The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry input on support services for its Compliance Assurance Program Office (CAPO) Human Research Protections Group (HRPG). The RFI focuses on understanding optimal approaches for oversight, compliance reviews, and monitoring human subjects' research funded or conducted by DHS. The DHS aims to leverage advanced technologies and scientific expertise while ensuring compliance with federal regulations concerning human research protections.
Key objectives include gathering insights on staffing resources with HRP expertise, assessing the proposed HRPG organizational structure, and evaluating potential costing models. The document outlines necessary technical expertise in federal guidelines, electronic research management, and educational tool development, emphasizing that contractors must possess relevant HRP experience. Additionally, it addresses staffing requirements and security clearance levels necessary for personnel working with sensitive research data.
Responses must be submitted via email by January 7, 2024, and will aid DHS in planning potential solicitations for future contract opportunities. This RFI reflects the government's strategic approach to ensuring rigorous ethical standards and compliance in human research activities.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate seeks support for its Compliance Assurance Program Office, particularly within the Human Research Protections Group (HRPG). This initiative aims to ensure the protection of human subjects in research conducted by or for DHS, in alignment with federal regulations and ethical standards, including the Belmont Report and the Common Rule. Support services will focus on compliance assessments, policy development, training, and program management over a potential five-year period.
The contractor is responsible for various tasks including program management, compliance monitoring, training, and outreach efforts to maintain awareness of best practices and regulatory compliance. The personnel required must have specific qualifications related to human subject protections and must adhere to stringent security protocols, including obtaining appropriate security clearances.
The proposal envisions high-quality outputs with minimal oversight and stipulates the contractor's obligation for continuous compliance monitoring and reporting to the federal management. The overarching goal is to enhance the integrity of DHS-sponsored research activities, making sure they align with both ethical standards and legal requirements.