SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER

New England Plant, Soil, and Water Laboratory, Orono, ME

A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Effective management of field research study sites is essential to obtain useful data required for obtaining the objectives of our project plan and mission area, which is to “Develop crop and cultural management practices to improve crop productivity and economic viability, and reduce diseases for conventional and organic food production systems in the Northeast.” We have an immediate, critical need to hire a field operations manager who is familiar with the equipment used and field requirements.

B. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ACQUISITION

This contract will provide basic support needed for research on the development of improved crop management practices for food production systems in the Northeast. The technical aspects of the management of required field studies is of fundamental importance to successful experimentation and data acquisition, and this contract will enable successful operation and completion of those field studies.

C. CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall have experience in the establishment, maintenance, and management of field crop research studies, particularly proper procedures, equipment, and requirements for planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops such as potato, barley, ryegrass, mustard, and organic vegetables. The contractor will have expertise in the use, operation, and maintenance of the necessary farm equipment (tractors, planters, seeders, harvesters, tillage implements) required to maintain the field operations. The contractor will be responsible for all aspects of the maintenance of the field sites in Presque Isle, ME and Newport, ME as required by the ARS cooperators. The field site in Presque Isle is approximately 10 acres. The field site in Newport is approximately 2 acres.

D. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The contractor will be working out of the New England Plant, Soil, and Water Laboratory, Orono, ME; however, the bulk of activities will be at the two USDA field site locations in Presque Isle, ME and Newport, ME. The contractor will be furnished with all supplies and materials needed to conduct the work. The contractor will have access to Government Owned Vehicles for transportation to and from the field sites.

The contractor will also have access to all the farm vehicles and equipment needed to maintain the field sites through the season. The contractor will work with ARS personnel to establish specific timing, requirements, and procedures needed for the particular field studies.

E. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES

The contractor will provide all the needed components (establishment, planting, maintenance, harvest) for a successful field study, in accordance with established plans and protocols developed by ARS personnel.

F. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Progress will be reviewed weekly and a final integrated review will be carried out at the end of the field season.

G. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

May 10, 2017 through September 30, 2017.