 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 2 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 3 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 4 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 5 |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
|                  |                                               |   |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+

Customer Satisfaction - Is/was the Contractor committed to customer
satisfaction? Yes No ; Would

you use this Contractor again? Yes No

Reason:

**NAME OF EVALUATOR:**
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**TITLE OF EVALUATOR:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**SIGNATURE OF
EVALUATOR:**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**DATE:**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**MAILING ADDRESS:**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**PHONE
#:**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Rating Guidelines:** Summarize contractor performance in each of the
rating areas. Assign each area a rating 0(Unsatisfactory), 1(Poor),
2(Fair), 3(Good), 4(Excellent) 5(Outstanding). Use the following
instructions as guidance in making these evaluations.

+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
|            | **Quality** | **Cost    | **         | **Business     |
|            |             | Control** | Timeliness | Relation**     |
|            |             |           | of**       |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             |           | **Per      |                |
|            |             |           | formance** |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
|            | -Compliance | -Within   | -Met       | -Effective     |
|            | with        | bud       | interim    | management     |
|            | contract    | get(over/ | milestones |                |
|            |             |           |            | -Businesslike  |
|            | r           | under     | -Reliable  | correspondence |
|            | equirements | target    |            |                |
|            |             | costs)    | -          | -Responsive to |
|            | -Accuracy   |           | Responsive | contract       |
|            | of reports  | -Current, | to         |                |
|            |             | accurate, | technical  | requirements   |
|            | -Technical  | and       |            |                |
|            | excellence  |           | direction  | -Prompt        |
|            |             | complete  |            | notification   |
|            |             | billings  | -Completed | of problems    |
|            |             |           | on time,   |                |
|            |             | -Rel      |            | -Reasonab      |
|            |             | ationship | including  | le/cooperative |
|            |             | of        | wrap-up    |                |
|            |             |           | and        | -Flexible      |
|            |             | n         |            |                |
|            |             | egotiated | contract   | -Pro-active    |
|            |             | costs to  | adm        |                |
|            |             |           |            | -Effective     |
|            |             | actual    | -No        | small/small    |
|            |             |           | liquidated |                |
|            |             | -Cost     | damages    | disadvantaged  |
|            |             | eff       |            | business sub-  |
|            |             | iciencies | assessed   |                |
|            |             |           |            | contracting    |
|            |             | -Change   |            | program        |
|            |             | orders    |            |                |
|            |             | issue     |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 0-unsa     | Nonc        | Ability   | Delays are | Response to    |
| tisfactory | onformances | to manage | je         | inquiries,     |
|            | are         | cost      | opardizing |                |
|            |             |           |            | tech           |
|            | j           | issues is | the        | nical/service/ |
|            | eopardizing | jeo       | a          | administrative |
|            | the         | pardizing | chievement |                |
|            |             |           | of         | issues is not  |
|            | achievement | pe        |            | effective      |
|            | of contract | rformance | contract   |                |
|            |             | of        | req        |                |
|            | re          | contract  | uirements, |                |
|            | quirements, |           |            |                |
|            | despite use | requ      | despite    |                |
|            |             | irements, | use of     |                |
|            | of Agency   | despite   | Agency's   |                |
|            | resources   |           |            |                |
|            |             | use of    | resources  |                |
|            |             | Agency    |            |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             | resources |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 1-Poor     | Overall     | Ability   | Delays     | Response to    |
|            | compliance  | to manage | require    | inquiries,     |
|            |             | cost      | major      |                |
|            | requires    |           |            | tech           |
|            | major       | issues    | Agency     | nical/service/ |
|            | Agency      | requires  | resources  | administrative |
|            |             | major     | to         |                |
|            | resources   |           |            | issues is      |
|            | to ensure   | Agency    | ensure     | marginally     |
|            |             | resources | a          | effective      |
|            | achievement | to        | chievement |                |
|            | of contract |           | of         |                |
|            |             | ensure    |            |                |
|            | r           | ac        | contract   |                |
|            | equirements | hievement | re         |                |
|            |             | of        | quirements |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             | contract  |            |                |
|            |             | req       |            |                |
|            |             | uirements |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 2-Fair     | Overall     | Ability   | Delays     | Response to    |
|            | compliance  | to manage | require    | inquiries,     |
|            |             | cost      | minor      |                |
|            | requires    |           |            | tech           |
|            | minor       | issues    | Agency     | nical/service/ |
|            | Agency      | requires  | resources  | administrative |
|            |             | minor     | to         |                |
|            | resources   |           |            | issues is      |
|            | to ensure   | Agency    | ensure     | somewhat       |
|            |             | resources | a          | effective      |
|            | achievement | to        | chievement |                |
|            | of contract |           | of         |                |
|            |             | ensure    |            |                |
|            | r           | ac        | contract   |                |
|            | equirements | hievement | re         |                |
|            |             | of        | quirements |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             | contract  |            |                |
|            |             | req       |            |                |
|            |             | uirements |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 3-Good     | Overall     | M         | Delays do  | Response to    |
|            | compliance  | anagement | not impact | inquiries,     |
|            | does        | of cost   |            |                |
|            |             |           | a          | tech           |
|            | not impact  | issues    | chievement | nical/service/ |
|            | achievement | does not  | of         | administrative |
|            | of          | impact    | contract   |                |
|            |             |           |            | issues is      |
|            | contract    | ac        | re         | usually        |
|            | r           | hievement | quirements | effective      |
|            | equirements | of        |            |                |
|            |             | contract  |            |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             | req       |            |                |
|            |             | uirements |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 4          | There are   | There are | There are  | Response to    |
| -Excellent | no quality  | no cost   | no delays  | inquiries,     |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            | problems    | m         |            | tech           |
|            |             | anagement |            | nical/service/ |
|            |             | issues    |            | administrative |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             |           |            | issues is      |
|            |             |           |            | effective      |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+

5-Outstanding. The Contractor has demonstrated an outstanding
performance level that justifies adding a point to the score. It is
expected that this rating

will be used in those rare circumstances where Contractor performance
clearly exceeds the performance levels described as "Excellent."

**ATTACHMENT 2 0348-0046**

Complete this form to disclose lobbying activities pursuant to 31 U.S.C.
1352

(See reverse for public burden disclosure.)

+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| 1\. Type of Federal   | 2\. Status of Federal | 3\. Report Type:     |
| Action:               | Action:               |                      |
|                       |                       | > a\. initial filing |
| > a\. contract        | a\.                   | >                    |
| >                     | bid/offer/application | > b\. material       |
| > b\. grant           |                       | > change             |
| >                     | b\. Initial award     | >                    |
| > c\. cooperative     |                       | > For Material       |
| > agreement           | c\. post-award        | > Change Only:       |
| >                     |                       | >                    |
| > d\. loan            |                       | > year \_\_\_\_\_\_  |
| >                     |                       | > quarter            |
| > e\. loan guarantee  |                       | > \_\_\_\_\_\_\_     |
| >                     |                       | >                    |
| > f\. loan insurance  |                       | > date of last       |
|                       |                       | > re                 |
|                       |                       | port\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 4\. Name and Address of          | 5\. If Reporting Entity in No. 4  |
| Reporting Entity:                | is Subawardee, Enter Name and     |
|                                  | Address of Prime                  |
| G Prime G Subawardee             |                                   |
|                                  | Congressional District, if known: |
| Tier\_\_\_\_\_, if known:        |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| Congressional District, if       |                                   |
| known:                           |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 6\. Federal Department/Agency:   | 7\. Federal Program               |
|                                  | Name/Description                  |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | CFDA Number, if applicable:       |
|                                  | \_\                               |
|                                  | _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 8\. Federal Action Number, if    | 9\. Award Amount, if known:       |
| known:                           |                                   |
|                                  | \$                                |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 10\. a. Name and Address of      | b\. Individual Performing         |
| Lobbying Entity                  | Services (including address if    |
|                                  | different from No. 10a)           |
| (if individual, last name, first |                                   |
| name, MI):                       | (last name, first name, MI)       |
|                                  |                                   |
| (attach Continuation Sheet(s)    | SF-LLL-A, if necessary)           |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 11\. Amount of Payment (check    | 13\. Type of Payment (check all   |
| all that apply):                 | that apply):                      |
|                                  |                                   |
| \$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ G actual  | G a. retainer                     |
| G planned                        |                                   |
|                                  | G b. one-time fee                 |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | G c. commission                   |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | G d. contingent fee               |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | G e. deferred                     |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | G f. other; specify:              |
|                                  | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\         |
|                                  | _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 12\. Form of Payment (check all  |                                   |
| that apply):                     |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| G a. cash                        |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| G b. in-kind; specify:           |                                   |
| nature\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| v                                |                                   |
| alue\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+------------------------------+------+--------------------------------+
| 14\. Brief Description of    |      |                                |
| Services Performed or to be  |      |                                |
| Performed and Date(s) of     |      |                                |
| Service, including           |      |                                |
| officer(s), employee(s), or  |      |                                |
| Member(s) contacted, for     |      |                                |
| payment indicated in Item    |      |                                |
| 11:                          |      |                                |
|                              |      |                                |
| (attach Continuation         |      |                                |
| Sheet(s) SF-LLL-A, if        |      |                                |
| necessary)                   |      |                                |
+------------------------------+------+--------------------------------+
| 15\. Continuation Sheet(s)   | Yes  | No                             |
| SF-LLL-A attached:           |      |                                |
+------------------------------+------+--------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| 16\. Information requested through this | Signature:\_\_\_\_\_       |
| form is authorized by title 31 U.S.C.   | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| section 1352. This disclosure of        | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| lobbying activities is a material       |                            |
| representation of fact upon which       | Print                      |
| reliance was placed by the tier above   | Name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  |
| when this transaction was made or       | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| entered into. This disclosure is        | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| required pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1352.    |                            |
| This information will be reported to    | Title:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_   |
| the Congress semi-annually and will be  | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| available for public inspection. Any    | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| person who fails to file the required   |                            |
| disclosure shall be subject to a civil  | Telephone                  |
| penalty of not less than \$10,000 and   | No.:\_\_\_\_\_\            |
| not more than \$100,000 for each        | _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Dat |
| failure.                                | e:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **Federal Use Only**                    | Authorized for Local       |
|                                         | Reproduction               |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | Standard Form\--LLL        |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

**DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES**

**CONTINUATION SHEET**

Approved by OMB

0348-0046

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Reporting
  Entity:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
  Page \_\_\_\_\_ of \_\_\_\_\_

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authorized for Local Reproduction

Standard Form\--LLL-A

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF SF-LLL, DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

This disclosure form shall be completed by the reporting entity, whether
subawardee of prime Federal recipient, at the initiation or receipt of a
covered Federal action, or a material change to a previous filing,
pursuant to title 31 U.S.C. section 1352. The filing of a form is
required for each payment or agreement to make payment to any lobbying
entity for influencing of attempting to influence an officer or employee
of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress,
or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered
Federal action. Use the SF-LLL-A Continuation Sheet for additional
information if the space on the form is inadequate. Complete all items
that apply for both the initial filing and material change report. Refer
to the implementing guidance published by the Office of Management and
Budget for additional information.

1\. Identify the type of covered Federal action for which lobbying
activity is and/or has been secured to influence the outcome of a
covered Federal action.

2\. Identify the status of the covered Federal action.

3\. Identify the appropriate classification of this report. If this is a
follow-up report caused by a material change to the information
previously reported, enter the year and quarter in which the change
occurred. Enter the date of the last previously submitted report by this
reporting entity for this covered Federal action.

4\. Enter the full name, address, city, state and zip code of the
reporting entity. Include Congressional District, if known. Check the
appropriate classification of the reporting entity that designates if it
is, or expects to be, a prime or subaward recipient. Identify the tier
of the subawardee, e.g., the first subawardee of the prime is the 1st
tier. Subawards include but are not limited to subcontracts, subgrants
and contract awards under grants.

5\. If the organization filing the report in item 4 checks
\"Subawardee,\" then enter the full name, address, city, state and zip
code of the prime Federal recipient. Include Congressional District, if
known.

6\. Enter the name of the Federal agency making the award or loan
commitment. Include at least one organizational level below agency name,
if known. For example, Department of Transportation, United States Coast
Guard.

7\. Enter the Federal program name or description for the covered
Federal action (item 1). If known, enter the full Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for grants, cooperative agreements,
loans, and loan commitments.

8\. Enter the most appropriate Federal identifying number available for
the Federal action identified in item 1 (e.g., Request for Proposal
(RFP) number, Invitation for Bid (IFB) number, grant announcement
number, the contract, grant, or loan award number, the
application/proposal control number assigned by the Federal agency).
Include prefixes, e.g., \"RFP-DE-90-001.\"

9\. For a covered Federal action where there has been an award or loan
commitment by the Federal agency, enter the Federal amount of the
award/loan commitment for the prime entity identified in item 4 or 5.

10\. (a) Enter the full name, address, city, state and zip code of the
lobbying entity engaged by the reporting entity identified in item 4 to
influence the covered Federal action.

\(b\) Enter the full names of the individual(s) performing services, and
include full address if different from 10(a); Enter Last Name, First
Name, and Middle Initial (MI).

11\. Enter the amount of compensation paid or reasonably expected to be
paid by the reporting entity (item 4) to the lobbying entity (item 10).
Indicate whether the payment has been made (actual) or will be made
(planned). Check all boxes that apply. If this is a material charge
report, enter the cumulative amount of payment made or planned to be
made.

12\. Check the appropriate box(es). Check all boxes that apply. If
payment is made through an in-kind contribution, specify the nature and
value of the in-kind payment.

13\. Check the appropriate box(es). Check all boxes that apply. If
other, specify nature.

14\. Provide a specific and detailed description of the services that
the lobbyist has performed, or will be expected to perform, and the
date(s) of any services rendered. Include all preparatory and related
activity, not just time spent in actual contact with Federal officials.
Identify the Federal official(s) or employee(s) contacted or the
officer(s), employee(s), or Member(s) of Congress that were contacted.

15\. Check whether or not a SF-LLL-A Continuation Sheet(s) is attached.

16\. The certifying official shall sign and date the form, print his/her
name, title and telephone number.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > Public reporting burden for this collection of information is       |
| > estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including time for    |
| > reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering  |
| > and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the   |
| > collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden       |
| > estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,     |
| > including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of    |
| > Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0046),     |
| > Washington, D.C. 20503.                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

> **ATTACHMENT 3**
>
> ***PROPOSAL INTENT RESPONSE SHEET***
>
> **[RFP No. AHRQ-05-0013]{.underline}**
>
> **Please review the attached request for proposal. Furnish the
> information requested below and return this page by July 14, 2005.
> Your expression of intent is not binding but will greatly assist us in
> planning for the proposal evaluation.**
>
> **\[ \] INTEND TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL**
>
> **\[ \] DO NOT INTEND TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR THE FOLLOWING
> REASONS:**
>
> **\[ \] I GRANT PERMISSION TO THE AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND
> QUALITY, CONTRACTS OFFICE TO ADD THE CONTACT INFORMAION BELOW TO A
> BIDDERS LIST TO PROVIDE TO OTHER INTERESTED OFFERORS FOR
> SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES. (\*MUST INCLUDE AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE)**
>
> **COMPANY/INSTITUTION NAME:**
>
> **\*AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:**
>
> **TYPED NAME AND TITLE:**
>
> **DATE:**
>
> **\[ \] PLEASE [DO NOT]{.underline} RELEASE THE CONTACT INFORMATION.**
>
> **Please return to:**
>
> **Jessica Alderton**
>
> **Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality**
>
> **Contracts Management**
>
> **540 Gaither Road**
>
> **Rockville, Maryland 20850**
>
> **Attachment 4**

**SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN**

**DATE OF PLAN**: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

CONTRACTOR
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ADDRESS:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

DUNN & BRADSTREET NUMBER:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

SOLICITATION OR CONTRACT NUMBER:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ITEM/SERVICE (Description):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT: \$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Total contract or Option #1

> Base-Year, if options (if applicable)

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Option #2 Option #3 Option #4

(if applicable) (if applicable) (if applicable)

TOTAL MODIFICATION AMOUNT, IF APPLICABLE \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

TOTAL TASK ORDER AMOUNT, IF APPLICABLE\$ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

PERIOD OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE (Month, Day & Year):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

The following outline meets the minimum requirements of section 8(d) of
the Small Business Act, as amended, and implemented by Federal
Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 19.7. While this outline has been
designed to be consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements,
other formats of a subcontracting plan may be acceptable. It is not
intended to replace any existing corporate plan that is more extensive.
Failure to include the essential information of FAR Subpart 19.7 may be
cause for either a delay in acceptance or the rejection of a bid or
offer when a subcontracting plan is required. "SUBCONTRACT," as used in
this clause, means any agreement (other than one involving an
employer‑employee relationship) entered into by a Federal Government
prime contractor or subcontractor calling for supplies or services
required for performance of the contract or subcontract. **If assistance
is needed to locate small business sources, contact the Office of Small
and Disadvantage Business Utilization (OSDBU) at (202) 690-7300 or the
OPDIV Small Business Specialist at
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**. **Sources may also be obtained
from SBA's PRONET website**. Please note that the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) has subcontracting goals of \_30\_\_% for small
business (SB), \_11\_% for small disadvantaged business (SDB), \_3\_\_%
for HubZone businesses (HUBZone), \_\_\_5\_\_% for women-owned business
(WOSB), \_\_3\_\_% for veteran-owned business (VOSB), and service
disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concerns for fiscal year
\_\_\_\_\_. For this procurement, HHS expects all proposed
subcontracting plans to contain the following goals, at a minimum,
\_\_\_\_\_% for small business, \_\_\_\_% small disadvantaged business,
\_\_\_\_% for HubZone businesses, \_\_\_\_\_\_% for woman owned
businesses, and \_\_\_\_\_\_% for veteran-owned businesses. These
percentages shall be expressed as percentages of the total estimated
subcontracting dollars. **The offeror is required to include an
explanation for a category that has zero as a goal.**

**NOTE TO CONTRACTORS:** Please provide your CCS number with your Dun &
Bradstreet number.

**1. Type of Plan (check one)**

> \_\_\_\_\_ ***Individual plan*** (all elements developed specifically
> for this contract and applicable for the full term of this contract).
>
> \_\_\_\_\_ ***Master plan*** (goals developed for this contract) all
> other elements standardized and approved by a lead agency Federal
> Official; must be renewed every three years and contractor must
> provide copy of lead agency approval.
>
> \_\_\_\_\_ ***Commercial products/service plan*** This plan is used
> when the contractor sells products and services customarily used for
> non-government purposes. Plan/goals are negotiated with the initial
> agency on a company-wide basis rather than for individual contracts.
> The plan is effective only during the year approved. The contractor
> must provide a copy of the initial agency approval, and must submit an
> annual SF 295 to HHS with a breakout of subcontracting prorated for
> HHS (with a OPDIV breakdown, if possible.)

**2. Goals**

State separate dollar and percentage goals for Small Business (SB),
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Woman‑owned Small Business (WOSB),
Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Small Business,
Veteran‑owned (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Small Business
(SDVOSB) and "Other than small business" (Other) as subcontractors, for
the base year and each option year, as specified in FAR 19.704 (break
out and append option year goals, if the contract contains option years)
or project annual subcontracting base and goals under commercial plans.

a.  Total estimated dollar value of ALL planned subcontracting, i.e.,
    with ALL types of concerns under this contract is \$
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (b + h = a) (Base
    Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

b.  Total estimated dollar value and percent of planned subcontracting
    with SMALL BUSINESSES (including SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and
    VOSB): (% of "a") \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_%

> (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

c.  Total estimated dollar value and percent of planned subcontracting
    with SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES: (% of "a") \$
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

d.  Total estimated dollar value and percent of planned subcontracting
    with WOMAN‑OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES: (% of "a") \$
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

e.  Total estimated dollar and percent of planned subcontracting with
    HUBZone SMALL BUSINESSES:

> (% of "a") \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Total estimated dollar and percent of planned subcontracting with
VETERAN SMALL BUSINESSES: (% of "a") \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
and \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

g.  Total estimated dollar and percent of planned subcontracting with
    Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business: (% of "a)
    \$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

h.  Total estimated dollar and percent of planned subcontracting with
    "OTHER THAN SMALL BUSINESSES":

> (% of "a") \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

> **Notes:** 1. Federal prime contract goals are:
>
> SB equals 30%; SDB equals 11%; HUBZone equals 3%, WOSB equals 5% and
> SDVOSB equals 3%, VOSB equals 3% and can serve as objectives for
> subcontracting goal development.

2.  SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB goals are subsets of SB and
    should be counted and reported in multiple categories, as
    appropriate.

3.  If any contract has more four options, please attach additional
    sheets showing dollar amounts and percentages.

Provide a description of ALL the products and/or services to be
subcontracted under this contract, and indicate the size and type of
business supplying them (check all that apply).

  ------------------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ---------- ------ --------
  Product/Service     Other   SB     SDB    WOSB    HUBZone    VOSB   SDVOSB

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      
  ------------------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ---------- ------ --------

> i\. Provide a description of the method used to develop the
> subcontracting goals for SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB concerns.
> Address efforts made to ensure that maximum practicable subcontracting
> opportunities have been made available for those concerns and explain
> the method used to identify potential sources for solicitation
> purposes. Explain the method and state the quantitative basis (in
> dollars) used to establish the percentage goals. Also, explain how the
> areas to be subcontracted to SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB concerns
> were determined, how the capabilities of these concerns were
> considered contract opportunities and how such data comports with the
> cost proposal. Identify any source lists or other resources used in
> the determination process. (Attach additional sheets, if necessary.)
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> j\. Indirect costs have \_\_\_\_ have not \_\_\_\_ been included in
> the dollar and percentage subcontracting goals above (check one).

k.  If indirect costs have been included, explain the method used to
    determine the proportionate share of such costs to be allocated as
    subcontracts to SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB concerns.

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**3.** **Program Administrator:**

> NAME/TITLE:
>
> ADDRESS:
>
> TELEPHONE/E-MAIL:

**Duties**: Does the individual named above have general overall
responsibility for the company's subcontracting program, i.e.,
developing, preparing, and executing subcontracting plans and monitoring
performance relative to the requirements of those subcontracting plans
and perform the following duties? (If NO is checked, please indicate who
in the company performs those duties, or indicate why the duties are not
performed in your company.)

> Developing and promoting company‑wide policy initiatives that
> demonstrate the company's support for awarding contracts and
> subcontracts to SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB concerns; and
> for assuring that these concerns are included on the source lists for
> solicitations for products and services they are capable of providing.
> \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_ no
>
> Developing and maintaining bidder source lists of SB, SDB, WOSB,
> HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB concerns from all possible sources;
> \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ no

a.  Ensuring periodic rotation of potential subcontractors on bidder's
    lists; \_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_ no

b.  Assuring that SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZONE, SDVOSB and VOSB businesses are
    included on the bidders' list for every subcontract solicitation for
    products and services that they are capable of providing.

> \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ no

c.  Ensuring that requests for proposals (RFPs) are designed to permit
    the maximum practicable participation of SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone,
    SDVOSB and VOSB concerns. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_ no

d.  Reviewing subcontract solicitations to remove statements, clauses,
    etc., which might tend to restrict or prohibit small, HubZone small,
    small disadvantaged, and women-owned small business participation.

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_ no

e.  Accessing various sources for the identification of SB, SDB, WOSB,
    HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB concerns to include the SBA's PRO-Net and
    SUB-Net Systems, ([http://www.sba.gov](http://www.sba.gov/)), the
    National Minority Purchasing Council Vendor Information Service,
    the Office of Minority Business Data Center in the Department of
    Commerce, local small business and minority associations, contact
    with local chambers of commerce and Federal agencies' Small Business
    Offices; \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ no

f.  Establishing and maintaining contract and subcontract award records;
    \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_ no

g.  Participating in Business Opportunity Workshops, Minority Business
    Enterprise Seminars, Trade Fairs, Procurement Conferences, etc;

h.  Ensuring that SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB concerns are made
    aware of subcontracting opportunities and assisting concerns in
    preparing responsive bids to the company;

i.  Conducting or arranging for the conduct of training for purchasing
    personnel regarding the intent and impact of Section 8(d) of the
    Small Business Act, as amended;

j.  Monitoring the company's subcontracting program performance and
    making any adjustments necessary to achieve the subcontract plan
    goals;

k.  Preparing, and submitting timely, required subcontract reports;

l.  Conducting or arranging training for purchasing personnel regarding
    the intent and impact of 8(d) of the Small Business Act on
    purchasing procedures.

m.  Coordinating the company's activities during the conduct of
    compliance reviews by Federal agencies; and

n.  Other duties:
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**4.** **Equitable Opportunity**

Describe efforts the offeror will Describe efforts Describe efforts the
offeror will make to ensure that SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB
concerns will have an equitable opportunity to compete for subcontracts.
These efforts include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

a.  Outreach efforts to obtain sources:

    1.  Contacting minority and small business trade associations; 2)
        contacting business development organizations and local chambers
        of commerce; 3) attending SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB
        procurement conferences and trade fairs; 4) requesting sources
        from the Small Business Administrations (SBA) PRO-Net and
        SUB-Net Systems, (<http://www.sba.gov/>) and other SBA and
        Federal agency resources. Contractors may also conduct market
        surveys to identify new sources, to include, accessing the NIH
        e-Portals in Commerce, (e-PIC), (<http://epic.od.nih.gov/>). The
        NIH e-Portals in Commerce is not a mandatory source and may be
        used at the offeror's discretion.

b\. Internal efforts to guide and encourage purchasing personnel:

1.  Conducting workshops, seminars, and training programs;

2.  Establishing, maintaining, and utilizing SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and
    VOSB source lists, guides, and other data for soliciting
    subcontractors; and

3.  Monitoring activities to evaluate compliance with the subcontracting
    plan.

> Additional efforts:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**5.** **Flow Down Clause**

The contractor agrees to include the provisions under FAR 52.219‑8,
"Utilization of Small Business Concerns," in all acquisitions exceeding
the simplified acquisition threshold that offers further subcontracting
opportunities. All subcontractors, except small business concerns, that
receive subcontracts in excess of \$500,000 (\$1,000,000 for
construction) must adopt and comply with a plan similar to the plan
required by FAR 52.219‑9, "Small Business Subcontracting Plan." (Flow
down is not applicable for commercial items/services as described in
52.212-5(e) and

52.244-6(c).)

**6.** **Reporting and Cooperation**

The contractor gives assurance of (1) cooperation in any studies or
surveys that may be required; (2) submission of periodic reports which
show compliance with the subcontracting plan; (3) submission of Standard
Form (SF) 294, "Subcontracting Report for Individual Contracts," and
attendant Optional Form 312, SDB Participation Report, if applicable,
(required only for contracts containing the clause 52.219-25) and SF
295, "Summary Subcontract Report," in accordance with the instructions
on the forms; and (4) ensuring that subcontractors agree to submit
Standard Forms 294 and 295.

  --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------
  Reporting Period            Report Due                Due Date

  Oct 1 - Mar 31              SF 294                    4/30

  Apr 1 - Sept 30             SF 294                    10/30

  Oct 1 - Sept 30             SF 295                    10/30

  Contract Completion         OF 312                    30 days after
                                                        completion
  --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------

Special instructions for commercial plan: SF 295 Report is due on 10/30
each year for the previous fiscal year ending 9/30.

a.  Submit SF 294 to cognizant Awarding Contracting Officer.

> b\. Submit Optional Form 312, (OF-312), if applicable, to cognizant
> Awarding Contracting Officer.
>
> c\. Submit SF 295 to cognizant Awarding Contracting Officer and to
> the:
>
> Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
>
> Department of Health and Human Services
>
> 200 Independence Avenue, SW
>
> Humphrey H. Building, Room 517‑D
>
> Washington, D.C. 20201
>
> d\. Submit "information" copy of the SF 295 and the SF 294 upon
> request to the SBA Commercial Market Representative (CMR); visit the
> SBA at <http://www.sba.gov/gc> and click on assistance directory to
> locate your nearest CMR.

**7. Record keeping**

FAR 19.704(a) (11) requires a list of the types of records your company
will maintain to demonstrate the procedures adopted to comply with the
requirements and goals in the subcontracting plan. The following is a
recitation of the types of records the contractor will maintain to
demonstrate the procedures adopted to comply with the requirements and
goals in the subcontracting plan. These records will include, but not be
limited to, the following:

a.  SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB source lists, guides and other data
    identifying such vendors;

b.  Organizations contacted in an attempt to locate SB, SDB, WOSB,
    HUBZone, and VOSB sources;

c.  On a contract‑by‑contract basis, records on all subcontract
    solicitations over \$100,000, which indicate for each
    solicitation (1) whether SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and/or VOSB
    concerns were solicited, if not, why not and the reasons solicited
    concerns did not receive subcontract awards.

d.  Records to support other outreach efforts, e.g., contacts with
    minority and small business trade associations, attendance at small
    and minority business procurement conferences and trade fairs;

e.  Records to support internal guidance and encouragement provided to
    buyers through (1) workshops, seminars, training programs, incentive
    awards; and (2) monitoring performance to evaluate compliance with
    the program and requirements; and

f.  On a contract‑by‑contract basis, records to support subcontract
    award data including the name, address, and business type and size
    of each subcontractor. (This item is not required on a *contract --
    by -- contract basis* for company or division‑wide commercial
    plans.)

g.  Other records to support your compliance with the subcontracting
    plan: (Please describe)

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**8. Timely Payments to Subcontractors**

FAR 19.702 requires your company to establish and use procedures to
ensure the timely payment of amounts due pursuant to the terms of your
subcontracts with small business concerns, HubZone small business
concerns, small disadvantaged small business concerns, veteran-owned
small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns.

Your company has established and uses such procedures: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
yes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ no

**9. Description of Good Faith Effort**

Maximum practicable utilization of small, HubZone small, small
disadvantaged, veteran-owned, and women-owned small business concerns as
subcontractors in Government contracts is a matter of national interest
with both social and economic benefits**. When a contractor fails to
make a good faith effort to comply with a subcontracting plan, these
objectives are not achieved, and 15 U.S.C. 637(d) (4) (F) directs that
liquidated damages shall be paid by the contractor.** In order to
demonstrate your compliance with a good faith effort to achieve the
small, HubZone, small disadvantaged, veteran-owned and women-owned small
business subcontracting goals, outline the steps your company plans to
take. These steps will be negotiated with the contracting officer prior
to approval of the plan.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**SIGNATURE PAGE**

Signatures Required:

This subcontracting plan was submitted by:

**Signature:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

This plan was reviewed by:

**Signature:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title: [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Contracting
Officer\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

This plan was reviewed by:

**Signature:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title: [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Small Business
Specialist\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

This plan was reviewed by:

**Signature:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title: [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_SBA Procurement Center
Representative\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**And Is Accepted By:**

**OPDIV:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Attachment 5**

**Guidelines for Developing Web-Based Products**

>  
>
> Retrofitting Web-based products after the fact is highly undesirable
> because it adds time and costs to the process of making these products
> publicly available. All products that are developed with the intent of
> being posted on the AHRQ Web site should meet the following minimum
> requirements:
>
>  
>
> **Titles of Products**
>
> Coordinate with your project officer on the titles of your products.
> They need to be concise and relevant to the purpose of the project,
> but cannot include the name of the contractor or grantee as the
> performing organization as part of the title. Report titles should be
> no more than 10-words maximum and Web-based tools should be no more
> than 5-words maximum (make every word count---eliminate initial
> articles such as "The" or "A" ). Titles need to be distinct enough to
> differentiate among similar sounding products.
>
> **Quality Control/Editorial Review**
>
> This involves checking for spelling and grammar mistakes, formatting
> issues, general consistency, and style. This should be done by the
> AHRQ grantee or contractor prior to submission of the final product
> for posting on the AHRQ Web site. Federal resources follow the GPO
> Style Manual which is available electronically at:
> <http://www.access.gpo.gov/styleman/2000/browse-sm-00.html>
>
>  
>
> **Accessibility**
>
> As an agency of the Federal Government, AHRQ must ensure that anything
> that is posted on our Web site is in compliance with requirements for
> information resources under Section 508 of the Americans With
> Disabilities Act. Also, federally funded resources need to be
> generally available to users in multiple formats to ensure that we are
> not forcing a particular platform, operational system, or software
> package on users.
>
>  
>
> **Intellectual Property Rights**
>
> Before we can post a product on the AHRQ Web site, we must have a
> written explanation of the following four questions:

-   Who retains the copyright?

-   Who has licenses for what purposes and uses?

-   What are the constraints imposed?

-   Who grants permission for further use or adoption?

> **Technical Assistance**
>
> We cannot release a tool without providing the following:

-   Written instructions on the use of that tool and what to do if a
    user encounters problems in accessing and using it.

-   A contact name, telephone number, and e-mail address for technical
    assistance.

-   A feedback mechanism for errors, future updates, and revisions.

> This information must be provided in writing along with the tool or
> product to be posted.  Provision of technical assistance support
> should be included in the life-cycle costs of the product.
>
>  
>
> **Source Code**
>
> AHRQ's intent is to make tools available to the public, clinicians,
> health planners and providers, and other Federal, State and local
> government agencies as appropriate for their intended purposes. Any
> software and products resulting from these projects should be easily
> transportable to other users and developers. The best way to ensure
> adoption and implementation for these audiences is to have a Web-based
> final product that is platform independent. Coordinate with AHRQ on
> infrastructure requirements for housing any robust back-end
> applications before they are developed.
>
> Source code for any technical application must be delivered to the
> Agency with the product. This provides AHRQ with the knowledge of how
> the application was created by the original developers and enables the
> Agency to make corrections, updates, or conversions as necessary to
> keep pace with technological changes once the products are released.
>
> **Usability and Version Control**
>
> Web resources should include usability testing, evaluation, and
> modification as an integral and recurring part of the development
> effort to ensure they are effective for the electronic business
> processes they are designed to facilitate. A set of Research-Based Web
> Design and Usability Guidelines that should be consulted are available
> at: <http://www.usability.gov/pdfs/guidelines.html>
>
> Beta testing prior to release is desirable, evaluating the product
> against usability heuristics. As feedback is received and products are
> updated, the revisions will need to be designated by version number
> and date of release.
>
>  
>
> **Privacy Act Protections**
>
> Web resources are subject to the Privacy Act and this can impact both
> the development of Web-based tools and the users of those tools.
> Persistent cookies should not be programmed into the functionality of
> a Web-based tool, although session cookies are allowed. Registration
> for use cannot be requested if this would involve collection of
> individual identifiers from the users. Although exemptions to both
> rules can be sought, this involves a strong justification and several
> levels of review for approval through the U.S. Department of Health
> and Human Services (HHS).
>
>  
>
> **[B.1:  Guidelines for New Web Sites]{.underline}**
>
>  
>
> The following list highlights basic issues that need to be addressed
> when developing Web sites that will be **publicly available** when
> launched to ensure deliverables are on target, in compliance with
> legal and policy requirements, and do not require expensive rework to
> meet Federal and HHS requirements for information resources.
>
> **Clearance**
>
> Web resources require clearance, minimally by AHRQ, sometimes
> by HHS\--including justification against a set of criteria.
> Publications cleared for printing are cleared for Web uploading at the
> same time. Web resources must comply with the numerous laws and
> directives that affect federally funded electronic information
> resources. Web content loaded on a site by contractors must be
> appropriate and follow all laws and directives. AHRQ Offices and
> Centers must coordinate initial review through AHRQ\'s Office of
> Communications and Knowledge Transfer (OCKT) before launch. If any
> materials are deemed to be sensitive, OCKT will seek departmental
> clearance. ***OCKT responsibility: To initiate clearance for Web sites
> and Web-based resources as appropriate. Initiating Office or Center
> responsibility: To ensure that subsequent Web site postings for which
> they have let contracts are constantly reviewed for appropriateness.
> If there are any questions about whether such material is appropriate,
> contact the OCKT Division of Public Affairs for approval.***
>
> **Domain Names**
>
> All domain names for any Web resource funded in whole or in part by
> Federal funds must be registered as .gov through HHS with the General
> Services Administration (GSA). Although other domains, such as .org,
> .net, .edu, .com may also be reserved by the Agency, the .gov domain
> must be registered and that domain name will need to be indexed by
> FirstGov, the GSA portal to government-funded resources. The FirstGov
> link is then required on the home page of the site. Coordinate with
> OCKT on domain name requests. ***AHRQ Chief Information Officer (CIO)
> and AHRQ Webmaster (OCKT) responsibility: To obtain approval for
> domain names.***
>
> **Editorial Review**
>
> All content for upload needs to be reviewed to ensure consistency and
> compliance with best practices and established style and conventions.
> As a minimum, the copy needs to be production edited to ensure there
> are no typos and the GPO Style Manual is followed for punctuation,
> spelling, use of numerals, abbreviations, etc. Do not use unexplained
> acronyms; they need to be spelled out on first reference in any
> document or file. There should not be anything marked DRAFT on a
> public site. Once the materials are uploaded, they are published and
> considered in the \"public domain.\" Do not use placeholders for
> content that does not exist. Government funded sites should not have
> anything designated \"under construction.\" A process needs to be
> established for regular review of content and updating. Additional
> materials need to undergo editorial review and be approved before
> uploading. The GPO Style Guide is available electronically as a
> reference
> at <http://www.gpoaccess.gov/stylemanual/browse.html> ***Contractor
> responsibility: To comply with GPO Style Manual and AHRQ Web site
> conventions.***
>
> **Accessibility**
>
> Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, Federal agencies have an
> obligation to provide equal access to the disabled through their
> Web-based resources. Requirements are specified in section 504 and
> more recently 508. Development in frames is strongly discouraged
> because accessibility design requirements might necessitate creating a
> text or non-frames version of a site developed in frames. Equivalent
> alternatives are required for auditory and visual information, such as
> providing alternative descriptive text for images for the blind and
> providing captions for audio-video files for the deaf. Written
> transcripts are required for all streaming audio. PDF files can be
> offered in conjunction with accessible files, such at HTML versions,
> but avoid uploading PDF-only versions of documents. OCKT has software
> used to evaluate Web sites and can provide a report on any
> accessibility violations that would need to be addressed before
> launch. ***Contractor responsibility: To develop Web resources that
> are 508 compliant and respond to any violations determined during AHRQ
> assessment of the site.***\
> \
> **Privacy**
>
> A privacy policy notice must be prominently displayed, and the Web
> site host has to follow it. Sites are periodically audited to ensure
> that they observe their stated privacy policy. A Privacy Act System
> notice may need to be prepared and published for users to register on
> a site if the registrations represent a group of records, under the
> control of the Agency (or a contractor), that can be retrieved by
> personal identifier. This notice must go through several levels of
> review\--including the Office of General Counsel\--and be published in
> the *Federal Register*. Persistent cookies cannot be used on Federal
> sites unless the Secretary of HHS grants an exemption, and this
> involves a strong justification and review process. ***Contractor
> responsibility: To work in coordination with AHRQ staff for submission
> of the Privacy Act System notice and to adopt or modify the general
> privacy policy of the AHRQ main Web site. Contractor responsibility:
> To work in coordination with AHRQ staff for submission of the Privacy
> Act System notice and to adopt or modify the general privacy policy of
> the AHRQ main Web site.\
> ***\
> **Web Site Mailbox**
>
> Every Web site must provide full contact information for the sponsor
> and have a Contact Us link for submission of comments or questions as
> a customer feedback mechanism. Web site e-mail is subject to the same
> privacy and records management issues that affect the overall Web site
> as well as departmental standards for handling inquiries and customer
> feedback. ***Contractor responsibility: To maintain the Web site
> mailbox according to HHS requirements for response times and
> confidentiality, to maintain an electronic archives of responses on an
> annual basis of retention and destruction, and to submit the number of
> inquiries handled on an annual fiscal year basis to the AHRQ Webmaster
> to include as Web metrics for Agency reporting under the Government
> Performance Reporting Act .***
>
> **Records Management**
>
> All content on the site and e-mail generated by the site must be
> archived electronically and handled according to records retention
> schedules and disposition authorities as established with the National
> Archives and Record Administration. This requirement also affects Web
> site log files and statistical reporting on Web site usage.
> ***Contractor responsibility: To comply with the records management
> requirements of the AHRQ main Web site and to submit Web site usage
> statistics on an annual fiscal year basis to the AHRQ Webmaster to
> include as Web metrics for Agency reporting under the Government
> Performance Reporting Act .***
>
> **Information Collection Budget**
>
> If a Web site is used to collect information from users, such as for
> surveys or evaluations, then the Office of Management and Budget must
> first approve the burden hours for such an effort for this collection.
> A notice must be posted on the Web site at the point of collection
> with the OMB approval number and a statement on the process of
> collection. ***AHRQ project officer responsibility: To submit requests
> for OMB approval.***
>
>  
>
> **Intellectual Property**
>
> Copyright and trademark protections need to be observed on Web sites.
> Permissions for use must be granted for any copyrighted information
> included and registered trademarks need to be reflected in copy. Any
> copyright or trademark constraints related to materials uploaded to a
> site must be specified for users.
>
> Public domain does not extend outside the borders of the United
> States. Therefore, foreign countries must request specific permission
> for use. Given the global nature of the Internet, citation as to
> source is a critical issue. ***Contractor responsibility: To
> coordinate with AHRQ on permission requests and follow trademark
> guidelines provided.***
>
> **Linking**
>
> External links constitute an implied endorsement and create a business
> advantage for the linked sites. OMB requires Agencies to do a risk
> assessment of external links, and potential links need to be assessed
> against the HHS and AHRQ linking policies and criteria. If a site
> deviates from these policies, then the specific review and selection
> criteria must be justified and posted on the Web site for full
> disclosure. Outside Web resources may link to Agency resources
> providing the link is not displayed in any way that would imply an
> endorsement by the Agency of a specific commercial product or service.
> ***Contractor responsibility: To assess links according to AHRQ
> linking policy requirements and evaluation checklist provided.***
>
> **Electronic FOIA**
>
> The Agency is required by law to have an electronic FOIA reading room
> and to provide materials that can be requested under the Freedom of
> Information Act in electronic form, if so requested. HHS will normally
> require that any Web resource funded by the Agency provide a link to
> the AHRQ electronic reading room, which is housed on the main AHRQ Web
> site. ***Contractor responsibility: To include link to AHRQ electronic
> reading room.***
>
> **Security**
>
> Web sites need to be monitored and protected against intrusion and
> corruption or compromise of content. This is especially critical if
> there are any business processes involved or financial transactions
> conducted on the Web site with users. Web resources are periodically
> audited and evaluated for security by the GSA. Security measures must
> be specifically delineated for any federally funded Web resources in
> existence or in development. Any attacks on Web resources must be
> documented and reported to the HHS Inspector General. ***Contractor
> responsibility: To establish and maintain security according to AHRQ
> and HHS policies and procedures.***
>
> **Usability**
>
> Web resources should include usability testing, evaluation, and
> modification as an integral and recurring part of the development
> effort to ensure they are effective for the electronic business
> processes they are supposed to facilitate. Go to
> [http://www.usability.gov](http://www.usability.gov/) as a reference
> for best practices in initial development or redesign of Web
> resources. ***Contractor responsibility: To address usability issues
> and to work in coordination with AHRQ staff on usability testing.***\
> \
> **Web Sponsor Identity**
>
> AHRQ has uniform principles to identify AHRQ as the primary sponsor of
> AHRQ-related Web sites. These principles reflect HHS best practices
> for a consistent look and feel of Web resources, reinforce
> credibility, and support HHS and Agency branding efforts. The four
> specific principles that should be consistent across all AHRQ-funded
> Web sites are:
>
>  
>
>      ***Web site URL name**:* The name of a Web site should always
> contain AHRQ in the URL. A Web resource should either be a folder on
> the main AHRQ Web site
> ([www.ahrq.gov/chiri](http://www.ahrq.gov/chiri)) or a third-level
> domain of the Web site
> ([www.webmm.ahrq.gov](http://www.webmm.ahrq.gov/)).
>
>      ***Title of Web site project:*** AHRQ\'s name should be part of
> the formal title and appear at the beginning of the Web site\'s
> project name. For example: AHRQ\'s Web Morbidity and Mortality online
> journal.
>
>      ***HHS and AHRQ logos**:* The HHS and AHRQ logos should be
> featured prominently on the Web site and in materials that are used to
> market that Web site.
>
>      ***Web site home page format**:* The Web site home page should
> have common design and navigation elements with the HHS Portal and the
> AHRQ Web site so that all Web sites look as though they belong to the
> Department and AHRQ Web family. An HHS Portal Web Development Style
> Guide is available upon request from OCKT to provide technical
> specifications and templates for developers to consult when designing
> Web resources.
>
> ***Contractor responsibility: To develop Web resources that are
> consistent with identity principles and design specifications in
> coordination with AHRQ staff.***
>
> **[B.2: Additional Information]{.underline}**
>
> To discuss specific issues or to get additional guidance on Web
> requirements, contact:
>
> Gerri Michael Dyer
>
> Electronic Dissemination Advisor
>
> E-mail: <gdyer@ahrq.gov>
>
> Phone: 301-427-1898
>
> Biff LeVee
>
> AHRQ Web Site Manager
>
> E-mail: <blevee@ahrq.gov>
>
> Phone: 301-427-1897
>
> ***Last Update: November 22, 2004***