SOW_Volcano_Training_2024_1.docx

U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Disaster Assistance Program Statement of Work

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction. The Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes (CSAV) runs a training program designed to assist developing nations in attaining self-sufficiency in the area of applied volcanology. The center is administered by the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH). The training program involves course work at the UHH and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, WA. The course also provides practical, hands-on experience at active and potentially active Hawaiian volcanoes and at Mount St. Helens in Washington State. Faculty members from UHH and UH-Manoa (Honolulu) work closely with scientists of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Cascades Volcano Observatory in carrying out CSAV programs.

The emphasis of the training program is on the development of practical skills, integrating both field and classroom experiences. The field training emphasizes volcano monitoring methods currently in use by the USGS. Participants are taught the use and maintenance of volcano monitoring instruments. The training program addresses the assessment of volcanic hazards and the interrelationship of scientists, governing officials and the news media during volcano crises. Completion of the eight (8) week CSAV training program results in a certification in volcano monitoring.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) requires training of fourteen (14) scientists from Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Tonga, and Vanuatu in 2024. The candidates are all from government institutes that have official responsibility for monitoring volcanoes in their respective countries.

B. Background. The Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP) has been contracting with CSAV for over 15 years to provide this training service to foreign participants. The CSAV’s international training course substitutes for much of the training VDAP would otherwise have had to provide to these participants at a much higher direct (travel, per diem, etc.) and indirect (lost productivity, time, etc.) cost. In short, CSAV is conducting this training on VDAPs behalf, at a considerable savings to the USGS.

CSAV is the only institution in the United States which offers this unique course providing formal training in the monitoring of active volcanic processes and managing volcanic crises. The location of CSAV makes it uniquely suited to provide this service to VDAP. Hawaiian volcanoes are among the most active in the world, but unlike violently explosive volcanoes they can be approached and studied with low risk, therefore, the Big Island of Hawaii provides an ideal environment for learning about and using volcano monitoring techniques. There are no other known sources with this unique capability in this ideal location.

C. Scope. The goals of the CSAV training program are consistent with the VDAP’ goal of providing training in volcanic risk mitigation and volcano monitoring. VDAP is a joint USGS and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) program; funds for this immediate effort originate in USAID-BHA. Funds provided by USAID are covered by the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA), which allows significantly broader authority for their use (including the training of multinational individuals). The performance requirements of the award accomplish one or more of the stated objective(s) of USAID in providing the funding. The identified participants for 2024 were selected by VDAP from among all the foreign applicants for the international training course at CSAV. They are considered by VDAP to be vital participants in our long-term programs for helping Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Tonga, and Vanuatu to mitigate their volcanic risks.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.

1. Formal training in the monitoring of active volcanic processes and managing volcanic crises sufficient to reduce risks from volcanic events. All logistical services to bring fourteen (14) foreign participants from Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Tonga, and Vanuatu to the U.S., including obtaining U.S. visas, making travel arrangements, and obtaining medical insurance for students while in the country. Feeding and housing the students during the training course as well as transporting them to various locations in the U.S. in Hawaii and Washington State. All arrangements to return students to their home countries at training course conclusion.

2. Students will successfully travel from home countries to the U.S. Students will be fed, housed, and transported in the U.S. during the eight (8) week training course. Students will be trained in the monitoring of active volcanic processes and managing volcanic crises sufficient to reduce risks from volcanic events. Students will return to their home countries with knowledge gained from the training course.

B. Deliverables.

1. Formal training in the monitoring of active volcanic processes and managing volcanic crises sufficient to reduce risks from volcanic events for fourteen (14) students. All logistical services to bring fourteen (14) foreign participants to the U.S., including obtaining U.S. visas, travel arrangements, and medical insurance. Food, housing, and transportation for (14) students during the training course and travel arrangements to return fourteen (14) students to their home countries at training course conclusion.

2. Work to be completed over eight (8) week period from June 1 through July 27, 2024, in Hawaii and Washington.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance. Hilo, Kilauea Volcano, and Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii – Vancouver and Mount St. Helens in Washington State.

B. Period of Performance. CSAV training course will run from June 1 through July 27, 2024, in Hawaii and Washington.

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): NONE.

D. Special Considerations.

1. Key personnel qualifications. Volcano researchers and instructors with expertise in teaching the techniques of volcano monitoring and managing volcanic crises on active volcanoes. Administrative professionals capable of providing logistical services to bring fourteen (14) foreign participants to the U.S., including obtaining U.S. visas, travel arrangements, and medical insurance – as well as food, housing, and transportation for (14) students during an eight (8) week training course and travel arrangements to return fourteen (14) students to their home countries at training course conclusion.

2. Data Rights, Safety, Environment. The location of CSAV makes it uniquely suited to provide this service to VDAP. Hawaiian volcanoes are among the most active in the world, but unlike violently explosive volcanoes they can be approached and studied with low risk, therefore, the Big Island of Hawaii provides an ideal environment for learning about and using volcano monitoring techniques.