A--Research Speech Pathology and Database Development & Mgmt RHJ VAMC, Charleston, South Carolina

Notice of Proposed Contract Action The Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center has proposed a sole-source contract with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Evelyn Trammell Institute Department of Otolaryngology for research speech pathology and database development and management services. These services are necessary for the successful completion of a VA Merit Review Research Award that focuses on both the treatment and management of swallowing impairments for patients with oropharyngeal cancer. The period of performance will be a base year of February 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013, with one (1) option year of February 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014. The contractor will provide qualified personnel to perform the following: identification and scheduling of potential subjects for entry into research protocol; calibration and set-up of equipment for subject screening; initial data analysis; development, management, and data entry into a secured database; preparation of IRB documents and reports; and assistance in the preparation of manuscripts. The contractor will also conduct specialized respiratory swallow-phase training on subjects entered into the treatment arm of the project and utilize reliability training for administering and scoring a standardized method of swallowing assessment.