140G0323Q0119_SOW.pdf

US Geological Survey Alaska Science Center Statement of Work

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction: This requirement is for the maintenance of the Alaska fossils database (presently www.Alaskafossils.org). Activities require a well‐grounded understanding of the geology of Alaska and a strong background in paleontology, with specific application to Alaska. The primary responsibility of the task is to compile data from fossil reports to the existing database. Secondary responsibility is to provide input on efforts to enhance the utility of the database.

B. Background: The Alaska fossils database was developed more than 20 years ago to be a repository for data from fossil reports, primarily focused on the Alaska Evaluation and Report (E&R) reports of the former Paleontology and Stratigraphy Branch of the USGS and its precursor organizations. Alaska’s fossils, and therefore this database, are important for a number of reasons: 1) They represent primary data for the recognition of the age of delineated stratigraphic units, and hence are important in the compilation of geologic maps; 2) They provide biochronologic (time) lines via the rocks that contain them, thus providing mineral and oil exploration geologists with key tools to enhance success in the discovery of significant deposits; 3) They provide the only means of assessing and understanding the biodiversity of Alaska’s past environments; and 4) In view of the fact that Alaska is composed of discrete, accreted tectonic terranes, the fossils from various terranes provide some of the best clues on the original paleogeographic positions of these terranes.

The original efforts to build the Alaska fossil database were funded under the “Data‐at‐ risk” project of the Mineral Resources Program of the USGS, which provided for its initial development and compilation. The database, although it had been stagnant for a number of years, has proved valuable in a variety of geologic studies. After the initial construction stage of the database, which took a number of years, we had hoped to maintain the currency of the database by regular updates. However, no USGS staff is presently available who have the required expertise to maintain the database in‐house.

With this contract, we hope to continue our reinvigoration the database, through addition of new records. As the number of paleontologists familiar with Alaskan paleontological data shrinks to the vanishing point, a tremendous gap in knowledge of and understanding of Alaskan fossils and their implications has emerged. Even knowledge of the breath and availability of existing data is limited; this can seriously hamper current and future geological investigations, assessments, and resource management.

While the existing database is maintained outside the USGS network, we intend to migrate the database to the USGS intranet and enhance its reliability and capabilities as a separate effort.

C. Definition/Applicable Documents: Data that will be included in each new record provide the following information:

Fossil collector and affiliation

Sample number

Location description, latitude and longitude

Paleontologist and affiliation

Fossil group, genus/species, and any appropriate references

Age and time range for species

Sample repository

For E&R reports, author, page, date, number of samples, number of localities;

For publications, reference citation including author, date, title, and publication

D. Scope: The contractor is expected to have a broad base of knowledge of Alaskan geology and paleontology. Tasks include: searches to acquire needed new data; plotting of acquired site locations on topographic maps or alternatively providing location data digitally; creation of descriptions of existing and new fossil occurrences and revisions of existing records in order to maintain the currency of the Alaska fossils database.

Ultimately, the tasks include creation of new records as well as update of existing records. All of these efforts require adherence to database standards.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.

It is expected that the contractor will examine existing records in the database and provide updates where appropriate. In addition, the contractor will maintain contacts with geologists and paleontologists and will create new records as appropriate for occurrences that are either missing from the database or are newly discovered.

Deliverable items include: completed new fossil records and revised existing records, and updated reference records. As stated, the time frame for completion of assigned tasks will vary; however, it is expected that at least quarterly reports be submitted. The contractor will develop and submit a proposed schedule for the timing and thresholds for record update following discussions with the project officer; it is generally expected that updated records will be submitted at least bi‐annually.

Coordination: We can consider having a regional focus for update efforts at any point during the contract. If this is suggested by the contractor or project officer, this can develop after discussions with the project officer and other individuals.

Criteria for acceptance of Product or Service. Work will be considered acceptable if data acquisition efforts are submitted in a complete package, within established time frames, and are accurate upon review. To this end, completed work is reviewed for accuracy and conformity to institutional and professional standards, as well as accomplishment of overall objectives.

The new records will be randomly spot checked for accuracy and completeness. For preparation of materials, the USGS “Suggestions to Authors, 7th edition” manual will be the main guide.

B. Deliverables.

Clearly documented completed new fossil records and revised existing records;

Scans of cited E&R reports or publications used;

Updated reference records;

Periodic (quarterly) reports will be prepared by the incumbent providing a summary of work to date and describing anticipated progress on future updates.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance. At Contractor’s facility

B. Period of Performance: The period of performance begins on date of the award of this contract and ends 12 months later. Three (3) Option Years will be considered for award.

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): No government‐furnished equipment or facilities are required for the performance of this contract.

D. Special Considerations:

Key personnel qualifications. The incumbent is expected to have advanced understanding of geology and paleontology with particular application to Alaska. A thorough understanding of the standards and protocols of the Alaska fossils database is required. Contractor must also have basic familiarity with standard office computer applications such as word‐processing (MS Word) and database software.

Data Rights, Safety, Environment. All data produced as a result of this contract will belong to the Government and is intended for release into the Public Domain. The contractor provides their own work environment and responsible for their own safety concerns.

Security/Privacy issues. The contractor will not require personnel clearances, or access to US Government computers. Ingress to Federal buildings may be needed at times to meet with project officer.