J-1_-_Performance_Work_Statement.docx

Remote Sensing and Geospatial Technology Support Services Performance Work Statement 08 February 2018

1. Introduction

The USDA Forest Service Geospatial Technology & Applications Center (GTAC) has a continuing requirement for Remote Sensing and Geospatial Technology Support Services (RSGTSS). GTAC is a detached unit of Washington Office Engineering, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a component of the Forest Service Geospatial Management Office (GMO). This national technical center provides remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and other geospatial support and services to all levels of the USDA Forest Service (FS).

The RSGTSS contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract to provide professional support services. This contract provides unique business functions to GTAC such as national service center coordination, technology evaluation, training, remote sensing helpdesk support, operational support, GIS application, analysis and geospatial data and product delivery using the FS enterprise geospatial software. Individual projects may vary in scope, complexity and length, and address critical resource management problems. The level of effort may change from year-to-year based on government funding levels and program priorities. The contractor must respond to workload changes, unanticipated workload surges or decreases in agency ordering, and/or multiple reprioritizations of workload. The services described herein are non-personal in accordance with FAR Part 37 and are not inherently governmental.

GTAC coordinates with FS field units and other entities throughout the agency to identify and investigate emerging remote sensing and GIS technologies and methods and determine feasibility for implementation of technologies and methods within the agency. GTAC also conducts technology demonstration projects which provide a strategic approach to determining cost-effective and scientifically-sound methods for addressing resource management information requirements. These efforts directly influence the agency and improve the quality, accessibility, and gathering of natural resource data for management applications and more efficiently integrate promising technology into FS business.

GTAC manages the National Geospatial Training and Awareness Program to deliver GIS and remote sensing related training. The center develops and delivers up-to-date geospatial training courses to support the FS and Bureau of Land Management geospatial users. Training content emphasizes enterprise and other geospatial software solutions, platforms, workflows, and techniques. In addition, GTAC provides level 2 and 3 helpdesk services to all units of the Forest Service through the FS Customer Help Desk (CHD) and personal communication concerning applications of remotely sensed imagery and geospatial technology. Helpdesk and consultation services extend across all levels of the agency involving enterprise remote sensing geospatial software installation, licensing, image processing, raster data modeling, and other applications of remotely sensed imagery and geospatial technology.

GTAC provides operational analysis of imagery, generation of resource mapping and assessment products, and delivery of technical support to FS and interagency partners with targeted management responsibilities and information needs. Current remote sensing program support examples with minimal latency requirements include provision of necessary technical support to facilitate the National Infrared Operations Program (NIROPS) that provides national airborne tactical fire detection and mapping products for; incident support, comprehensive near real-time satellite imagery and active fire detection, monitoring geospatial products derived from high temporal synoptic imagery provided by the Active Fire Mapping Program, timely provision of post-fire imagery, change detection products and analysis derivatives to FS Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams, and agency resource managers to support rehabilitation and restoration treatment planning and reforestation needs in fire-affected areas.

GTAC supports agency programs focused on developing and maintaining resource information that characterizes existing conditions and monitors changes to those conditions through time. For example, GTAC provides services to FS units and the agency at large by generating mid-level and national-scale existing vegetation mapping products, and contributes to the development of vegetation mapping standards and related technical guidance documentation. GTAC leverages its on-site satellite imagery acquisition system and custom image analysis techniques to maintain continual detection and monitoring of biotic and abiotic disturbances occurring in the nation’s ~700 million acres of forest lands, and provides operational geospatial disturbance products to agency end users.

GTAC operates and maintains significant information technology and data center resources that support both agency and interagency partners. For example, the GTAC data server and computing facility houses over 100 Windows and Linux servers with a storage capacity greater than a petabyte. Satellite data is acquired and processed operationally to support fire management and other GTAC support programs. GTAC also supports the implementation of enterprise image processing and geospatial solutions in coordination with the FS Chief Information Officer (CIO). Using corporate geospatial software, GTAC develops, publishes, and maintains web services to support enterprise delivery of imagery and thematic data across FS and partner agency networks at all organizational levels. Implementation and management of enterprise services facilitates the agency goals of efficient, secure, and reliable data warehousing, provisioning, and processing capabilities that directly support business requirements. Additionally, GTAC provides support for web-based applications development for numerous remote sensing/geospatial related projects. Current websites and associated activities include providing operational support to a variety of ongoing FS programs through development and maintenance of websites and web-based mapping and geospatial-related applications.

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Geospatial Technology Evaluation

The contractor shall investigate emerging geospatial technologies and/or methods, conduct demonstration projects, and determine the feasibility for implementation in the agency. Emerging geospatial technologies may include satellite and airborne remote sensing systems, photogrammetry, GIS (including mobile), Global Positioning System (GPS), database management, hardware, software, and other storage/analytical/delivery systems. The contractor shall deliver evaluation projects that demonstrate technology or processes that improve the quality, accessibility, collecting, managing and analysis of natural resource data for land management applications. Specific technology evaluation examples include applications of lidar data, interactive pen-display hardware, image segmentation software, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for data collection.

2.2. Geospatial Training

The contractor shall provide the development and delivery of geospatial training to the agency and partners. Geospatial training services consist of: 1) conducting requirements analyses to identify skill and knowledge gaps; 2) researching new technologies and methods applicable in the field; 3) providing up-to-date training manuals, exercises, and presentation materials; 4) delivery of training using different mediums (in person and virtual); and 5) maintenance of website on the FS Geospatial Training website.

2.3. Helpdesk Support

The contractor shall provide level 2 and 3 helpdesk support such as advanced remote sensing and GIS end-user support for installation, licensing and use of enterprise geospatial software and technologies (e.g., ERDAS Imagine, Trimble eCognition, Esri ArcGIS, Summit Evolution, and FUSION) and other software and technology support to FS field units and regional offices. The contractor shall develop and document workflows and best practices implemented through methods such as knowledge management documents, interpersonal communication, and training materials.

2.4. Sample Design and Accuracy Assessment

The contractor shall provide expert-level consultation and practitioner-level implementation to determine appropriate sampling design, acquire validation data via fieldwork (e.g. reference datasets, etc.), and applying statistical analysis techniques and methods. This work also includes designing and conducting accuracy assessments to quantify uncertainties in derived geospatial products - both thematic (e.g., vegetation classifications) and continuous (e.g., suitability models).

2.5. Resource Inventory, Mapping, and Monitoring

The contractor shall provide operational analysis of imagery and other data to generate resource information products that characterize existing conditions and monitor changes over time. Inventory applications may use high- and/or moderate-resolution imagery to estimate and quantify resource conditions and/or analyze trends over time. Mapping products range from fine to coarse scale mapping using established and new remote sensing techniques (e.g. data mining and feature extraction, bi- temporal change detection, time series/trend analysis, etc.) and integrate current remote sensing data sources (e.g. digital and analog aerial imagery, multispectral satellite imagery, lidar, radar derivatives, etc.). Examples of applications include existing land cover type mapping, fuels mapping, soils/ecological unit mapping, detection and characterization of fire and disturbance activity, and hydrographic feature mapping.

2.6. Geospatial Programming

The contractor shall use enterprise software applications, geospatial cloud computing services, and related geospatial/statistical analysis software packages to facilitate automated data processing, analysis, information extraction, and more efficient product generation.

2.7. Information Technology (IT) Management

The contractor shall administer, manage, and maintain Information Technology (IT) infrastructure to support remote sensing and geospatial analysis in both a data center and personal computing environment. Specific examples include Windows desktop and notebook PCs for approximately 100 staff members, Windows and Linux data processing servers, Windows network attached storage servers (>900TB capacity), 2.4 meter X-band antenna and ground station for receiving and processing satellite direct readout data, onsite and remote web production server environments for hosting GTAC websites and disseminating data and services, enterprise geospatial software license server management (e.g. ERDAS Imagine, Trimble eCognition, ArcGIS, etc.), and coordinating with the agency and department CIO to address planning and implementation of GTAC data center operations and related IT activities. Additional activities include compilation of large volumes of raster and imagery data sources that are managed and published as enterprise services consumed by agency and external agency end users.

2.8. International Projects Support

The contractor shall provide technical support to FS International Programs Office by assisting developing nations via consultation, building capacity (e.g. training), and supporting various projects using remote sensing and GIS applications for resource management and monitoring initiatives. This work frequently includes travel and on-site support at international locations.

2.9. Project Management

The contractor shall provide services and consultation to many different Forest Service units from the Washington Office to field offices, such as districts. The contractor shall use generally-accepted project management techniques (e.g., waterfall, agile) to manage projects as appropriate. Major deliverables from this contract will be completed projects, geospatial data, training modules and training/awareness delivered to field units. Reports summarizing these projects and activities, and training/awareness materials will be written for groups with different levels of understanding of geospatial technologies. Primary recipients of technology will be forest resource managers, and similar groups, with very little knowledge of technologies. Therefore, special attention is required in preparation and presentation of information, especially delivery of training at the proper level. The purpose of reports and other communications will be to summarize the resource problem, describe the methods developed or recommended for operational use, provide price information, and in general inform others about applications of geospatial technologies.

Performance of each project may include the following:

1. Preparation of a Project Plan – such a plan shall be developed in collaboration with project partners, and shall include a clear and concise objective, a list of tasks, schedule to accomplish these tasks, anticipated results and deliverable products, price breakdown, quality assurance procedures, list of reports and/or publications, and technology transfer.

2. Performance of specific project tasks, which may include gathering background information, coordination with project partners, collection of data, analysis, project documentation, delivery dates, etc.

3. Preparation of final project report(s), training materials, briefing papers and presentation materials, posters and other items necessary to disseminate the information.

4. Technology transfer, which includes a variety of activities such as on-site support, training and workshops at various field offices and at GTAC, and meetings with various groups in the Forest Service and other organizations, and related activities.

2.10. Program Management

2.10.1. General Responsibilities

2.10.1.1. All work under this contract will be ordered via task order for specific projects. Site-specific work ordering documents (e.g. PWS, Statement of Work, Statement of Objectives, etc.) will be specified for each task order. Each task order will include a summary of the deliverables and delivery schedule. The contractor shall provide information for planning purposes, rough order of magnitudes, and technical and price proposals as necessary to support the award of individual task orders. The contractor shall propose the most appropriate and cost-effective procedures and methodologies using accepted engineering practices and controls.

2.10.1.2. The contractor shall furnish all necessary and appropriate personnel, facilities, materials, and services needed for, or incidental to, performing and completing work in accordance with the requirements of this PWS.

2.10.1.3. The contractor shall ensure personnel have the appropriate tools, hardware, and network access to perform all required duties.

2.10.1.4. The contractor shall manage the timeliness, completeness, and quality of performance. The contractor shall provide corrective actions plans as necessary, timely identification of issues, and effective management of subcontractors.

2.10.1.5. The contractor shall maintain a Training and Certification program (i.e. initial and refresher training and training curriculum, certifications, and/or licenses to perform duties) for each functional area as required to satisfy the PWS requirements. The contractor shall maintain copies of training certificates, certifications, and/or licenses and provide them to the designated government representative upon request. The contractor shall bear the cost of their Training and Certification program.

2.10.1.6. At the completion of a task order, the contractor shall perform all necessary project close-out activities. These activities may include: Closing out any subcontracts; Preserving project records and files as required; Packaging and return of documents or GFP to the Government; Preparation and submittal of completion reports; and providing financial closeout information to the Government.

2.10.1.7. The contractor shall host quarterly Program Management Reviews (PMRs) and address the full spectrum of the program status including schedule, metrics, program cost, integrated support, and quality assurance status. The contractor shall include a discussion on remote sensing and geospatial technology innovations or changes as they relate to or affect GTAC or the FS as a whole. PMRs shall be conducted at GTAC or another mutually agreed upon location.

2.10.2. Quality Control

The contractor shall establish and maintain a comprehensive Quality Control Plan (QCP). At a minimum, this plan will include:

1. A quality program that encourages innovations, efficiencies, and promotes the use of best practices for all functional areas of the contract, including program management.

2. Appropriate metrics and indicators leading to continuous process improvement and enhanced productivity.

3. A detailed description of the quality system procedures, including inspection and testing activities to verify that the specified requirements of the contract are met.

4. A description of any quality control software used. Contractor provided software shall be compatible with Esri geospatial datasets and a working copy shall be provided to the Government, if requested.

5. Procedures for implementing corrective action in response to nonconforming services or deficiencies, including: the effective handling of customer complaints; investigation of the cause of non-conformities; determination of the corrective action; and application of controls to ensure corrective action is taken and that it is effective.

6. Procedures for implementing preventative action, including the uses of appropriate sources of information to detect, analyze and eliminate potential causes of non-conformities; determination of the steps needed to deal with any problems requiring preventative action; initiation of preventative action and controls to ensure that it is effective; and confirmation that relevant information on actions taken is submitted for management review.

7. Procedures for planning and implementing internal quality audits, as necessary per the nature of any given task order, verify whether quality activities and related results comply with planned arrangements and to determine the effectiveness of the quality system. Quality records shall be maintained to demonstrate conformance to specified requirements and the effective operation of a quality system.

8. Procedures for identifying the training needs and provide for the training of all personnel performing activities affecting quality. Personnel performing specific assigned tasks shall be qualified on the basis of appropriate education, training and/or experience, as required.

The Government will review and approve the contractor’s QCP.

The contractor shall ensure that the QCP is understood, implemented and maintained at all levels in the company organization.

2.10.1. Conflicts of Interest

The contractor shall identify, avoid, mitigate, and track actual or apparent conflicts of interest for the prime, teaming partner(s), subcontractors, and employees under this contract. The contractor shall obtain approval from the ACO prior to making changes to their teaming arrangements or subcontractors during the first year of contract performance and shall coordinate with the ACO any changes to their teaming arrangements or subcontractors following the first year of contract performance. Any actual or perceived conflict of interest shall be immediately disclosed to the ACO, accompanied by the contractor’s Conflict of Interest Mitigation Plan.

2.10.2. Travel

Travel may be required and shall be in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46 and the pricing arrangement utilized on the individual task order. When travel is required, the contractor shall employ the most economical and efficient means of travel, including number of hours for travel. Prior to incurring any travel expense on a cost reimbursable basis, the contractor shall obtain written authorization to travel from the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The contractor shall provide justification for why travel is necessary and include travel dates, origin/destination, personnel traveling, and an estimate of total travel and labor cost, including supporting documentation. Reimbursement claims for expenses must be supported by valid receipts.

2.10.3. Government Furnished Property (GFP)

Contractor-Assigned GFP: The Government will provide GFP to the contractor on a rent-free basis for use of performance on this contract. The contractor shall establish, maintain, and implement a property management and control program in accordance with FAR Part 45. The contractor shall maintain and update a listing of the GFP in their possession and allow the Government access to any GFP reports during the performance of the contract. GFP used in the conduct of this contract is under the control and accountability of the contractor. Contractor personnel are responsible for protecting, preserving, maintaining, and repairing any GFP in their possession according to the contract and their property control procedure. The contractor shall be liable for any and all loss or damage of GFP until transfer of property back to the Government occurs.

The Government will provide the following GFP, as required per task order:

1. Cubicle workspace equipped with a standard desk, chair, filing space, telephone, and FS issued enterprise computer with necessary software to complete tasks.

2. USDA-issued LincPass for access to federal facilities and computer systems.

3. Keycard for authorized building access.

Shared-Use GFP: The Government will provide access to shared-use property for task orders performed at GTAC. This property is shared with government staff and other contractor support personnel.

Shared-use property may include:

1. Equipment such as computer printers, plotters, photographic interpretation equipment (e.g. stereoscopes, light tables, scanners, and photographic printers), multi-media projector, portable computer, photo viewing devices, cameras, GPS units, and related supplies needed to deliver multimedia-supported training and presentations and while conducting field work or field training exercises.

2. Laboratory space.

3. Photo-interpretation equipment, aerial photographs, index maps, hardcopy and/or softcopy of existing maps, satellite remote sensing data, digital elevation models, digital orthophoto quadrangles, digital line graphs, existing field data, and other ancillary data and pertinent information.

4. Standards, specifications, source material, project plans for related projects, and relevant feasibility studies.

5. Specialized hardware including ground station equipment.

6. Internet and intranet access.

7. GIS, image analysis, and other software.

8. Ancillary data and information relevant to performance of project objectives.

9. Vehicle(s).

2.10.4. Operation of Government-Owned Vehicles

Upon availability and in accordance with FSH 7109.19 CH60, Sec 61.23, the Government may provide vehicle(s) for shared-use under the contract/task orders for local and regional travel. This PWS, together with the award document, serves as an authorized agreement for use of a government-owned vehicle by the contractor. The contractor driver(s) shall use government-owned vehicles solely for performance under the contract/task order and only during the identified period of performance. Prior to use of government-owned vehicle(s):

1. The contractor shall evidence to the COR that each vehicle operator has a vehicle operating license that meets state and federal laws.

2. The contractor shall evidence to the COR that each vehicle operator has completed a defensive driver safety course within the last three (3) years.

3. The contractor shall evidence to the COR that each vehicle operator has successfully passed a USFS Driver Operator written test.

4. The contractor shall provide the COR a completed Application for Authorization to Operate Government Vehicles & Equipment.

5. The contractor shall provide proof of liability insurance to the COR and as such the contractor assumes full responsibility and the Government will not assume any responsibility for any maintenance, damage or claims while the vehicle is in care of the contractor.

6. A copy of all required documents shall be maintained by the contractor and provided to the COR upon request.

2.10.5. Security

The Contractor shall ensure compliance with applicable security regulations and operations requirements for facility access and handling of information and materials. FS data and work environment is considered sensitive but unclassified.

The FS is required under the Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 “Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors” to perform a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) for contractor personnel. The NACI is a brief form of background investigation that is conducted through the Office of Personnel Management. This investigation will be conducted for contractor staff assigned to this contract. Contractor staff shall provide two (2) forms of acceptable identification, a current photograph, and be finger-printed. A current and successful clearance is required for a contractor employee to work under this contract.

For tasks dependent on access to the FS Network contract personnel shall be required to have FS network access. Contractors shall follow the “Person Model” process to obtain a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) known as LincPass. Allowance of approximately six (6) weeks should be anticipated for activation of a LincPass.

All contractor personnel shall complete initial and annual security awareness training to maintain their access to FS systems.

Upon termination of employment, the contractor shall take immediate possession of the terminated personnel’s LincPass and close or restrict access to all USDA or FS accounts. The LincPass of terminated or separated personnel shall be returned to the Government within three (3) business days.

The contractor shall bear the cost hiring qualified employees including labor time to perform interviews, the costs of background checks and security clearances, outside recruitment fees, the cost of job advertising, and initial and recurring training, etc.

2.10.6. End of Contract Transition

The contractor shall develop, maintain, and deliver and End of Contract Transition Plan at least 90 calendar days prior to contract ordering period expiration to ensure an orderly transition period and minimize any impact on open task orders and FS programs. At a minimum, this plan shall cover:

1. The contractor’s management plans, processes, and structure to ensure continuation of open task orders and contract support through the end of the transition period.

2. The contractor’s plans and processes to transfer all property, records, data, drawings, plans, etc.

3. The contractor’s plans and processes to transfer responsibilities under the contract.

4. A transition schedule.

The contractor shall allow as many personnel as practicable to remain on the job to enable the successor contractor to maintain the continuity and consistency of the services. The contractor shall disclose necessary personnel records, including key employees’ training, certification, and license status, and allow the successor to conduct interviews with employees. If transfer of personnel occurs, the contractor shall release employees to the successor contractor at a mutually agreeable date.

The contractor shall provide the successor contractor with full access to all non-proprietary data at the end of contract transition period. The contractor shall provide the Government a list of all proprietary data not included in the transition to the successor contractor.

The contractor shall provide the successor contractor access to the work area(s) and all technical documentation/publications on a not-to-interfere with operations basis during the transition period.

2.10.7. Key Personnel

Certain experienced, professional and/or technical personnel are essential for successful accomplishment of the work to be performed under this contract. These are defined as “Key Personnel” and are listed in the following PWS sections. The contractor agrees that such personnel shall not be removed from the contract work or replaced without compliance with the following:

1) If one or more of the key personnel, for any reason, becomes or is expected to become unavailable for work under this contract for a continuous period exceeding 30 work days, or is expected to devote substantially less effort to the work than indicated in the proposal or initially anticipated, the contractor shall promptly replace personnel with personnel of equal ability and qualifications.

2) Changes to key personnel assignments must be provided to the Contracting Officer in writing along with a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the substitution. The request must contain a resume for the substitute evidencing the skill and relevant experience requirements for the position have been met, and any other information requested by the Contracting Officer.

If the Contracting Officer determines that suitable and timely replacement of Key Personnel who have been reassigned, terminated or have otherwise become unavailable for the contract work is not reasonably forthcoming or that the resultant reduction of productive effort would be so substantial as to impair successful completion of the contract, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract or task order for default or for the convenience of the Government, as appropriate, or make an equitable adjustment to the contract to compensate the Government for any resultant delay, loss or damage.

The contractor has the right to remove personnel assigned to perform the tasks hereunder and to substitute other qualified personnel provided that the Contracting Officer is notified of such removal and replacement. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer prior to such change, providing a resume for the substitute evidencing the skill and relevant experience requirements for the position have been met, background check/security clearance information, and any other information requested by the Contracting Officer.

Any removals or replacements (e.g. due to retirement, voluntary separation, etc.) are at the convenience of the contractor and shall be at no additional cost to the Government. Cost to be borne by the contractor include, but are not limited to: travel time, travel costs, and training costs for replacement personnel.

2.10.7.1. Geospatial Principal Investigator

Provide expert level strategic and technical support of a highly specialized nature. The Principal Investigator solves complex technical problems and is responsible for providing technical direction to federal program management staff and program stakeholders in order to define project scope, identify resource requirements, identify strategic risks, and assess project feasibility relative to the mission of GTAC, the Geospatial Management Office, and the Forest Service.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated ability to problem solve at a strategic level, defining set plans to achieve business goals.

· Demonstrated experience providing expert level assistance in developing complex technical proposals and managing geospatial project activities, development of Performance Work Statements in response to a Statement of Objective.

· Applies expertise and knowledge in supervision of project staff for work required by the project including remote sensing data collection, field data collection, image processing and preparation of final deliverables.

· Demonstrated expertise in preparing publications, technical reports, guidelines, strategic-level documents, assessment and recommendations documents, etc.

· Presents research and work results at meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications.

-AND-

· Bachelor’s degree related to geography, GIS, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environmental discipline, including emphasis or coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and sixteen (16) years of relevant work experience.

-OR-

· Graduate degree related to geography, GIS, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environmental discipline, including emphasis or coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and twelve (12) years of relevant work experience.

2.10.7.2. Geospatial Project Manager

Provide expert level project management to document and manage project tasks, coordinate and manage project schedules, identify and manage/mitigate project risks, manage resources required for projects, and coordinate in order to bring assigned projects to completion on time, within cost, and within specifications.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated experience in project management, client maintenance, supervision, and project development of geospatial/remote sensing projects.

· Demonstrated experience in providing assistance and consultation on assessing requirements, developing Performance Work Statements, identifying constraints, estimating effort level, coordinating contract resources including staffing, and reporting accomplishments.

· Demonstrated experience in assessing priorities, balancing workloads, and allocating staff resources effectively.

· Demonstrated expertise in preparing publications, technical reports, technology transfer and geospatial training materials for technology evaluation and development projects.

· Experience in communicating and coordinating effectively with a variety of agency stakeholders and partners.

· Demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and model in enterprise geospatial software applications (e.g., ERDAS Imagine and Esri ArcGIS).

· Demonstrated experience working with disparate sources of airborne/satellite imagery types to assess, map, monitor, and inventory natural resources.

-AND-

· Bachelor’s degree related to geography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environment / natural resource discipline with substantive coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and eight (8) years relevant work experience.

-OR-

· Graduate degree related to geography, GIS, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environmental discipline, including emphasis or coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and four (4) years of relevant work experience.

2.10.7.3. Geospatial Programmer II

Provide expert level computer programming support for the development of customized geospatial software applications. Performs workflow development, scripting, programming, and development services using commercial and/or open source remote sensing/geospatial software and common programming/scripting languages to support process automation and geospatial application development.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated experience in creating scripts (e.g., Python, ERDAS SML and EML, R, Windows batch, JavaScript, etc.) for automated processing and analysis/modeling of geospatial data, including remote sensing datasets.

· Demonstrated expertise in preparing technical reports, technology transfer and geospatial training materials for technology evaluation, development, and production/operational projects.

· Demonstrated experience working with standard and disparate sources of airborne/satellite imagery types to assess, map, monitor, and inventory natural resources.

· Demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and model in enterprise geospatial software applications (e.g., ERDAS Imagine and Esri ArcGIS) as well as open source software packages.

-AND-

· Bachelor’s degree related to computer science, geography, GIS, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environment / natural resource discipline with substantive coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and four (4) years of work experience in geospatial analysis and programming.

-OR-

· Graduate degree related to computer science, geography, GIS, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environment / natural resource discipline with substantive coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and three (3) years of work experience in geospatial analysis and programming.

2.10.7.4. Geospatial Programmer I

Provide computer programming support for the development of customized geospatial software applications. Performs workflow development, scripting, programming, and development services using commercial and/or open source remote sensing/geospatial software and common programming/scripting languages to support process automation and geospatial application development.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated experience in creating scripts (e.g., Python, ERDAS SML and EML, R, Windows batch, JavaScript, etc.) for automated processing and analysis/modeling of geospatial data, including remote sensing datasets.

· Demonstrated experience in preparing technical reports, technology transfer and geospatial training materials for technology evaluation, development, and production/operational projects.

· Demonstrated experience working with standard and disparate sources of airborne/satellite imagery types to assess, map, monitor, and inventory natural resources.

· Demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and model in enterprise geospatial software applications (e.g., ERDAS Imagine and Esri ArcGIS) as well as open source software packages.

-AND-

· Bachelor’s degree related to computer science, geography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, or physical/biological/environment/natural resource discipline with substantive coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and two (2) years of relevant work experience.

-OR-

· Graduate degree related to computer science, geography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, or physical/biological/environment/natural resource discipline with substantive coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and one (1) year of relevant work experience.

2.10.7.5. Geospatial Analyst IV

Provides expertise to plan, coordinate, and execute geospatial data collection and processing in support of research and operational applications. Leads the application of remote sensing/geospatial technologies to address natural resource applications including change detection, monitoring, extraction and classification of information from imagery using supervised/unsupervised image classification, data mining and feature extraction technologies, accuracy assessment procedures, and identifying and applying novel approaches to geospatial analysis and modeling.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated expert level knowledge and experience in the use of common commercial and open source image processing and GIS software such as ERDAS, ENVI, Esri, and eCognition.

· Demonstrated expertise in preparing technical reports, technology transfer and geospatial training materials for technology evaluation and development projects.

· Demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and model in enterprise geospatial software applications.

· Demonstrated project management experience.

-AND-

· Master’s degree related to geography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environment / natural resource discipline with substantive coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and eight (8) years relevant work experience.

-OR-

· PhD degree related to geography, GIS, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environmental discipline, including emphasis or coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and three (3) years of relevant work experience.

2.10.7.6. Geospatial Analyst III

Apply remote sensing/geospatial technologies to address natural resource applications including change detection, monitoring, extraction and classification of information from imagery using supervised/unsupervised image classification, data mining and feature extraction technologies, accuracy assessment procedures, and identifying and applying novel approaches to geospatial analysis and modeling. Develop, manage and analyze remote sensing and geospatial data sets, including unique and disparate data and information, to support resource management projects. Evaluate new remote sensing and associated technologies (including new sensors/platforms, software technologies, data processing and analysis methods, data mining, geospatial modeling, etc.) and assess their feasibility for integration into FS business functions.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated expert level knowledge, experience, and abilities to process, analyze, and model geospatial data in commercial and open source image processing and GIS software including ERDAS, Esri, and eCognition.

· Demonstrated expertise in preparing technical reports, technology transfer and geospatial training materials for technology evaluation and development projects.

· Demonstrated experience performing data modeling on corporate and disparate natural resource data.

-AND-

· Bachelor’s degree related to geography, GIS, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environment / natural resource discipline with substantive coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and seven (7) years of relevant work experience.

-OR-

· Graduate degree related to geography, GIS, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environment / natural resource discipline with substantive coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and three (3) years of relevant work experience.

2.10.7.7. Geospatial Analyst II

Utilize remote sensing/geospatial technologies to provide support for natural resource applications including basic image interpretation, photographic interpretation and analysis, routine data processing and management, map plot composition and production, and documentation, including report assembly and distribution.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and model in geospatial software (e.g., ERDAS Imagine and Esri ArcGIS).

· Demonstrated ability to learn new geospatial software, such as Photoscan, eCognition, Google Earth Engine, ENVI, and Fusion.

· Experience in earth sciences and knowledge of airborne/satellite imagery.

· Bachelor’s degree, professional certification, or relevant coursework in geography, GIS, or remote sensing, and three (3) years relevant work experience.

2.10.7.8. Geospatial Analyst I

Utilize remote sensing/geospatial technologies to provide technician level support for natural resource applications including basic image interpretation, photographic interpretation and analysis, routine data processing and management, map plot composition and production, and documentation, including report assembly and distribution.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and model data in geospatial software (e.g., ERDAS Imagine and Esri ArcGIS).

· Experience in earth sciences and knowledge of airborne/satellite imagery.

· Bachelor’s degree, professional certification, or relevant coursework in geography, GIS, or remote sensing.

2.10.7.9. Geospatial IT Systems Administrator

Provide expert level support and oversight for IT systems including desktop, server, and network administration. Provide expert level consultation on IT systems architecture with specific emphasis on geospatial technology function and performance. Serve as a point of contact with IT systems managers in the FS CIO and USDA OCIO to coordinate implementation and management of enterprise systems and infrastructure. Provide expert level support and management of on-site information security technology and protocols. Serve as a lead consultant on IT systems to federal program management staff in GTAC and the GMO. Coordinate with FS and USDA CIO organizations and agency technology users to evaluate and implement enterprise remote sensing technology including remote sensing software acquisition and distribution (both standard and customized), hardware evaluation and general IT system administration. Expert knowledge is required in system support/administration for Linux servers (e.g., CentOS, Redhat, Debian), system support/administration for Windows servers and numerous desktop/laptop workstations (Windows Server 2008/2012, Windows 7, etc.), and support of IT infrastructure operations.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Minimum of two (2) years relevant work experience in project management, client maintenance, and IT system development.

· Demonstrated experience managing specialized geospatial data acquisition, management, and distribution systems (e.g. conduct near real time satellite antenna/ground station operations, maintain nationwide high resolution digital photography archives, serve lidar data products, etc.).

· Demonstrated expertise in managing IT systems that facilitate operational geospatial data processing and dissemination.

· Demonstrated expertise in preparing performance testing results, technical reports, and other publications.

· Demonstrated experience in managing enterprise geospatial software (e.g. ERDAS, Esri, eCognition, etc.).

· Demonstrated experience at implementing and managing data provisioning applications (e.g., ERDAS Apollo, ArcGIS Server, Data Doors, etc.).

· Experience achieving computer system objectives by gathering pertinent data, identifying and evaluating options, and recommending a course of action.

· Experience in managing IT systems that support enterprise-scale geospatial operations is preferred.

-AND-

· Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline, and eight (8) years relevant work experience managing high capacity computing and storage environment (e.g. Linux and Windows).

-OR-

· Graduate degree in Computer Science or related discipline and four (4) years relevant work experience managing high capacity computing and storage environment (e.g. Linux and Windows).

2.10.7.10. Geospatial IT Systems Specialist

Provide support for IT systems management including desktop, server and network administration. Provide system support and administration of Linux servers (e.g. CentOS, Redhat, Debian), system support/administration for Windows servers and numerous desktop/laptop workstations (Windows Server 2008/2012, Windows 7/10, etc.), and IT infrastructure operations.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated experience installing, configuring, administering and maintaining file and application servers, databases, as well as computer equipment and software applications.

· Demonstrated experience at implementing and maintaining data provisioning applications (includes expertise in relevant scripting and programming languages).

· Demonstrated experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues and rapidly identify and implement solutions.

· Demonstrated experience achieving IT objectives by gathering pertinent data, identifying and evaluating options, and recommending courses of action.

· Demonstrated experience assessing existing IT systems, analyzing potential risks, and implementing strategies to enhance computing capacity and performance.

· Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline and three (3) years of relevant experience administering IT systems in a high capacity computing and storage environment (e.g. Linux and Windows).

2.10.7.11. Geospatial IT Systems Technician

Provide technician level support for IT systems management including desktop, server and network administration. System support and administration of numerous desktop/laptop workstations.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Demonstrated knowledge of the latest operating systems, network protocols and security standards.

· Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with numerous desktop/laptop workstations (Windows 7, Windows 10, etc.).

· Demonstrated experience in installing and maintaining computer hardware (e.g. desktops, laptops, servers, network storage devices, etc.) and enterprise geospatial software (e.g. ERDAS, Esri, eCognition, etc.).

· Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining geospatial applications/services and associated data products.

· Bachelor’s degree or certification in IT, plus two (2) years relevant work experience.

2.10.7.12. Web / Applications Developer II

Provide expert-level support for and supervision of the design, development, and delivery of web or stand-alone applications relating to the implementation of geospatial technology for natural resource management. Products include web sites, web map viewers, non‐spatial web applications, and complex spatially-enabled interactive websites.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

· Proven experience as application developer

· Experience designing and building applications

· In-depth knowledge of programming for diverse operating systems and platforms using development tools

· Ability to manage projects through the full development lifecycle

· Strong skills in HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and JSON, and Java or .Net development

· Experience with front‐end Javascript libraries

· Development experience building RESTful web services and APIs

· Experience with PostgreSQL / PostGIS, or other relevant SQL

· Knowledge of geospatial data formats, geographic coordinate systems, GDAL, and Esri APIs for webmap development

· Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline with six (6) years relevant work experience.

2.10.7.13. Web / Applications Developer I

Provide support for the design, development, and delivery of web or stand-alone applications relating to the implementation of geospatial technology for natural…