Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program Phase I

Request for Proposals

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The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is accepting proposals for Small Business Innovative Research Program, Phase I.

Solicitation Number AHRQ-00-0006; 100-percent Small Business Set Aside under Sic Code 7379-Offers are solicited from small business concerns only.

Proposal Due: August 21, 2000, 3:00 P.M., local prevailing time

Contracting Office: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Division of Contracts Management, 2101 East Jefferson Street, Suite 601, Rockville, MD 20852; fax (301) 443-7523.

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The synopsis for this requirement was published in the Commerce Business Daily on July 3, 2000. The solicitation was issued on 19 July 2000. Full text can be downloaded from the AHRQ Web site. Select to access Downloading Information. Printed copies are also available by writing to the above address. No telephone requests for the RFP will be accepted.

It is anticipated that 5-7 contracts will be awarded for the Phase I period. It is anticipated that award of this contract will take place in September 2000.

The solicitation invites proposals in the following topic area:

• Developing Tools to Enhance Quality and Patient Safety Through Informatics.

The application of information technology (such as computerized decision-support systems, computerized physician order entry, integrated information systems, and electronic medical records) to health care represents an opportunity to:

• Improve quality of care.
• Enhance patient safety.
• Prevent errors across the full spectrum of care, in various settings and in transition across settings.

For example, the use of information technology applications in primary care practice, such as the remote monitoring of patient conditions and electronically secure exchange of patient health data can enhance access to care, ensure safety, and improve health care quality.

The Agency seeks Phase I SBIR proposals that have the capability to:

• Develop tools for home and remote monitoring of patients (e.g., laboratory and physiologic monitoring).
• Develop open source applications that allow patients to share medical records with their health care providers.
• Develop information technology and Internet-based tools that enhance patient-provider connectivity.
• Develop hand-held device applications for patients and providers.
• Develop information technology and decision support tools that enhance patient self-care, patient safety, and management of chronic conditions.

In Phase I, the contractor will determine factors important in the development of these tools and devices. Offerors should propose an approach or combination of approaches for identifying these factors. Some approaches include focus groups, literature reviews, secondary data analysis, and other techniques appropriate for Phase I contracts. The contractor will develop prototype tools and devices, such as technologies that link patients with their health care providers and their health care systems, and computer-based and Internet-based tools.

In Phase II the offeror should expand the prototype to include all key areas identified in Phase I. Beta testing is to be completed. The final product should be adaptable to a variety of health care settings, conditions, and for diverse populations.

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Downloading Information

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• Small Business Innovative Research Program, Phase I: Request for Proposals (WordPerfect®, 134 KB; PDF File, 659 KB).

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Current as of July 2000

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Internet Citation:

Small Business Innovative Research Program, Phase I. Request for Proposals. July 2000. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/fund/contarchive/rfp000006.htm