The purpose of this solicitation is to procure services for the data collection component of the BRFSS, other telephone samples. In 1989, the Pennsylvania Department of Health began participating in the BRFSS. The BRFSS is a cooperative surveillance system established by the CDC to obtain data on the major modifiable risk factors that contribute to the leading causes of death. All states now participate in the BRFSS in accordance with guidelines and policies established by the CDC. The collection of accurate, timely BRFSS data, in both English and Spanish, is critical to the surveillance requirements of both state and national goals. The BRFSS currently provides program planning data for the Department's Diabetes Control, Tobacco Control, Cancer Control, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Health Risk Reduction, Arthritis, Oral Health, Injury, Family Health, and other public health programs, including drug and alcohol. BRFSS data are used to identify population groups that have elevated health risks, consequently targeting these population groups for prevention and risk reduction programs. BRFSS data are also used to monitor progress in meeting national Healthy People 2030 health objectives. The BRFSS is the only statewide ongoing data system which provides data on critical health promotion and disease prevention practices such as adult use of tobacco, cancer screening practices, and dietary risks. The BRFSS consists of a random digit dialed telephone interview survey that is conducted monthly resulting in a probabilistic sample of adults aged 18 and older. Once a household is reached, the respondent to be interviewed is selected randomly from a list of all persons aged 18 and older residing in the household.
