“Keep America Healthy... Invest in a Small Business”

HHSPulse

Kathleen Sebelius, 

Secretary 

Bill Corr,

Deputy Secretary 

Volume 6 • Issue 23

Gears Wins 17 HHS Prime 

Contracts

Message from the Director

Fourth Annual VH8 Industry 

Day Event

Web Sites to Bookmark

Events Calendar Contracting Opportunities

Message from 

the Director

Debbie Ridgely

OSDBU Director

Happy New Year! We are into the second quarter; 

please continue to monitor our FY 2011 Procurement 

Forecast on our website. Review the opportunities 

to match your skills with our needs. In FY 11 the 

HHS Small Business office will continue to focus on 

internal training for our acquisition and program staff. 

Externally, please register to attend our monthly Vendor 

Outreach Sessions on the second Tuesday of each 

month. It is a great “one-stop” experience where you 

will meet the entire small business team. 

Our Fourth Annual VH8 Industry Day was held 

on November 18, 2010 and once again it was an 

overwhelming success. We offered Service-Disabled 

Veteran-Owned, Veteran Owned, HUBZone and 8(a) 

businesses the opportunity to meet Acquisition and 

Program officials, HHS prime contractors and the Small 

Business Specialists from every Operating Division. In 

addition, we conducted informational workshops on 

programmatic initiatives from the National Institutes of 

Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 

(CMS). 

In this issue we feature GEARS, a highly successful 

Women-Owned, 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business 

that has worked for many components of HHS. Their 

work in the science and health field is impressive. 

Please note, on February 4, 2011, the final rule 

published by the U.S. Small Business Administration 

aimed at expanding contracting opportunities for 

women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) takes 

effect! Save the date of March 31, 2011, when the 

U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce will spotlight 

HHS. Registration information is shown on page 3. 

GEARS Wins 17 HHS Prime 

Contracts

Global Evaluation & Applied

Research Solutions, Inc. (GEARS), 

a management consulting firm, has 

won and performed on 17 prime 

contracts with the U.S. Department of Health 

& Human Services (HHS) Operating Divisions (OPDIVs). These include the Centers 

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 

the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 

and the HHS/Office of the Secretary/Office of 

Women’s Health (HHS/OWH). The firm specializes in culturally competent project designs, 

evaluations of gender specific HIV programs 

and, development of Office of Management 

and Budget (OMB) Clearance Packages.

CDC has awarded the firm several prime 

contracts. They include work with the Racial 

and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health 

Program (REACH). Its goal is to ensure that 

the culture and the diversity of individuals living with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, influence the methods by which 

preventive services and capacity building are 

provided in communities.

The firm also developed a Diversity Communications Plan for CDC. Additionally, it 

created a national health promotion partnership model for CDC’s National Center for 

Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Dr. Deborah Brome, the firm’s Vice President and Acting Director, Division of Evaluation and Applied Research, is coauthor of 

“Ethnic Validity, Ecology and Psychotherapy: 

A psychosocial competence approach”. The 

Ethnic Validity Approach (EVM) is embedded in all of the firm’s research steps. “What 

is unique to GEARS is the attention given to 

how we as researchers listen to participants and 

how our cultural and psychosocial perspectives 

influence our work. The goal of the EVM is 

to produce sound science that considers the 

ethnic, racial, gender and other sociocultural 

variables that influence research findings,” 

stated Dr. Brome.

Deborah R. Brome, Ph.D.

Continued on page 3
Web Sites 

to Bookmark

Federal Business Opportunities

http://www.fedbizopps.gov

General Services Administration

http://www.gsa.gov

SBA Government Contracting and 

Business Development.

http://www.sba.gov/gcbd/

Small Business Administration

http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov

Central Contractor Registration

http://www.ccr.gov

Government Agency Links

http://www.usa.gov/Agencies.

shtml

Excluded Parties List System

http://epls.arnet.gov

Women-Owned Businesses Links:

National Association of Women 

Business Owners

http://www.nawbo.org

Small Business Administration: 

Contract Assistance for Women 

Business Owners

http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/

sbaprograms/onlinewbc/index.

html

Women’s Business Centers

http://www.awbc.biz

Women Impacting Public Policy

http://www.wipp.org

Fourth Annual VH8 Industry 

Day Event Stimulates New 

Business Opportunities

Anticipation generated a palpable 

current of excitement at the 

HHS’ 4th Annual VH8 Industry 

Day. Vendors, Primes and HHS 

staff exchanged information in a fast-paced

environment.

Brisk information exchanges between vendors and HHS staff.

Melea Templeton, Dynamic Technology 

Systems joined Phillip Selleh, Eadvantage, a 

first time participant in exploring their plan 

of action during the event. Selleh, a first time 

attendee, owns a Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Small Business. He said he was looking 

for partnering opportunities, since his firm had 

never done federal contracting. 

Melea Templeton and Phillip Selleh.

“Build a relationship with me, and I will 

want to help,” encouraged Melissa Norris, 

small business liaison for Lockheed Martin. She says it takes six to eight weeks for 

a company to make themselves known to 

her. “You have to be persistent.If something 

happens, let me know,” she added. Melissa recommends that firms contact her at

Melissa.Norris@lmco.com, or call her at

240-357-8196. Companies can also register at 

supplier.communications@lmco.com

Melissa Morris, Lockheed Martin, explains contracting 

process to HHS VH8 Industry Day Conference attendee.

Attendees mirrored a variety of industry sectors, making potential teaming arrangements 

a dynamic topic. Others shared best practices. 

Once again HHS’ VH8 Industry Day Event 

yielded positive results.

Debbie Ridgely, Al McDonald and Gerald Baldy.

2011 | HHSPulse Page 2

Have a question?

Please visit our FAQ page for 

answers:

http://answers.hhs.gov/categories/962

Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization

200 Independence Ave., SW • Room 537H - HHH Bldg. • Washington, DC 20201 • Phone: (202) 690-7300

http://www.hhs.gov/smallbusiness/

Subscribe to “The HHS Pulse” here
Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization

200 Independence Ave., SW • Room 537H - HHH Bldg. • Washington, DC 20201 • Phone: (202) 690-7300

http://www.hhs.gov/smallbusiness/

Subscribe to “The HHS Pulse” here

2011 | Page 3

Continued from page 1

HHSPulse

GEARS Wins 

17 HHS Prime 

Contracts

GEARS engaged RTI International (RTI) as 

its subcontractor for the HHS/OWH evaluation “Girls at Greater Risk for Juvenile Delinquency and HIV Program.” RTI is a trade 

name of Research Triangle Institute, which is 

one of the world’s leading research institutes. 

The project goal is to increase knowledge 

about HIV and other sexually transmitted 

infections and individual protective factors 

against juvenile delinquency among girls between the ages of nine and 17 years, using 

gender responsive prevention strategies. 

Diane Ridley Roberts, President of GEARS, 

is pleased that the teaming relationship with 

RTI is a two way street. The firm is also a 

subcontractor to RTI for the CDC contract 

for the Prevention of Teen Dating Violence in 

High-Risk Inner-City Settings. 

In 2009, the firm created the GEARS Research Institute. The Institute serves as an incubator for the development and implementation of research that furthers the knowledge 

and understanding of the psychosocial and 

health outcomes of underserved communities 

served by CDC grantees. One of the Institute’s 

primary goals is to provide value to HHS in 

enhancing effective use of awarded funds to 

HHS grantees. 

“I believe that our success in obtaining so 

many prime contracts with HHS is a result 

of working collaboratively and transparently. 

We always give our very best and have created a 

culture of integrity, innovation, and efficiency,” 

said Ms. Roberts.

As a result of Ms. Roberts’ vision, the firm 

created an annual conference to help develop 

leadership skills among small businesses. The 

3rd Annual GEARS Small Business Leadership Development Conference is scheduled 

for March 1, 2011 in Atlanta, GA.

Incorporated in 2002, GEARS is a Small & 

Disadvantaged, 8(a), Women-Owned Small 

Business with offices in Maryland and Georgia. 

Visit http://www.getingears.com

Events Calendar

January 26 – 27, 2011 

National Small Business 

Contracting Summit - Southeast

Orlando, FL

http://www.uswcc.org/meetings/

Feb. 23 – 24, 2011 

The 2011 Small Business Congress

Washington, D.C.

https://nsba.secu.net/sbc/index.

html

March 1, 2011

3rd Annual GEARS Small Business 

Leadership Development 

Conference

Atlanta, GA

http://www.getingears.com/sbld/

March 17 – 18, 2011

The Southern Florida Minority 

Supplier Development Council 

(SFMSDC) 26th Annual Business 

Expo

Miami, FL

http://www.sfmsdc.org/

March 20 – 24, 2011

The 2011 WBENC Summit & Salute 

to Women’s Business Enterprise

National Harbour, MD

http://www.wipp.org/events/

event_details.asp?id=130060

March 31, 2011

USWCC Sponsored-HHS Industry Day

Washington, D.C.

http://www.uswcc.org/hhs

Visit our newly re-designed website

http://www.hhs.gov/smallbusiness/

Submit your small business 

success story and you may be 

featured in an upcoming issue 

of HHS Pulse. Please email us at: 

sbmail@hhs.gov 

To Unsubscribe to the 

HHS Pulse simply email us 

at sbmail@hhs.gov. Please 

include Unsubscribe in the 

subject and add your name and 

email address in the message.
HHSPulse

Contracting Opportunities

2011 | Page 4

OPDIV Product/Service Description: Estimated 

Value:

Contact 

Person:

Contact

Information: ESR*: Competition Type:

Procurement 

Category:

NAICS:

CMS 

APP 110092 Certification and Accreditation Support Services Support to assist CMS Information 

Security Officer to perform assessments of CMS 

business partners GSA STARS 

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Sharon 

JacksonHall  (410)-786-8928 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

TBD  IT Services  541512 

CMS 

MSIS Data Marts, APP 110091 Software maintenance and enhancement services to support the 

Medicaid State Information Systems Data Marts 

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Sharon 

JacksonHall (410)786-8928 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

IT Services  541512 

CMS  APP 100686 CITIC/EDC Recompete New Contract 

- Competitive  

$500,001 to 

$1,000,000 

Sharon 

JacksonHall (410)-786-9082 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Technical 

Services 

FDA  OP - Support for Program Evaluation of modeling 

initiatives and analytics  

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Ted 

Weitzman  (301)-827-7178 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Business 

Services  541614 

FDA  FDA Enterprise Systems Maitenance Services 

(FESMS)  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Ted 

Weitzman  (301)-827-7178 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Business 

Services  811212 

FDA 

RAST: Regulatory and Science Team Training Instructors. Performance Period 2-15-2010 to 9-30-

2014. IGCE= $1,531,200. HHSF2232010000231  

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Ted 

Weitzman  (301)-827-7178 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Business 

Services  611710 

FDA  Biological Science Lab Technician Contract - Actual 

amount of contract $981,120.00  

$500,001 to 

$1,000,000 

Ted 

Weitzman  (301)-827-7178 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Business 

Services  541511 

FDA 

Evaluation of alternative methods for conducting 

near real-time monitoring of new vaccines - 

potential IAG w/ CDC  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Ted 

Weitzman  (301)-827-7178 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Business 

Services  541910 

FDA 

Methods of Development to assess utilization of 

allgrafts in selected pre-specific procedures - Multi 

Award TO HHSF223200810026I/TO6  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Ted 

Weitzman  (301)-827-7178 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Business 

Services  541910 

FDA  OP - Support for research and report development   $500,001 to 

$1,000,000 

Ted 

Weitzman  (301)-827-7178 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Business 

Services  541614 

FDA  HSPD-12 - Project Managment. HHS Identity BPA 

263-00064810-00-BPA/H  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Ted 

Weitzman  (301)-827-7178 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Business 

Services  811212 

FDA 

OM - Business Process Mapping: Process identification, information gathering, interviewing and 

mapping, and analysis.  

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Ted 

Weitzman  (301)-827-7159 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

IT Services  518210 

NIH  Laundry services of hospital linen  $1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Henry 

Primas  (301)-496-5650 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Small Business 

Competitive 

Demonstration 

Health 

Services 

* Estimated Solicitation Release

For a complete listing of 2nd Qtr. FY2011 contracting opportunities, please go to http://www.hhs.gov/about/smallbusiness/forecasthome.html

Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization 

200 Independence Ave., SW • Room 537H - HHH Bldg. • Washington, DC 20201 • Phone: (202) 690-7300

http://www.hhs.gov/smallbusiness/

Subscribe to “The HHS Pulse” here
HHSPulse

Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization 

200 Independence Ave., SW • Room 537H - HHH Bldg. • Washington, DC 20201 • Phone: (202) 690-7300

http://www.hhs.gov/smallbusiness/

Subscribe to “The HHS Pulse” here

2011 | Page 5

Contracting Opportunities

* Estimated Solicitation Release

For a complete listing of 2nd Qtr. FY2011 contracting opportunities, please go to http://www.hhs.gov/about/smallbusiness/forecasthome.html

OPDIV Product/Service Description: Estimated 

Value:

Contact 

Person:

Contact

Information: ESR*: Competition Type:

Procurement 

Category:

NAICS:

NIH 

Synthesis and Distribution of Opioid and Related 

Peptides. N01DA-11-7777. Re-competition of 

N01DA-6-7758. The purpose of the contract is 

to promote and facilitate drug abuse research 

through providing authentic and quality assured 

peptides and related substances to research investigators. The contractor shall acquire and maintain 

inventory, synthesize, monitor stability and purity 

of these peptides for distribution for NIDA related 

research and other NIH oriented research. 

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Saurabh 

Vasudeva  301.443.6677 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Full & Open  Research & 

Development  541712 

NIH 

Research Support Services for NIDA AIDS Research 

Program. N01DA-11-1207. Recompetition of 

N02DA-6-2504. Provide NIDA AIDS Research Program (ARP) staff with technical, administrative, 

portfolio analysis, scientific planning, and logistical support related to managing NIDA’s domestic 

and international HIV/AIDS research portfolio. 

Requires sufficient knowledge of HIV/AIDS issues 

and research to assist ARP staff to more efficiently 

manage and analyze NIDA AIDS research portfolio, 

including use of NIH databases, Sharepoint, and 

other relevant resources; planning and logistical 

support with workshops and meetings related to 

HIV/AIDS and substance abuse; graphic design 

and website management; scientific writing, 

editing, and translation services; interactions with 

other NIH components, government agencies, and 

professional societies. 

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Amy 

Sheib  301.443.6677 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

8(a)  Research & 

Development  541712 

NIH 

Development and Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products for Addiction Treatment. N01DA-11-8899. Re-competition of 

N01DA-6-8866. This contract involves the 

development and manufacture of dosage forms 

suitable for administration in preclinical and clinical evaluations. The work includes preformulation 

studies, formulation studies, analytical method 

development and validation, stability studies, 

packaging, storage and distribution of the drug 

products. 

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Nicole 

Bennett  (301)-443-6677 

2nd 

QTR 

2011 

Full & Open  Research & 

Development  541712 

CDC  Refuse services for the Pittsburgh Facility   $100,000 to 

$500,000 

Teresa 

Milton  (412)-386-6770  2nd Qtr 

FY2011  Full & Open  Business 

Services  562111 

CDC  Epidemiology and Surveillance - equiptment, 

supplies for Lipid Lab TAV.  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Lorraine 

Adams  (404)-498-6234  2nd Qtr 

FY2011  Full & Open  Commodoties/Supplies  424210 

CDC  Camera System for Perimeter Fence Line at 

Chamblee Campus.  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Wayne 

Buchheit  (404)-639-3181  2nd Qtr FY2011  Full & Open  Equipment  423410 
HHSPulse

Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization 

200 Independence Ave., SW • Room 537H - HHH Bldg. • Washington, DC 20201 • Phone: (202) 690-7300

http://www.hhs.gov/smallbusiness/

Subscribe to “The HHS Pulse” here

2011 | Page 6

Contracting Opportunities

* Estimated Solicitation Release

For a complete listing of 2nd Qtr. FY2011 contracting opportunities, please go to http://www.hhs.gov/about/smallbusiness/forecasthome.html

OPDIV Product/Service Description: Estimated 

Value:

Contact 

Person:

Contact

Information: ESR*: Competition Type:

Procurement 

Category:

NAICS:

CDC 

Determine the Percentage of Racial and Ethnic 

Populations that know their HBV HCV Status -Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health 

Across the US (Reach)  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Norma 

Harris  (404)-718-8559  2nd Qtr FY2011  Full & Open  Health Services  541690 

CDC 

ENSURING THE SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING 

OF ORAL DISEASES CONDITIONS RELATED BEHAVIORS - Pilot studies to research oral health disease 

and prevention strategies  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

William 

Kohn  (770)-488-6071  2nd Qtr FY2011  Full & Open  Health Services  541690 

CDC 

School Health - To continue the biennial implementation of the national school-based youth risk 

behavior (yrbs) among 9th and 12 grader high 

school students during the springs of 2007, and 

2011, to continue the biennial implementation of 

the national school-based youth tobacco survey 

(nyts) among 6th through 12th grade students 

in the springs of 2009 and 2011, to implement 

one methodological study of data collection procedures among a sample of high school students 

during spring of 2008, and to implement a special 

topic survey of nutrition and physical activity 

during the spring of 2010.  

$10,000,001 and 

above 

Wanda 

Price  (770)-488-6213  2nd Qtr FY2011  Full & Open  Health Services  541690 

CDC 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) - PID 4318 First 

follow-up of Bibb County, GA patient registry; 

biorepository of patient samples; focus groups. 

collect blood samples from CFS patients who have 

attended the CFS clinic at Mayo.  

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Joann 

House  (404)-639-3533  2nd Qtr FY2011  TBD  Health Services  621511 

CDC 

Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention - BAC 560922-1201: Psychometric testing of 

positive social norms  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Latanya 

Butler  (770)-488-4653  2nd Qtr FY2011  TBD  Health Services  541720 

CDC  Psoriasis Surveillance Contract   $1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Stephanie 

Ramsey  (770)-488-5283  2nd Qtr 

FY2011  Full & Open  Health 

Services  541690 

CDC 

DHDD - Promoting Optimal Health for People with 

a Disability Throughout the Lifespan (Limb Loss)- 

This request will be to develop a training toolkit 

for public health programs to include people with 

disabilities into funding announcements, health 

promotion and media campaigns.  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Jacqui 

Butler  (404)-498-0274  2nd Qtr FY2011  TBD  Health Services  541690 

CDC  Acquire new electronic health records data for 

public health situation awareness.  

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Sharon 

Campolucci  (404)-498-6861  2nd Qtr FY2011  Full & Open  IT Services  541511 

CMS  APP 110017 Coordination of Benefits Contract 

New Contract - Competitive  

$10,000,001 and 

above 

Sharon 

JacksonHall (410)-786-9280  2nd Qtr 

FY2011  Full & Open  Business Services 
HHSPulse

Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization 

200 Independence Ave., SW • Room 537H - HHH Bldg. • Washington, DC 20201 • Phone: (202) 690-7300

http://www.hhs.gov/smallbusiness/

Subscribe to “The HHS Pulse” here

2011 | Page 7

Contracting Opportunities

* Estimated Solicitation Release

For a complete listing of 2nd Qtr. FY2011 contracting opportunities, please go to http://www.hhs.gov/about/smallbusiness/forecasthome.html

OPDIV Product/Service Description: Estimated 

Value:

Contact 

Person:

Contact

Information: ESR*: Competition Type:

Procurement 

Category:

NAICS:

CMS 

APP 110050 MKS Support Services Consulting 

support to maximize the use of CMS’s investment 

in MKS (Brandname) Software tools. GSA 

$500,001 to 

$1,000,000 

Sharon 

JacksonHall (410)-786-9280  2nd Qtr 

FY2011  TBD  IT Services  541512 

CMS  APP C110001 Consolidated Information Technology Infrastructure Contract 

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Sharon 

JacksonHall (410)-786-9082  2nd Qtr 

FY2011  Full & Open  Technical Services 

CMS  APP 110062 BNS Helpdesk 8A Competition  $1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Sharon 

JacksonHall (410)-786-9280  2nd Qtr 

FY2011  8(a) Competitive  Technical Services 

IHS 

Alcohol/substance abuse treatment for American 

Indians and Alaska Natives of Baltimore, MD 

area. In accordance with Title V of the Indian 

Health Care Improvement Act, this acquisition is 

restricted to LifeLines the incumbent provider of 

these services.  

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Donna S. 

Harjo  (615)-467-1522  2nd Qtr FY2011  Buy Indian  Architecture & Engineering  621420 

OS 

For the advanced development of domestically 

manufactured, next generation, portable, fully 

kitted ventilators. 

$1,000,001 to 

$5,000,000 

Rosemary 

Mann  (202)-260-1572  2nd Qtr FY2011  TBD  Architecture & Engineering  339112 

OS 

This Broad Agency Announcement solicites 

proposals for innovative medical countermeasures 

for Chemical, Biological and Radiological Nuclear 

threats 

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Glynis 

Fisher  (202)-260-1880  2nd Qtr FY2011  Full & Open  Research & Development  541711 

PSC  Annual Survey of Refugees  $500,001 to 

$1,000,000 

Dawn 

Gresham  (301)-443-5148  2nd Qtr FY2011  TBD  Business Services  541611 

PSC  HHS Data Council’s Integrated Electronic Gateway 

to Data and Statistics 

$100,000 to 

$500,000 

Kevin 

Mcgowan  (301)-443-0708  2nd Qtr FY2011  8(a) Competitive  IT Services  541611