Newborn Screening Systems Quality Improvement Projects

​APHL and the Newborn Screening Technical assistance and Evaluation Program (NewSTEPs) is seeking up to 30 newborn screening programs to participate in a continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiative. The Newborn Screening Systems Quality Improvement Project provides tailored support to successful applicants allowing for a customized/collaborative approach to quality improvement and is guided by the following goals:

1. Assess needs and engage state newborn screening programs for participation in a multidisciplinary collaborative network focused on newborn screening quality improvement projects.

2. Coordinate and facilitate quality improvement projects and data-driven outcome assessments, utilizing evidence-based quality improvement methodologies within each participating state newborn screening program.

3. Create a model for replication, sharing and sustainability of continuous newborn screening quality improvement projects.

The Newborn Screening Systems Quality Improvement Project builds on the combined success of previous Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) funded Cooperative Agreements for NewSTEPs, NewSTEPs 360 and the NewSTEPs Timeliness Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (CoIIN). These programs are a collaboration between APHL and the Colorado School of Public Health (including partners from the Center for Public Health Innovation) and activities remain driven by active partnerships with state and territorial NBS programs, pediatric sub-specialists, and stakeholders from MCHB, HRSA funded programs, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

RFP Process Overview

• June 3, 2019          –   RFP Issued

• June 11, 2019        –   Technical Assistance Webinar at 4:00 pm ET

• July 1, 2019            –   Letter of intent due by 11:59 pm ET to APHL (see the Letter of Intent section below)

• August 5, 2019      –   RFP responses due by 11:59 pm ET to APHL

• August 23, 2019    –   Awardees notified

• Sept. 23, 2019       –   Contracts ratified between APHL and awardees

PLEASE NOTE: Funding begins September 23, 2019. However, the drafting and ratification of contracts may take longer than planned depending on the newborn screening program. Any modification to this anticipated schedule will be communicated on APHL's procurement website (www.aphl.org/rfp) and via an email blast to the newborn screening programs and the public health laboratories.

Technical Assistance Webinar Resources

• Presentation
• Transcript
• Recording

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include all US and territorial states including newborn screening programs and stakeholders who:

• Have identified a quality improvement project of interest.

• Submit a letter of intent demonstrating support from institutional leadership by July 1, 2019.

Letter of Intent

APHL requires that prospective applicants submit a brief email statement by July 1, 2019 indicating a firm intent to submit a proposal by no later than the RFP Due Date (August 5, 2019). Although a letter of intent is not binding, and does not enter into the review of the RFP, the information that it contains allows APHL to estimate the potential review workload and plan the contract development and review process. Potential applicants must include the name of the organization or individual that will submit the proposal in their email as well as demonstrate support from institutional leadership. Applicants who do not submit a Letter of Intent will not be considered.

The prospective applicants should email a statement reflecting the intent to apply to chenelle.norman@aphl.org with the subject line, "Letter of Intent: NewSTEPs Quality Improvement Project." APHL must receive this information by 11:59 pm ET on July 1, 2019.

Materials

The Official RFP Document will provide detailed information in regards to this request, please read it on its entirety. You may also download the fillable Appendices PDF and review past funded proposals. Feel free to contact Chenelle Norman at Chenelle.Norman@aphl.org with any questions.

Questions and Answers