Addressing Institutional Child Abuse

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Mission Acquisition Solutions (OMAS) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine pursuant to FAR 6.302-5, Authorized or Required by Statute, 41 U.S.C. § 3304(a)(5), and 36 U.S.C. § 150303. This announcement constitutes only a notice; quotations are not being requested, and separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Requirement Under 36 U.S.C. § 150303, upon request of the United States Government, the National Academy of Sciences shall investigate, examine, experiment, and report upon subjects of science or art, with the actual expenses of such activities paid by the Government.

The contemplated contract requires NAS to conduct a comprehensive study of youth residential programs—including therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, boot camps, group homes, and other congregate care settings serving youth in order to examine the prevalence, causes, and scope of child abuse, neglect, and deaths; identify gaps in oversight and data collection; identify Federal and State funding sources that support youth residential programs and barriers to blending and braiding funding to expand community-based alternatives; and evaluate existing standards of care and regulatory practices.

An initial report will be issued within 3 years, followed by recurring reports every 2 years for a period of 10 years, with findings and recommendations to improve accountability, strengthen safeguards expand community-based alternatives, and promote the health, safety, and well-being of youth in residential care settings. The anticipated period of performance is:

Baseline Study— 36 month period of performance, nonseverable Optional Task 1, study and recommendations, 24 months, nonseverable Optional Task 2, study and recommendations, 24 months, nonseverable Optional Task 3, study and recommendations, 24 months, nonseverable Period of Performance is 108 months including all Optional Tasks. The 10-year statutory authority expires in Sept 2036. Accordingly, the Government intends to solicit NAS for this requirement under the authority of FAR 6.302-5. In accordance with FAR 5.207(c)(16)(i), all responsible sources may submit a proposal or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.