Shauna Weatherly’s Post

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors for a suicide prevention demonstration project in Massachusetts. What the VA is Looking For: Vendors with expertise in social sciences and humanities research (NAICS Code: 541720). The VA anticipates issuing a solicitation for proposals on or around May 30, 2024. 1.    Scope or Purpose. The “Using Gaming to Increase Social Connection and VA access among Younger Veterans” project is approved and funded by the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP) as a suicide prevention demonstration project. The demonstration project seeks to develop and evaluate a social intervention that utilizes gaming to increase social connection among Veterans. This project promotes social connectedness which is a protective factor against Veteran suicide. Through in-person and online gaming events (10 total, 8 in year 1), an online and in-person community will be created to 1) connect Veterans to one another and 2) enhance their knowledge and access to VA information and resources. Information gathered through this project will help develop guidance to VA and community organizations for sustainable solutions to enhance Veteran connectedness and decrease loneliness and social isolation through gaming. The project requires a vendor who that can provide consulting services, facilitate gaming events, online platform management, content expertise in Veteran gaming culture and event production, and mental health evaluation expertise. Specifically, to assist with developing and evaluation social intervention through gaming to meet Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP) goals. The vendor will develop strategic outreach strategies (e.g., Instagram post) to reach potential stakeholders and promote the gaming events. The vendor will be responsible for coordinating, marketing, and implementation online and in-person gaming events (10 total), and assistance with protocol development, and evaluative (non-research) data collection. The vendor will manage selected venues and lead social intervention and assist in evaluation procedures. Other requirements include successful completion of similar tasks in the past. A vendor who has successfully fostered a community for Veterans with a common interest in video and tabletop games. Moreover, an organization that has facilitated in-person and online gaming events in the Massachusetts area and worked with Veteran serving organizations, VA hospitals, student Veteran organizations, and experience in mental health sectors would best serve the needs of this project.   Respond by May 27, 2024 https://lnkd.in/eKtTTKnS #SourcesSoughtNotice #SmallBiz #GovCon #VOSB #SDVOSB #VetsFirst #VAVetsFirst #SetAside #MarketResearch #RequestForInformation #suicideprevention

To SEIA Team: As a former Chief Of Contracting for two US military branches I have always encouraged women to develop their company with a strong focus on opportunities which targets there services and capabilities in performance. Currently many small businesses that are women owned should definitely focus on the www.sam.gov website as within the next 3 to 4 months you’ll start to see more small set aside contracts that are definitely open for minority owned firms. You'll also see contracts specifically targeting WOSB (Women Owned Small Business) companies. Developing "strategic" team-partners: Also you’ll start to notice a tremendous amount of opportunities, especially when small businesses start to strategically team and align with many of the large defense firms that actually seek small business companies especially when these firms can provide “self performance”, speialuzed technical expertise, and can show immediate response time and show local presence. Congratulations to all of these women in this group and all the best for 2024. SAM.gov | Home #teamseia

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is looking for participants for a short study that will help government technology and websites work better for all communities. Their research hopes to understand how to improve the way we verify people’s identities remotely. This study requires some personal information (such as a picture of your ID, selfie, social security number, etc) and can be completed on your smartphone in roughly 15 minutes. Specifically, the study will test for bias in facial matching technology and other methods used to verify identity so that people can get access to services from their government. If you complete the study and are eligible, you will receive a $25 e-gift card as compensation for your time. You can find more information on how GSA will use and protect your information at https://lnkd.in/g7B2Z_Ws. GSA is committed to combating bias and improving outreach practices, user testing, and user experience for underserved communities in civic tech design. Head to the link below to sign up! https://lnkd.in/g7B2Z_Ws. If you have questions, check out the FAQ section to learn more at https://lnkd.in/gh578-P3.

🔔The recap of the INHOPE Summit 2024 is now available! We are deeply grateful to our remarkable collaborators and speakers, especially our host, Microsoft for their invaluable support in bringing this event to life. This year’s theme, “Knowledge is Power, Reporting is Action,” highlighted the need for proactive solutions and cross-sector collaboration in combatting online child sexual abuse. The discussions emphasised the importance of effective communication, public education, and innovative approaches to safeguard children online. Discover key insights from thought leaders and explore how to get involved in online child safety. Check out the full recap 👉 https://lnkd.in/dDi2YbAP Marie Collins Foundation, Copia Institute, Offlimits, Raven, ECPAT Taiwan, Google, University of Wisconsin-Madison, US Department of Homeland Security, Snap Inc., NAVER Z (ZEPETO), Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Resolver, a Kroll Business, Discord, TikTok, Tech Coalition, TRM Labs, Tether.io, Crystal Intelligence, Binance, Scotiabank, Chainalysis, OSCE, Ofcom

Check out this NIDA challenge “NIDA is launching the “Barriers and Solutions to Building Community Partnership in Deploying Remote Assessments” Challenge to solicit submissions from teams that have built sustained partnerships between all types of researchers and communities. These partnerships can and should be comprised of a diverse group of community members and organizations that can represent the interests, viewpoints, and culture of the study population (e.g., patient advocacy groups and individuals, people with lived and living experience of drug use, community advisory boards, social workers, faith-based leaders, peer navigators or support networks, etc.). Evidence of bidirectional communication with shared decision-making authority across the research enterprise will be of particular interest. It is not necessary that the existing partnerships described focus solely on addiction science, but parallels can and should be drawn to show what partnership approaches might help NIDA in its mission to advance science on drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health. “

VA Seeks SDVOSB Contractor for Renovation at Eugene J. Towbin Memorial Veterans Hospital (Sources Sought) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16, is conducting market research to identify qualified businesses for a renovation project at the Eugene J Towbin VA Hospital Medical Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Original Set-aside: #SDVOSB Project Description: Renovate approximately 16,000 square feet of space on the ground floor for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. The project is divided into two phases, with a 30-day transition period between phases for the VA to move from one area to the other. The size standard for this project is based on NAICS code 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) with a size standard of $39.5 million. Response Requirements: Interested contractors should submit a response by April 17, 2024 https://lnkd.in/e7fk_UUH #construction #AE #Renovation #Building #DesignBuild Society of American Military Engineers #Design #Architect #Engineer #buildingmaintenance #facilitymanagement #facilitiesmaintenance #facilitiesmanagement #SourcesSoughtNotice #SmallBiz #GovCon #VOSB #SDVOSB #VetsFirst #VAVetsFirst #SetAside #MarketResearch #RequestForInformation Arkansas APEX Accelerator

I believe a robust e-governance system could significantly transform our country’s current situation. Relying on platforms like Facebook for information often leads to the spread of misinformation, creating numerous challenges. To address this, we could start by overhauling our government websites. We have an abundance of talented individuals who could drive developments in this sector. Moreover, establishing a comprehensive platform that facilitates active participation, reporting, and support could foster a more transparent and efficient interaction between the government and the public. Implementing such systems would not only reduce misinformation but also enhance the accessibility and reliability of essential information. Let’s leverage technology to build a stronger, more connected community.

March is MS Awareness Month, and as someone living with MS, I believe it's essential to open up conversations about this condition. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is not just a medical diagnosis; it's a part of who I am. It's a chronic disease of the central nervous system, often misunderstood and unpredictable in its impact. But let's talk about more than just the symptoms and challenges. Let's talk about acceptance and appreciation for all aspects of ourselves. I'm passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI+) because I believe that in our entirety, we are all diverse and deserving of inclusion. Every quirk, every intersection, adds to the richness of our identities, and we must create spaces where everyone feels valued and safe. This month, I invite you to learn more about MS and join me in embracing all parts of who we are. Here are some resources to get started: https://lnkd.in/eKrpT_Vk https://msfocus.org/ And if you're interested in exploring how to bring Ability Inclusivity and Allyship coaching and training to your organization, I'm here to chat. Book a time with me: https://lnkd.in/gkGW8Kyr Let's keep the conversation going. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding world. #MSAwarenessMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #EmbraceAllOfYou

Is there someone here that works for Sam.gov? As non-us organizations, our grantees have faced several challenges getting their UEI/ registration. In some cases, renewing has been a pain too. Now, we have this case in which they lost their access to sam.gov due to the authentication methods and they need to renew ther registration. They have submitted several letters and the required documentation to request to change the authentication method so they can access their account. We have called and followed their instructions but nothing has been solved. We have done our best to help the organization but nothing has worked. Sam.gov requests things that doesnt apply to our country and despite we have explained, all the requests have been rejected. Since the UEI is linked to the NCAGE, creating a new registration is not an option. Any ideas or suggestions? Someone that has faced something similar?

Sustainable, not just venture-backable: This is a contract to be a 5-yr, $90M+ regional anchor (leader) for the NSF Convergence Accelerator, a program that encourages flexibility in the mechanism of innovation translation to solve big societal problems. The first regional anchor solicitation is due Aug 29 for the midwest states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. A few specifics: - anchors are likely to be non-profits or for-profits, not universities - 75% of research funding to be spent in region - you'll need an UEI from sam.gov as an organization to apply Solicitation here: https://lnkd.in/ep9ENvfi