12FPC119Q0050_Attachment_2_Facilitator_Service_Contract_Statement_of_Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

STATEMENT OF WORK TO PROVIDE

FACILITATOR SERVICES FOR STRIKEFORCE INIATIVE OUTREACH AND

EDUCATION

To

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - NATURAL RESOURCES

CONSERVATION SERVICE, SOUTH CAROLINA

In

SOUTH CAROLINA

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. GENERAL. The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to provide the U.S.

Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with producer and landowner workshops. The purpose of these workshops shall be to introduce Historically Underserved (HU) producers, specifically socially disadvantaged, new and beginning, limited resource, veteran farmers/ranchers and landowners to NRCS programs and services to include NRCS eligibility requirements, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), conservation easements, Conservations Stewardship Program (CSP), area applicable Landscape Conservation Initiatives, and to engage these producers and landowners so they are more knowledgeable and more likely to participate in NRCS programs.

1.2. SCOPE. After coordinating with the NRCS South Carolina State Conservationist, the contractor’s representative shall conduct workshops in South Carolina counties identified as having a significant HU producer, socially disadvantaged, new and beginning, limited resource, veteran farmer/rancher and landowner population. This requirement is for non-personal services that do not require direct supervision of the contractor employees. The contractor shall provide personnel with the appropriate knowledge, skills, abilities and qualifications for the tasks specified. All supporting contractor personnel are required to have experience and a working knowledge of NRCS programs and program eligibility, cost-share, and conservation easements, as well as heir’s property, agricultural marketing and forest management.

1.2.1. WORKSHOPS. The contractor’s representatives shall conduct four (4) two-day workshops consisting of outreach, classroom activities and field activities in South Carolina counties identified as having a significant HU producer, socially disadvantaged, new and beginning, limited resource, veteran farmer/rancher and landowner population. The workshop locations shall be determined by USDA Census of Agriculture data, and/or identified by NRCS South Carolina as having low minority and limited resource producer and landowner participation in NRCS programs.

1.2.2. OUTREACH. Devise a targeted outreach and marketing plan to reach HU farmers/ranchers and landowners who may have no previous knowledge or contact with NRCS.

Design and produce electronic and print promotional material, including flyers, newspaper advertisements, and other promotion products as necessary to promote the workshops.

Disseminate and place flyers, newspaper advertisements, and promotional materials in targeted areas using multiple media and information outlets, such as websites, newspapers, area newsletters, and other sources as needed to promote the workshops. Distribute the workshop

ATTACHMENT 2 Statement of Work Solicitation 12FPC119Q0050 Requirement for Facilitator

Services for the State of South Carolina, USDA NRCS flyers and promotional material throughout the local community, including farm supply and equipment stores, feed stores, libraries, churches, and community buildings. Encourage area media outlets to publish articles about the workshops. Provide flyers and promotional materials to NRCS staff in target areas for distribution to NRCS partners and other sources. The targeted number of attendees at each workshop is a minimum of 25 individuals.

1.2.3. CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES. Classroom activities shall consist of the first part or day one of the two-day workshop. Secure meeting facility, all logistics, equipment, materials, presentation needs, and other items as needed to conduct a professional, well delivered, and comprehensive outreach meeting. Through consultation with NRCS South Carolina staff (predetermined by NRCS) and producers and landowners, develop workshop agenda that encompasses priority programs and services from the NRCS perspective, and also covers the priority needs and services from the producers and landowners perspective. Identify and secure appropriate speakers/presenters. Provide workshop participants with comprehensive NRCS information packets consisting current Farm Bill programs, eligibility requirements, point of contacts for USDA Service Centers, and other NRCS related program information such as pollinators, soil health, conservation practices, and other relevant info as it relates to the workshop agenda. Develop and provide agendas, coordinate with speakers/presenters as necessary, and arrange all other classroom activities accommodations as necessary. Topics should include NRCS programs and program eligibility, cost-share, conservation easements, and other information identified during meetings as outlined in section 2.3. and section 7.1. Moderate classroom activities.

1.2.4. FIELD ACTIVITIES. Field activities shall consist of the second part or day two of the workshop and reinforce materials and information presented during day one of the workshop.

Secure field activities location, all logistics, equipment, materials, and other items as needed to conduct a professional, well delivered, and comprehensive event. Field activities shall consist of either a high tunnel construction demonstration as outlined in section 1.2.4.1. or farm tours as outlined in section 1.2.4.2. and shall be determined based on the area needs using criteria from USDA Census of Agriculture data, and/or identified by NRCS South Carolina.

1.2.4.1. High Tunnel Construction demonstration. If a high tunnel construction demonstration is used, ensure the site is prepared and ready to meet the objectives of the demonstration.

Adequate facilities to include potable water, restrooms, and shelter must be provided. The demonstration shall be conducted using at least a three-person construction crew to build a high tunnel from the ground up that meets NRCS guidelines. Engage producers and landowners in a discussion of planning, construction and use of high tunnels. The contractor shall be responsible for providing all materials and personnel required to conduct the demonstration. Under the supervision of the construction crew, invite participants, if possible, to assist in constructing the high tunnel so they may gain hands on experience. Meet all safety requirements and provide participants with any required safety briefings as necessary. At the conclusion of the demonstration, ensure the site is clean and clear of construction debris, and any trash or material left behind by participants.

1.2.4.2. Farm Tours. If farm tours are used, ensure locations are selected that demonstrate NRCS practices and programs, and the area is prepared and ready to meet the objectives of the tour. Adequate facilities to include potable water, restrooms, and shelter must be provided.

Identify an initial meeting/parking area where the tour will begin and end. Use a tour bus or similar transportation to provide transportation for participants. Provide an agenda consisting of a minimum of three (3) diverse farm sites to participants and a brief description of planned farm

ATTACHMENT 2 Statement of Work stops. Direct the tour bus operator as appropriate to ensure clear directions to each stop. At each farm stop introduce the landowner and with the landowner provide an overview of their farming operation. The farm stop shall include a discussion of NRCS practices that are needed or planned on the farm, and if applicable, NRCS practices that have been implemented. Engage the producers and landowners in a discussion to connect presented materials during the classroom activities with what is shown in the field. Meet all safety requirements and provide participants with any required safety briefings as necessary. Ensure that the visited property is left in the same condition as it was when the tour stop started, including the removal of any trash left behind by participants.

1.2.5. SITE SELECTION FOR WORKSHOPS. Use relevant/current Ag Census data to determine trends and the current status of agriculture in South Carolina. Identify the counties with a larger number of significant HU producers, socially disadvantaged, new and beginning, limited resource, veteran farmers/ranchers and landowners and identify the prominent agricultural products within those counties. Share findings with NRCS South Carolina staff (predetermined by NRCS) to help determine workshop locations. Identify, contact, visit and evaluate possible venues to host each workshop component as specified in sections 1.2.3 and

1.2.4. The contractor shall be responsible to contact and gain input from local NRCS county staff, local Chambers of Commerce, Visitor Bureaus and local farmers. Venues for classroom activities may include churches, private banquet facilities, libraries, hotels, farmer’s markets, agricultural education facilities, county facilities, and restaurants. Venues for field activities must be held on land meeting NRCS eligibility requirements. Selection criteria include factors such as room capacity, location within the county, ease of access and accessible to individuals with disabilities, and availability/compatibility of audio visual/presentation equipment when applicable. Once a venue has been selected, the contractor shall execute a contract if necessary with the facility manager or responsible party. Prior to the event, the contractor shall conduct a pre-workshop site visit to ensure the location is as specified, including having the appropriate number of tables and chairs, signage, lighting, and audio visual/presentation equipment when applicable.

2. PROJECT ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

2.1. POINTS OF CONTACT. The Government’s contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR) for this SOW is Sabrenna Bryant, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA-NRCS South Carolina, 1835 Assembly St., Suite 950, Columbia, SC, 29201, 803-765-5419, sabrenna.bryant@sc.usda.gov.

2.2. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

2.2.1. GOVERNMENT STAFF. The Government will provide subject matter experts for NRCS programs and topics.

2.2.2. USDA AGENCIES AND PARTNERS. The Government will coordinate with other USDA agencies as necessary. The Government will provide point of contact information for NRCS partners and other organizations as necessary. The contractor shall coordinate with NRCS partners and other organizations as necessary.

2.2.3. GOVERNMENT MATERIALS. The Government will assist with acquisition of preprinted NRCS folders, brochures, pamphlets, fact sheets and other products available through

ATTACHMENT 2 Statement of Work

NRCS distribution. The Government will provide available digital materials as needed per request to meet agenda requirements.

2.3. MEETINGS AND SITE VISITS. Meetings and site visits are to be combined whenever possible and conducted as necessary to achieve NRCS objectives. The contractor’s representative shall participate in the project kickoff meeting and subsequent program management reviews at the request of the COTR. In support of these meetings, the Contractor shall prepare an agenda for each meeting. Meeting minutes shall be prepared by the Contractor and submitted to the COTR for distribution.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

3.1. BASE YEAR. The period of performance shall be twelve (12) months from the date of contract award with 1 additional option year consisting of 12 months each. The option year will be executed based on need of continuing to support USDA-NRCS specific programs.

3.2. OPTION YEAR 1. The contractor shall continue to provide services as prescribed in the SOW. The period of performance will be extended an additional 12 months.

4. DOCUMENTATION. The government will provide the Contractor access to all required Government documents, specifications and other applicable data upon notification on a need to know basis.

5. UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE. All data retrieved, and all reports concerning the data shall be the property of the United States Government. The contractor shall not publish or disclose such data or reports in any manner and understands that any and all data retrieved and reports concerning is perceived as FOR OFICIAL USE ONLY and may only be released with the consent of NRCS.

6. DELIVERABLES

6.1. TASKS. Completion of workshop events to include outreach, classroom and field activities as specified in sections 1.2.1., 1.2.2., 1.2.3., and 1.2.4. Completion of any on-site demonstration projects such as high tunnels, farm tours or other demonstrations.

6.2. REPORTS. A workshop report shall be provided following each workshop. The report should consist of an overview of the event, a summary of the outreach conducted, participant information to include available statistics such as socially disadvantaged, new and beginning, limited resource, veteran farmer/rancher and landowner information and demographic breakdown, and workshop surveys. The contractor shall gather feedback from participants to determine the participant satisfaction and learned outcome of the workshop.

7. GENERAL SUPPORT REQUIREMENT

7.1. MEETING PARTICIPATION. Participate in meetings as necessary. These meetings shall include, but are not limited to: requirements and priorities, planning meetings, site visits, staff

ATTACHMENT 2 Statement of Work meetings, meetings to review, discuss and receive approval for new requirements, and technical interface meetings.

7.2. WORKSHOP DATA. Ensure all data retrieved, and all reports concerning the data, shall be property of the United States Government. Not publish or disclose such data or reports in any manner and understands that any and all data and reports retrieved or generated concerning the data may only be released with the consent of the Government.

7.3. CLEANUP. Ensure cleanup related to workshop activities at all workshop locations is completed in accordance with location requirements at the conclusion of workshop events.

7.4. INDUSTRY SAFETY STANDARDS. Comply with all local and industry standard safety procedures and practices.

7.5. CIVIL RIGHTS. Comply with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies.

ATTACHMENT 2 Statement of Work