AN11--Request for information - Enterprise Optimization Industry Partnership - Increasing access to Clinical Research

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research & Development (ORD), specifically its Enterprise Optimization (EO) unit encompassing the VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) and the Million Veteran Program (MVP), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI). This RFI seeks to gather information to increase Veteran access to clinical research opportunities by exploring partnerships with Community Partners (CPs) such as retail pharmacies, community health centers, and academic medical centers. The collected information will inform the development of a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). The CSP aims to establish community-based locations as additional clinical research study sites, particularly prioritizing CPs with infrastructure in rural areas that align with the CSP Network of Dedicated Enrollment Sites (NODES). The MVP seeks to expand blood collection capabilities to rural and remote areas. The collaboration will involve CPs serving as study visit sites for enrollment, follow-up, informed consent, data and specimen collection, and shipping. Responding CPs must be located in the contiguous United States or its territories and complete an Intake form. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government.

The VA Office of Research & Development (ORD) Enterprise Optimization Division is seeking information from potential partners to enhance Veteran access to clinical research. The Request for Information (RFI) focuses on collaboration with the VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) and Million Veteran Program (MVP). Respondents are asked to provide contact and organizational details, describe their expertise in executing clinical research in rural settings, blood/specimen collection, and establishing partnerships with Veteran and community stakeholder groups. The RFI also requests information on resources, locations for study support, prior VA experience, and how they learned about the opportunity. Submissions are for informational and planning purposes only, with no commitment from the government, and all information will be treated as confidential.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Procurement Office East is seeking information through an RFI to expand Veteran access to clinical research. The VA aims to form Collaborative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with Community Partners (CPs) like retail pharmacies, community health centers, and academic medical centers. These CPs will establish additional clinical research study locations, especially in rural areas, to support VA's Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) and Million Veteran Program (MVP). The initiative seeks to leverage CP infrastructure for clinical research visits, data collection, and blood specimen collection for the MVP, aligning with CSP's Network of Dedicated Enrollment Sites (NODES). This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a solicitation for offers. Responses are due by April 20, 2026.