Solicitation Number: M-OP-02-2785
Notice Type: Presolicitation

Synopsis:
Added: December 27, 2001
Special Note: Reference CBD Submission No. 514607 for Original Synopsis [December 7, 2001] Posted Date.

[USAID] is issuing a solicitation for technical services in international health care quality assurance (QA), including selected workforce issues related to quality of care. This contract will continue the general line of work developed under the current Quality Assurance Contract [HRN-C-00-96-90013]. In at least ten long-term assistance countries, the contractor will provide technical experts to support the institutionalization of a modern quality assurance program. Areas of work include policy development, program organization, development of core training courses, development of systems to monitor quality, development of clinical standards and guidelines, strategies for promoting compliance with guidelines, quality improvement (including rapid problem solving methods), standardized benchmarking methodologies for best practices, quality re-design of systems of care, documentation of quality assurance activities, performance-based incentive systems, community demand for quality, monitoring and evaluation of QA programs, and regulatory strategies for quality, including accreditation, certification, and licensing. In response to requests from [USAID] missions and other international organizations, the contractor will also provide short-term technical assistance in these areas. The contractor will also develop and conduct a program of operations research focused on adapting QA approaches to the needs of developing and middle income countries. This initiative will include studies that expand the empirical evidence base for accepted best practices in health workforce development, comprising of at least 15 of an expected 50 studies. Additional skill areas required to complete the statement of work include computer-based training, human performance technology (job aids development), analysis of cost-quality relationships, and familiarity with the health issues identified as a priority in [USAID]strategy documents.

The anticipated cost of the 5 year contract period is approximately $48 million, of which $33 million is expected to be provided by [USAID] missions and bureaus for work in specified countries. Overall, 80% of contractor effort is expected to be devoted to QA activities and 20% to workforce development related to quality issues. Of the effort devoted to workforce issues, 75% is expected to consist of research and evaluation activities.

See attachments 1-1, Synopsis Continued and 1-2, Draft Statement of Work.

Contracting Office Address:
Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., Office of Procurement, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Room 7.10-006, Washington, DC, 20523

Point of Contact(s):
Charity Benson, Negotiator, Phone 202-712-5078, Fax 202-216-3132, Email [email protected] - Mike Atsalinos, Contracting Officer, Phone 202-712-1039, Fax 202-216-3132, Email [email protected]