RFP Announcement: Community Genetics Forum: A Model Community Engagement Program

Notice Number: NOT-HG-09-010

Key Dates
Release Date: April 13, 2009
Receipt Date: May 25, 2009

Issued by
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), (http://www.genome.gov)

Description

The NHGRI is seeking an organization to host, plan, develop, implement and evaluate a public genomics community outreach program using a community forum as the core component of the program. The materials developed and examples set by previous Forums should be used to shape this current Forum (http://www.genome.gov/19518473).

The Community Genetics Forum is defined as a community engagement project, focused on developing partnerships between the NHGRI, a host organization, and community based organizations. It culminates in a single or multiple day public forum event, centered on topics related to genomics that are of interest to the communities involved in its planning. The Community Genetics Forum is to be a collaborative effort between the NHGRI and the contractor. It is expected that the NHGRI’s Education and Community Involvement Branch will participate actively in the planning and development of the program, and that members of the NHGRI will participate in the Forum itself, as appropriate.

The NHGRI acknowledges the challenge of conducting a one year engagement project. However, its success has been demonstrated by previous Forums. It is thus vital for the offeror to show how this year-long period of performance can effectively be used. Proposals should outline how both the Forum will build on existing programs and relationships, but also how the Forum will create new opportunities and connections.
The objectives of the Community Genetics Forum include:

  • To identify existing community groups, organizations, representatives, etc, with which to engage and consult throughout planning of the Forum
  • To facilitate the establishment of ongoing community relationships that continue beyond the Forum itself
  • To facilitate sustainable relationships between the community, the contractor, and the NHGRI
  • To create a Forum that reflects the interests, concerns, and questions of the target community related to genomics and health
  • To engage community groups to facilitate a dialogue to identify questions, concerns, and education needs related to genomics and health
  • To establish methods and opportunities by which community members can participate and contribute to planning of the Forum
  • To engage communities to provide input into initiatives of the NHGRI and the NIH in genomics research
  • To involve a target audience inclusive of minorities and special populations
  • To increase awareness, interest, and understanding of the field of genetics, genomics, and the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics research
  • To increase awareness of current research and scientific advances in genetics
  • To increase awareness of current health education advances in genetics
  • To increase students’ awareness of career options in genomics, genetics, and ELSI research
  • To increase awareness and understanding of the implications of genomic science for health care and society
  • To have ongoing collaboration with the NHGRI in the Forum program development and implementation
  • To complete a project report describing the details of the Forum planning, lessons learned, and an overall description

The complete RFP can be found at: http://www.genome.gov/Pages/About/OD/ECIB/2009CommunityGeneticsForumRFP.pdf

Any responsible offeror may submit a proposal that will be considered by the Government, however, this notice does not commit the Government to the award of a contract.  No collect calls or facsimile submissions will be accepted.  Proposals should be submitted to the contact person listed under “Inquiries.”

Inquiries

For questions or further information, contact:

Sarah Harding, MPH
Program Specialist
Education and Community Involvement Branch
National Human Genome Research Institute
National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive
Building 31, Rm B1B55
Bethesda, MD 20892
TEL: 301-594-5957
E-mail: [email protected]