The New York State Department of Health on April 7th released RFP “Communicable Disease and Infection Control Surveillance and Investigation”. All suspected or confirmed communicable disease cases, outbreaks, or unusual diseases are required to be reported to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
Hospitals and nursing homes are also required to report facility-acquired communicable disease outbreaks or increases in diseases. In addition, any unusual disease that could possibly be caused by a transmissible infectious agent or microbial toxin is required to be reported.
Since NYSDOH is responsible for identifying and responding to disease outbreaks, the department needs the expertise to detect unusual events, investigate the events, contain possible threats, assure that appropriate medical care follow-up is done, and provide for appropriate laboratory ton an ongoing basis.
In addition, the NYSDOH provides advice on communicable diseases to Local Health Departments (LHD), hospitals, long term care facilities, physicians, schools, state agencies, and the public along with providing communicable disease education and training to LHDs and other healthcare staff.
NYSDOH in releasing the RFP seeks two qualified contractors who have the ability to assist in conducting enhanced communicable disease surveillance and also do disease investigations in the healthcare and community setting.
Specifically, the contracts will be awarded to:
• Investigate and file required reports available from healthcare settings
• Ensure that surveillance and disease reporting activities are consistent and comply with state rules and regulations
• Provide NYSDOH regional offices and LHDs with technical assistance in investigations
• Analyze disease trends by monitoring and evaluating the data
• Develop action plans to address and contain disease outbreaks
The NYSDOH will accept proposals from healthcare review organizations, health care organizations, business groups and councils, or any other potential private review organization
Eligible bidders must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in surveillance and communicable, epidemiological and/or infectious disease reviews, or investigation experience in healthcare and community settings. Must be licensed to do business in New York State and must demonstrate an understanding of New York State Communicable Disease laws, rules, and regulations.
Proposals are due May 21, 2010. Contracts will be awarded for a maximum of five years with an anticipated contract period from August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2015 subject to the NYSDPH’s need for services, the availability of funds approval by the Office of the State Comptroller, and acceptable performance by the contractor.
For more information, go to www.health.state.ny.us/funding/#rfp or email Cindi Dubner at clk01@ehealth.state.ny.us.
