A02.12 PWS - RECONS dated 2024.08.01.docx

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) – Acquisition Sensitive

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

ENHANCEMENT, TECHNICAL SUPPORT, AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM (RECONS) MODEL

1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Institute for Water Resources (IWR), established in 1969, provides forward-looking analysis and research to support the Civil Works (CW) program and mission. IWR is a special element of USACE devoted to analyzing the changing water resources management conditions and developing planning methodologies and analytical tools to address the economic, social, institutional, and environmental needs for water resources planning and policy. IWR is located at the Humphreys Engineer Center, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, within the Washington, DC, National Capital Region (NCR). IWR has satellite centers in New Orleans, LA, Davis, CA, Golden, CO, and Pittsburgh, PA.

IWR is currently responsible for several water resources activities or programs, including the evaluation of CW strategic plans, CW policies and programs, investment and financial analysis, performance measurements and evaluations, infrastructure analysis, climate change, and other water-related activities. IWR provides technical assistance to USACE division offices, district offices, laboratories, other Federal agencies, international organizations, financial institutions, and foreign governments in a broad range of topic areas related to levee and dam safety, risk assessment, dredging requirements, port/waterway transport, aquatic ecosystem restoration, environmental stewardship, flood and drought risk management, emergency preparedness, watershed planning, regulatory, multipurpose water resources, including hydroelectric power, water supply and reallocation, recreation, and other water and related land resources issues.

Among these various responsibilities of IWR, the development of analytical methods and tools for evaluating regional economic development (RED) benefits is one of the chief tasks. The RED account, as part of the four main accounts for evaluation of project plans, registers the changes in the distribution of regional economic activity that result from USACE projects, programs, and infrastructure. To evaluate the RED benefits, IWR has developed the Regional ECONomic System (RECONS) Model. RECONS is the only USACE-certified regional economic modeling tool that provides accurate and defensible estimates of regional economic impacts and contributions associated with USACE involvement in the region. RECONS measures the regional economic impacts and contributions via economic output, jobs, income, and value added at three levels of geographic impact area: local, state, and national.

To ensure the RECONS model provides its users with the latest, accurate, and defensible RED estimates, the model requires routine updates and maintenance of data and server. Additionally, and more importantly, the RECONS model requires a thorough review and major update of the industry multipliers this upcoming year. This requires major updates to the RECONS model. Furthermore, preparation for the recertification of the RECONS model is necessary this upcoming year (ahead of recertification deadline of SEP 2026). Other improvements and enhancements that would improve user experience will also be addressed.

2. SCOPE

The purpose of this Contract is to ensure the continued operability of the RECONS model via necessary/general maintenance and updates, major updates and modification of the industry multipliers (IMPLAN data), preparation for model recertification, as well as other improvements and enhancements, with the primary aim of providing users across the enterprise with the latest, accurate, and defensible RED estimates. The contractor shall provide technical support throughout the Period of Performance (POP), and any additional optional periods if/when exercised, for any updates, modifications, and enhancements to the RECONS model.

To support the RECONS model and its ability to deliver latest, accurate, and defensible RED estimates, the Contractor shall provide technical support on the following tasks: (1) General maintenance and update, including quality assurance and quality control; (2) support for customized requests and models; (3) support for additional reports; (4) support for BIL impact analysis effort; (5) enhancements to the RECONS model and functionality, including front-end user interface and website function; (6) support for the preparation of IMPLAN industry multiplier update; and (7) support for the preparation of RECONS model recertification.

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor should be familiar with regional economic impact analyses and demonstrate rich empirical data and sophisticated modeling capabilities regarding the structure and function of regional economies, industries, and workforces, as well as extensive experience modeling integrated ecologic-economic systems.

The contractor should have intricate knowledge of input-output (I-O) models, including the USACE-certified RECONS model and its inner workings, from back-end programming to front-end user interface processes, as well as familiarity with existing data and multipliers using IMPLAN data.

The following sub-sections supply details of various general requirements for this effort.

3.1. Non-Personal Services

The contractor shall provide strictly non-personal services and contractor employees are not subject to direct supervision and control by the Government. The contractor shall advise and support the Government but shall not make final decisions or certifications on behalf of the Government nor perform any inherently governmental functions. The contractor and its employees shall not represent the Government nor appear to represent the Government in performance of these contract services. Contractor personnel shall clearly identify themselves as contractor employees in all interactions during contract performance.

3.2. Place of Performance

The work will be performed at the contractor’s physical site.

3.3. Period of Performance

The base period of performance (POP) will be 20 months from the date of contract award/notice to proceed (NTP). During this POP, the Contractor is expected to complete all mandatory tasks. If optional tasks are determined to be necessary and exercised at any point during the POP, additional time may be required, extending the base POP.

3.4. Materials

All materials, minus expendable supplies, purchased by the Contractor with funds from this task order and used under this task order, become and remain the property of the Government.

3.5. Travel

The Contractor may be required to travel to attend and participate in in-person meetings. The contractor shall submit travel cost estimates in writing (email is acceptable) prior to trip authorization. All travel reimbursement shall be in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 31.205-46. The Contractor shall be reimbursed for actual allowable costs and not to exceed the amount allowed in the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR). Actual receipts must be submitted with the invoice.

Four to five in-person meetings and/or workshops are expected throughout the POP. At least one PDT meeting within the first couple of months from NTP for a kick-off meeting, and several workshops to develop strategies and plans, as appropriate.

3.6. Security and Safety

3.6.1. General security requirements and guidance

The security requirements described below apply to all contract personnel (including all employees of the prime Contractor and Subcontractors) supporting the performance requirements for this contract. The Contractor is responsible for compliance with these security requirements. Questions regarding security matters shall be addressed to the designated Government representative (e.g., Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Requiring Activity (RA) representative, or Contracting Officer (if a COR or other RA representative is not appointed)) . Contract personnel are critical to the overall security and safety of US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) installations, facilities and activities, and security awareness training contributes to those efforts. Contractor personnel and vehicles are subject to search when entering federal installations. Additionally, all contract personnel shall comply with Force Protection Condition (FPCON) measures, Random Antiterrorism Measures (commonly referred to as “RAMs”), and Health Protection Condition (HPCON) measures. The Contractor is responsible for meeting performance requirements during elevated FPCON and/or HPCON levels in accordance with applicable RA plans and procedures. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the FPCON or HPCON levels at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may implement security changes that affect contract personnel. The Contractor shall ensure all contract personnel are aware of their security responsibilities, including any site-specific requirements identified in local policies or procedures.

All contractor employees who require physical access to government-controlled facilities or logical access to government information and or information systems are subject to a fitness determination and appropriate vetting.

The work under this contract will be UNCLASSIFIED and network or facility access is not required except for participation in meetings therefore the contractor(s) will not require a Common Access Card (CAC). Contractor employees may require access to government facilities for meetings, site visits, to gather data, etc. Infrequent contractor access to a government facility shall be coordinated by the government technical point of contact (TPOC) or the contracting officer representative (COR). The COR or TPOC for each contract is the liaison between the security office and the contractor and will coordinate any visits with the security office.

3.6.2. Safety

Contractor Compliance: The contractor and its subcontractors shall comply with Public Law 91-596 (Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)) and the Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health (ESOH) (DODD 4715.1E). These requirements shall be incorporated into the contractor’s safety and health program. The Department of Defense (DoD) participates in the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Contractor personnel performing services on a DoD installation shall participate in the local VPP. Information on the VPP is available at https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/all_about_vpp.html.

Mishap Notification: The contractor and its subcontractors (if applicable) shall promptly report pertinent facts regarding mishaps while performing services under this contract at government facilities. Contractor personnel shall promptly notify the COR or TPOC and cooperate in any resulting safety investigation.

4. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS (TASK AREA)

The following tasks are required for this contract:

Task 1 – Support for General Maintenance and Update: This task includes support for all general maintenance- and update-related efforts to ensure operability of the RECONS model. Some tasks may include: Maintenance of the RECONS website (www.corpsrecons.us); update operation system and database on the server; database management, including back-ups and clean-ups; update CPI and PPI for all related modules; and review and update all CW project regions.

The specific requirements and expectations for this task will be outlined and agreed upon between the IWR RECONS Team Lead and the Contractor at the Kick-off meeting and once again at the commencement of this task. Additionally, during the monthly check-in calls, the exact requirements and expectations may be recalibrated, as appropriate.

Task 2 – Support for Customized Requests: This task includes support for all customized modeling requests made by the IWR RECONS Team Lead and other team members. Some tasks may include: Support the development of customized models; support unique customized analyses; and support the generation of customized economic impact region/multipliers.

The specific requirements and expectations for this task will be outlined and agreed upon between the IWR RECONS Team Lead and the Contractor at the Kick-off meeting and once again at the commencement of this task. Additionally, during the monthly check-in calls, the exact requirements and expectations may be recalibrated, as appropriate.

Task 3 – Support for Development of Annual Reports: This task includes support for developing reports, including Recreation Visitor Spending, Civil Works Budget, Great Lake Cargo Movement, and other modules within RECONS, as appropriate.

The specific requirements and expectations for this task will be outlined and agreed upon between the IWR RECONS Team Lead and the Contractor at the Kick-off meeting and once again at the commencement of this task. Additionally, during the monthly check-in calls, the exact requirements and expectations may be recalibrated, as appropriate.

Task 4 – Support for BIL Impact Analysis: This task includes support for the BIL Impact Analysis (Economic Impact of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Spending on U.S. Army Corps Engineers Civil Works Studies, Projects, and Programs, FY2022-2024) and any additional efforts needed to successfully publish the report, including support for responses to comments and other technical support. Additional support, as required or appropriate, may be included, such as re-examination of data, model re-runs, etc.

The specific requirements and expectations for this task will be outlined and agreed upon between the IWR RECONS Team Lead and the Contractor at the Kick-off meeting and once again at the commencement of this task. Additionally, during the monthly check-in calls, the exact requirements and expectations may be recalibrated, as appropriate.

Task 5 – Support for Enhancements in RECONS model and Website Function (Phase 1): This task (Enhance Phase 1) includes support for the first phase of RECONS model and website function enhancement and improvement. Phase 1 will require thorough review of the current state of the RECONS model and website functionalities and identify areas for improvement, including new features and functions, as well as general improvements to user experiences.

Phase 1 of the RECONS model and website enhancement may require the following:

(1) Task 5.1 – Initial assessment of needs: The Contractor shall gather input from IWR RECONS Team on current RECONS limitations and desired enhancements. The Contractor shall also provide their own assessment of possible areas for improvement. The Contractor shall provide expertise and opinion on these limitations and/or areas for improvement.

(2) Task 5.2 – Feature identification and proposal for functionality expansion: Based on the assessments identified in Task 5.1, the Contractor shall determine core functionalities that need improvement (including reporting capabilities, user interface enhancements, advanced analytics, integration with other data sources/APIs to enrich RECONS data, improved reporting features, or social/environmental features etc.).

(3) Task 5.3 – Develop a strategy to implement the enhancements: based on Tasks 5.1 and 5.2, the Contractor, in close coordination with IWR RECONS Team Lead, shall develop a strategy on implementing the improvements.

Task 5 Deliverables: In addition to ongoing technical support to accomplish the objectives outlined in each subtask of Task 5 and routine check-ins on progress status, the Contractor shall provide documentation on areas for potential improvement/enhancement in RECONS model and website. This document should be a comprehensive list of areas for improvement and core functionalities that are required for the improvement. Additionally, this documentation should include a strategy to implement the improvements.

Task 6 – Support for the Preparation of IMPLAN Industry Multiplier Update (Phase 1): This task (preparation phase for IMPLAN multiplier update (IMPLAN Phase 1)) includes support for the preparation of a major update for the RECONS model, which is an update of industry multipliers in the RECONS model for year 2024/2025. as appropriate and available. Given the importance of the industry multipliers (IMPLAN) and scale of effort, a preparation phase is required. Tasks may include exploring the available data and data structure on the IMPLAN website; examine and compare the structure of RECONS data with IMPLAN data; develop a strategy to update RECONS data; pre-coordination meetings to strategize on how to best communicate the specific needs of RECONS with the IMPLAN Team.

Preparation phase of the IMPLAN industry multiplier update may require the following:

(1) Task 6.1 – Explore IMPLAN (cloud-based platform) data and structure: The Contractor shall work with the IWR RECONS Team Lead on understanding precisely on what (type) and how IMPLAN data is provided. This should include economic impact data, sectoral contributions, employment data, etc. Additionally, this task should include closely examining the data structure by analyzing how the data is organized, including tables, fields, and relationships between data items.

(2) Task 6.2 – Examine and compare RECONS data structure: The Contractor shall work closely with the IWR RECONS Team Lead on understanding how to best incorporate and port over the IMPLAN data into the RECONS model. This should include understanding the data types and structure in RECONS, including economic impact, project-specific data, regional statistics, etc., and compare the data types and structure provided by IMPLAN. Similarities and differences, in terms of data fields, format, and organization, must be identified. Additionally, the Contractor shall document all new features in IMPLAN and make recommendations for integrating these features into the RECONS model, in support of Task 5 (enhancements).

(3) Task 6.3 – Develop a plan to update RECONS data: The Contractor shall work closely with the IWR RECONS Team Lead to map IMPLAN data fields to RECONS data fields to identify how best the data can be transferred or updated. This would require careful identification of any necessary data transformations needed to match RECONS data structure. Finally, the Contractor, with close collaboration with the IWR RECONS Team Lead, shall develop a step-by-step strategy/plan to update RECONS with IMPLAN data, including data extraction, transformation, and loading.

(4) Task 6.4 – Identify needs and communicate with IMPLAN: The Contractor shall work closely with the IWR RECONS Team Lead to strategize on how to best communicate the specific needs of RECONS with the IMPLAN Team to develop customized APIs. As access to IMPLAN becomes available (via a subscription purchase), the Contractor shall support in the communication with the IMPLAN Team to articulate the needs of RECONS to the IMPLAN Team. Additionally, the Contractor shall work closely with the IWR RECONS Team Lead and IMPLAN Team to develop the APIs necessary for accessing data programmatically, including writing scripts and code to automate the downloading or fetching of IMPLAN data for the nation, states, counties, as well as 1,500 customized regions. The Contractor shall be responsible for conducting quality control for the downloaded/fetched data.

Task 6 Deliverables: In addition to ongoing technical support to accomplish the objectives outlined in each subtask of Task 6 and routine check-ins on progress status, the Contractor shall provide documentation on the process of accessing IMPLAN data programmatically and provide all written scripts/codes to the IWR RECONS Team Lead.

Task 7 – Support for the Preparation of RECONS Model Recertification (Phase 1): This task (preparation phase for model recertification (Recert Phase 1)) includes support for the preparation of model recertification. The Contractor shall work closely with IWR RECONS Team Lead and other team members to identify the procedure for RECONS model recertification and develop a strategy plan to support the recertification process.

Task 7 Deliverables: In addition to ongoing technical support to prepare for the RECONS model recertification and routine check-ins on progress status, the Contractor shall provide a strategy document on how the Contractor will support the recertification process.

Optional Task 1 – Implementation of IMPLAN Multiplier Update (IMPLAN Phase 2): This task builds on Task 6 (IMPLAN Phase 1 – preparation of IMPLAN Multiplier Update). Based on the strategy developed in Task 6 (or IMPLAN Phase 1), the Contractor shall download and fetch all IMPLAN data necessary using the APIs developed in Task 6.4 and update the RECONS model with the new data. The Contractor shall perform additional QA/QC to ensure accuracy of the multipliers.

Optional Task 1 Deliverables: In addition to the technical support to implement the IMPLAN multiplier update and routine check-ins on progress status, the Contractor shall provide documentation on the process of implementing the IMPLAN Multiplier Update.

The expected duration of this optional task is 12 months from NTP for this option. This optional task is heavily dependent on Task 6, and the decision to exercise this option will be dependent on the outcomes of Task 6 (IMPLAN Phase 1).

Optional Task 2 – Implementation of Enhancements for RECONS (Enhance Phase 2): This task builds on Task 5 (Enhance Phase 1 - Support for Enhancement in RECONS model and Website Function). Based on the strategy developed in Task 5, the Contractor shall implement the changes to enhance the RECONS model.

Optional Task 2 Deliverables: In addition to the technical support to implement the Enhancements for RECONS and routine check-ins on progress status, the Contractor shall provide documentation on exactly what enhancements were made (changes) to the RECONS model. Additionally, the process involved in each change must be included in the documentation.

The expected duration of this optional task is 10 months from NTP for this option. This optional task is heavily dependent on Task 5, and the decision to exercise this option will be dependent on the outcomes of Task 5 (Enhance Phase 1).

Optional Task 3 – Support for Customized Generic Simulation Module and Explore New Stemming-from Modules (Alpha/Beta): This task includes support for exploring the feasibility of developing a new generic customized simulation model and new stemming-from economic impact analyses tools. These tools, if successfully built, will remain in alpha or beta testing stages, and will not to be included in the main RECONS model. This task may have intersection with other ongoing studies (from different efforts) to leverage resources. The Contractor shall coordinate closely with the IWR RECONS Team Lead and other Technical Experts and Project Managers in charge of the other studies (i.e., Social and Economic Impact from Water Supply Projects). This task is meant to be an exploratory research task to evaluate the possible expansion of the RECONS stemming-from impact modules for other Business Lines.

When this option is exercised, the specific requirements and expectations for this task will be outlined and agreed upon between the IWR RECONS Team Lead and the Contractor at the Kick-off meeting and once again at the commencement of this task. Additionally, during the monthly check-in calls, the exact requirements and expectations may be recalibrated, as appropriate.

The expected duration of this optional task is 12 months from NTP.

Optional Task 4 – Support for the RECONS Model Recertification Process (Recert Phase 2): This task builds on Task 7 (Recert Phase 1 – Preparation of RECONS Model Recertification). Based on the strategy developed in Task 7, the Contractor shall support the IWR RECONS Team throughout the model recertification process, as appropriate.

The expected duration of this optional task is 12 months from NTP for this option. This optional task is dependent on Task 7, and the decision to exercise this option will be dependent on the outcomes of Task 7 (Recert Phase 1).

Optional Task 5 – Support for Spending Profile Update in the Recreation Visitor Spending Economic Impact Module (Phase 1): This task includes support for updating the spending profile in RECONS stemming-from impact module for the Recreation Business line. The recent spending profile in RECONS was updated in 2016 as part of USACE’s on-site visitor spending survey. It must be recognized that eight years later, especially in the post-pandemic era, both the recreation patterns and their spending habits may have changed. This task would include a general literature review of academic studies and reports published by other federal, state, and regional agencies focusing on recreation-related economic impacts, visitor behavior, and spending studies and a recommendation based on findings.

Optional Task 5 Deliverables: The Contractor shall provide a report summarizing the literature review, findings, and recommendation on whether an update to the spending profile is necessary. Depending on the recommendation, a proposed strategy would be appropriate.

The expected duration of this optional task is 12 months from NTP for this option.

5. DELIVERABLES AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE

(Enhance Phase 1) 12 months from NTP/ Contract Award

(IMPLAN Phase 1) 10 months from NTP/ Contract Award

(Recert Phase 1) 13 months from NTP/ Contract Award

(IMPLAN Phase 2) 12 months from NTP (Date of NTP for this option is TBD)

(Enhance Phase 2) 10 months from NTP (Date of NTP for this option is TBD)

(Date of NTP for this option is TBD)

(Recert Phase 2) 12 months from NTP (Date of NTP for this option is TBD)

(Date of NTP for this option is TBD)

6. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

Response to requests and analyses NLT 60 days after receiving request/data Re-perform/correct at no cost to the government.

7. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

N/A

8. CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE AND/OR TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT (TPOC)

A contracting officer representative (COR) and/or technical point of contact (TPOC) will be appointed for this contract. The COR and TPOC have no authority to direct the contractor in any way to alter the contractual obligation. The contracting officer is the only individual authorized to make changes to this contract.

9. INVOICING

The Government shall pay the Contractor as full compensation for all work required, performed, and accepted under this contract, inclusive of all costs and expenses, the firm-fixed price stated in this contract.

The Contractor shall provide invoices in accordance with FAR 32.905(b) and comply with the requirements specified within this contract. At a minimum, invoices must contain the following elements:

· Name and address of the Contractor (Note: Differences between the Contractor names and remittance address on the invoice and the data shown in the System for Award Management (SAM) record can potentially cause delays in payment. Please, verify these data agree exactly).

· Invoice number and date.

· Entire contract number, the task or delivery order number, contract line-item number (CLIN), and modification number, as applicable.

· Description of the services delivered and accepted during the invoice period, including CLIN; and the percent of each task/service completed within the invoice period and cumulatively. The description must match those contained in the task or delivery order/contract description.

· The Contractor shall provide names upon request of all staff working on the contract during the invoice period for the purpose of tracking assigned GFE and CAC, if applicable.

· Electronic Funds Deposit information.

· The final invoice must be clearly marked as “FINAL” to indicate such and include the word “Final” in the electronic document name.

If other direct costs and/or travel are being invoiced, the Contractor shall submit receipts for those costs along with the invoice. Contractor shall not assess profit or fee against other direct costs and/or travel.

The Contractor is authorized to invoice as frequently as monthly in accordance with the work performed; however, it is not required.

The Contractor shall submit an electronic invoice via e-mail to the following email address: DLL-CEIWRCONTRACT@usace.army.mil.

A copy of each invoice shall be furnished to the COR/PM when submitting to the above email address. The subject line shall include the contract number, task or delivery order number (only if applicable to your contract), and invoice number.

Questions regarding status of payment should be directed to DLL-CEIWRCONTRACT@usace.army.mil, and a copy of request to the COR/PM.

Contact the Finance Center at CEFC-Payments@usace.army.mil only if more than 30 days have passed since the invoice was submitted to the aforementioned email address.

Improper/Defective Invoice. Invoices which do not contain the required elements as detailed above and/or are submitted to incorrect Points of Contact are considered improper/defective invoices and will be rejected upon submission. Interest shall not accrue on improper/defective invoices. Ensure date on invoice is current when resubmitting invoices.

Payment Milestones by Task The Contractor is authorized to invoice per the recommended payment milestones outlined below. To avoid equal installments over the POP (and thus payment schedule based on time), this contract seeks a payment schedule based on results (performance in alignment with payment). Please, refer to the payment milestones below for a recommended schedule. Acknowledging that progress can be made differently by task, the Contractor is authorized to invoice as frequently as necessary to reflect progress. Below schedule is a recommended schedule, reflecting payment milestones by months from NTP / Award.

Task 1 – Support for General Maintenance and Update* Total Duration: 20 months from NTP / Award

*Given the nature of this task (ongoing throughout the POP), equal installments over the POP are permitted.

Task 2 – Support for Customized Requests* Total Duration: 20 months from NTP / Award

*Given the nature of this task (ongoing throughout the POP), equal installments over the POP are permitted.

Task 3 – Support for Development of Annual Reports* Total Duration: 10 months from NTP / Award

*Given the nature of this task (ongoing throughout the POP), equal installments over the POP are permitted.

Task 4 – Support for BIL Impact Analysis* Total Duration: 6 months from NTP / Award

*Given the nature of this task (ongoing throughout the POP), equal installments over the POP are permitted.

Task 5 – Support for Enhancements in RECONS Model and Website Functionality Total Duration: 12 months from NTP / Award

Task 6 – Support for the Preparation of IMPLAN Industry Multiplier Update Total Duration: 10 months from NTP / Award

Task 6.2 Ongoing 4 months from NTP / Award

Task 6.3 & 6.4 Ongoing 8 months from NTP / Award

Completion of Task 6.4 12 months from NTP / Award

Task 7 – Support for the Preparation of RECONS Model Recertification* Total Duration: 13 months from NTP / Award

*Given the nature of this task (ongoing throughout the POP), equal installments over the POP are permitted.