ANNEX A. STATEMENT OF WORK Task Authorization (TA) 22 FOR SUB CONTRACT WITH CIMVHR

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1 1. NUMBER TITLE OF TASK AUTHORIZATION 1.1 TA 22 A pilot study to understand how equine-assisted therapy may assist Veterans in living with mental health conditions. 2. VALIDATION OF SCOPE OF CONTRACT 2.1 The following task(s), as written in the SOW of the main contract (W /001/SV) apply to this Task Authorization (TA): a) Literature Reviews - Conduct state-of-the-art reviews of the scientific, policy and governmental documents (literatures); b) Field Studies and Trials - Design and conduct studies and trials 3. ACRONYMS CAF PTSD SA SOW TA VAC Canadian Armed Forces Post-traumatic stress disorder Scientific Authority Statement of Work Task Authorization Veterans Affairs Canada 4. REQUIREMENT 4.1 To design and conduct an 18-month qualitative study to better understand how equine-assisted therapy might assist Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans in living with their mental health conditions. This study will be conducted in two phases, including the development of a Detailed Research Protocol (Phase 1) and conducting a qualitative study (Phase 2). 5. BACKGROUND 5.1 There is growing interest in how horses may be used to assist Veterans in living with a wide range of servicerelated health conditions. There appear to be four main work areas associated with equine-assisted therapy covering a diverse range of practices and delivery methods: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy; Equine-Assisted Learning; Equine-Assisted Physiotherapy; and Therapeutic Riding. To date, despite emotionally-powerful anecdotes, there is very little empirical evidence that speaks to when equine-assisted therapy might be appropriate, how equine-assisted therapy works and whether equine-assisted therapy provides lasting benefit. 5.2 Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has been approached by Veterans and equine organizations asking for coverage to access equine-assisted therapy or to fund research work. In 2014, VAC supported a small study with Can Praxis, an equine-assisted learning organization based in Alberta. While the study showed that Veterans and spouses participating in Can Praxis s programs found benefit, there was little evidence generated regarding efficacy or effect. 5.3 For VAC to consider including any type of therapy as a potential benefit, it requires evidence to support the use of equine-assisted therapy; namely, its efficacy/effectiveness and safety. This project will assist the Department in developing informed policies and programs related to the use of equine-assisted therapy. 5.4 While all areas of equine-assisted therapy have potential applications for CAF Veterans, this project will focus on interventions that are primarily directed to assist Veterans and their families in living with their service-related mental health conditions. ANNEX A: Statement of Work Page 1 of 6

2 6. OBJECTIVE 6.1 The overall goal of this two-phased research project is to better understand how equine-assisted therapy may assist Veterans in managing service-related mental health conditions. The initial phase will provide a literature review, environmental scan of equine-assisted therapy practices, a summary of current certification and/or standards and a detailed research protocol. The work will also consider how the Veteran s participation impacts their family. This is particularly important in that some equine programs are specifically designed for the Veteran and their spouse/significant other. 6.2 The purpose of the qualitative study is to better understand the impacts, effectiveness and safety of equineassisted therapy on the Veteran and their families. The proposal will clearly indicate how the qualitative study will address the Department s requirements presented in this SOW. 7. SCOPE 7.1 The Contractor must develop a Detailed Research Protocol (Phase 1) and conduct a qualitative study (Phase 2) to meet the following objectives: (1) Provide a literature review of current peer-reviewed research on the use of equine therapy to assist Veterans and the broader public with mental health conditions; (2) Provide an environmental scan of mental health-focused equine therapy in Canada and internationally and any relevant certification or standards for organizations or staff working in this field; (3) Identify, in consultation with VAC, equine therapy organizations who will participate in the study; (4) Identify the potential impacts and effectiveness of equine therapy on CAF Veterans with mental health conditions; (5) Identify how Veteran participation in equine therapy programs impacts family members; and (6) Based on the findings, identify areas for consideration by VAC from a policy and program perspective. 7.2 Study participants will consist of released CAF members with a VAC disability award/pension for a psychiatric diagnosis such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression or anxiety. Recruitment will take place with equine-assisted therapy organizations selected by the researchers to participate in the study. VAC will cover program costs for Veterans (and their spouses if applicable) participating in the study. 7.3 The scope of the work includes the following: a. The Contractor must conduct all planning, coordination, execution and implementation necessary to carry out the components of the study, including preparation and submission of ethics protocols, participant recruitment, data collection and analysis. b. The Contractor must ensure they have adequate resources for designing, testing and implementing the study and are staffed for the data collection (including the capacity to conduct interviews with both English and French speaking participants) and analysis. c. In consultation with the SA, the Contractor, will identify the participating equine-assisted therapy organizations and develop a working relationship with these organizations to assist with study design and recruitment. d. In consultation with the SA, the Contractor will identify inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study recognizing that the scope is focused on Veteran mental health. This means that the contractor can choose to focus narrowly on one condition such as PTSD or on mood or anxiety disorders common to CAF Veterans. e. The Contractor must document training methods, standards and professional certifications of the participating equine organizations and staff (from sub-para c above) to assess consistency or diversity in these areas across participating organizations. 8. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS & REFERENCES 8.1 None. ANNEX A: Statement of Work Page 2 of 6

3 9. TASKS TO BE PERFORMED The Contractor must perform the following tasks: Phase 1 Study Planning and Development of a Detailed Research Protocol 9.1 Meet with the SA to discuss and confirm research goals and objectives for the project within one week after the authorization of this TA. 9.2 Submit a project approach and protocol outline to the SA within four week after the authorization of this TA. 9.3 Perform a literature review of current peer-reviewed research on the use of equine therapy to assist Veterans and the broader public with mental health conditions and an environmental scan of mental health-focused equine therapy in Canada and internationally and any relevant certification or standards for organizations or staff working in this field. 9.4 Identify equine-assisted therapy organizations to participate in the study and hold teleconferences between these organizations and VAC to discuss the research protocol and to identify issues related to recruitment during the study within three months of the authorization of this TA. 9.5 Develop a Detailed Research Protocol that describes in comprehensive detail how a qualitative study would be run to meet the objectives and scope of work identified in Sections 6 and 7 of this SOW. The Protocol must include all elements described in deliverable Prepare any required Research Ethics Protocols for submission to their university Ethics Board(s). 9.7 Develop a detailed multi-year budget. 9.8 Identify all required research project staff. Phase 2 - Qualitative Study (Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting) 9.9 Obtain all required ethics approvals Recruit study participants in consultation with the SA, the contacts provided by the SA and the equineassisted therapy organizations participating in the study Complete all data analysis, statistical analysis and tabulation/presentation of results in accordance with standard scientific publishing guidelines Prepare and submit Quarterly Progress Reports, briefing notes and PowerPoint presentations detailing study progress Complete and submit a Draft Study Report and a Final Study Report detailing all data captured during the conduct of the entire study; including an executive summary, background, objectives, methods, results, conclusions and recommendations for future research in this domain. ANNEX A: Statement of Work Page 3 of 6

4 10. DELIVERABLES (DESCRIPTION AND SCHEDULES) The Contractor must create and submit the following deliverables prior to March 2019: Deliverable Number Task reference 9.5, 9.6 and , 9.3, 9.6 and and Description (Quantity and Format) and Schedule Within four weeks after the authorization to begin work, submit a project plan that articulates the approach for the research protocol, confirms project objectives and provides a detailed outline for the layout and contents of the protocol. The document is to be in electronic Word format and in English. Within three months after the authorization to begin work, identify five equine organizations to participate in the study and hold teleconferences between these organizations and VAC to discuss the study, potential methods and recruitment considerations. Within four months after the authorization to begin work, submit a draft Detailed Research Protocol documenting: Clear objectives and research questions; A research team with expertise identified in Section 11 of this SOW; Inclusion criteria; Exclusion criteria (i.e. equine therapy for physical health conditions); Recruitment protocol; A recommended appropriate sample size; Recommended measures to be used to assess potential impact of equine therapy on study participants; Description of methods for data collection and analysis, including the draft interview guide; Description of how and when data will be collected, analyzed and reported to meet the objectives, including participant consent; data collection storage, methods of data analysis; rationale for methodology adopted; anticipated strengths and limitations; and description of deliverable(s); The protocol will specify a qualitative methodology for analyzing the data; Recommended reporting content and frequency; Research Ethics Protocols; Glossary; detailed multi-year budget; and Timelines. The Detailed Research Protocol is to be in electronic Word format and in English. The SA will require no more than 6 business days to provide feedback to the Contractor Within six months after the authorization to begin work, a final Detailed Research Protocol addressing issues and feedback from the SA on the draft and containing all elements identified in deliverable The final Detailed Research Protocol must also include the literature review and environmental scan. The document is to be in electronic Word format and in English. Prior to launching the qualitative study (Phase 2), obtain approval of the Research Ethics Protocols from their University Ethics Board(s). Commencing at the start of Phase 2, Quarterly Progress Reports summarizing all results/findings to date must be submitted to the SA every three months during Phase 2. These may be in the form of briefing notes or PowerPoint presentations. Within 15 months of the commencement of Phase 2, a Draft Study Report that identifies key findings and issues to date to be submitted to the SA.. This report is not meant to include data analysis but is meant to provide VAC with preliminary observations that can be used for potential policy development work. The SA will require no more than 6 business days to provide feedback to the Contractor. ANNEX A: Statement of Work Page 4 of 6

5 Within 18 months of the commencement of Phase 2, complete research work/monitoring of Veterans. Within 21 months of the commencement of Phase 2, a Final Study Report addressing issues and feedback from the SA on the Draft Report must be submitted to the SA. Details of deliverable dates TBD upon authorization to begin work. 11. MANDATORY SELECTION CRITERIA 11.1 The successful team will collectively have the following minimum qualifications: a) one or more senior investigators with an MD or PhD in a relevant discipline; b) experience and knowledge and research in the domain of mental health; and ideally, experience with military and/or Veterans; c) experience and capabilities in conducting qualitative research; and d) expertise and experience in the area of mental health research. 12. LANGUAGE OF WORK 12.1 Documentation and deliverables must be submitted in the English language. 13. LOCATION OF WORK 13.1 The work must be performed on Contractor site. 14. TRAVEL 14.1 No travel is required for Phase 1 of this project. Should travel be required for Phase 2, it must be identified in the detailed Cost Estimate to be provided by the contractor. All travel must have the prior written authorization of the Scientific Authority and the Technical Authority, and must be undertaken in accordance with the National Joint Council Travel Directive and with other provisions of the directive referring to travelers rather than those referring to employees. 15. MEETINGS 15.1 Once selected, the research team will meet with the SA to discuss key experts to be consulted with during the development of the Detailed Research Protocol. The research team will then meet with the agreed-upon list of key experts through appropriate means (teleconference, video conference or in person) In Phase 1, the Contractor will meet via teleconference with the SA at three points: (1) shortly after the authorization of this TA; (2) shortly after the project approach has been submitted to the SA; and (3) shortly after the draft report has been submitted to the SA. As required, the SA supports additional discussions Phase 2 of the project will require several teleconference meetings with the SA to discuss progress of the research. 16. GOVERNMENT SUPPLIED MATERIAL (GSM) 16.1 None ANNEX A: Statement of Work Page 5 of 6

6 17. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE) 17.1 None 18. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS OR CONSTRAINTS 18.1 None 19. SECURITY 19.1 The Contractor will not require access to PROTECTED and/or CLASSIFIED information or asset, nor to restricted access areas. The Contractor must document how the data collected will be secured and ensure that this process is followed at all time (see deliverable 10.3). X Not applicable RELIABILITY STATUS PROTECTED A PROTECTED B 20. NOTIFICATION OF NON-COMPLIANCE OR BREACH OF PRIVACY AND SECURITY 20.1 The Contractor must immediately notify in writing the Scientific Authority and the Contracting Authority of any reason it does not comply with the Privacy and Security provisions of the Contract in any respect. The Contractor must indicate the particulars of the non-compliance and what steps it proposes to take to address, or prevent recurrence of the non-compliance The Contractor must immediately notify the Scientific Authority and the Contracting Authority when it becomes aware of an occurrence of breach of privacy or of the security requirements of the Contract. This includes but is not limited to: a) unauthorized access to or modification of the personal information in its custody b) unauthorized use of the personal information in its custody c) unauthorized disclosure of the personal information in its custody d) A breach of privacy or security with respect to personal information in its custody or with respect to any computer system in its custody and that may be used to access personal information The Contractor must work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to achieve resolution and compliance with Government of Canada privacy and security requirements. 21. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) OWNERSHIP 21.1 The Contractor will own any Foreground IP created by virtue of the main contract (W /001/SV). 22. CONTROLLED GOODS Not applicable 23. BUDGET The Sub Contractor will be paid by CIMVHR as per the terms of Contract # W between Defence Research and Development Canada and CIMVHR. The amount of funding available is allocated by fiscal year (April 1 - March 31 st ) and is approximately $145,000 over the study period. Details TBD upon award. A draft budget will be submitted with the proposal along with a budget justification and a detailed budget will be developed post award in consultation with CIMVHR. Interested parties should request budget documents and information on creating their budget from Jocelyne Halladay. ANNEX A: Statement of Work Page 6 of 6