The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a Special Notice regarding its intent to enter a sole source contract for a subscription to the Agricultural & Environmental Science Database from Clarivate. This database is pivotal for the Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME) Program, which focuses on the health impacts of environmental and occupational exposures on U.S. Veterans. The database will support HOME staff, including researchers and clinicians, with access to a wide range of peer-reviewed journals and literature essential for conducting scientific reviews and policy-making related to Veterans' health care. The intent to sole source falls under FAR guidelines due to the unique qualifications of the ProQuest database.
The contract, no. 36C24525Q0105, will be structured as a firm fixed-price agreement with an anticipated performance period spanning from December 2024 to November 2028, including one base year and three optional years. The VA emphasizes this subscription is necessary for timely research on toxic exposure presumptions and provides an extensive scope of content, which is crucial for evidence-based decision-making regarding Veterans’ benefits and health outcomes. Interested parties can contact Contracting Officer Ethan Mauzy for more information.
The Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Patient Care Services requires a subscription to the Agricultural & Environmental Science Database (ProQuest) for the Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME) program. This comprehensive database offers access to peer-reviewed journals, trade publications, and other scholarly resources relevant to agricultural and environmental sciences. The service aims to enhance the research capabilities of HOME staff, including librarians, researchers, and clinicians involved in military exposure studies.
The scope of work outlines the provision of online access for about 150 HOME staff members, ensuring user-friendly features, and compliance with accessibility standards. Contractors must guarantee information quality, usability, and continuous updates. Additional requirements include 24/7 customer service support, minimal system downtime, and comprehensive usage statistics. Training materials for onsite and remote staff will also be provided. The contract encompasses an initial one-year period, with options for three additional years at the government's discretion, emphasizing the importance of timely and relevant research support for veteran healthcare outcomes.