Request for Information (RFI) Applicability: This Request for Information is being issued in accordance with the terms of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, specifically FAR Subpart 15.2-Solicitation and Receipt of Proposals and Information. Introduction: This is a Request for Information (RFI) only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the National Guard Bureau Counterdrug Program (NGCP) will take procurement action in this matter. Further, neither NGCP nor the Government will be responsible for any cost incurred in furnishing this information. NGCP recognizes the interest by substance abuse prevention experts, community based coalitions, and other appropriate organizations in the acquisition of NGCP Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) prevention programs. This RFI is being used to gather market research for NGCP and provide information from educational institutions, community-based and other appropriate organizations about current and trending research based and proven effective drug & substance abuse prevention programs. NGCP may use the results of this RFI to determine interest in an Industry Day where NGCP personnel and Drug Demand Reduction experts will be on-hand to view and comment on prevention programs being presented. If enough interest is generated, a Request for Proposal may follow. Background: The National Guard provides Counterdrug support approved by the Secretary of Defense within the fifty-four states and territories. With each states' Governors' approval, support is provided to federal, state, and local Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), educational, and government organizations that request assistance. The NGCP recognizes the importance of research-based and proven, effective prevention programs. It's for this reason NGCP is searching for programs which are "evidence-based" and have a universal approach to a varied target audience. They must be flexible, culturally competent and sustainable by the National Guard state programs, community coalitions, and/or educational institutions. Programs must also focus on children's social and academic skills, including enhancing peer relationships, self-control, coping and drug-refusal skills. "Evidence-based" programs are defined by NGCP as having prevention methodologies that have been developed and evaluated using scientific processes. Experts use commonly agreed upon criteria for rating interventions, reaching a consensus that evaluation research findings are credible and sustainable. It is also referred to as science-based and research-based models. NGCP considers programs which are listed in the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) as "evidence-based." What Is NREPP? The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) is a searchable online registry of mental health and substance abuse intervention programs that have been reviewed and rated by independent reviewers. The purpose of this registry is to assist the public in identifying approaches to preventing and treating mental and/or substance use disorders that have been scientifically tested and that can be readily disseminated to the field. NREPP is one way that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is working to improve access to information on tested interventions and thereby reduce the time lag between the creation of scientific knowledge and its practical application in the field. Special Considerations: It should be noted that the organizations which ultimately respond to this RFI must offer a Commercial Off-the-Shelf program which is measurable; can be tailored for National Guard use; can be taught by National Guardsmen; is easily duplicable and scientifically measurable. It must also be researched; validated as a substance abuse prevention program; proven to reduce the risks of alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse and violence by targeting the major social and psychological factors that support the initiation of substance use and other risky behaviors. Responding to this RFI: Organizations responding to this RFI must be: 1) Registered and validated in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), 2.) Listed in the NREPP. RFI responses must include: •Name of primary point of contact for the response •Organization's title •Email address •Phone •Identification of other key individuals who collaborated on the RFI response •A brief description of your program (500 word limit) •List the goals/objectives of your program (500 word limit) •Explain the target population & age group (500 word limit) •Give information or research designating the program as one with promising outcomes (5 page limit) •A brief summary (500 word limit) description of previous relevant experience in Drug Demand Reduction educational programs RFI Questions: NGB-Counterdrug is requesting responses to the following questions: 1.Would your organization be interested in presenting your Drug Demand Reduction educational program during an Industry Day? 2.Please explain your organizations current impact nationwide. Organization must not factor in current National Guard finding of implementation numbers. a.How many youth are participating in your program yearly? b.Which and how many educational institutions have implemented your program ? c.In which states or territories has your program been implemented? d.How many community coalitions use your program? 3.Would your organization allow National Guard branding of materials? 4. Would your organization's program be able to adhere to OMB reporting requirements for public data collection? 5. Would your organization support and/or be able to provide a training program for National Guard members to teach your curriculum? 6.Does your program address bullying? 7.Is your program listed in the NREPP? Include the following topics in an Appendix to your RFI response with as much detail as reasonably possible: •Mission Statement •Organizational Chart •Accreditation or other relevant credentials •Geographic areas which program is being implemented Please note that RFI responses including the Appendix must not exceed 25 pages in length. Use single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font. Responses should be submitted in electronic file format. Authorized file formats include: Adobe Acrobat (.pdf), Microsoft Word (.doc) and Microsoft Excel (.xls). Although all comments received will be carefully reviewed and considered for inclusion in any possible later action, the initiators of this request make no commitment to include any particular recommendations. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released it will be synopsized in the FedBizOps (www.fbo.gov). It is the responsibility of potential offerors/bidders to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. Response Submission Deadline: Responses to this RFI must be submitted no later than 2:00pm Eastern Standard Time, on December 15, 2010. RFI submissions will be accepted as email attachments only. All responses must be sent to
[email protected] with "DDR RFI Response" in the subject line. Point of Contact for Inquiries and Submissions: Inquiries regarding this RFI may be directed to SMSgt Eddie Buchanan, contract specialist, via email at
[email protected] with "DDR RFI Inquiry" in the subject line. Inquiries must be received within 25 calendar days from the date the RFI is issued. Responses to all inquiries received by this deadline will be posted electronically and made publicly available at the www.fbo.gov website. DISCLAIMER The Government will not disclose the names of those who respond to this RFI nor will they publicly disclose proprietary information obtained as a result of this RFI. To the full extent that it is protected by law and regulations, information identified by a respondent as Proprietary or Confidential will be kept confidential.