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Tender for drafting Final Report on the results of the study “Risk and protection factors for substance use among young people: a comparative study of early school leavers and school attendees

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Tender Brief

Risk and protection factors for substance use among young people: a comparative study of early school leavers and school attendees

Background

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) was established in July 2000 to advise the Irish Government in relation to the prevalence, prevention, treatment/rehabilitation and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland, based on its analysis of research findings and information.     The mandate of the NACD was renewed by Government in June when it agreed proposals for a new National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. Further information can be obtained from the NACD website www.nacd.ie.  

Commission

The NACD wishes to engage an external researcher to draft a Report on the results of a large national study “Risk and protection factors for substance use among young people: a comparative study of early school leavers and school attendees”.  The researcher will also be expected to bring up to date a draft Literature Review for the study which was largely completed in September 2008.  The fieldwork component of the study was completed earlier this year. The current phase of the study involves the analysis of the data collected in the fieldwork phase of the project.

After the publication of the Final Report, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to publish articles arising from the research in recognised scientific journals subject to the terms and conditions governing the use of reports and data set out in the standard NACD contract which is available on the NACD website.

Background Information

Under Action 98 of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008, the NACD is requested to carry out studies on drug use amongst at risk groups in our communities and in this instance has commissioned research on young people.

This study is intended to examine how the key social contexts of an adolescent’s life affect problem drug use among early school leavers and those routinely attending school.   The study examines the role of risk and protective factors in young people’s alcohol and drug use.      Firstly, the study assesses the degree of risk factors featuring in young people’s lives in their community, family and peer relations.   The second step is to examine and identify the resources of two types of education settings:

• those catering for young people who are routinely attending mainstream education; and
• those catering for young people who have left school and for whom an alternative education path is provided.

The study will also consider how protective factors provide ‘resilience’ such that some children exposed to multiple risk factors nevertheless avoid negative outcomes.

This study is grounded in rigorous research from a variety of disciplines and in the recognition of a community-wide approach to tackling drug problems.   Where other methods have had limited success, this study uses the most advanced research methods and data analysis techniques.   It is the largest multi-level, Government funded study examining young people’s alcohol/drug use within the community context.

Research Question

The following Research Question guided the Study:

How do the key social contexts of an adolescent’s life affect the substance use among early school leavers and do these differ for young people who are attending school?   

In order to answer this research question the study had to address the following main objectives:

• To describe the substance use behaviours/attitudes of young people;
• To describe the perceived control and support structures featuring in their lives;
• To examine the relationship between drug use behaviours/attitudes and the control/ support contexts in which young people live.  In doing this specific attention will be given to comparing this relationship between young people who are attending school and young people who have left school early. 

Arising from the above, the NACD wishes to identify gaps in how priorities are currently managed and resourced and make recommendations to Government.

Fieldwork Phase

The fieldwork component of the study was completed earlier this year. This involved face-to-face interviews with a group of young people drawn from selected schools or Youthreach centres. These participants were interviewed on a range of matters relating to their personal and social environments including specific information on all drug types including alcohol, tobacco, prescribed medicines and illicit drugs.  In addition, a survey was undertaken of school principals and centre co-ordinators. The survey covered 3 areas:  the school or centre’s encounters with drug/alcohol use among students; drug/alcohol policies, drug prevention education and school resources. A total of 991 young people were interviewed in the target 15-18 age group.

Data Statistical Analyses 

The data collected in the survey phase of the project is currently being analysed.   A Topline Report based on the analysis is being prepared which will compare young people’s substance use (a) between being an early school leaver and still being in school; (b) between different school contexts and (c) between different non-school contexts.   A detailed technical report is also being provided which will give a step by step account of the approach and method.  It is anticipated that approximately 100 tables will be produced and will fall into two categories: Descriptive tables and Regression tables. These reports are due to be submitted to the NACD by the end of August 2009 and will be made available to the successful tenderer.

The Brief

The NACD wishes to commission a researcher to draft a Report setting out the results of the Study.  In order to meet the Study objectives, the Report will need to address the following areas:

• describe the context for the Study having regard to and updating where appropriate the draft literature review (Horgan J and Kenny E (2008) A multi-level study of substance abuse among young children: A literature Review, report/information document prepared for the National Advisory Committee on Drugs -  this report will be made available to successful tenderers) as well as  relevant data sources as appropriate;
• address the methodology and approach to the study;
• set out the results of the study in line with the main objectives of the study;
• present data in an easy to read  format;
• discuss  the main findings having regard to the literature review; 
• set out the key implications for policy makers.

Requirements:

Tenderers must submit a written proposal detailing the following:

• Methodology to be employed to writing up the report and how their particular approach will ensure that the main objectives of the Study are achieved;
• Project management and capacity to undertake the work to the proposed timetable;
• Track record of the researcher including experience in conducting and analysing similar research and in using both quantitative and qualitative research methods;
• Data analysis skills and familiarity with statistical packages such as SPSS.

Researchers interested in tendering for this contract should meet the following minimum requirements:

• hold a research-based higher qualification, preferably,  at PhD level;
• have a publication track record including peer reviewed journal articles.

Duration of Project

The successful tenderer will be expected to be in a position to commence work no later than Monday, 28th September 2009.  The first draft report will be expected four weeks from the award of the contract.  The final report will be due eight weeks from the date of the award.   A liaison schedule will be agreed as part of the contract. 

Evaluation of the submissions will be based on the following criteria

Research methodology

Understanding of the project
Understanding of the work involved
Feasibility of the approach suggested

Project management

Ability to deliver key outputs on time
Clarity in description of milestones
Qualifications and capacity of personnel
Track Record

Value for Money

A full and detailed breakdown of fees and costs (excluding VAT) is required. Tenderers should indicate the estimated number of person/days for completing the work.  The NACD reserves the right to reject any or all of the proposals submitted and will not be obliged to accept the lowest or any tender.

Data Protection and Intellectual Property

Researchers/contractors must comply with data protection legislation.  The successful bidder will be expected to demonstrate steps they will take to protect and store the data from corruption, infiltration and technical damage.  The Intellectual Property issues are dealt with in the sample contract which is on the NACD website.  Submission of a tender proposal will be taken as acceptance of these terms.

Financial details

The researcher must set out a description and justification for the costs of implementing this brief.   A separate complete financial report for the project on completion will also be required before final payment is made. 

Freedom of Information Declaration

A Freedom of Information Declaration must be completed and returned with the tender. This is available to download from the NACD website.

Closing date for submissions

Six  copies of your proposal together with a signed Freedom of Information Declaration (form attached) and an up-to-date Tax Clearance Certificate should be sent to the NACD offices and include a short CV of those leading and managing this study no later than:
 
5.00 pm Monday,  7 September 2009

Please note that proposals will not be accepted via email.

Please mark your envelope ESL Tender.

The Secretary
NACD
1st Floor
 Dún Aimhirgín
43-49 Mespil Road
Dublin 4
 Ireland

Tel: 00 353 1  647 3245/647 3246
Fax 00 353 1  647 3150

The NACD is in the process of moving office and the above phone numbers will be
in use from 27th July 2009 onwards.

Email: info@nacd.ie; Web: www.nacd.ie

Queries relating to this tender will only be accepted by the NACD in writing or by email.

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