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

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research & Development (ORD), specifically the Enterprise Optimization (EO) Unit, which includes the VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) and the Million Veteran Program (MVP). The RFI seeks information to advance efforts in increasing Veteran participation in clinical research. The VA plans to use this market research to develop a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Community Partners (CPs) such as retail pharmacies, community health centers, academic medical centers, and clinical laboratories.

Potential bidders should note the following:

• Objective: To identify Community Partners (CPs) with the infrastructure and capacity to serve as additional clinical research study sites, particularly in rural areas, to increase Veteran access to research opportunities.
• Scope of Work: CPs would host clinical research study visit sites for CSP and MVP, conducting activities such as participant enrollment, follow-up visits, informed consent, data collection, blood/specimen collection and shipping, and study procedures.
• Prioritization: CPs with infrastructure in rural areas and those whose locations align with the existing CSP Network of Dedicated Enrollment Sites (NODES) will be prioritized.
• MVP Specifics: MVP is interested in expanding blood collection capabilities in rural/remote facilities, requiring CP staff to collect and label blood from consented participants and securely ship specimens.
• Requirements: Community Partner and project staff must be located in the contiguous United States or its territories. Bidders must complete and submit the attached Intake form.
• Response: Submit the Intake form and attachments via email to renee.kale@va.gov.
• Disclaimer: This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to procure. The VA will not pay for submitted information and will not provide feedback on submissions but reserves the right to engage further with respondents.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) form designed to collect feedback on potential partners interested in collaborating with the VA Office of Research & Development (ORD) Enterprise Optimization Division. The collaboration will be facilitated through the VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) and Million Veteran Program (MVP) to enhance Veteran access to clinical research opportunities.

• Contact Information: Fields for the main point of contact (Name, Email, Phone).
• Organization Description: Business Name, Address, Years in Business, Business Size, Department, Company Website, SAM UEI.
• Description of Collaboration: Requires a description of areas of expertise and interest, specifically in:
  • Execution of clinical research in rural settings (all phases).
  • Blood/specimen collection and shipment.
  • Partnerships to engage Veteran patient populations.
  • Partnerships with community stakeholder groups.
  • Attachments (up to 2 pages) of relevant images or publications are permitted.
• Resources: Description of resources the company can provide (max 300 words).
• Location Support: Indicate locations and their support capabilities (all study phases or blood collection only).
• Prior VA Experience: Details on previous or current work with the VA.
• Source of Opportunity Awareness: How the RFI was discovered (SAM.gov, VA Investigator, VA Non-Profit, Other).

This RFI form is crucial for organizations interested in partnering with the VA's research divisions. It outlines the specific information the VA requires to assess potential collaborators. Bidders must accurately complete all sections to express their interest and capabilities, particularly regarding clinical research execution, patient engagement, and resource provision. The acknowledgement section confirms understanding of the RFI's purpose and the government's handling of responses.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the VHA Regional Procurement Office East R&D to gather market research for potentially establishing Collaborative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with Community Partners (CPs). The goal is to increase Veteran access to clinical research opportunities by expanding research study locations beyond traditional VA facilities.

The VA is exploring partnerships with CPs (e.g., retail pharmacies, community health centers, academic medical centers, clinical labs) that have the infrastructure to conduct clinical research study visits. Priority will be given to CPs with infrastructure and capacity in rural areas of the United States.

• Clinical Research Support: CPs should possess necessary infrastructure for clinical research study visits, including dedicated exam rooms, diagnostic tools, and vital sign monitors.

• Research Activities: CPs are expected to facilitate informed consent, data collection, blood/specimen collection and shipping, and other study procedures.

• Geographic Alignment: CP locations should align with the CSP Network of Dedicated Enrollment Sites (NODES) to support coordination.

• Million Veteran Program (MVP) Expansion: Specifically interested in CPs expanding blood collection capabilities in rural/remote areas for MVP, including specimen collection, labeling, and secure shipment.

• Format: Written responses via email only.

• Deadline: April 20, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Point of Contact: Ms. Renee Kale at renee.kale@va.gov.

• Note: Facsimile or telephonic responses will not be accepted.

This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for any information submitted. All expenses associated with responding are the responsibility of the responder.