[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 81 (Wednesday, April 27, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25020-25023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08908]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality


Challenge Competition: Announcement of AHRQ Challenge on 
Innovative Solutions to Update or Re-Create TeamSTEPPS Videos

AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is 
seeking to announce a challenge competition to modernize 
TeamSTEPPS[supreg] video content; the videos are an integral part of 
AHRQ's TeamSTEPPS training program. TeamSTEPPS is an evidence-based set 
of tools aimed at improving patient outcomes by improving communication 
and teamwork among the members of healthcare teams. This challenge 
competition will be completed in two phases, with cash prizes awarded 
at the end of Phase 2.

DATES: Phase 1 Submission Deadline on June 20, 2022 and Phase 2 
Submission Deadline on October 31, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Submit your responses electronically via: https://www.ahrq.gov/challenges/teamstepps-video/index.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monika Haugstetter, Health Scientist 
Administrator, Email: [email protected], Telephone: 301-
427-1515.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Problem Statement

    The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is announcing a 
challenge competition to modernize TeamSTEPPS[supreg] video content; 
the videos are an integral part of AHRQ's TeamSTEPPS training program. 
The statutory authority for this challenge competition is Section 105 
of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010. TeamSTEPPS is an 
evidence-based set of tools aimed at improving patient outcomes by 
improving communication and teamwork among the members of healthcare 
teams.
    Communication gaps among healthcare professionals are linked to 
poor patient safety outcomes. Conversely, effective teamwork, 
collaboration, and active communication are considered essential to 
safer healthcare. Strengthening teamwork and communication among 
healthcare personnel is a key initiative within the patient safety 
domain and can transform the culture of safety within healthcare. The 
TeamSTEPPS training program offers a plethora of methods to build team 
skills and improve teamwork in healthcare. The training videos are an 
important tool to demonstrate those methods and how they can be used to 
achieve the best possible outcomes.
    For more than 15 years, the TeamSTEPPS curriculum has been widely 
used by the healthcare industry in various settings (including 
hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and surgery centers). 
Medical and nursing schools routinely teach the TeamSTEPPS curricula as 
part of their core courses, and a variety of healthcare institutions 
and organizations promote TeamSTEPPS principles and techniques in their 
efforts to create skilled and cohesive teams. Several years have passed 
since many of the TeamSTEPPS videos were developed or last revised. In 
a fast-paced environment such as healthcare, this is a substantial 
amount of time. With advancements in health information technology, 
changes in how care is delivered, and an increased emphasis on engaging 
patients and families as members of the healthcare team, many of the 
current TeamSTEPPS videos need to be updated to align more closely with 
current clinical practice, standards of care, and improved methods of 
adult training and education.

Challenge Goal

    Healthcare has evolved and advanced since the original TeamSTEPPS 
videos were created, and many of the current TeamSTEPPS videos no 
longer meet current healthcare setting needs. AHRQ plans to replace 
their content to capture the innovations and practices observed in the 
healthcare landscape today.
    This AHRQ Challenge seeks innovators to update the current 
TeamSTEPPS videos to provide improved TeamSTEPPS tools for 
communication and collaboration among healthcare team members.
    All existing TeamSTEPPS videos currently on the AHRQ website may be 
considered for updating.
    This Challenge consists of two phases:
    Phase 1: Elicit written proposals on innovatively modernizing 
current TeamSTEPPS videos in an equitable, culturally sensitive, and 
health literate manner (e.g., including diverse patients and providers, 
choice of clinical topics that affect diverse populations, modeling 
plain language). Each proposal is to be written in the form of a 
narrative story or a plan that briefly provides details about how to 
update an applicable TeamSTEPPS video topic, including video style, 
type of graphics, use of live or animated actors and/or narrator, and 
music, and plans for audience testing.
    An organization may choose to update between 1 and 3 TeamSTEPPS 
video topics, submitting a separate proposal for each one. Each 
proposal will be considered and evaluated on its own merit. 
Organizations may wish to consider the following while deciding on 
which video(s) to select for refreshing: 1. The organization deems a 
video or videos to be of most urgency to update and 2. the organization 
has experience in that particular area. A total of 10 proposals will be 
selected as winners for Phase 1.
    Phase 2: Organizations selected as winners in Phase 1 will be 
invited to produce a replacement for the existing TeamSTEPPS video 
identified in their proposal. Examples of products to consider that may 
replace a TeamSTEPPS video include animation videos, motion graphics 
videos, whiteboard videos, live action videos,

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live action screencast, or video showcases. This is not an exhaustive 
list; innovative ideas of how to apply TeamSTEPPS training strategies 
appropriate for a healthcare environment are encouraged. Each video 
shall be up to 5 minutes in length. Each video shall be accompanied by 
a short debrief guide--a series of prompts to the learners who watch 
the video--in written format to support learners in adopting new 
practices. The debrief guide may include, for example, questions about 
how the learner would have handled the situation, how the learner would 
use the TeamSTEPPS tool featured in the video, and similar probing 
questions.

Timeline and Prize Amounts

    AHRQ is hosting this challenge as a two-phase competition. All 
costs associated with both submitting proposals and creating the videos 
will be the responsibility of the Challenge participant. Cash prizes 
will be awarded only after the videos are evaluated and determined 
acceptable at the end of Phase 2.

Timeline

    April 27, 2022--Challenge launch.
    June 20, 2022--Submissions for Phase 1 (written proposals) are due. 
AHRQ will complete the review of the proposals within 6-8 weeks of 
closing the announcement.
    August 2022--AHRQ will announce the Phase 1 winners at the end of 
August 2022. Phase 2 of the Challenge will commence once the Phase 1 
winners are announced and notified by August 31, 2022. The AHRQ team 
will schedule a live, virtual technical assistance webinar with all 
winners of Phase 1 to discuss scope of content, end-product quality, 
accessibility/compliance with Section 508, and address questions that 
the winners may have.
    October 31, 2022--Phase 2 participants will have 60 calendar days 
from notification to create and submit their production(s) as described 
in their proposal(s). The deadline to submit the videos is October 31, 
2022.
    December 2022--The final winners of Phase 2 of the competition will 
be announced in December of 2022.

Prize Amounts

    Only the participants selected as winners of Phase 1 will be 
eligible to enter Phase 2. Phase 1 winners will not be awarded cash 
prizes.
    Winners of Phase 2 will be awarded $10,000 per successful video. Up 
to 10 cash prizes will be awarded.
    Participants in Phase 2 may be disqualified if their submitted 
video deviates from their winning proposal or if the production quality 
does not meet standards per the assessment criteria stated in this 
announcement and the technical assistance standards. In case any Phase 
2 proposals are disqualified, another proposal(s) from Phase 1 may be 
considered; any additional winner(s) will be contacted about submitting 
a video and will be given a new 60-day deadline to do so.

How To Enter the Challenge

    Participants can register by visiting the Challenge.gov website or 
the AHRQ website (https://www.ahrq.gov/challenges/teamstepps-video/index.html). Participants should carefully review Challenge information 
and submission requirements on the website, including the intellectual 
property rules and assessment criteria.

Submission Requirements

Phase 1

    The submitted proposals must be written in US English and submitted 
using the Challenge.gov website or the AHRQ website no later than June 
20, 2022. Participants shall submit no more than three (3) video 
proposals --one proposal to replace one existing TeamSTEPPS video 
topic. No proposal shall describe more than one video. Each proposal 
will be no more than two pages, double spaced, in Calibri font, 11-
point type size, with 1-inch margins. AHRQ encourages participants to 
include with their proposal a link to a short (no longer than 5 
minutes) sample of a previously created video on a site that does not 
require a password. Sample videos do not need to address TeamSTEPPS 
principles; they should demonstrate the submitter's ability to produce 
an acceptable training video that will meet the specifications of this 
Challenge. Include in proposals plans for meeting WCAG 2.0 and Section 
508 compliance standards.

Phase 2

    Video submissions shall be in US English and shall not include any 
branding or endorsements such as logos, wording, title slides, or other 
designs on posters, signs, clothing, equipment, or any other objects 
that can be seen in the video. Participants must secure permission 
releases from each and all individuals who appear in the video; 
location releases for any shooting location that is not controlled by 
the participant; music licenses for any music used in the video; and 
permission releases/licenses to use copyrighted property, if 
applicable. Participants must be prepared to provide AHRQ with these 
releases and licenses if their videos are chosen as winners of the 
Challenge.
    Prior to submission, Challenge participants shall ensure that the 
product(s) include closed-captioning and audio description in 
compliance with WCAG 2.0 and Section 508. The video(s) must be in a 
YouTube format with the proper codecs: MP4 (H.264 or H.265), MOV, AVI, 
WMV with an aspect of 16:9. Participants shall submit their product(s) 
online using the Challenge.gov website or the AHRQ website: https://www.ahrq.gov/challenges/teamstepps-video/index.html.
    Each video is required to be accompanied by a guide that is no 
longer than 250 words. The guide will function as a resource for 
debriefing on the TeamSTEPPS concept or tool demonstrated in the video.

Review Process

    All submissions will be reviewed by at least two individuals who 
will score them based on the assessment criteria and provide a brief 
comment about the submission.
    The scores/comments on Phase 1 and Phase 2 submissions will be 
compiled, and a ranked summary provided to AHRQ staff. AHRQ will select 
winners based on quantitative and qualitative assessments.

Evaluation Criteria for Selecting Winning Applications

Assessment Criteria for Phase 1 TeamSTEPPS Video Proposal

    Compliance (pass/fail)--Does the Phase 1 proposal adequately 
address required compliance standards (WCAG 2.0 and Section 508)?
    Overall Approach (40 pts)--Does the proposal sufficiently describe 
why a particular TeamSTEPPS video has been chosen for updating? Does 
the proposal clearly, concisely, and adequately describe the approach 
chosen to update the TeamSTEPPS video? Does the proposal describe how 
the new video would be effective in augmenting the TeamSTEPPS program 
to train healthcare team members on communication and collaboration, 
and does it describe how the video will address equity, cultural 
sensitivity and health literacy? Does the proposal include a sample of 
past video work completed by the Challenge participants? Does the 
proposal include conducting audience testing?
    Impact (20 pts)--Does the proposal tell a compelling and impactful 
story to

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demonstrate how the new production would be aligned with the current 
healthcare landscape to fully support the TeamSTEPPS training program?
    Innovation and Creativity (25 pts)--Does the proposal include 
innovative and appropriate methods for adult learning? Does the 
proposal use creative ways to update the existing TeamSTEPPS videos? 
Does the proposal include new insight and approaches to broadening 
diversity in TeamSTEPPS?
    Healthcare needs (15 pts)--Does the approach clearly address 
healthcare needs, current issues, approaches to improve patient safety 
(e.g., patient family engagement), changes in HIPAA laws and healthcare 
settings, and/or emerging trends (e.g., artificial intelligence in 
healthcare, telemedicine)?

Assessment Criteria for Phase 2 TeamSTEPPS Video Product

    Compliance (pass/fail)--Does the completed Phase 2 video meet the 
compliance standards?
    Approach (30 pts)--Does the production clearly follow the approach 
in the proposal? Is the message consistent with the proposal? Does the 
production clearly communicate the content/theme? Is it focused on the 
topic and organized? Is it captivating and edifying?
    Content (30 pts)--Is it appropriate for healthcare? Does it address 
diversity, equity, and inclusion? Is it tailored to diverse audiences 
from cultural, technological, and healthcare setting perspectives?
    Creativity (20 pts)--How creatively does the new product convey the 
message? Is it innovative? Is it well designed?
    Quality (20 pts)--How is the quality of the production? Is the 
lighting, sound, editing, and contrast appropriate? Is the dialogue 
clear and easy to understand? Is it visually appealing and effective? 
Is the captioning accurate?

Eligibility Rules for Participating in the Challenge

    To be eligible under this Challenge, an individual (whether 
participating singly or in a group) or entity:
    1. Shall have registered (Challenge.gov) to participate in the 
Challenge.
    2. Shall have complied with the rules set forth in this 
announcement for participation in this Challenge.
    3. Shall be incorporated and maintain a primary place of business 
in the United States (in the case of a private entity), and in the case 
of an individual, whether participating singly or in a group, shall be 
a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
    4. May not be a Federal entity or Federal employee acting within 
the scope of their employment. (All Federal employees should consult 
with their agency Ethics Official to determine whether the federal 
ethics rules will limit or prohibit the acceptance of a prize).
    5. May not be an employee of AHRQ or any other company, 
organization, or individual involved with the design, production, 
execution, judging, or distribution of the Challenge, or their 
immediate family (spouse, parents and step-parents, siblings and step-
siblings, and children and step-children), or household members (people 
who share the same residence at least 3 months out of the year).
    6. May not use Federal funds from a grant to develop Challenge 
applications unless consistent with the purpose of the grant award.
    7. May not use Federal funds from a contract to develop Challenge 
applications or to fund efforts in support of a Challenge submission.
    8. Shall not be deemed ineligible because the individual or entity 
used Federal facilities or consulted with Federal employees during a 
competition if the facilities and employees are made equitably 
available to all individuals and entities participating in the 
competition.
    9. Shall not be required to purchase liability insurance as a 
condition of participation in this competition.

Additional Rules of Participation

    By participating in this Challenge, each individual (whether 
participating singly or in a group) or entity:
    1. Agrees to follow all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, 
regulations, and policies.
    2. Agrees to comply with all terms and conditions of participation 
in this Challenge.
    3. Agrees that the submission will not use HHS or AHRQ logos or 
official seals, except as required by AHRQ. Videos submitted in 
response to this announcement must contain AHRQ/HHS branding as 
provided by AHRQ during the technical assistance session. 
Notwithstanding this authorized use of AHRQ/HHS branding, participants 
will not claim endorsement by AHRQ/HHS.
    4. Videos must not contain branding of submitting organization, 
group, or individual. This includes logos, wording, or other designs on 
posters, signs, clothing, equipment, or any other objects that can be 
seen in the video.
    5. Understands that all materials submitted to AHRQ as part of a 
submission become AHRQ records. Any confidential commercial or 
financial information contained in a submission must be clearly 
designated as such at the time of submission.
    6. Submitters of winning videos may announce their status and may 
link to the final video posted on the AHRQ website, as well as share 
promotional materials and social media posts created by AHRQ/HHS about 
the competition and winning videos; however, except as a link to AHRQ, 
winners may not post the final video, or any draft version or any 
portion of the video, on their own website or through social media 
platforms.
    7. Agrees that the submission must not infringe upon copyright or 
any other rights of any third party.
    8. Agrees to assume any and all risks and waive claims against the 
Federal Government and its related entities, except in the case of 
willful misconduct, for any injury, death, damage, or loss of property, 
revenue, or profits, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, 
arising from participation in this prize contest, whether the injury, 
death, damage, or loss arises through negligence or otherwise.
    9. Agrees to indemnify the Federal Government against third-party 
claims for damages arising from or related to Challenge activities.
    10. Phase 2 video submitters understand that circulation of winning 
videos could be worldwide, and that the Federal Government will not 
compensate the submitters for this use; winners shall receive a one-
time cash prize as set forth in this announcement.
    11. Understands that AHRQ reserves the right to cancel, suspend, 
and/or modify this prize contest, or any part of it, for any reason, at 
AHRQ's sole discretion. AHRQ also reserves the right not to award any 
prizes if no entries are deemed worthy.
    12. Understands that AHRQ will not select a winner that is named on 
the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS).

Intellectual Property (IP) Rights

    To be eligible to win this Challenge, a submission must meet the 
following requirements:
    1. Each participant retains title and full ownership in and to 
their submission. Participants expressly reserve all intellectual 
property rights not expressly granted.
    2. By participating in the Challenge, each participant (whether 
participating singly or in a group) acknowledges that he or she is the 
sole author or owner of, or has a right to use, any copyrightable works 
that the submission comprises, that the works are wholly original with

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the participant (or is an improved version of an existing work that the 
participant has sufficient rights to use and improve), and that the 
submission does not infringe any copyright or any other rights of any 
third party of which participant is aware. In addition, each 
participant (whether participating singly or in a group) grants to the 
U.S. Government a paid-up, nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable 
worldwide license in perpetuity and the right to reproduce, publish, 
post, link to, share, display publicly (on the web or elsewhere) and 
prepare derivative works, including the right to authorize others to do 
so on behalf of the U.S. Government.
    3. Each participant must clearly delineate any intellectual 
property and/or confidential commercial information contained in a 
submission that the participant wishes to protect as proprietary data, 
in accordance with Additional Rules of Participation No. 5.
    4. If the submission includes any third-party works (such as third-
party content or open-source code), the participant must be able to 
provide, upon request, documentation of all appropriate licenses and 
releases for use of such third-party works. If the participant cannot 
provide documentation of all required licenses and releases, AHRQ 
reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify the 
submission.

Marquita Cullom,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 2022-08908 Filed 4-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-90-P