Attachment C PWS for EOP V Draft.docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS) Energy Information Administration Omnibus Procurement (EOP) V C.1 Purpose

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). EIA collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment. EIA is the nation's premier source of energy information and, by law, its data, analyses, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government.

To accomplish its mission, EIA conducts a comprehensive data collection program that covers the full spectrum of energy sources, end uses, and energy flows. EIA also prepares informative energy analyses, monthly short-term forecasts of energy market trends, and long-term U.S. and international energy outlooks. EIA disseminates its data products, analyses, reports, and services to customers and stakeholders primarily through its website. EIA has a broad range of stakeholders, with its major customers including Congress, Federal and State governments, the private sector, the broader public, and the media.

As a result, EIA has the following requirements to fulfill its mission:

1) Develop, manage, operate, and maintain comprehensive energy data collection programs and systems.

2) Develop, manage, operate, and maintain U.S. and international energy models for forecasting and performing energy-related analyses.

3) Disseminate, communicate, and promote the results of these activities to a wide range of stakeholders.

EIA requires contractor performance in the following areas in order to successfully accomplish these objectives:

· Program Management

· Survey Operations

· Energy Analysis and Modeling

· Information Technology Support

· Product/Service Development, Production, and Marketing

· Organizational Support

The need for unbiased, statistically-sound energy data information has never been greater and EIA’s products and services will continue to help promote sound policy decision making, provide for efficient markets, and generate greater public understanding. Therefore, the primary objective of this acquisition is to ensure that EIA acquires the energy-industry and technical resources necessary to accomplish its primary mission. Specifically, EIA plans to achieve its objectives as follows:

1. Conduct EIA’s data collection programs in the most efficient manner, incorporating best business, survey, statistical practices, and standardized methods, introducing innovative solutions, and utilizing state-of-the-art technology whenever possible.

2. Advance EIA’s forecasting and analysis programs with inventive, statistically-sound methods and techniques, and knowledge of energy marketplace dynamics.

3. Continue to develop and deploy electronic products and services using state-of-the-art technology and engaging EIA’s wide range of stakeholders on an on-going basis to better understand their ongoing and emerging needs.

4. Improve IT integration support across EIA to streamline services and improve coherence and performance.

5. Conduct contract management activities by continuing to adopt best management practices and standardized reporting.

C.2 U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Mission and Scope C.2.1 EIA’s mission is to collect, analyze, and disseminate independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment. EIA is the Nation’s premier source of energy information and, by law, its data, analyses, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. Government.

EIA conducts a relevant, reliable, and timely data collection program that covers the full spectrum of energy sources, end-uses, and energy flows; generates short- and long-term domestic and international energy projections; and performs informative energy analyses. EIA communicates its statistical and analytical products primarily through its website and customer contact center.

C.2.2 Current EIA Environment EIA is the preeminent Federal agency for energy data and information. Since its inception, EIA has adapted to legislative mandates, changes in energy markets, technological advancements, and constituencies’ demands. Because energy issues will continue to command significant attention in the future, the need for independent, policy-neutral, statistically-based energy data and information has never been greater. As a result, EIA continues to play a vital role and fulfills a unique responsibility.

EIA accomplishes its mission through three principal line offices:

1. Office of the Assistant Administrator for Energy Statistics, (OES)

2. Office of the Assistant Administrator for Energy Analysis, (OEA)

3. Office of the Assistant Administrator for Resource and Technology Management, (ORTM) Distinct programs and activities carried out by each principle line office are described in Appendix A.

C.2.3 EIA’s Strategic Focus

EIA continually works to enhance its data collection programs, perfect energy modeling techniques and methods, expand energy analysis, and improve publicly available products and services to respond to the needs of stakeholders. EIA has identified four strategic goals that will enable it to contribute to DOE’s mission:

Goal 1: Modernize Data Operations

By adopting best practices with regard to business processes, employing common, maintainable IT systems and platforms, and incorporating smarter ways of using third-party data, EIA can better fulfill its role as the Nation’s premier source of energy information while also serving as a model of operational efficiency.

Goal 2: Increase Analytical Impact

A key part of EIA’s mission is to bring context and meaning to the information it conveys. EIA plans to accomplish this by modernizing its core modeling tools to improve its energy outlooks and increase the availability of resources for analyses beyond the current product slate.

Goal 3: Improve the Customer Experience

To remain relevant, EIA must ensure that its customers have access to critical information how and when they need it. EIA needs to carefully consider the way it disseminates data and analysis and leverage technology to meet evolving customer needs.

Goal 4: Enable the Mission

EIA’s ultimate success rests on the effectiveness of its people. EIA must hire and motivate the best and brightest, give them the technological and developmental tools they need to grow and succeed, and maintain an environment of openness and collaboration so that they will want to stay.

C.2.4 Scope

The PWS is fully integrated and represents the nature of EIA’s work. This requirement focuses on the six service areas (see below) and a range of general support tasks. Performance standards and metrics apply to two general areas of focus: production quality and program performance.

This PWS does not include any activities to provide IT support services for enterprise infrastructure support and hardware support, IT procurement and acquisition support, helpdesk and workstation management support, logistical support, inventory and asset management support, and security support.

C.2.5 Service Areas The six Service Areas are specified below in C.2.6. In addition, in combination with specific Service Areas, general support activities to be implemented on an as-needed basis in order to achieve efficient operation of this contract include a range of the following activities:

· Continuity of Operations (COOP) support, planning, and implementation

· Consolidated project management for all tasks

· Business process re-engineering

· EIA business procedure, policy, and methodology studies and analysis

· Independent verification and validation of EIA software application acquired and installed by others outside this contract

· EIA software applications disaster contingency planning support

· EIA Document and Systems Governance and Configuration management

· Development of warranty and maintenance support agreements

· Research and development of service level agreements and tools

· General project coordination, administrative, and communications support specifically including managing and acquiring necessary publications, periodicals, and data sources

· Electronic Commerce (EC)/Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) C.2.6 Description of Service Areas

The following Service Areas describe the intended focus of this contract:

1. Program Management

2. Survey Operations

a. Survey Operations for EIA’s Non-Supply Based Surveys (Unrestricted)

b. Survey Operations for EIA’s Supply Based Surveys (Small Business Set Aside)

3. Energy Analysis and Modeling (Unrestricted)

4. Information Technology Support (Small Business Set Aside)

5. Product/Service Development Production and Marketing (Small Business Set Aside)

6. Organizational Support This PWS contains two service areas, Program Management and Organizational Support that will be available to both large and small businesses and will require contractor support activities for all EIA task orders.

C.2.6.1 Program Management The contractor shall provide contract and management oversight for all support service tasks and includes all activities performed by contractor personnel, including subcontractors, to satisfy the requirements identified in this PWS and for all tasks awarded under this contract. The contractor shall identify a contract Program Manager (PM), who will provide management, direction, administration, quality assurance, and leadership for the execution of this contract. The contractor will be required to provide EIA with annual contract-level status reports and task-level status reports and briefings, the frequency of which will be determined at the task order level. In addition, the contractor shall provide a summary of all tasks that have been awarded as part of their annual status reports.

The contractor will be required to perform the following management activities, which are discussed in detail below:

· Coordinate contract and project kick-off meetings for tasks awarded under this contract

· Prepare a Monthly Status Report (MSR) for task orders

· Convene technical status meetings

· Prepare Program Management Plan

· Prepare Trip Reports C.2.6.1.1 Coordinate Contract and Project Kick-off Meeting for Tasks Awarded Under This Contract

The contracting officer who decides that a conference is needed will establish the time and place of the conference, prepare the agenda (when necessary), notify appropriate government representatives (e.g., contracting/contract administration office) and the contractor, designate or act as the chairperson, conduct a preliminary meeting of government personnel, and prepare a summary report of the conference.

The meeting will provide for an introduction between the contractor personnel and EIA personnel who will be involved with the contract and each task. The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss contractual, technical, management, and security issues; reporting procedures; and any travel authorization. At a minimum, the attendees shall include the CO, COR, and contractor’s key personnel for this contract or any task. Representatives from EIA’s program and staff office(s), as designated by the CO, will also be included in tasks kick-off meetings.

The contractor shall provide the following at the kickoff meeting for new tasks:

· Transition Plan

· Contract Notification

· Final Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)

C.2.6.1.2 Prepare a Monthly Status Report (MSR) The contractor’s PM shall develop and provide a MSR, using MS Office Suite applications, by the 15th of each month delivered via electronic mail to the EIA ACO mailbox (EIA-ACO@eia.gov) and the COR, as designated in the task order. As reporting requirements change over the life of this acquisition, the contractor shall adapt the MSR and related reporting accordingly. Subtask level reporting may also be required in some cases; such reporting will be identified in specific tasks.

The MSR shall at a minimum include the following:

· Activities during reporting period, by contract and task, including on-going activities, new activities, activities completed, and progress to date on all above-mentioned activities.

· Problems and corrective actions taken. Also include issues or concerns and proposed resolutions to address them.

· Personnel gains, losses, and status (badging, etc.).

· Issues requiring Government action.

· Schedule (major tasks, milestones, and deliverables; planned and actual start and completion dates for each).

· Summary of trips taken, conferences attended, etc. (attach trip reports to the MSR for reporting period).

· Accumulated invoiced cost for each awarded order.

· Projected cost of each awarded order for the current month.

· Task planned vs. actual comparison data/monthly performance reports.

C.2.6.1.3 Convene Technical Status Meetings

The contractor PM shall convene a regular contract activity and status meeting with the COR, key EIA stakeholders, and the contractor’s task order manager(s). The purpose of these meetings is to ensure all stakeholders are informed of the monthly activity and status reports, provide opportunities to identify other activities and establish priorities, and coordinate resolution of identified problems or opportunities. The contractor PM shall provide minutes of these meetings, including attendance, issues discussed, decisions made, and action items assigned by the COR within five calendar days following the meeting.

C.2.6.1.4 Prepare Program Management Plan (PMP) The contractor shall document all support requirements in a PMP. The PMP shall describe the proposed management approach. The PMP shall include detailed Standard Operating Procedures for all tasks. The PMP shall include milestones, tasks, and subtasks required in this contract. The PMP shall provide for an overall work breakdown structure (WBS) and outline the associated responsibilities. The PMP shall include the contractor’s quality assurance plan (QAP).

The contractor shall provide EIA with a draft PMP at the onset of the contract and at the award of each new order, and will solicit comment from EIA which will be incorporated in the final PMP. The PMP will be considered an evolutionary document and shall be updated at least annually. The contractor shall work from the most recent COR approved PMP.

C.2.6.1.5 Prepare Trip Reports

The EIA COR will identify the need for a trip report (if required) when the request for travel is submitted. The contractor shall keep a summary of all long-distance travel, to include at a minimum, the name of the employee, location of travel, duration of trip, and a point-of-contact at travel location.

C.2.6.2 Survey Operations EIA conducts two distinct types of energy surveys:

a. non-supply based surveys designed to measure end-use energy consumption and related activities, and

b. supply based surveys designed to capture data with respect to energy supply sources and related activities.

While survey operation functions may be of a similar nature for both, each type presents distinct complexities and requires different approaches and expertise. As a result, the two have been distinguished in this PWS.

EIA anticipates a radical change in how its data are collected over the next ten years. Current processes and data collection systems are challenged with antiquated, dissimilar, and inefficient collection mechanisms that rely heavily on manual intervention.

EIA is currently undertaking a multiple-year modernization and standardization effort with respect to data collection, the agency’s largest operational area. This effort will include a complete system overhaul to facilitate more efficient data management; implementation of a robust, standardized toolset for evaluating the underlying statistical methods that inform the estimation process; upgraded security procedures to mitigate vulnerabilities; and enhanced data delivery methods in response to evolving customer needs.

EIA is actively exploring alternative methods of collecting and processing data for its large-scale consumption surveys that will increase operational efficiency, enable more timely release of the data, and, potentially, yield more precise sub-national consumption information. As a result, collection and processing methods for EIA’s consumption surveys will evolve over the next five years.

C.2.6.2.1A Survey Operations for EIA’s Non-Supply Based Surveys The contractor must effectively manage the full range of activities associated with operating large-scale, comprehensive energy data collection programs for the following:

· Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS)

· Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS)

· Manufacturers’ Energy Consumption Survey (MECS)

Methods and practices for doing so must achieve accurate, reliable, and timely results for EIA’s diverse stakeholder population.

(Note: EIA anticipates the possibility of fielding two RECS and two CBECS surveys over the next five years. Only one MECS survey collection cycle is anticipated over the next five years.)

The contractor will be required to perform the following survey operations activities:

· Perform Survey Collection Activities

· Coordinate and Conduct Data Receipt Activities

· Track and Pursue Survey Non-respondents

· Perform Survey Processing and Editing

· Perform Frames Development and Maintenance Activities

· Perform Data Quality Assurance Activities

C.2.6.2.1A.1 Perform Survey Collection Activities

The contractor shall plan, coordinate and perform all activities to initiate successful survey data collection. The contractor shall develop and execute a comprehensive Survey Management Plan for all phases of the survey operations life-cycle, i.e., data collection and receipt, non-response follow up, and survey processing. The contractor shall conduct all data collection activities in a manner consistent with Federal and agency data confidentiality provisions and ensure safeguards and appropriate measures to protect data confidentiality are implemented throughout the survey collection and processing life-cycle. The contractor shall print, transport, deliver, and distribute survey forms, instructions, and related materials. The contractor shall prepare the release of and distribute electronic data collection systems and related information. The contractor shall conduct mass mail outs and mass electronic distributions. The contractor shall prepare standardized communications, update and prepare sample unit’s contact information including, where appropriate, company, business establishment(s) and respondent(s) name(s), and associated delivery information such as but not limited to address files, email, text, and telephone, as well as handle returned mailing, e-mails and other undeliverable electronic communications. The contractor shall operate data collection and survey processing systems. The contractor shall operate a help line to assist respondents with inquiries about survey requirements, filing instructions, and technical difficulties.

C.2.6.2.1A.2 Coordinate and Conduct Data Receipt Activities

The contractor shall perform data capture and data retrieval activities. Survey data shall be collected via the most effective and efficient means; e.g., internet data collection, computer assisted interviews, telephone interview, personal interview, electronic data transfers, e-mail, facsimile, and mail. Upon receipt, the contractor shall pre-screen survey forms or use other means by which data are collected for completeness and accuracy. The contractor shall log survey submissions into the data collection systems, sort, batch, and distribute submissions. The contractor shall use appropriate means for data capture activities; e.g., data entry and data reduction into electronic format. The contractor shall maintain filing systems and archive electronic submissions.

C.2.6.2.1A.3 Track and Pursue Survey Non-respondents

The contractor shall employ appropriate techniques to maximize survey response rates and ensure survey response rates meet agency statistical standards. Further, the contractor shall ensure survey response rates meet Office of Management (OMB) and other Government agency standards, when required and conduct a nonresponse bias study where required by those standards. The contractor shall monitor survey responses for each collection period and identify and track late respondents and non-respondents. The contractor shall conduct follow up activities with late and survey non-respondents.

C.2.6.2.1A.4 Perform Survey Data Processing and Editing The contractor shall collect and process data received. The contractor shall operate automated survey processing systems, load machine-readable data into survey processing systems, run edit summary reports, identify and resolve basic edits identifying cell-level discrepancies as well as more complex edits comparing internal and external data. The contractor shall examine respondent-level data by conducting inter-relationship and cross-survey comparisons and resolve errors, anomalous, and inconsistent data. Further, the contractor shall conduct data validation activities of aggregate-level data to resolve anomalous and inconsistent data. The contractor shall maintain records of all communications and correspondence with survey respondents to allow for effective quality control and facilitate timely decision-making. The contractor shall perform a series of editing and validation activities in order to identify outliers/anomalies to ensure respondent-level data are consistent with underlying market trends. The contractor shall periodically review data edit and other evaluation criteria to make recommendations for continuous improvements in data and program quality.

C.2.6.2.1A.5 Perform Frames Development and Maintenance Activities

The contractor shall perform frames development and maintenance activities that include, but are not limited to, building and maintaining name/address and other appropriate contact information files, researching potential new respondents, assigning status codes, and identifying births, death, mergers, sales, and acquisitions to assure sampling criteria and frame coverage goals are met for the energy populations studied by EIA. The contractor shall maintain frames, coverage, stratification, sample size and sample control information. Frames updates are critical prior to sample design and selection and ongoing throughout the survey processing life cycle, therefore it is essential for the contractor to regularly evaluate and closely coordinate frame related work.

C.2.6.2.1A.6 Perform Data Quality Assurance Activities

The contractor shall employ appropriate techniques to perform quality assurance activities in order to ensure data accuracy. The contractor shall be responsible for performing data quality checks throughout the survey processing life-cycle in order to validate the accuracy and reliability of respondent level data and aggregate data.

The contractor shall conduct data validation and perform publication-level/product reviews. Furthermore, the contractor shall monitor and maintain concurrent and final performance statistics and generate statistical reports.

C.2.6.2.1B Survey Operations for EIA’s Supply-Based Surveys The contractor must effectively manage the full range of activities associated with operating large-scale, comprehensive energy data collection programs in the following areas:

· Alternative Fuels

· Coal

· Electricity

· Natural Gas

· Nuclear

· Petroleum/Biofuels

· Renewables

· Uranium Methods and practices for doing so must achieve accurate, reliable, and timely results for EIA’s diverse stakeholder population.

The contractor will be required to perform the following survey operations activities:

· Perform Survey Collection Activities

· Coordinate and Conduct Data Receipt Activities

· Track and Pursue Survey Non-respondents

· Perform Survey Processing and Editing

· Perform Frames Development and/or Maintenance Activities

· Perform Data Quality Assurance Activities

C.2.6.2.1B.1 Perform Survey Collection Activities

The contractor shall plan, coordinate, and perform all activities to initiate successful survey data collection. The contractor shall develop and execute a comprehensive Survey Management Plan for all phases of survey operations life-cycle; i.e., data collection and receipt, non-response follow up, and survey processing. The contractor shall conduct all data collection activities in a manner consistent with Federal and agency data confidentiality provisions and ensure safeguards and appropriate measures to protect data confidentiality are implemented throughout the survey collection and processing life-cycle. The contractor shall print, transport, deliver, and distribute survey forms, instructions, and related materials. The contractor shall prepare the release of and distribute electronic data collection systems and related information. The contractor shall conduct mass mail outs and mass electronic distributions. The contractor shall prepare standardized communications, update and prepare respondent name and address files, and handle returned mailing and e-mails. The contractor shall operate data collection and survey processing systems. The contractor shall operate a help line to assist respondents with inquiries about survey requirements, filing instructions, and technical difficulties.

C.2.6.2.1B.2 Perform Data Collection/Receipt Activities

The contractor shall perform data capture and data retrieval activities. Survey data shall be collected via the most effective and efficient means; e.g., internet data collection, computer assisted interviews, telephone interview, personal interview, electronic data transfers, e-mail, facsimile, and mail. Upon receipt, the contractor shall pre-screen survey forms or other means by which data are collected for completeness and accuracy. The contractor shall login forms into data collection data systems, sort, batch, and distribute forms. The contractor shall use appropriate means for data capture activities; i.e., data entry and data reduction into electronic format. The contractor shall maintain filing systems and archive electronic submissions.

C.2.6.2.1B.3 Track and Pursue Survey Non-respondents

The contractor shall employ appropriate techniques to maximize survey response rates and ensure survey response rates meet agency statistical standards. Further, the contractor shall ensure survey response rates meet OMB and other Government agency standards, when required. The contractor shall monitor survey responses for each collection period and identify and track late respondents and non-respondents. The contractor shall conduct follow up activities with late and survey non-respondents.

C.2.6.2.1B.4 Process Survey Data The contractor shall collect and process data received. The contractor shall operate automated survey processing systems, load machine-readable data into survey processing systems, run edit summary reports, identify and resolve basic edits identifying cell-level discrepancies as well as more complex edits comparing internal and external data. The contractor shall examine respondent-level data by conducting inter-relationship and cross-survey comparisons and resolve anomalous and inconsistent data. Further, the contractor shall conduct data validation activities of aggregate-level to resolve anomalous and inconsistent data. The contractor shall maintain records of all communications and correspondence with survey respondents to allow for effective quality control and facilitate timely decision-making.

C.2.6.2.1B.5 Perform Frames Development and Maintenance Activities

The contractor shall perform frames development and maintenance activities that include, but are not limited to, building and maintaining name/address and other appropriate contact information files, researching potential new respondents, assigning status codes, and identifying births, death, mergers, sales, and acquisitions to assure sampling criteria and frame coverage goals are met for the energy populations studied by EIA. The contractor shall maintain frames, coverage, stratification, sample size and sample control information. Frames updates are critical prior to sample design and selection and ongoing throughout the survey processing life cycle, therefore it is essential for the contractor to regularly evaluate and closely coordinate frame related work.

C.2.6.2.1B.6 Perform Data Quality Assurance Activities

The contractor shall employ appropriate techniques to perform quality assurance activities in order to ensure data accuracy. The contractor shall be responsible for performing data quality checks throughout the survey processing life-cycle in order to validate the accuracy and reliability of respondent level data and aggregate data. The contractor shall conduct data validation and perform publication-level/product reviews. Furthermore, the contractor shall monitor and maintain concurrent and final performance statistics and generate statistical reports.

C.2.6.3 Energy Analysis and Modeling The contractor must develop and monitor sophisticated statistical data programs and provide energy analysis and modeling support for the full range of fuel types, supply, end use, and energy conversion sectors. Such support will provide EIA stakeholders with meaningful and accurate energy information.

The contractor will be required to perform the following data program assessments, energy analysis, and modeling activities:

· Develop and Monitor Energy Data Programs

· Conduct Energy Analysis

· Perform Energy Model Development

· Perform Energy Model Maintenance

· Prepare Energy Projections and Forecasts

C.2.6.3.1 Develop and Monitor Energy Data Programs

The contractor shall perform all activities necessary to develop statistically sound data programs and monitor and assess all related activities. The activities include:

· Perform Quality Assurance Activities

· Perform Imputation, Estimation, and Aggregation Activities

· Develop Survey Instruments

· Develop and Maintain Survey Frames

· Conduct Sampling Activities

C.2.6.3.2 Perform Quality Assurance Activities

The contractor shall perform all activities necessary to ensure that data reported to EIA are complete and accurate. These activities include, but are not limited to: editing, data validation, auditing, review of summary edit reports, and comparisons across surveys and with other internal and external energy data. The contractor shall develop and maintain a comprehensive set of edits and editing procedures for the purpose of evaluating survey data collected. The contractor shall perform follow up activities to resolve/verify data discrepancies. The contractor shall maintain records of all communications and correspondence with survey respondents to allow for effective quality control and facilitate timely decision-making. The contractor shall perform analysis of survey data, interpret survey data for studies, and perform standard statistical/mathematical analyses of survey data. The contractor shall perform time-series analysis, trend analysis, and statistical analysis using appropriate statistical software packages. The contractor shall develop, maintain, and monitor performance statistics and modify survey operations activities in order to achieve optimal data quality levels.

C.2.6.3.3 Perform Imputation, Estimation, and Aggregation Activities The contractor shall develop imputation methods for survey non-response and anomalous data. Responsibilities shall include reviewing and improving edits, editing procedures, and imputation methodologies; developing and employing methods for reducing non-sampling error; developing and employing methods for imputing missing data; implementing survey designs, edits, and imputations; and testing edit and imputation software and monitoring results. The contractor shall monitor and evaluate revision error and conduct appropriate benchmarking and annualization activities. The contractor shall use appropriate techniques for estimation, aggregation, and disaggregation. The contractor shall employ appropriate EIA approved disclosure limitations rules and disclosure avoidance techniques.

C.2.6.3.4 Develop Survey Instruments The contractor shall develop new and modify existing survey forms for the purpose of collecting timely and accurate energy data. The contractor shall perform data requirements studies and update data requirements documentation based on stakeholder input, legislative mandates or changes in legislation, structural or other energy industry market-based reforms, or EIA initiatives to provide more accurate and timely data. The contractor shall develop and prepare survey forms, instructions, and related material for use by survey respondent contacts. The contractor shall design, develop, and pre-test survey instruments and questions. The contractor shall assist with the preparation of clearance materials for OMB review and approval.

C.2.6.3.5 Develop and Maintain Survey Frames The contractor shall operate and execute procedures for developing and maintaining survey populations and frames. Activities shall include constructing and maintaining name and address files of survey respondents; constant monitoring of the frame through reviews of literature and other appropriate sources and from respondent contacts; recommending additions and deletions from frames; maintaining accurate audit trails for survey frames; determining ancillary variables for frame stratification; recommending changes in the appropriate survey samples, designing and selecting statistical samples, developing estimation and variance calculation procedures, and monitoring company response rates and times. The contractor shall facilitate the implementation of new and replacement samples.

C.2.6.3.6 Conduct Sampling Activities

The contractor shall design and develop optimal sample designs that yield estimates with specific coefficients of variation for both onetime and periodic surveys for varied survey populations. Each sample design must take into account the peculiarities of the particular energy type, sector(s), area(s), and population(s) being sampled with respect to organizational relationships, geographic distributions, custody/equity transactions, prevalent accounting practices, and probable levels of non-response and reporting errors. The contractor shall develop special estimation procedures and allow for emergency preparedness needs in sample designs, as required; specify/implement and document sample selection methodology; specify/implement and document procedures for computation of estimates and variances, with provision for nonresponse; and apply probability sampling techniques as required.

C.2.6.3.7 Conduct Energy Analysis

The contractor shall perform energy analysis on a full range of energy topics. Specifically, the contractor shall conduct analytic requirements analysis for all energy analysis projects. Such assessments shall identify all issues related to the analysis(es) being conducted, including performing thorough literature reviews. The contractor shall identify appropriate methodologies to analyze issues, including conducting an assessment of data availability and evaluating the costs and benefits of any identified approach. The contractor shall assemble, organize, and validate all data necessary to conduct analyses. Once a methodology has been selected, the contractor shall estimate data relationships and perform appropriate statistical tests. The contractor shall document analyses and prepare all necessary reports and related documentation.

C.2.6.3.8 Perform Energy Model Development

The contractor shall develop energy models. Specifically, the contractor shall prepare requirements analyses, construct module component design reports, assemble data, estimate relationships using state-of-the-art techniques, program model code, formally test the model implementation to verify that model implementation conforms to model design and is free of coding errors, and confirm that the model performs as expected through an analysis of the model’s outputs. The contractor shall document energy models and provide training as necessary.

C.2.6.3.9 Perform Energy Model Maintenance The contractor shall maintain EIA energy models by preparing, updating, and reviewing data inputs; performing state-of-the-art statistical tests on model inputs and outputs; performing parametric analysis to identify and assess the importance of key inputs and results; reviewing model design vis-à-vis market structure and recommend updates and revisions; modifying model code to implement new algorithms or methodologies; testing and analyzing model results; documenting model code and methodologies; and archiving model results.

C.2.6.3.10 Prepare Energy Projections and Forecasts

The contractor shall prepare timely and accurate energy projections and forecasts. The contractor shall review model methodologies and compare them to their theoretical underpinnings as well as to observed market realities. The contractor shall assemble and organize any data necessary to make energy projections and forecasts. The contractor shall obtain, review, and synthesize technical (engineering) data to be used as model inputs. The contractors shall develop scenario-specific data inputs to perform analysis. The contractor shall assess model results for consistency and plausibility and make any necessary suggestion to improve model results. The contractor shall prepare materials relevant to energy projections and forecasts. The contractor shall produce materials necessary to publish, post, or disseminate projections and forecast results.

C.2.6.3.11 Perform Data Integration

The contractor shall perform activities necessary to provide EIA stakeholders with fully integrated energy data representative of current energy markets. To that end, the contractor will ensure coverage of the full range of energy sources as they change over time, consistent representation of energy resources used to compile energy data and statistics, and definitional continuity of data series over time.

C.2.6.3.12 Manage Integrated Data Products The contractor shall develop and maintain integrated energy data products including but not limited to; monthly and annual data compilations of comprehensive state, U.S., and international data and statistics. The contractor shall develop and maintain product-specific databases through accessing domestic and international data from multiple sources and databases; estimating or interpolating data not available from existing sources; verifying and monitoring data and estimates for reasonableness, accuracy, and consistency; researching and resolving data anomalies and inconsistencies; conducting quality reviews of products/outputs; creating and maintaining customer interfaces; and documenting all procedures. The contractor shall employ appropriate, agency-approved disclosure limitations rules and disclosure avoidance techniques. The contractor shall develop web-based outputs and services to disseminate EIA’s integrated data products in accordance with agency standards and requirements.

C.2.6.4 Information Technology Support

The contractor must provide comprehensive information technology expertise in order to effectively manage and control all work related to the information technology area. The contractor will be required to perform the following activities:

· Software and web application corrective maintenance support

· Releases

· Software and web application operational and routine maintenance support

· Software and web application Development, Modernization, and Enhancement (DME)

· Configuration management

· Security controls

· Testing

· Release management, and

· Data repository Development, Operations and Maintenance

The contractor shall perform services related to the EIA-wide software and web application support, maintenance, operation, development, and enhancement. Systems and IT services covered include programmatic mission software, internal and external web applications, survey data processing software, and custom distributable client software for EIA’s major program offices. All information technology support must be performed in accordance with DOE and EIA guidelines, specifically EIA’s OIT requirements and standards and the DOE’s Software Engineering Methodology (SEM) guidelines.

Due to the complexity of the task, the offeror should have knowledge of statistical analysis and data modeling business processes, have the ability to analyze those processes in a holistic and integrated context, and recommend viable cost-effective technical and data solutions that improve program operations, reduce costs, and lower administrative burdens for EIA staff and survey respondents.

The Contractor shall ensure all proposed technology adheres to EIA guidelines. Specifically, all technology should be in compliance with current EIA standards consistent with EIA Office of Information Technology (OIT) standards. The contractor shall at all times maintain compliance with current OIT standards, which may be subject to change over the duration of this contract. Any deviation from the EIA standard should be negotiated prior to contract award.

At the time of this solicitation, the current EIA list of technologies and applications used to support its mission are as follows:

Windows Server

Apache Tomcat Microsoft IIS Oracle WebLogic

Java, JavaScript, JSP, Node.js, jQuery PHP, HTML, CSS, ColdFusion, XML, JSON

SQL, PL/SQL

Python Fortran

Oracle Application Express (APEX) Adobe Creative Cloud Product Suite Microsoft Office Product Suite (including Visio) Microsoft Visual Studio TOAD for Oracle, TOAD for SQL Server TOAD Data Modeler Jakarta EE Highcharts GitLab

Microsoft SQL Server PostgreSQL Snowflake DBaaS

ODBC, JDBC

OLAP, OLTP

AWS Relational Database Service (RDS) Salesforce SaaS

SAS

Jaspersoft Tableau, PowerBI Esri ArcGIS

AIMMS

GAMS

Oracle Web Forms

C.2.6.4.1 Software and web application corrective maintenance support

Corrective Maintenance encompasses modifications that fix application problems caused by design, logic, or coding errors. This type of maintenance is often triggered by an explicit service desk ticket and often involves errors that must be addressed immediately. Examples of issues that require corrective maintenance include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Calculations that generate incorrect values

· Failing data or file transfer processes

· Data screens that omit a required entry or store an entry in the improper location

· Improper logic in business rules

· Aborted or terminated processes

· Error messages

· Interfaces that are not functioning as designed

· Application configuration issues

The Contractor shall perform Corrective Maintenance, which is set of actions required to restore a failed system to operational status. Corrective Maintenance actions encompass modifications to fix application problems caused by design, logic, coding, development, and/or infrastructure errors. This type of maintenance will be triggered by an explicit Incident ticket or Problem Report (via email, instant message, phone), and involves errors that must be investigated and addressed immediately. The Contractor shall perform all activities required to build, test and deploy all changes as necessary to fix the application problems. Corrective maintenance is performed at unpredictable intervals. The objective of corrective maintenance is to restore the system to satisfactory operation within the shortest possible time.

C.2.6.4.2 Releases

Corrective actions that require updates to software or hardware components of the system, restart of the infrastructure components, or modification of Configuration Items must follow Emergency Release process and production system updates under such release documented in Emergency Change Request. The Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating Emergency Release testing and verification with impacted users that production issue has been resolved and system is back to normal operational state.

Although primary goal of Corrective Maintenance release is to restore system to full normal operations, the Contractor shall ensure that corrective actions taken are properly documented, and all necessary documentation and system information is updated, as applicable.

C.2.6.4.3 Software and web application operational and routine maintenance support

The objective of Operational and Routine Maintenance (O&M) Support is to ensure complete, continuous and successful business operations for all of EIA business systems and applications. It encompasses maintenance and operation of current IT systems at current capability and performance level. Examples of O&M activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Database and query tuning

· System component upgrades

· Routine and repeatable system or data updates, per defined Standard Operating Procedures

· Report updates

· Low risk operational system or application changes

The Contractor shall leverage existing application, database and network monitoring tools, and create Operational Verification Checklist for elements within each system that will be verified to ensure normal business operations. The Contractor shall periodically (but at least annually), or as requested by EIA, review and update checklist. The Contractor shall use the Operational Verification Checklist to conduct a daily check on all systems covered by the task order to:

· verify that they are operational;

· identify failure/issue, and escalate as needed;

· monitor data and system interfaces;

· confirm automated data transfers are occurring;

· identify performance concerns based on established thresholds; and

· determine normal operational thresholds.

The Contractor shall monitor the queues in the EIA digital workflow platform (at the time of this solicitation, EIA is utilizing ServiceNow) related to the systems covered in the task order.

Problem resolution may require a coordinated effort with one or more other groups to resolve. The Contractor shall coordinate O&M activities with IT production support staff, EIA Security Operations staff, and/or other EIA groups, as necessary, for troubleshooting system problems.

The Contractor shall participate in EIA Vulnerability Management process, as requested by EIA Security Operations Center, to remediate software and application vulnerabilities identified via static code scans, dynamic web application scans, penetration testing activities, etc.

The Contractor shall conduct root cause analysis (RCA) of all issues, problems, and performance degradations that resulted in unscheduled outage, corrective maintenance action or other disruption of normal operations. RCA reports shall be delivered to EIA for review and must include actionable recommended corrective steps.

The Contractor shall ensure that all existing application software is fully functional and operational. The Contractor shall work with the infrastructure support contractors to resolve issues related to software applications. The Contractor shall start (bring up) and stop (shut down) various on-line systems when necessary for all environments, as required. As required, the Contractor shall update the Operations and Maintenance Manual which provides detailed technical instructions on system operations.

C.2.6.4.4 Software and web application Development, Modernization, and Enhancement (DME)

DME includes introduction of new or modified functionality or scope that requires the re-engineering and/or enhancement of an existing system, the re-platforming of a system to a new technical architecture, or the development of a new system. The Contractor shall practice rigorous requirements management, project management, change control management and testing during DME efforts to ensure:

· Deployment Of High-Quality Code That Accurately Meets The Requirements

· Successful Releases Without Introduction Of Unexpected Problems

· Minimal Need For Emergency/Corrective Maintenance

· Minimal Need To Fix The Same Issue Multiple Times

· Maximum Value Out Of Limited IT Budget Resources

Contractor shall provide full software development lifecycle support for all DME efforts to facilitate implementation of complete and efficient solutions. DME efforts, to the extent practical, will follow EIA Demand Management Process and Agile Development Methodology. During the Demand Screening Phase, EIA will determine which artifacts are required for the project. The Contractor shall develop new documents, or update existing documents, as specified in the Work Request. Examples of documents that will be created or updated include, but are not limited to:

· Project Plan

· Requirements Document

· Solution Design Document

· Test Plan

· Release Plan

· Communication Plan

· Operations & Maintenance Manual

· System Security Plan

C.2.6.4.5 Configuration Management

The Contractor shall update the existing Configuration Management (CM) Plan or create the CM Plan if it does not exist. The plan shall address:

· Configuration Management Processes and Procedures

· Change Management

· Release Management

· Problem Tracking

The Contractor shall leverage EIA digital workflow platform tool (at the time of this solicitation, EIA is utilizing ServiceNow) to support all Configuration Management activities.

C.2.6.4.6 Security Controls

Contractor shall practice security development best practices and ensure software and application development processes adhere to Federal, DOE, and EIA security requirements.