The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) -   10

Background: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a research study initiated by the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study aims to investigate the correlates, predictors, and progression of subclinical cardiovascular disease in a diverse population-based sample of men and women aged 45-84 who had no evidence of clinical CVD at baseline. The study was conducted from 2000-2002 and recruited 6,814 participants from six field centers across the United States. The ethnic composition of the cohort was 38% Caucasian, 28% African American, 22% Hispanic, and 12% Chinese.

Details: The Field Center for MESA is responsible for various tasks and services including:

1. Perform activities related to contract transition from the previous contractor
2. Comply with NIH single Institutional Review Board requirements
3. Maintain security and confidentiality of all data
4. Conduct biannual follow-up contacts of MESA participants
5. Investigate participants' self-reported clinical events by collecting supporting medical records
6. Perform administrative, operational, and technical duties to support study implementation and collaboration
7. Provide materials for and attend meetings of an NHLBI-appointed Observational Study Monitoring Board (OSMB)
8. Implement quality control and quality assurance programs
9. Identify new research opportunities and scientific directions in MESA
10. Participate in MESA Exam 8 preparation activities and conduct a re-examination of MESA participants if necessary
11. Participate in MESA Exam 9 preparation activities and conduct a re-examination of MESA participants if necessary
12. Prepare and submit technical reports, financial invoices, and Contract Burn-rate tracking sheet as required by NIH
13. Perform activities related to contract transition or closeout
14. Work cooperatively with all study investigators and staff, the NHLBI Project Office, and any subcontractors and consultants
15. Provide research training experiences via NIH Diversity Supplements awarded to the contract

Period of Performance: The period of performance for this contract is ten (10) years, with an approximate award date of December 19, 2024.