HHS CDC - Contract Support for EASO Unit - MRAS

On behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the General Services Administration (GSA) is conducting market research to identify potential contractors capable of supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) proposed Executive Advisory, Science, and Operations Unit (EASO). This unit is positioned within the Office of Chief of Staff and aims to provide strategic oversight and expert guidance across various scientific and operational initiatives. The overarching goal is to ensure the integrity, quality, and alignment of special projects, programs, and executive committees under CDC's Immediate Office of the Director.

The work being requested involves providing specialized scientific and public health consultation services. The contractor will be tasked with delivering expert analysis, strategic advice, and technical support tailored to meet the needs of the EASO unit. Key activities will include facilitating team meetings, participating in relevant program leadership meetings, providing ad-hoc consultations on critical issues, reviewing summary processes, and selecting key documents. Additionally, contractors will be expected to develop solutions that address identified gaps or challenges while offering guidance for scientific, policy, and economic analyses. They will also assist in identifying new or emerging approaches that advance CDC's mission.

The scope of work requires an independent organization to provide comprehensive consultant support services with expertise specific to each project undertaken by EASO. This includes expertise in public health science and research, science communication, scientific program regulations, systems processes or program strategy planning. Contractors are responsible for managing consultant agreements while ensuring all qualifications are reviewed by a CDC Subject Matter Expert. Services provided must remain non-personal without involving inherently governmental functions.

Specific tasks outlined include conducting rapid reviews of scientific publications such as Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR) intended for peer-reviewed journals or Director Briefings related to preparedness activities. These reviews may require immediate action with short turnaround times depending on complexity; they often involve multiple iterations before finalization. Furthermore, technical assistance is needed for cross-agency opportunities aimed at improving strategic effectiveness within priority areas through convening meetings or coaching teams on potential solutions based upon rigorous science-policy-economic evaluations.