Attachment I - Statement of Work.pdf

Attachment I - Statement of Work

Updates and support for ComBase, the Pathogen Modelling Program (PMP) Online and Desktop Versions, and the Predictive Microbiology Information Portal (PMIP).

Background ComBase, an online quantitative food microbiology tool, was developed and maintained as a collaboration between the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and other partners during the past 20-years. In 2020, USDA-ARS resumed the role of sole ComBase Managing Partner, facilitated through the US Department of Agriculture -Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC) in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. The Pathogen Modeling Program (PMP) also developed decades ago by ARS at ERRC is a package of models that can be used to predict the growth and inactivation of foodborne bacteria, primarily pathogens, under various environmental conditions. These predictions are specific to certain bacterial strains and specific environments (e.g., culture media, food, etc.) that were used to generate the models. Two versions were developed: the online PMP and the desktop PMP. The USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have produced the Predictive Microbiology Information Portal (PMIP) to assist small and very small food companies in the use of Predictive Models and Food Microbiology information.

The PMIP links users to numerous and diverse resources associated with models, databases, regulatory requirements, and food safety principles.

ERRC now requires tasks related to the support and updating of ComBase, the PMP and PMIP, specifically:

ComBase

1. Provide ongoing support to ERRC to manage the hosting of ComBase, respond to user inquiries, assist in adding new datasets to the ComBase application, and working with the advisory and scientific group as directed by ERRC. Note that ERRC will be the initial point of contact for inquiries from the ComBase website.

• Ongoing support includes website updates, model updates, user support, processing of datasets for upload, support for the Advisory and Scientific Groups, additional website content changes.

• Support and implement revised growth models to replace existing predictive models using current modelling methodologies

Pathogen Modeling Program (PMP): Reconcile model discrepancies between the desktop and online versions (i.e. add models available only in one version to the other version).

1. Review list of model candidates to synchronize between online and desktop versions and select models to implement

2. Develop VB code to implement models selected for synchronization in the other version

• Add the synchronized models to online PMP source code and test

• Add the synchronized models to desktop PMP source code and test

3. Eliminate the dependency of the online PMP on the third-party application Analytica Decision Engine for six models.

4. Once all models are implemented:

• Deploy models to test server for online PMP

• Produce and test desktop installer

• Update models with any revisions and update the online PMP

• Update models with any revisions and update the desktop PMP and produce a final installer

Predictive Microbiology Information Portal (PMIP):

1. Provide support in maintaining the PMIP to address technical or useability issues.

Length of Contract: One year from award date.

Requirements include:

• Technical experience with the ComBase website and related applications

• Technical experience with PMP online and desktop applications

• Technical experience with the PMIP online application

• Predictive microbiology expertise required to review and understand the scientific publications related to the models

• Statistical modelling expertise relevant to food safety

• Expertise in hosting and developing Windows-based applications such as ComBase and

PMP, including database development in SQL Server and web hosting with IIS Web server.

• Experience working with scientific advisory groups to provide technical advice.