NINDS Scientific Research Preparatory Summer Course Program   3

Background
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) on behalf of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has a requirement for a Scientific Research Preparatory Summer Course to prepare students from populations traditionally underrepresented in science, such as the American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN), to be competitive applicants for the NIH Summer Intern Program (SIP). NIH seeks colleges, universities and medical schools uniquely situated near AIAN communities and suited to provide a scholarly scientific curriculum and administer the AIAN SIP Prep Program. The Traditional Knowledge component of course cannot be presented by anyone outside the Native community.

Work Details
The Contractor shall conduct a summer internship program. The Base Period summer program shall be based on the NINDS Schedule and Curriculum. The internship participants shall number between 10-15 rising junior AIAN high school students for an introductory to research session (Base Period summer program) and a one day fall activity that shall build off the summer program for the students.
Option Period One (1) shall have a one-day spring of 2025 activity building off the prior summer curriculum and fall activity for the same group of students. The Contractor is expected to develop their own curriculum for the first option period’s summer program which is more advanced and builds off the lessons learned in the Base Period summer program.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance shall include one 12-month Base Period effective at time of award and one 12-month option period. The Base Period shall include a seven (7) week summer program provided with the attached schedule and curriculum. The Base Period shall also include a one-day activity to be held during Fall of 2024 for the same students who participated in the summer program. Option Period One (1) shall include a one-day activity to be held during the Spring of 2025 and an eight (8) week summer program.

Place of Performance
The Contractor must have demonstrated extensive experience providing program support services, working with underserved populations, specifically AIAN populations, and coordinating programs to increase scientific experience. The Contractor must have evidence of an ongoing relationship with the tribal community for whom they shall provide training.