As reported in an April “Federal Telemedicine News” article, HRSA is very interested in developing a model infant audiology diagnostic protocol using telemedicine particularly in rural areas. This is vital because diagnostic audiology needs to occur between the ages of one to three months. However, only half of the infants are generally evaluated due to the shortage of pediatric audiologists and equipment. It has been found that an infant with a significant hearing impairment who receives intervention by six months will perform significantly better in language development that the infant who is identified after six months of age.
HRSA published a Sources Sought Announcement that was due April 21st. This announcement has been followed by a pre-solicitation announcement (08-N240-6009-dm) posted on May 21, 2008. The response date for the pre-solicitation announcement is July 07, 2008.
The full solicitation will be issued on or about June 5, 2008 and will be available at www.fbo.gov under HHS. The purpose of the contract will be to develop a diagnostic and management protocol for using telemedicine to deliver hearing services in rural and underserved areas and to assist with the implementation of the protocol among selected grantees.
The primary point of contact for the program is Daniel Matusiewicz at dmatusiewicz@hrsa.gov or call (301) 443-4703.
