The John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Sciences

Select to download RFP documents

Contents
Section A- Solicitation Form
Section B - Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs
Section C - Description/ Specification/ Work Statement
Section D - Packaging and Marking
Section E - Inspection and Acceptance
Section F - Period Of Performance And Delivery Schedule
Section G - Contract Administration Data
Section H - Special Contract Requirements
Section I - Contract Clauses
Section J - List of Attachments
Section K - Representations, Certifications And Other Statements Of Offerors
Section L - Instructions, Conditions And Notices To Offeror
Section M - Evaluation Factors For Award
Attachments
  1. Past Performance Questionnaire and Contractor Performance Form
  2. Proposal Intent Form
  3. Breakdown of Proposed Estimated Cost and Labor Hours
  4. Performance Requirements Summary
  5. AHRQ Application and System Development Requirements
  6. HHS Web Standards
  7. AHRQ Linking Policy
  8. Web Accessibility Checklist

Request for Proposal

---

Solicitation No. AHRQ-08-10015

Date Issued: May 20, 2008

Date Questions Due:  June 3, 2008 12:00 PM

Date Notice of Intent Due: June 10, 2008

Proposals Due: July 9, 2008 12:00 PM EST

---

You are invited to submit a proposal to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for Request for Proposal (RFP) No. AHRQ-08-10015, entitled "The John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Sciences". Your proposal must be developed and submitted in accordance with the requirements and instructions of this RFP.

The Government anticipates awarding one (1) contract from this one solicitation.  A cost reimbursement performance-based contract is contemplated for a period of two years with 3 one-year option periods.  Please see Section L.10 Technical Proposal Instructions for further information.  The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that best describes the requirement is 541611.

Offerors shall submit the following:

1. Technical Proposal (See Section L.10) (Original, 10 copies, 1 electronic copy)
2. Past Performance Information (See Section L.11) (Original and 3 copies)
3. Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Plan (See Section L.12) (Original and 2 copies, 1 electronic copy)
4. Business Proposal (See Section L.13) (Original and 3 copies, 1 electronic copy)

Your technical proposal must be concisely written and should be limited to 100 typewritten pages (double-spaced, single sided), exclusive of personnel qualifications (i.e., resume, etc., see Section L.10 for additional details).  Your appendices are limited to 100 pages (single sided) including all resumes, bibliographies, exhibits and attachments.  This limitation is for administrative purposes only and exceeding the limitation shall not, of itself, be considered a basis for rejection of your proposal.

For this particular acquisition, the AHRQ recommended goal (as a percentage of total contract value for the base period) is 20% for Small Businesses,  which shall included at least 5.5% (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 3% (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.

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.10 OF THE SOLICITATION.

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 (attached) and submit the form no later than June 10, 2008.  Please fax it to 301-427-1740, Attention: Jessica Alderton, Contracting Officer or email to jessica.alderton@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Questions regarding this solicitation shall be received in this office no later than June 3, 2008. (See Section L.7).   All questions shall be submitted electronically by e-mail to Jessica Alderton, Contracting Officer at the following email address: jessica.alderton @ahrq.hhs.gov .   The subject line should be marked "Proposal Questions RFP No. AHRQ-08-10015." 

Answers to questions will be provided in the form of an Amendment to this solicitation and will be posted on AHRQ's web page: www.ahrq.gov under "Funding Opportunities," "Contracts" and the Federal Business Opportunities web page: www.fedbizopps.gov.  It is your responsibility to monitor the web sites where the RFP will be posted to learn about any amendments to the solicitation. 

Discussions with any other individual outside the Division of Contracts Management, may result in rejection of the potential offeror's proposal.

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, EST, on July 9, 2008.  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 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.   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 or by calling 1-888-227-2423, or 269-961-5757. 

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section	Description	Pages
PART I
Section A	Solicitation	1-2
	Table of Contents	3
Section B	Supplies or Services & Prices/Costs	4-7
Section C	Description/Specification/Work Statement	8-52
Section D	Packaging and Marking	53
Section E	Inspection and Acceptance	53
Section F	Deliveries or Performance	54-60
Section G	Contract Administration Data	61-64
Section H	Special Contract Requirements	65-73
PART II
Section I	Contract Clauses	74-78
PART III
Section J	List of Attachments	79
PART IV
Section K	Representations and Instructions	80-87
Section L	Instructions, Conditions & Notices to Offerors	88-110
Section M	Evaluation Factors for Award	111-115
Attachments
1.	Past Performance Questionnaire and Contractor Performance Form	116-121
2.	Proposal Intent Response Sheet	122
3.	Breakdown of Proposed Estimated Cost and Labor Hours	123-124
4.	Performance Requirements Summary	125-136
5.	AHRQ Application and System Development Requirements	137-147
6.	HHS Web Standards	148-169
7.	AHRQ Linking Policy 1	170-180
8.	Web Accessibility Checklist	181-189

 

---

Return to Contents

SECTION B-SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

The John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Sciences".  See Section C for a complete description.

B.2  ESTIMATED COST

1. The estimated cost (exclusive of fees) for performance of the work under this two year (2) year contract, including direct and indirect costs is $ (TO BE NEGOTIATED)
2. The fixed fee for this contract is $ (TO BE NEGOTIATED).  The fixed fee shall be paid in installments based on the percentage of completion of work, as determined by the Contracting Officer. Payment shall be subject to the withholding provisions of the Clause ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT and FIXED FEE incorporated herein.
3. The maximum amount of award fee that may be earned for this contract is $ (TO BE NEGOTIATED).  Award fee earned shall be based upon an evaluation and determination by the Government as to the Contractor's level of performance in accordance with the following procedures:
   1. The Contractor's performance shall be evaluated on a semi-annual basis, during the performance of the contract.  The award periods and maximum amounts for each are listed in Section H, Special Contract Requirements, H.8 Performance Evaluation and Award Fee.
   2. The criteria set forth in the Performance Requirements Summary, Attachment 4, shall be used to evaluate the Contractor's performance.
   3. The Contractor further agrees that the final determination as to the amount of Award Fee earned will be made by the Contracting Officer, taking into consideration an analysis and evaluation of the Contractor's performance made by the Evaluation Group described in Section H.8, and shall not be subject to the terms of the "Disputes" clause of this contract.  The Contractor shall be advised in writing of the decision setting forth reasons why the Award Fee was earned or why it was not earned, in order that the Contractor may improve its performance during the next six (6) month period, if the latter is applicable.
   4. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this contract, the fee for performing this contract shall not exceed the statutory limitations prescribed in the first sentence of Section 304(b) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act (41 USC 254(b)) for services other than research, development or experimental work.
   5. Authorization to claim and be reimbursed for award fee under this contract will be accomplished by a signed Contracting Officer's Authorization (COA) letter, issued when the award fee is determined to be due.  The COA letter shall set forth the amount of award fee to be paid and shall indicate the performance period evaluated.  Upon receipt of the COA letter, the Contractor may submit a public voucher for payment of the total award fee earned for the period evaluated.  Payment of the award fee shall be subject to the withholding provision of the clause entitled "Fixed Fee."
4. The Government's maximum obligation, represented by the sum of the estimated cost plus the fixed fee and award fee obtainable for the contract period is as follows:     (TO BE NEGOTIATED)

Period of Performance	Estimated Cost	Fixed Fee	Maximum Award Fee	Total Estimated Cost Plus All Fees
Year 1 08/15/08 – 08/14/09
Year 2 08/15/09 – 08/14/10
TOTAL

5. Total funds currently available for payment and allotted to this contract are $(TO BE NEGOTIATED) of which $ (TO BE NEGOTIATED) represents the estimated cost, and of which $(TO BE NEGOTIATED) represents the fixed fee and $(TO BE NEGOTIATED) represents the award fee pool.
6. It is estimated that the amount currently allotted will cover performance of the contract through (TO BE NEGOTIATED).
7. 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 COST/LIMITATION OF FUNDS and the ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT (AND FIXED FEE) clauses incorporated herein.
8. COST AND PAYMENT (AND FIXED FEE) clauses incorporated into this contract.

B.3  OPTION PERIOD

In the event that the option period is exercised, the total estimated cost, fixed fee and award fee will be increased by the following amounts:  (TO BE NEGOTIATED)

Period of Performance	Estimated Cost	Fixed Fee	Maximum Award Fee	Total Estimated Cost Plus All Fees
Option Year 1 08/15/10 – 08/14/11
Option Year 2 08/15/11 – 08/14/12
Option Year 3 08/15/12 – 08/14/13

B.4  PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO DIRECT COSTS

1. 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 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, regardless of acquisition value;
   5. Travel to attend general scientific 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 $800/day; and
   11. Information Technology hardware or software.
2. 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.

Return to Contents

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 AHRQ's Effective Health Care (EHC) Program research contracts and grants (e.g., DEcIDE Network, Centers for Education and Research in Therapeutics (CERTs), etc.) 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 Scientific Resource Center, the EPCs, the AHRQ EHC research programs, and other synthesis organizations.

1. Background

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 EHC Program research contracts and grantees, 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, the EHC research contractors and grantees, and other synthesis organizations, new scientific evidence has been made available, and the program will continue 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.  AHRQ's goal is to have the Decision Sciences Center become the public face of this program.  The center has and will continue to perform this function by being responsible for making scientific findings from EPC reports, the EHC research contractors and grantees reports, and other inputs accessible to multiple audiences through guides for decision makers, through maintaining the EHC Web site in a manner that allows easy access of materials, and through working with partners to help disseminate program findings of the program.

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.

The topics nominated within the priority conditions are considered for evaluation within AHRQ's Effective Health Care (EHC) Program and developed to address the mandate of the MMA Section 1013 legislation.  This program includes activities from the EPC Program to conduct research syntheses; the DEcIDE Program to conduct new, rapid turnaround research, the CERTs program to conduct research, education, and dissemination activities in therapeutics; and the Decision Sciences Center to translate and disseminate EHC Program findings.

In 2005, the first Decision Sciences Center contract was awarded to the Oregon Health and Sciences University.  Under this award, the Decision Sciences Center has developed a process for translating key findings from EHC publications into targeted translation products aimed at consumer and patient, provider, and policy audiences.  The Decision Sciences Center also maintains the EHC Program Web site and e-mail distribution lists which provide public notification of EHC activities.  The Web site and examples of Decision Sciences Center translation products can be seen at effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov.

Scientific evidence produced by the EPCs, and other synthesis organizations as well as AHRQ's EHC research programs will have multiple consumers including patients, providers, health care systems, provider societies, health plans, public and private purchasers, States, and others.  In this recompetition for the Decision Sciences Center, the Center will continue to work closely with the Scientific Resource Center, the EPCs, the EHC research contractors and grantees, and other relevant components of AHRQ.  The Center will also establish partnerships with various organizations (e.g., professional societies and patient groups) and conduct educational outreach activities to support dissemination of AHRQ products to the public.  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 such as ascertainment and weighing of individual preferences for different outcomes of varying probability that influence individual decision making and can be incorporated into decision aids.  Developed decision aids will, at a minimum, include: evidence-based information, values clarification methods, and guidance or coaching in communicating values and personal preferences (O'Connor, et al, 2004).

2. Objectives

The purpose of this contract is to continue the establishment of and to expand the scope of 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, other synthesis organizations, and the EHC research contractors and grantees 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.  In this recompetition, we intend to build upon the success of the current Decision Sciences Center activities, and broaden the scope of activities to add increased capabilities for outreach and dissemination, and increased capabilities that foster research in the fields of decision and communication sciences aimed at improving the quality and impact of translation products in addition to advancing knowledge in these fields.  We have identified three main functions of the Decision Sciences Center to be fulfilled for this contract—Production, Dissemination and Implementation, and Research.  Each of the inter-related functions is integral to the successful implementation of the contract, however, the production and dissemination functions are priority areas and the proposer should expect to direct a minimum of 85% of their resources on these functions.

1. Production.  The purpose of this function is for Decision Sciences Center to become the public face of the Effective Health Care Program.  As such, it is expected that the work of the Center will be highly visible, timely and of the highest quality.  This work includes development of high-quality translation and dissemination products aimed at helping multiple audiences distill and interpret evidence syntheses and research findings and to improve their decision making based upon key information in these EHC reports.  AHRQ anticipates 20 Comparative Effectiveness Review (CER) reports per year will be translated into products for various audiences in addition to participation in periodic activities to disseminate new research findings.  These products must be developed in a timely fashion while maintaining scientific rigor and usefulness to the intended audiences.  The production function would also include maintaining the EHC website as a user friendly and user responsive repository for EHC materials, Decision Science Center products, and other relevant materials aimed at helping consumers use evidence to make informed decisions about health care.  The expanding scope of the program, the flow of new topics, the need to maximize outreach to increase awareness of program activities, and the need to be responsive to stakeholders in a timely fashion will require a Decision Sciences Center that is flexible, responsive, and able to efficiently handle multiple concurrent tasks in a variety of areas.  It is essential for offerors to address these abilities within their proposals.
2. Dissemination and Implementation.  In addition to ensuring that the Decision Science Center products are aimed at helping all decision makers, including consumers, to understand EHC research and synthesis products, the contractor will work with AHRQ to disseminate these products.  This includes submitting a preliminary dissemination and implementation plan that will facilitate discussion with AHRQ personnel aimed at developing an optimal set of dissemination and implementation activities.  These activities will include working with stakeholders to understand their needs, both for content of EHC products and for how the key messages are translated into useful materials.  This function will also include working with these stakeholders and other potential partners to disseminate the finished translation products widely.  The Center will also be expected to increase the visibility of the Center and the EHC Program through partnerships, presenting at relevant consumer oriented and professional meetings, by increasing the usefulness and impact of the Web site, and by sponsoring symposia aimed at various audiences to discuss specific translation products and/or research and education on shared decision making in health care.
3. Research.  It is our expectation that the Decision Science Center will be able to apply state of the art research in decision science, communication science, and other relevant fields to all of its work to ensure high impact of the Decision Science Center products on informed decision making for multiple audiences.  The Center should be able to document the science behind their work, and be able to make the findings of this research accessible to others so that lessons learned by the Center could be applied more generally.

Obviously, there are large areas of overlap between these functions, but the diverse needs of this contract require expertise in a wide range of areas.  To the extent possible, we expect that the various activities will feed back on each other, e.g. that the research questions to be studied as part of the research function will address problems encountered in the development of translation products.  Our expectation will be that the proposed contractor will demonstrate the ability to assemble a multi-disciplinary team and to demonstrate their expertise in managing a working group with many diverse fields and activities.  While not mandatory, AHRQ believes this Center may benefit from a collaboration across organizations that may be able to contribute to the multiple functions of this center.  An example of this would be between a contractor with broad experience in health services research, and specific expertise in health services communications, product development, and outreach; supplemented by an academic medical center or similar organization or cadre of specialists with expertise in clinical and decision science research.

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

3. Specific Requirements

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

1. health services research,
2. clinical health education,
3. behavioral medicine,
4. decision psychology,
5. communications science and marketing,
6. qualitative research, including the use of focus groups and cognitive interviews,
7. medical writing, graphic design and production,
8. a wide range of health care content and clinical specialty expertise should be readily available to the offerors, and some members with health care and clinical specialty expertise should be included in the core team,
9. Web site programming and development, including requisite hardware and software expertise to support the EHC website.

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. Developing relationships with partners for information dissemination, outreach and implementation.
4. 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 (EDOC) 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 (Scientific Resource Center, EPCs, AHRQ EHC research contracts and grantees, and other synthesis organizations) 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) shall be established to ensure the successful completion of this requirement.

Subtask 1.2   The contractor shall prepare a meeting agenda that will facilitate discussions of 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 a week of the orientation meeting, the contractor will hold a transition meeting with AHRQ personnel determined by the Project Officer, and personnel from the first Decision Science Center to discuss current activities within the Center such as partnerships and products in production, and current status and plans for the EHC website and e-mail distribution lists.  The goal of this meeting will be to develop plans for an orderly transition of Center activities to the contractor.

Subtask 1.4  Within 2 weeks of the transition meeting, develop a comprehensive work plan, to include a Gantt chart that outlines key activities.  The plan should address the specific tasks outlined in the RFP and incorporate those areas addressed during the meeting.  An explicit plan for transition from the prior contractor to the current contractor shall be included in this work plan to minimize disruptions in the public dissemination and production functions.  The work plan shall also address mechanisms for frequent (at least monthly) scheduled communications with the Scientific Resource Center, AHRQ EHC research contractors and grantees, 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.

Subtask 1.5  In consultation with the AHRQ Project Officer and relevant AHRQ personnel, develop an application for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance for data collection activities that will be performed within the Decision Sciences Center.  Further detail about the necessary clearances for information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ocio/policy/collection/index.html

Task 2  Develop and implement an evaluation plan

Subtask 2.1  Develop an evaluation plan to measure the impact of the various translation 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 access of this information with the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse Project Officer. The plan should also allow for exploration into the effectiveness of the different dissemination modes.  Information collected during the evaluation will be used to inform the development of future products. 

The Project Officer will review the draft plan, which should include evaluation activities and implementation dates, and provide comment.

Subtask 2.2  The final evaluation plan shall be submitted to AHRQ 1 month following receipt of AHRQ comments on the draft plan.  Upon AHRQ approval, the evaluation shall be implemented per the plan.

Task 3  Report on contract progress

Subtask 3.1  The contractor will participate in weekly conference calls with the Project Officer and relevant AHRQ personnel at the discretion of the Project Officer.  These calls will facilitate the Center's ability to discuss task related progress, any barriers or problems, future tasks and plans, and any administrative issues relevant to the routine performance of duties.  The goal of this call is to facilitate regular communication between AHRQ and the Center about the Center's operations.  The Center will be expected to provide a preliminary call agenda one working day in advance of the call, and a summary of call highlights and action items 2 days after the call.

Subtask 3.2  Submit monthly reports to AHRQ detailing 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 3.3  Submit quarterly reports to AHRQ.  The progress report shall 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 3.4  Participate in monthly management meetings which will include staff from the Scientific Resource Center, the EPCs and other synthesis contractors, the AHRQ EHC research contractors and grantees, 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), AHRQ EHC Program research contractors and grantees (e.g., DEcIDE Network, CERTs) and the Scientific Resource Center.

Subtask 4.1 The contractor shall establish an on-going working relationship with the Effective Health Care Scientific Resource Center, EPCs, and the AHRQ EHC research contractors and grantees to ensure awareness of the different topics in progress and the centers working on the assigned topics.  The contractor shall also inquire about timelines to ensure they are prepared to start the key message development and/or 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 process to promote translation efforts that are proactive, informed, and inclusive of all relevant studies.  As directed by the AHRQ Project Officer electronic tools (for example, Project Management, Secure Web site, email, Calendar, Word Processing, etc) identified to standardize functions across the various components of the EHC Program will be adopted by the contractor.

Subtask 4.2  Representatives from the Decision Science Center will be expected to attend meetings (usually biennial) of the Evidence-Based Practice Centers and DEcIDE Research Centers, and the quarterly Effective Health Care Program Stakeholder Group meetings.  Representatives will be expected to present their current work, participate in discussions, and seek input on their work based upon these discussions.  The Decision Sciences Center will also be expected to participate in monthly EPC calls and other calls scheduled by research contractors and grantees (DEcIDE Network, CERTs) as necessary.

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, dissemination, and implementation activities.  Issues such as literacy, numeracy, culture and ethnicity should be addressed, as appropriate.  Focus groups, key informant interviews and similar methods should be considered.  Specific attention shall be placed on impediments to understanding and using complex scientific findings and measures of benefit and harm. 

Other entities within the EHC Program, such as the SRC, may also be communicating with the same target audiences, and therefore, assessment plans should be coordinated with other EHC activities to create a coordinated and collaborative approach to target audiences.

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 potential products that complement existing translation and dissemination 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 comparative effectiveness reviews (CERs) and selected AHRQ EHC research reports to identify key messages in consultation with EPC and other research contractors and grantees (DEcIDE Network, CERTs, etc.)

Subtask 6.1  For all effectiveness reviews, and for select research reports, Decision Sciences Center representatives will participate actively in the "kick-off" organizational calls of projects resulting in EHC reports.  The purpose of this participation is to ensure that the Decision Sciences Center is aware of the plans for the report and any relevant contextual information, and understands the rationale for developing the report.  The Center may also be required to participate in Technical Expert Panel/Group calls.  During the initial phases of the EPC or the AHRQ EHC research contractors and grantee projects, the Decision Sciences Center will be expected to obtain relevant contextual information (through literature review and key informant interviews as necessary) in order to develop preliminary, project-specific plan for relevant translation products.  This information will contain, at a minimum, framing information about the conditions and interventions of interest.  The goal of this work is to have completed as much background work as possible on the translation products before the draft report is received.  The drafted plan will be submitted to the Project Officer for review.

Subtask 6.2  Develop a process to verify the accuracy of messages and subsequent translation of the messages with the effectiveness review or research report authors and AHRQ.  The Contractor shall assume there will be 20 CERs produced in the first year of the contract and 25 CERs produced in the second year of the contract.  The contractor shall estimate 20-25 CERs for each option year.  Selected EHC research reports produced by the DEcIDE Network, CERTs, etc., may also be translated or highlighted and disseminated to targeted audiences and stakeholders.  The contractor will be expected to review the list of upcoming reports, and propose 5 research reports in the first year for dissemination, subject to review by the Project Officer and AHRQ EHC program staff.  In following years 5-10 research reports will be expected to be disseminated.

Subtask 6.3  The contractor shall assign the review of each electronically transmitted CER or research report to a content expert.  CERs and research reports shall be carefully reviewed to ensure a full understanding of the content and to provide contextual background for the review findings in the development of subsequent products.  The contractor shall work with the Project Officer to identify other related AHRQ-supported research.

Subtask 6.4  Identify the key messages within the effectiveness reviews or research reports.  The contractor shall work closely with the AHRQ Task Order Officers, the Scientific Resource Center, and individual EPCs and the AHRQ EHC research contractors and grantees 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.  The contractor shall forward key messages, along with a list of recommended audiences for whom translation products are appropriate, to the Project Officer and Task Order Officer for review and approval.  The key messages shall be stated for each audience (consumer/patient, provider, policymaker, and others such as researchers) for which products will be developed.  Audiences could include the elderly, employer groups, low literacy and numeracy populations, and/or non English speaking populations.

The contractor shall provide an explanation when products will not be developed for the key audiences (consumer/patient, provider, policymaker).

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

Subtask 7.1  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 Center will survey current tools, including previous EHC translation products, and develop criteria that will facilitate developing and assessing translation products.  The Center will also consider current research in the area, and ongoing evaluation efforts such as the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) Collaboration.  The criteria developed by the Center are expected to inform the development of future translation products and will be summarized in a report for AHRQ.  The Project Officer will coordinate internal AHRQ review of the criteria and the contractor shall identify at least 5 individuals (with expertise in translating complex information for various audiences) to serve as external reviewers 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  In addition to the development criteria, the Center shall develop a detailed protocol for development of the translation products.  The protocol should detail the processes that the Center uses to develop the product.  This would be analogous to a methods section of a research report, and should denote any routine processes such as literature review, expert interviewing, focus groups or cognitive interviewing, etc.  The protocol will be submitted to the Project Officer for AHRQ internal review.  If the standard protocol for translation product development is modified over time, the Center shall submit updates to the protocol for review and approval.

Task 8  Develop health care information products from CERs and research reports for patients, providers, and policymakers

One of the major functions of the Decision Sciences Center will be the production of the health care information products translated from the evidence reviews and selected research reports.  As noted, it is expected that the products will convey the key messages of the reports, but will also reflect the state of the science of shared decision making and communications to make the products as effective as possible in conveying information relevant for decision making.  It is also vital that the products are produced in a timely fashion.  Ideally, the translation products should be ready for release when the final research reports or evidence reviews are released.  At a minimum, the expectation should be that at least 20 sets of products (i.e. consumer, provider, and policy maker guides as appropriate for an individual report) will be produced per year, and that these products should be as timely as possible.  The proposer shall allocate sufficient resources to meet the expected production schedule.

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 6.4).  Previously identified audience needs and the various factors that impact health decisions shall 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 CER or each audience. 

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

Subtask 8.2  Identify a small pool of individuals who are willing and able to review products for scientific accuracy 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 to AHRQ and identified 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.

OMB approval must be obtained prior to any testing or focus group activities.

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.

Subtask 8.5  The contractor shall submit a detailed protocol on the development of the specific products.  The Center may reference the relevant protocols, and explain any deviations or modifications.  It is expected that any specific interview guides, summary of interview findings, etc. used in the development of the products will be submitted as an appendix to the protocol.

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

Subtask 9.1  Review the current health care glossary which is comprised of terms and phrases commonly used in the medical research literature and in health discussions, that could be cognitively misunderstood by consumers, providers and policymakers.  The contractor shall submit a brief plan that describes a process for updating the glossary.

Subtask 9.2  Update the current glossary as appropriate to capture new terms and phrases used in the EHC Program and other relevant sources.  The contractor shall submit a draft copy of all terms and phrases to be added to the glossary to the Project Officer for review and comment, as well as any other proposed changes. 

Subtask 9.3  Develop a process to make the terms and phrases identified in Subtask 9.2 understandable and meaningful to the reader.  In addition to the definitions, the contractor shall consider ways to provide context for a more comprehensive and meaningful understanding. 

Subtask 9.4  The contractor shall submit a final copy of all terms and phrases to be added to the glossary to the Project Officer for review and approval before it is posted on the EHC Web site.  The Web-based version of the glossary should be linked to EHC information products (see Task 8) as appropriate.  After the content of the guide stabilizes the contractor shall work with the Project Officer and other AHRQ staff to prepare the guide for printing.

Task 10  Develop a User's Guide of Evidence-based Health Care for Decision Makers

Subtask 10.1  The Decision Sciences Center shall develop a user's guide for the general public that helps them incorporate evidence into their health care decision making.  The guide will help users understand and apply medical evidence, whether from the EHC Program or other sources, within the context of decisions that they need to make.  This guide could include issues such as: 1) understanding what "evidence" means and a discussion of evidence-based medicine; 2) how to apply evidence to decisions; 3) understanding strength of evidence, and why evidence from different sources might reach conflicting conclusions; and 4)  how to get additional information or support while making a decision about health care.  The guide should be understandable by the general public, and should employ strategies such as examples and graphics to further simplify the information.  These topics are not exhaustive and it is expected that the Center will employ a multi-step process in collaboration with and under the review of AHRQ staff.

Subtask 10.1.1  Survey the current literature, relevant consumer organizations, professional organizations, and other groups to evaluate current activities aimed at facilitating consumer use of health care evidence in their decision making.  From this survey, the Center will identify common themes among these activities, and identify advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to developing a user's guide for decision makers.  From this survey, the Center shall develop a report that details the results of their survey and analysis, and a proposal incorporating this information into a plan for development and implementation of a user's guide.  It is expected that the Center will include experts in shared decision making, evidence-based medicine, and communications in the development of the survey and proposal.  If necessary, expertise could be supplemented by key informant interviews of experts for areas where published research and internal expertise is insufficient.  The draft proposal will be submitted to AHRQ for review.

Subtask 10.1.2  Upon approval of the proposal, the Center will develop and submit for approval a detailed protocol for development of the guide for decision makers, including specific procedures for any planned focus groups or cognitive interviews, interview guides, surveys, or other development materials.  An outline of the key sections of the guide should be included.

OMB approval must be obtained prior to any testing, interviewing, or survey activities

Subtask 10.2  The contractor shall submit a draft copy of the guide to the Project Officer for review and comment.

Subtask 10.3  The contractor shall submit the report for external peer review and comment.  Reviewer comments shall be shared with the Project Officer.

Subtask 10.4  The contractor shall submit a final copy of the guide to the Project Officer for review and approval before it is posted on the EHC Web site. 

Subtask 10.5  Post the guide on the EHC website.  Upon completion of development, the Center will submit any further developmental materials such as summaries of interview findings and reviewer comments.  The guide shall be updated as necessary and linked to information development products (see Task 8) as appropriate.

Task 11  Work in collaboration with AHRQ's Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer on the dissemination and implementation 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 11.1  Working in partnership with the Effective Health Care Scientific Resource Center, public and private sector intermediaries, AHRQ's Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer and the Project Officer, develop a dissemination and implementation 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 shall also be addressed in the plan.  The contractor must be proactive and creative to ensure wide dissemination and use of all products.  The proposed dissemination and implementation plan will be developed collaboratively with AHRQ and modified as needed, though the contractor shall assume the responsibility for implementing the plan. 

The Contractor shall participate in a number of outreach activities in public venues (e.g., professional society meetings, health plan meetings, P&T meetings, consumer group meetings, business group meetings) to increase awareness of the Effective Health Care Program, the Decision Science Center, and specific EHC products such as evidence reviews, research reports, or Center translation products.  The outreach activities should use existing venues such as presenting a workshop at relevant professional society meetings, or presenting a symposium on health care decision making (generally or in regard to a specific product) to a consumer advocacy organization meeting.  Additionally, the Center may propose to host its own outreach activity, such as a symposium or workshop for the public, patients, providers, or policy makers.  Through these outreach activities, the visibility of Decision Science Center and EHC activities will be increased.  The Contractor shall plan on at least 4 activities per year; more could be proposed subject to AHRQ review.

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 and implementation plan.  The Project Officer will facilitate on-going consultation with OCKT and other components of AHRQ.

Subtask 11.2 In collaboration with OCKT, implement the dissemination and implementation plan.  The Project Officer will facilitate coordination with the appropriate units within OCKT to implement the plan in an orderly, synchronized manner.

Health Care Intervention Decision Science Research Program

Task 12  Organize a White Paper series on Decisions and Communications Sciences

There are two overarching goals to this activity.   The first goal is to make the state-of-the-art in the decision and communications sciences accessible for those interested in evidence-based translation of health care information for decision makers, through activities such as highlighting new knowledge, identifying research gaps, and addressing at least some of the gaps identified.  In addition to highlighting the science, it is expected that the lessons learned in the creation of the white paper series will contribute to the process of producing Decision Science Center products.  The themes of a particular series of papers could be broad, such as how to create balanced presentations of benefits and harms, or more narrow, such as best practices for web presentations in the elderly; however, AHRQ's approach to evaluating proposals for topics will be based upon whether the series would help to advance the state of the sciences and whether they could contribute to improving the Center's products.  (Estimate 3-5 white papers per year including option years)

Subtask 12.1  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 12.2  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.  At a minimum, the timeline should include key milestones such as planning calls with authors, discussants, etc.; due dates for papers and when they will be forwarded to the discussants and AHRQ; and due date for final papers.

Subtask 12.3  Invite authors to write papers and meeting discussants to respond to papers.  Contractor shall convey the topic and give additional guidance to the author and discussants.   

Subtask  12.4  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 12.5  Contractor shall hold the 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.  At a minimum the summary shall capture the main discussion areas, describe the identified gaps, and recommend activities to address the gaps noted during the meeting.

Task 13  Conduct Health Care Decision Symposiums

The Center shall host two symposiums to increase the visibility and use of products developed by the EHC Program.  The Project Officer will coordinate these activities with other on-going AHRQ efforts to reach these audiences and to maximize synergy between these efforts. 

Subtask 13.1 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 13.2  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 13.3 Contact presenters and secure their participation at planned symposiums.   Contractor shall assist presenters with per diem and travel reimbursements.

Subtask 13.4   AHRQ's Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer will work closely with the contractor on marketing the symposiums. 

Subtask 13.5 Contractor shall submit an activity report for each symposium.  The report should at a minimum provide symposium details, audience description, and symposium impact.

Task 14  Develop and disseminate a quarterly electronic newsletter

The goal of this task is to provide a platform from which to broadly disseminate recent EHC Program activities and to highlight research in decision or communication sciences that might have an impact on the science of translating evidence-based information for use by decision makers.  The primary audience will consist of individuals interested in comparative effectiveness and decision science research.   

Task 14.1 Contractor shall submit an overview of items proposed to be addressed in the newsletter to AHRQ for review and approval.  

Task 14.2  Following approval of the overview, the Contractor shall submit a draft copy of the newsletter to AHRQ for review. 

Task 14.3  Contractor shall submit the final newsletter to AHRQ for review.  Following AHRQ approval, the contractor shall post the newsletter on the EHC Web site on the agreed upon date.

Health Care Intervention Decision Tools Development Lab

Task 15  Develop a computerized interactive decision aid for selected ERs

The goal of the decision aid will be to translate a selected evidence review to help increase a consumer's knowledge and understanding of the evidence concerning alternatives for a health care decision.  Essentially the final decision aid is intended to facilitate informed decisions based on scientific evidence, and that the decision reflects individual values and preferences, and provides coaching or guidance.  It is our expectation that this decision aid will incorporate the state of the science of shared decision making, and take advantage of computer technology to provide an interactive platform that can be implemented on the EHC website.  A minimum of one decision aid will be produced each year.  As evidence reviews are updated, the contractor shall update decision aids to reflect any necessary changes.

Subtask 15.1   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.  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 15.2  Review criteria from the first Decision Science Center for choosing topics for development of decision aids.  The contractor may adopt the criteria or modify them as necessary.  The final criteria shall be submitted to the AHRQ Project Officer for review and approval.

Subtask 15.3  Convene a working group to develop a specific approach that could be applied to decision aids developed by the Center.  While this group could develop a proposed method for decision aids within the context of a specific topic, the Center shall develop a generic protocol that can be used to expedite the development and maintenance of high quality decision aids produced by the center. 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 15.4  Review recent and upcoming EHC evidence reviews.  Using criteria established in Subtask 15.2 and in collaboration with the AHRQ Project Officer and relevant AHRQ staff, choose a topic or topics for which to develop a decision aid.  The Center will submit a proposal to the Project Officer for review.  This proposal should highlight: 1) the importance of the decision aid for consumer decision making; 2) the content and methodologic experts who will be working on the decision aid; 3) a general overview of the proposed decision aid (e.g. major categories of information provided, type of value clarification exercises, etc.); 4)  data sources for the decision aid, particularly those required outside of the ER; 5) mechanism for assuring that the decision aid will conform to IPDAS standards; 6) proposed evaluation of the decision aid; and 7) estimated timeline and budget.

Subtask 15.5  Develop an algorithm for a decision aid for selected ERs.  This algorithm should at a minimum highlight the information to be conveyed in the decision aid, any specific tailoring of information necessary, any preference elicitation or values clarification activities, and any guidance or concrete actions to be recommended by the decision aids.  The contractor shall submit the algorithm to the Project Officer in paper and electronic forms for review and approval.  A generic protocol for development of decision aids should be developed either prior to or in conjunction with the protocol for the selected ER.

Subtask 15.6  Develop the decision aid and place the aid on the EHC website.

Task 16  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 16.1  Migrate the MMA Web site activities from the first Decision Science Center contractor to the current Center.  Proposers are encouraged to review the current website (effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov ) to evaluate needs.  The Contractor shall coordinate with relevant AHRQ staff and staff from the first Decision Science Center to develop a plan for transition of the site without interruption of Web site activities.  Upon transition, the Center will be responsible for maintaining and updating the site.  The Center will also need to coordinate with the Scientific Resource Center (SRC) to ensure SRC access to necessary data.  While the Center will post reviews, research reports, Center products, other documents, and post documents for public comment, the Center will be responsible for ensuring that the SRC has access to necessary materials, such as public comments in response to posted documents.  

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 aids; 4) serve as a dissemination mechanism; and 5) host e-mail distribution lists.  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.  It is also essential that the Center have mechanisms to ensure coverage for support of the Web site in case of Web site error or other interruption of Web site service to end-users.

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

Subtask 16.2  The Contractor shall maintain and update the existing web access for the EHC 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 Web site 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.
• The Contractor-developed Web site 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 Web site 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.
• The Contractor shall provide support for Web production, provide all application hardware necessary to host the Web site 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.)
• 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.
• 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.
• The contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as it relates to all materials, information, tools, electronic and information technology, etc., placed on the EHC Web site (an overview of Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance can be found at http://www.usability.gov/). The Section provides technical specifications and performance-based requirements, which focus on the functional capabilities of covered technologies. This dual approach recognizes the dynamic and continually evolving nature of the technology involved as well as the need for clear and specific standards to facilitate compliance. Certain provisions are designed to ensure compatibility with adaptive equipment people with disabilities commonly use for information and communication access, such as screen readers, Braille displays, and TTYs. A list of the standards can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/standards.htm, however a brief summary of the applicable standards has been provided below:

Subpart B – Technical Standards

Software Applications and Operating Systems (§ 1194.21)

Most of the specifications for software pertain to usability for people with vision impairments. For example, one provision requires alternative keyboard navigation, which is essential for people with vision impairments who cannot rely on pointing devices, such as a mouse. Other provisions address animated displays, color and contrast settings, flash rate, and electronic forms, among others.

Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications (§ 1194.22)

The criteria for web-based technology and information are based on access guidelines developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium. Many of these provisions ensure access for people with vision impairments who rely on various assistive products to access computer-based information, such as screen readers, which translate what's on a computer screen into automated audible output, and refreshable Braille displays. Certain conventions, such as verbal tags or identification of graphics and format devices, like frames, are necessary so that these devices can "read" them for the user in a sensible way. The standards do not prohibit the use of web site graphics or animation. Instead, the standards aim to ensure that such information is also available in an accessible format. Generally, this means use of text labels or descriptors for graphics and certain format elements. (HTML code already provides an "Alt Text" tag for graphics which can serve as a verbal descriptor for graphics). This section also addresses the usability of multimedia presentations, image maps, style sheets, scripting languages, applets and plug-ins, and electronic forms.

The standards apply to Federal web sites but not to private sector web sites (unless a site is provided under contract to a Federal agency, in which case only that web site or portion covered by the contract would have to comply). Accessible sites offer significant advantages that go beyond access. For example, those with "text-only" options provide a faster downloading alternative and can facilitate transmission of web-based data to cell phones and personal digital assistants.

Video and multimedia products (§ 1194.24)

3. All training and informational video and multimedia productions which support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain speech or other audio information necessary for the comprehension of the content, shall be open or closed captioned.
4. All training and informational video and multimedia productions which support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain visual information necessary for the comprehension of the content, shall be audio described.
5. Display or presentation of alternate text presentation or audio descriptions shall be user-selectable unless permanent.

Subpart C -- Functional Performance Criteria

Functional performance criteria (§ 1194.31)

1. At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided.
2. At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 shall be provided in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for assistive technology used by people who are visually impaired shall be provided.
3. At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be provided.
4. Where audio information is important for the use of a product, at least one mode of operation and information retrieval shall be provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, or support for assistive hearing devices shall be provided.
5. At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user speech shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people with disabilities shall be provided.
6. At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength shall be provided.

Subpart D -- Information, Documentation, and Support

Information, documentation, and support (§ 1194.41)

1. Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge.
2. End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge.
3. Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities.

To ensure initial and continued compliance with Section 508 the contractor shall submit documentation that addresses how any product or service considered for purchasing conforms to the standards.  The contractor shall complete an accessibility template which can be accessed at The HHS Section 508 Product Accessibility Template - PAT.  Also the contractor shall submit an annual reporting of its compliance with Section 508 (guidance can be accessed at Section 508 Annual Report Template).

• The Contractor shall not use persistent cookies.
• The Contractor shall not require the provision of personal information to visit the Web site, 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 Web site the user came from when referred by another site. COTS software shall be proposed to track and monitor Web site usage. Keywords entered into the search engine of the Web site may also be tracked.  COTS software shall be used for provision of database capabilities.

Subtask 16.3  Maintain Web-enabled versions of decision aids and related products that result from MMA related activities.

Subtask 16.4  The EHC Web site is one of the major strategic dissemination tools for the EHC program.  This site serves as a repository and clearinghouse for program products, educates consumers about health care decision making, allows stakeholders to provide input into the program both overall and on specific products, and through news and e-mail distribution list sign-up allows the public to be notified of new activities.  As a major public interface for the program, it is expected that the Center will give ongoing consideration as to how to maximize the potential of the site through optimizing the design, functionality, and outreach of the site.  The Center shall communicate regularly with the AHRQ Project Officer concerning site optimization, and should propose updates to the site as necessary.

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 goals and 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.  Additionally, this plan should be informed by lessons learned in the first 2 years 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  Report on contract progress

Subtask 3.1  The contractor will participate in weekly conference calls with the Project Officer and relevant AHRQ personnel at the discretion of the Project Officer.  These calls will facilitate the Center's ability to discuss task related progress, any barriers or problems, future tasks and plans, and any administrative issues relevant to the routine performance of duties.  The goal of this call is to facilitate regular communication between AHRQ and the Center about the Center's operations.  The Center will be expected to provide a preliminary call agenda one working day in advance of the call, and a summary of call highlights and action items 2 days after the call.

Subtask 3.2  Submit monthly reports to AHRQ detailing 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 3.3  Submit quarterly reports to AHRQ.  The progress report shall 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.

Subtask 3.4  Participate in monthly management meetings which will include staff from the Scientific Resource Center, the EPCs and other synthesis contractors, the AHRQ EHC research contractors and grantees, 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), AHRQ EHC Program research contractors and grantees (e.g., DEcIDE Network, CERTs) and the Scientific Resource Center.

Subtask 4.1 The contractor shall establish an on-going working relationship with the Effective Health Care Scientific Resource Center, EPCs, and the AHRQ EHC research contractors and grantees to ensure awareness of the different topics in progress and the centers working on the assigned topics.  The contractor shall also inquire about timelines to ensure they are prepared to start the key message development and/or 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 process to promote translation efforts that are proactive, informed, and inclusive of all relevant studies.  As directed by the AHRQ Project Officer electronic tools (for example, Project Management, Secure Web site, email, Calendar, Word Processing, etc) identified to standardize functions across the various components of the EHC Program will be adopted by the contractor.

Subtask 4.2  Representatives from the Decision Science Center will be expected to attend meetings (usually biennial) of the Evidence-Based Practice Centers and DEcIDE Research Centers, and the quarterly Effective Health Care Program Stakeholder Group meetings.  Representatives will be expected to present their current work, participate in discussions, and seek input on their work based upon these discussions.  The Decision Sciences Center will also be expected to participate in monthly EPC calls and other calls scheduled by research contractors and grantees (DEcIDE Network, CERTs) as necessary.

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 comparative effectiveness reviews (CERs) and selected AHRQ EHC research reports to identify key messages in consultation with EPC and other research contractors and grantees (DEcIDE Network, CERTs, etc.)

Subtask 6.1  For all effectiveness reviews, and for select research reports, Decision Sciences Center representatives will participate actively in the "kick-off" organizational calls of projects resulting in EHC reports.  The purpose of this participation is to ensure that the Decision Sciences Center is aware of the plans for the report and any relevant contextual information, and understands the rationale for developing the report.  The Center may also be required to participate in Technical Expert Panel/Group calls.  During the initial phases of the EPC or the AHRQ EHC research contractors and grantee projects, the Decision Sciences Center will be expected to obtain relevant contextual information (through literature review and key informant interviews as necessary) in order to develop preliminary, project-specific plan for relevant translation products.  This information will contain, at a minimum, framing information about the conditions and interventions of interest.  The goal of this work is to have completed as much background work as possible on the translation products before the draft report is received.  The drafted plan will be submitted to the Project Officer for review.

Subtask 6.2  Develop a process to verify the accuracy of messages and subsequent translation of the messages with the effectiveness review or research report authors and AHRQ.  The contractor shall assume there will be 20-25 CERs for each option year.  Selected EHC research reports produced by the DEcIDE Network, CERTs, etc., may also be translated or highlighted and disseminated to targeted audiences and stakeholders.  The contractor will be expected to review the list of upcoming reports, and propose 5-10 research reports in the 3 option years for dissemination, subject to review by the Project Officer and AHRQ EHC program staff. 

Subtask 6.3  The contractor shall assign the review of each electronically transmitted CER or research report to a content expert.  CERs and research reports shall be carefully reviewed to ensure a full understanding of the content and to provide contextual background for the review findings in the development of subsequent products.  The contractor shall work with the Project Officer to identify other related AHRQ-supported research.

Subtask 6.4  Identify the key messages within the effectiveness reviews or research reports.  The contractor shall work closely with the AHRQ Task Order Officers, the Scientific Resource Center, and individual EPCs and the AHRQ EHC research contractors and grantees 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.  The contractor shall forward key messages, along with a list of recommended audiences for whom translation products are appropriate, to the Project Officer and Task Order Officer for review and approval.  The key messages shall be stated for each audience (consumer/patient, provider, policymaker, and others such as researchers) for which products will be developed.  Audiences could include the elderly, employer groups, low literacy and numeracy populations, and/or non English speaking populations.

The contractor shall provide an explanation when products will not be developed for the key audiences (consumer/patient, provider, policymaker).

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

Subtask 7.1  Update the development 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  Update the development protocol as needed and submit to the Project Officer for AHRQ review and internal review.  If the standard protocol for translation product development is modified over time, the Center shall submit updates to the protocol for review and approval.

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 6.4).  Previously identified audience needs and the various factors that impact health decisions shall 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 CER or each audience. 

Note: For proposal purposes, estimate 20-25 sets of information products in each option year.

Subtask 8.2  Identify a small pool of individuals who are willing and able to review products for scientific accuracy 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 to AHRQ and identified 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.

OMB approval must be obtained prior to any testing or focus group activities.

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.

Subtask 8.5  The contractor shall submit a detailed protocol on the development of the specific products.  The Center may reference the relevant protocols, and explain any deviations or modifications.  It is expected that any specific interview guides, summary of interview findings, etc. used in the development of the products will be submitted as an appendix to the protocol.

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

Subtask 9.1  Update the web-enabled health care glossary as appropriate to capture new terms and phrases used in the EHC Program and other relevant sources.  The contractor shall submit a draft copy of all terms and phrases to be added to the glossary to the Project Officer for review and comment, as well as any other proposed changes. 

Subtask 9.2  The contractor shall submit a final copy of all terms and phrases to be added to the glossary to the Project Officer for review and approval before it is posted on the EHC Web site.  The Web-based version of the glossary should be linked to EHC information products (see Task 8) as appropriate.  After the content of the guide stabilizes the contractor shall work with the Project Officer and other AHRQ staff to prepare the guide for printing.

Task 10  Maintain currency of the User's Guide of Evidence-based Health Care for Decision Makers

Subtask 10.1  The Center shall conduct an updated survey of the literature, relevant consumer organizations, professional organizations, and other groups to evaluate current activities aimed at facilitating consumer use of health care evidence in their decision making.  From this survey, the Center shall provide a report that describes the areas of the guide that warrant updating. 

Subtask 10.2  The Center shall update the User's Guide as appropriate and submit the final guide to the Project Officer for review and comment prior to posting on the EHC Web site.

Task 11  Work in collaboration with AHRQ's Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer on the dissemination and implementation of developed products

Subtask 11.1  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 and implementation plan for products developed under this contract. 

Subtask 11.2  In collaboration with OCKT, implement the revised dissemination and implementation plan.  The Project Officer will facilitate coordination with the appropriate units within OCKT to implement the plan in an orderly, synchronized manner.

Health Care Intervention Decision Science Research Program

Task 12  Organize a White Paper series on Decisions and Communications Sciences

(Estimate 3-5 white papers per option year)

There are two overarching goals to this activity.   The first goal is to make the state-of-the-art in the decision and communications sciences accessible for those interested in evidence-based translation of health care information for decision makers, through activities such as highlighting new knowledge, identifying research gaps, and addressing at least some of the gaps identified.  In addition to highlighting the science, it is expected that the lessons learned in the creation of the white paper series will contribute to the process of producing Decision Science Center products.  The themes of a particular series of papers could be broad, such as how to create balanced presentations of benefits and harms, or more narrow, such as best practices for web presentations in the elderly; however, AHRQ's approach to evaluating proposals for topics will be based upon whether the series would help to advance the state of the sciences and whether they could contribute to improving the Center's products.  (Estimate 3-5 white papers per year including option years)

Subtask 12.1  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 12.2  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.  At a minimum, the timeline should include key milestones such as planning calls with authors, discussants, etc.; due dates for papers and when they will be forwarded to the discussants and AHRQ; and due date for final papers.

Subtask 12.3  Invite authors to write papers and meeting discussants to respond to papers.  Contractor shall convey the topic and give additional guidance to the author and discussants.   

Subtask 12.4  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 12.5  Contractor shall hold the 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.  At a minimum the summary shall capture the main discussion areas, describe the identified gaps, and recommend activities to address the gaps noted during the meeting.

Task 13  Conduct Health Care Decision Symposiums

The Center shall host two symposiums to increase the visibility and use of products developed by the EHC Program.  The Project Officer will coordinate these activities with other on-going AHRQ efforts to reach these audiences and to maximize synergy between these efforts. 

Subtask 13.1 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 13.2  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 13.3 Contact presenters and secure their participation at planned symposiums.   Contractor shall assist presenters with per diem and travel reimbursements.

Subtask 13.4   AHRQ's Office of Communication and Knowledge Transfer will work closely with the contractor on marketing the symposiums. 

Subtask 13.5 Contractor shall submit an activity report for each symposium.  The report should at a minimum provide symposium details, audience description, and symposium impact.

Task 14  Develop and disseminate a quarterly electronic newsletter

The goal of this task is to provide a platform from which to broadly disseminate recent EHC Program activities and to highlight research in decision or communication sciences that might have an impact on the science of translating evidence-based information for use by decision makers.  The primary audience will consist of individuals interested in comparative effectiveness and decision science research.   

Task 14.1 Contractor shall submit an overview of items proposed to be addressed in the newsletter to AHRQ for review and approval.  

Task 14.2  Following approval of the overview, the Contractor shall submit a draft copy of the newsletter to AHRQ for review. 

Task 14.3  Contractor shall submit the final newsletter to AHRQ for review.  Following AHRQ approval, the contractor shall post the newsletter on the EHC Web site on the agreed upon date.

Health Care Intervention Decision Tools Development Lab

Task 15  Develop a computerized interactive decision aid for selected ERs

The goal of the decision aid will be to translate a selected evidence review to help increase a consumer's knowledge and understanding of the evidence concerning alternatives for a health care decision.  Essentially the final decision aid is intended to facilitate informed decisions based on scientific evidence, and that the decision reflects individual values and preferences, and provides coaching or guidance.  It is our expectation that this decision aid will incorporate the state of the science of shared decision making, and take advantage of computer technology to provide an interactive platform that can be implemented on the EHC website.  A minimum of one decision aid will be produced each year.  As evidence reviews are updated, the contractor shall update decision aids to reflect any necessary changes.

Subtask 15.1   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.  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 15.2  Review criteria used in the 2 previous years for choosing topics for development of decision aids.  The contractor may adopt the criteria or modify them as necessary.  The final criteria shall be submitted to the AHRQ Project Officer for review and approval.

Subtask 15.3  Convene a working group to develop a specific approach that could be applied to decision aids developed by the Center.  While this group could develop a proposed method for decision aids within the context of a specific t