NIDA IRP Information Technology and Visual Media Services

1. Expired 5 years, 2 weeks and 5 days ago

This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified small business sources to perform a potential requirement.

 

This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition.  It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract.  Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes.  No award will be made as a result of this notice.  The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice.  This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.

 

I.      Background: The mission of the Intramural Research Program (IRP) of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is to conduct state-of-the-art research on basic mechanisms that underlie drug abuse and addiction, and to develop new methods for the treatment of drug abuse and addiction. Research is supported at the molecular, genetic, cellular, animal, and clinical levels and is conceptually integrated, highly innovative, and focused on major problems in the field. The long-term goal of the research is to better understand the biological and behavioral factors contributing to initiation, maintenance, and elimination of drug abuse and addiction (and associated diseases), and to translate this knowledge into improved strategies for preventing, treating, and reducing the negative consequences for the individual and for society caused by drug abuse and addiction. An important aspect of the program is the training of young investigators and career development of more experienced investigators in basic and clinical sciences related to drug abuse research.

 

The Biomedical Informatics Section (BIS) is responsible for providing, coordinating and managing information technology throughout the IRP, advancing the application and use of information and computational sciences within the program and providing informatics services and resources to the staff.  It also conducts research in theoretical and applied areas of medical and clinical informatics and studies new methods for acquiring, representing, processing and managing knowledge and data within the IRP’s clinical and research programs. 

 

The Visual Media department provides professional/commercial grade illustrations, posters, presentations, educational and informational brochures and booklets, commercials for radio and television and manages technological components of collaborative meetings. It is responsible for managing and maintaining the content for the NIDA IRP components of the NIDA public website at https://irp.drugabuse.gov/. ;

 

The duty station under this solicitation are the Biomedical Research Center and TRIAD Technology Center on the Johns’ Hopkins Bayview Campus in Baltimore, MD. However, on occasion, staff will have to support NIDA or NIA at offsite locations such as 9800 Medical Center Drive in Rockville, Maryland, Harbour Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  Likewise, less frequently attend meetings, events or training on the main Bethesda Campus.

 

All work shall be performed onsite or NIDA approved telework location.

 

II.     Purpose and Objectives:
The NIDA IRP seeks a Contractor to assist in the ongoing onsite operations of its Biomedical Informatics Section and Visual Media departments. 

 


Managing the daily ongoing operations of the Human Research Information System (HuRIS).
Research, development, and maintenance of ongoing clinical and scientific informatics.
Design, development, maintenance and support of the Biomedical Informatics Sections’ Intranet web sites and applications.
Design, development, and content maintenance of the NIDA IRP Intramural web pages.
Web and application development in support of the ongoing and future programs at the IRP. 
Biomedical, scientific and standard desktop support.
Ongoing support of NIDA IRP’s all communications systems including but not limited to: networking infrastructure, unified communications, cabling infrastructure and cellular repeaters.
Ongoing support of NIDA’s physical access systems, copiers, environmental monitoring systems, and surveillance cameras and related video recording systems.
Ongoing support of NIDA IRP’s active directory domains.  
 Ongoing support of NIDA and National Institute of Aging (NIA) staffs needs for posters, illustrations, presentations, commercials, binding, printed materials, and web site design and maintenance.
Ongoing audio-visual support of NIDA and NIA staff’s requirements for seminars, meetings, and information dissemination and online conferences.

III.   Project requirements:

 

As an independent organization, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified personnel to provide the NIDA Biomedical Informatics Section and Visual media department with ongoing support for its daily operations set forth within this Statement of Work.

 

The task areas of this contract with key personnel are as follows:

a.     Information Technology (Biomedical Informatics Section)

1.     Clinical and scientific application developer

2.     Clinical and scientific IT support specialist

3.     IT security support

4.     IT operational support - technical support specialist and web developer

5.     IT operational support - technical support specialist

6.     IT operational support - technical support specialist

7.     IT operational support - technical support specialist


8. Telecommunications, acccess and cabling plant support

 




 

b. Visual Media Services

9.     Visual Media Services Supervisor

10.  Senior Visual Media graphic specialist

11.  Senior Visual Media graphic specialist

12.  Visual Media graphic specialist

13.  Visual Media graphic specialist

 

c. Optional Quantity Task Areas

14.  Web development with IT systems support

15.  IT account, server and network operations and administration support

16.  Unix/Linux system support and administration

17.  IT security support

18.  Telecommunications, access and cabling plant support

19.  IT operational support

 

 

Other important considerations:

 

1.     Required Competencies:

a.     Competencies for Task 1

·       Administering and developing applications using Microsoft SQL Server current and three older versions and Microsoft Transact SQL

·       Implementing and administering database applications and databases using MS SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL and Microsoft Access

·       Coding solutions in C, C++, Visual C++, C#, Visual Basic, .Net, VB.net and Java

·       Creating mobile applications for android based operating systems to support scientific, clinical and administrative staff as required by the Chief, Biomedical Informatics Section.

·       Developing web applications that utilize ASP, ASP.net, HTML, JavaScript, PHP

·       Creating reports using tools such as Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL reporting services

·       Utilizing RAD design tools including Visual Studio.NET to develop applications similar to the Human Research Information System (HuRIS) with the protocols similar to those utilized by NIDA’s Clinical Directors as they pertain to the HuRIS

·       Testing and validating applications coded using the languages and implemented in environments above

·       Evaluating and recommending software and hardware solutions

·       In clinical and scientific protocols is required as the staff will attend meetings with physicians, researchers and administrators for requirement analysis, scope and change control management. 

·       With global positioning systems software including integration into applications, data quality assurance and device requirements and usage in a clinical research protocol

·       Providing desktop support for above solutions

·       Collaborating on manuscripts with scientists

·       Coauthoring manuscripts that have been published in scientific journals or proceedings

·       With industry standard HL7 is also a requirement for programming tasks.

·       Working in a clinical research environment with other programmers and IT staff on large projects as a senior lead developer

·       Master’s degree and 10 years programming experience

b.     Task 2 Competency Requirements:

·       Troubleshooting Windows and Apple based personal computers in the enterprise environment

·       Troubleshooting all software supported by the Biomedical Informatics Section

·       Ability to back up data, create and deploy images restore data to all government systems.

·       Adding and changing user accounts thru HuRIS system

·       Ability to process clinical laboratory tests and detect disparities in sent and collected information

·       Various types of computing equipment and peripherals

·       Supporting scientific equipment utilized by NIDA researchers

·       Installing, securely configuring and using Microsoft Office, McAfee Antivirus products, current versions and up to 2 generations older of Windows and Apple Operating systems.

·       Utilizing CIT’s implementation of Service Now support/ticketing system

·       Background in electrical engineering

·       Must be familiar with Symantec PGP desktop encryption suite and Microsoft bitlocker encryption

·       Backing up end user data using disk to disk hardware or disk over network.

·       Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of IT experience 5 of which must be in clinical research environment.

c.     Competencies for Task 3

·       Conducting and documenting privacy impact analysis, risk assessment, security assessment

·       POA&M validation in compliance with Federal Information Security Management Act

·       Conducting continuous monitoring and authorization process

·       Conducting vulnerability scanning and mitigation using Tenable

·       Remediating security issues on servers, desktops, mobile devices and other systems on the NIH network

·       Implementing encryption on storage devices, tape drives and NAS using technologies such as bitlocker, PGP etc.

·       Researching and writing security related documents as they apply to the federal government in a clinical and scientific research environment.

·       Implementing, utilizing, maintaining and upgrading security related systems including but not limited to: Microsoft WSUS server, QUEST Kbox, BigFix, PointSec, and McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator

·       Installing, configuring and managing servers running current version of Windows Server operating system and last three versions

·       Managing server backups using Symantec BackupExec, Veeam and robocopy

·       Implementing group policy in an enterprise environment

·       Researching, implementing and utilizing securities best practices in clinical and scientific environments

·       Implementing information technology utilizing security best practices including Microsoft Bitlocker, HP server encryption technologies

·       Providing tier 2 and tier 3 helpdesk support for Windows and Macintosh based systems

·       Utilizing CIT’s implementation of ServiceNow system

·       Bachelor’s degree in IT and 5 years IT experience (related to the above) or equivalent.

d.     Competencies for Task 4

·       Utilize deque’s AXE accessibility engine for 508 compliance and remediates as required

·       Design and modify web sites using cascading style sheets and HTML

·       Implement and modify existing web pages using AppNitro, Directory Listing Script - Version 2 by Evoluted.net and Magic parser by IAAI Software

·       Create and administer small databases in MS Access and MySql and integrate them with web pages

·       Utilize SQLyog for managing MySQL databases

·       Assist in transitioning content and applications from older web servers to newer web servers.

·       Develops web applications PHP, HTML, RapidWeaver with Bootstrap framework and JavaScript in all aspects of NIDA research and administrative initiatives

·       Utilize RapidWeaver and develop plugins/stacks for RapidWeaver

·       Integrates web applications that use NIH single sign on for authentication

·       Assist with and modification of images for web publication using Adobe Photoshop

·       Utilize Stylizer for cascading style sheet editing

·       Supports scientific hardware and software

·       Supports both current and new releases of Microsoft and Apple operating systems

·       Creates and uses disk images for standard desktop installations and deployment to end users

·       Leads and/or coordinates projects as needed

·       Utilize Service Now support request system

·       Has hardware experience troubleshooting and upgrading MedPC systems from configuration to interface cards on computer and in environment chambers.

·       Utilizes OnTrack software for hard disk data recovery

·       Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of IT experience five of which must be in a clinical and scientific research environment.

e.     Competencies for Task 5

·       Evaluate and recommend software solutions on an as needed basis including current over the counter solutions (COTS) for use by NIDA/BIS staff

·       Evaluate, test and recommend hardware solutions for usage at the NIDA/IRP

·       Create and test desktop system images for desktop systems utilizing open source software

·       Install and configure software as required

·       Troubleshoot software and hardware issues

·       Educate staff in general computer usage and supported applications

·       Work in a team or independently to support IRP staff and the goals of the Biomedical Informatics Section

·       Provide specialized scientific hardware support to IRP researchers such as installation and troubleshooting of scientific cameras and microscopes

·       Provide tier 2 and tier 3 hardware and software support for both Windows and Apple based personal computers

·       Lead or coordinate projects with BIS staff as instructed by Section Chief

·       Back up servers as required

·       Triage support calls

·       Triage VoIP and computer networking issues

·       Adapt to evolving technologies

·       Demonstrate good customer service skills

·       Maintain changes to configuration of standardized desktops and implements new systems accordingly

·       Bachelor’s degree and 10 years IT experience; five of which must be in a clinical and scientific research facility

f.      Competencies for Task 6

·       Evaluate and recommend software solutions on an as needed basis including current over the counter solutions (COTS) for use by NIDA/BIS staff

·       Evaluate, test and recommend hardware solutions for usage at the NIDA/IRP

·       Educate staff in general computer usage and supported applications

·       Work in a team or independently to support IRP staff and the goals of the Biomedical Informatics Section

·       Provide specialized scientific hardware support to IRP researchers such as installation and troubleshooting of scientific cameras and microscopes

·       Provide tier 2 and tier 3 hardware and software support for both Windows and Apple based personal computers in enterprise environment in a research environment

·       Lead or coordinate projects with BIS staff as instructed by section chief

·       Back up servers as required

·       Triage support calls

·       Triage VoIP and computer networking issues

·       Adapt to evolving technologies

·       Create and test new system images for desktop systems

·       Maintain changes to configuration of standardized desktops and implements new systems accordingly through system images

·       Installing and configuring scientific peripherals and software in a research environment

·       Installing, configuring and troubleshooting current and two generations newer of Apple Mac operating systems Securely installing, configuring and troubleshooting current and two generations of newer Microsoft Windows operating systems

·       Install and securely configure Microsoft Office, McAfee Antivirus products, Filemaker Pro, Quest Kbox Agent, Apple remote desktop software, and Citrix VPN clients and Windows remote desktop software.

·       Virtual machine software installation and implementation including VMware, Parallels for Mac, and VirtualBox.

·       Knows how to use Service Now Ticketing software

·       Perform Windows Server backups

·       Demonstrate good customer service skills

·       Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of IT experience; five of which must be in a clinical and scientific environment.

 

g.     Competencies for Task 7

·       Utilize SunFlower property inventory system

·       Demonstrate having performed the duties of a NIH property custodian

·       Troubleshoot Windows and Apple based personal computers in the enterprise environment for current operating and two older major versions.

·       Back up client systems using disk to disk backup equipment and disk to network backup.

·       Install and securely configure current and two generations newer of Apple Mac operating systems

·       Install and securely configure current and two generations of newer Microsoft Windows operating systems

·       Troubleshoot various types of computing equipment and peripherals

·       Install and configure scientific peripherals and software in a research environment

·       Install and configure Microsoft Office, McAfee Antivirus products, Filemaker Pro, Quest Kbox Agent, Apple remote desktop software, and Citrix VPN clients and Windows remote desktop software

·       Use Service Now Ticketing software

·       Demonstrate good customer service skills

·       Bachelor’s degree and 5 years IT experience; three of which must be in a clinical and scientific research facility.

h.     Competencies for Task 8

·       Troubleshooting and repair CAT5 and CAT6 network cabling issues as they occur in a timely fashion

·       Configure and deploy VoIP telephones in research and clinical environments

·       Troubleshoot telephone system(s) issues and interface with vendors to remediate problem

·       Update and manage Shadow CMS and provide usage reports as needed

·       Experience managing CCURE800 security system

·       Experience installing, configuring and managing Axis Camera System and Axis Cameras

·       Administer and patch current version and three earlier versions of Avaya Call Manager and other system components of the NIDA IRP UCC system

·       Experience managing voicemail account and server administration for the latest version of Avaya Aura Messaging system

·       Experience using Avaya Aura call center software and scripts including configuration, changes to and deployment of call center phones.

·       Recommend and provide vendor quotes for camera, cabling, and fax machines as needed

·       Install and configure approved fax machines

·       Install analog lines for fax machines

·       Troubleshoot issues with telecommunications vendors for service to all telecommunications equipment at BRC and Triad facilities

·       Configure and manage Konica-Minolta copiers

·       Manage, adds moves and changes of analog lines and POTS lines

·       Maintain documentation on all systems under their purview

·       Can troubleshoot cable plant problems using Fluke testing equipment

·       Has knowledge of research environment and restrictions of research areas with respect to sound, vibration and light

·       15 years working in the IT telecommunications field; 10 of which are managing Avaya/Nortel VoIP systems including voice mail and call center software

·       15 years cabling experience in a clinical and scientific research environment.

i.       Compentencies for Task 9

·       Managing a visual media department

·       Prioritizing and delegating support requests based on programmatic need.

·       Coordinating audio and video needs for all events of NIDA and NIA

·       With all equipment and software in Appendix A

·       Must have 10 years’ experience managing a visual media department.

·       Must have 10 years’ experience as a senior visual media specialist in a clinical and scientific research facility.

·       Two years in medical photography training.

·       Associate degree in graphic arts or related field.

j.       Compentencies for Task 10 and Task 11

·       Utilizing applications in Appendix A to create presentations, publications, educational materials, web content, paper and fabric

 posters, scientific illustration for scientific journal publication, etc.

·       Creating 3D models and animation for applications such as printed scientific apparatus used in scientific studies

·       Photographing people, specimens, scientific processes, etc.

·       Coordinating small and large event Visual media equipment coordination for events including various types of audio and video equipment

·       Converting mediums of captured audio and video

·       Working knowledge of multiple operating systems for performing visual media tasks in a diverse environment

·       Delegation of jobs

·       Maintains audio, video, printers and photographic equipment

·       Assists in coordinating events with staff

·       Can utilize and maintain all equipment listed in Appendix A]

·       Must have 10 years’ experience as a visual media specialist in a clinical and scientific research facility five of which must be as a senior visual media specialist.

 

k.     Compentencies for Task 12

·       Creating and updating websites using Content Management System in WordPress using themes, plugins and cascading style sheets

·       Utilizing and providing support with Adobe Creative Suite products, Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and other graphing and presentation software

·       Photographing passport photos, events and experiments in labs. 

·       Recording and editing video to the level of creating professional commercials.

·       Editing and assembling audio clips and integrating them into other digital media 

·       Coordinating events

·       Maintaining and using the equipment list in Appendix A

·       Converting digital forms of captured audio and video to other digital forms

·       Remediating documents and websites for 508 compliance

·       Ten years of graphics art experience and five years of web design.

l.       Compentencies for Task 13

·       Utilizing and providing support with Adobe Creative Suite products, Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and other graphing and presentation software

·       Photographing passport photos, events and experiments in labs.

·       Recording and editing video to the level of creating professional commercials.

·       Editing and assembling audio clips and integrating them into other digital media 

·       Coordinating events

·       Maintaining and using the equipment list in Appendix A

·       Converting digital forms of captured audio and video to other digital forms

·       Remediating documents and websites for 508 compliance

·       Must have 5 years’ experience graphic arts.

m.   Compentencies for Task 14

·       Ten years’ experience building static and dynamic web sites

·       Experience using the applications and technologies above (OS dependent)

·       Experience testing applications using security best practices including OWASP.

n.     Compentencies for Task 15

·       Five years LAN networking experience

·       Five years’ experience with active directory

·       Security training through a leading global security vendor such as SANS or ISC2

·       Ten years’ experience with installation, maintaining and backup of server systems both virtual and physical servers

·       Five years’ experience with storage solutions such as HPE 3PAR or equivalent.

·       Five years end user desktop support

o.     Compentencies for Task 16

·       Demonstrates five years’ work experience administering Linux/Ubuntu server and desktop

·       Experience with administering Apache

·       Experience with installing and securely configuring applications and using applications such as MySql, PHP and Apache in a production environment

·       Knowledge of federal government security regulations

·       Knowledge of VMware virtualization

·       Knowledge of Python, R and other scientific applications

p.     Compentencies for Task 17 are the same as Task 3

q.     Compentencies for Task 18 are the same as Task 8

r.      Competencies for Task 19 are the same as Tasks 5-7.

2.     Operating Hours

The contractor will utilize staffing from tasks 4-7 to cover a 7:00am - 5:00pm window for desktop support where at least one staff member available at BIS walk up window.  Task 1 and 2 requires flexible staffing to assist during primary hours but the flexibility of coming in on an as needed basis for off hours during clinical or patching periods.  The government will utilize one staff member from tasks 4-7 to support Triad Technology center staff from 8:00am until 4:30pm less lunch break.  Normally, Task 8 requires onsite support from 7:00-3:30pm.  However, Task 8 requires flexibility to provide for after-hours service interruption support for system upgrades or patches and attending to system outages. The Visual media department, Tasks 9-13, must have one staff member available during its support windows of 7:30 am – 5pm to provide walk in support of staff. While not frequent, these windows are subject to change to accommodate for infrequent events or activities that occur outside normal support hours. Each optional task area requires one full time position. 

 

 

3.     Telework

 

The vendor should have provisions for staff to be fully capable to telework should the government require staff to train at home or work during inclement weather. As required by program, vendor staff need to provide task spreadsheet for prior to telework as well as status report.

 

 

4.     Training

 

It is the vendors obligation to keep their staff trained in order to perform on this contract.

However, NIDA is currently exploring new technologies and trends in information technology and graphic arts.  Because of this, NIDA requires staff from time to time to update their skills to meet the changes in support required by NIDA’s research and support staff during the term of this contract.  Since technical requirements for investigation or implementation of new technologies have not been defined, the contractor will be required to provide any training that the Chief of the Biomedical Informatics Section or NIDA program management deems necessary to support the NIDA mission. 

 

To keep up with technologies the vendor will be required to track and renew NIDA’s existing subscriptions to Safari, MAPT, Lynda and CBT nuggets or others as approved by the COR.  The vendor shall act as a passthrough entity and not a reseller of the product.  The subscriptions must be assigned to NIDA IRP.  A training line item on the award will provided for this purpose.  Should any other training be required by the government under this award, funding under this award must be preapproved by the contracting officer by the COR after the COR consults consulting with NIDA IRP AO’s on training/travel regulations. 

 

All vendors staff is required to take all mandatory training required by the government in a timely fashion.  

 

5.     Continuity of operations

 

As business continuity in these areas is mission critical, contractor must address in their capability statement/information how business continuity will be achieved during the initial transition, contract execution and contract close out.

 

 

6.     Environment

 

For the purposes of this contract, staffing will support approximately 460 NIDA IRP staff members’ onsite and approximately 10 staff at NIDA IRP’s Chemical Biology Research Branch in Rockville. The desktop equipment at the IRP has been a mix of 70% Microsoft Windows OS and 30% Apple OS desktop implementation.  The printers supported by the contract range from mostly Hewlett Packard to Konica Minolta printer copier fax machines and a few IBM printers.  In 2018 BIS had approximately 1702 support tickets in the ticketing system for non-clinical support.  For clinical support it processed approximately 669 support tickets.  Visual Media tracked approximately 3051 tasks for the year.  Note that all tickets are not logged in the support system as simple issues are handled on the fly for good customer support.  The telephone system supported under this contract is Avaya call manager, Avaya Aura Call Center and Avaya Aura Messaging as well as Shadow CMS call accounting system.

 

Capability statement /information sought

 

The respondent must also provide their  DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in adressing the respondent's capability of performing the acquisition requirements.

 

 

Submission Instructions:

 

One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2” x 11” paper size, with 1” top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing.

 

The information submitted must be must be in an outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein.  A cover page and an executive summary may be included, but is not required.

 

The response is limited to ten (10) page limit.  The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested.

 

The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.

 

All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer.  Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.

 

The response must be submitted to Lisa Bielen, Contracting Officer, NIDA at lisa.bielen@nih.gov .  

 

The response must be received on or before April 2, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

 

 Disclaimer and Important Notes:  This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work.

 

Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

 

Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).”

 

 

 


Lisa Bielen, Contracting Officer, Phone 301-443-6677, Email lisa.bielen@nih.gov