As state newborn screening programs continue to expand and add complex conditions to their State recommended uniform screening panel (RUSP), there is a need to upgrade data analysis software, learn new methods of parsing data, and use data analytics to streamline manual processes. The Association of Public Laboratories (APHL) has opened this Request for Proposals (RFP) funding support for newborn screening data analytics professional development opportunities to assist NBS programs with fulfilling these goals.

Conflict of Interest

APHL will ask potential reviewers to complete and sign APHL's Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement in order to disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest prior to the start of the evaluation process and to affirm that they have no conflict of interest that would preclude an unbiased and objective review of the proposals received. A copy of the disclosure statement and the related Fiduciary Responsibility and Conflict of Interest Policy can be found in the Official RFP Document. APHL will not select reviewers with a perceived or potential conflict of interest. Once potential reviewers have been identified, APHL's Director, PHPR will have final approval over the review team's composition.

Timeline

Applications are due by February 12, 2021 at 11:59 pm ET. Email the completed application to Guisou.Zarbalian@aphl.org.

January 5, 2021 - Applications are open

February 12, 2021 -  Applications are due by 11:59 ET to APHL

February 13, 2021 - Application review process

February 19, 2021 - Awardees notified

March 26, 2021 - Contracts ratified between APHL and awardees

June 30, 2021  - Data analytics project funded

July 15, 2021 - Progress report due for professional development activities

Eligibility

All U.S. and territorial NBS programs are eligible to apply for this funding and are subject to the requirements to be set forth in a contract between APHL and the funded entity. NBS programs can use funding to enroll staff in data analytic specific courses chosen by the program, to purchase data analysis and visualization software licenses or other professional development opportunities for newborn screening programs to better handle and use data effectively. Only one application needs to be submitted per state.  States may request that APHL directly purchase specific trainings and software if there are significant barriers related to procurement. However, states that can purchase independently of APHL are encouraged to do so. Newborn screening programs will be responsible for sustaining costs of software purchased beyond the funding opportunity timeline. 

RFP Materials

The Official RFP Document will provide detailed information, please read it on its entirety. APHL will post all RFP-related documents, current schedule information, and answers to submitted questions and clarifications on APHL's procurement site, www.aphl.org/rfp.