B08_Attachment_1_Task_Order_1_Pricing_and_SOW_Coastal_Vulnerability.docx

Task Order No. 1

Pricing

Organize, co-design and facilitate virtual stakeholder engagement meetings (i.e. focus group, roundtable discussions)

Organize, co-design and facilitate in-person meetings (i.e. workshop)

Provide data analysis and 1 written report per activity (i.e. focus group, roundtable discussion, in-person workshop)

Survey design following USGS PRA Policies

Help sustain partnerships with stakeholder groups through communication

Help co-design training protocols and seminars of USGS resources

Total

*Not all tasks in table will have pricing associated for every task order*

Statement of Work

Facilitation Services for SPCMSC Coastal Vulnerability Assessments in Puerto Rico

1. General Information

1.1 Introduction – The U.S. Geological Survey St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center (SPCMSC) requires facilitation and data analysis services by an experienced social scientist with expertise in developing and facilitating stakeholder engagement strategies, to expand the project entitled: “Coastal Vulnerability Assessments in Puerto Rico: focused stakeholder engagement to foster equity and inclusion”. This project was initially funded by the Risk Community of Practice to bridge the gap between coastal stakeholders in Puerto Rico and researchers at the USGS.

1.2 Background – To accurately disseminate the results and conclusions from the coastal vulnerability assessments in Puerto Rico, expertise in coordination and facilitation of stakeholder meetings in English and Spanish with participants from different sectors (e.g. federal, community leaders, state, private and academia) is required. It is also necessary that the selected facilitator be knowledgeable about coastal hazards in Puerto Rico to actively engage in discussions with the participants. These qualifications are critically important to the success of the project. Knowledge in design and coordination of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) interviews with special focus groups on fisheries and coral reefs (for e.g. fishers and recreational divers), and associated habitats are also very important. Professional experience using the MAXQDA software to perform detailed data analysis of the information collected during the focus groups is required. In addition, the facilitator must understand the development of conservation and management plans for coastal and marine protected areas in Puerto Rico (such as Culebra, Tres Palmas-Rincón, and Desecheo Island). Expertise in the socioeconomic assessment of fishery dependent communities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is also crucial. Furthermore, it is required that the incumbent speaks both English and Spanish fluently.

1.3 Scope – The overall objectives of the project are: (1) to identify and connect USGS hazards resources for Puerto Rico to the local communities; (2) to connect with stakeholders from various sectors to learn about their needs; (3) and to identify knowledge gaps where future USGS research projects can be directed. To accomplish these objectives, we are hosting small focus groups, roundtable discussions and in-person meetings with stakeholders working in natural hazards in Puerto Rico. The contractor will help to: (1) create a database of USGS hazards projects and resources for Puerto Rico; (2) connect with community leaders and other relevant stakeholders to learn about their needs regarding coastal hazards and provide them with information on relevant USGS resources; (3) and identify knowledge gaps where future USGS projects should be directed in Puerto Rico. This unique vendor with social science expertise as well as extensive knowledge of the relation between coastal hazards vulnerability and the impact to the society will help to accomplish the project objectives.

2. Work Requirements

2.1 Technical Requirements -

The contractor must be knowledgeable about local stakeholders related to coastal hazards in Puerto Rico. To date, we have identified key stakeholders from different sectors in Puerto Rico and established communication with them. Stakeholders were invited to participate in focus groups aimed at understanding their needs regarding coastal hazards and give feedback on USGS resources already developed for Puerto Rico. The contractor will lead the stakeholder engagement process and do a detailed analysis of the data gathered. Specific tasks include:

i. Perform an in-depth analysis of findings from the virtual focus group meetings using MAXQDA software.

ii. Help facilitate direct connections in Puerto Rico for stakeholder engagement.

iii. Help organize and facilitate future focus groups and roundtable discussions with coastal managers and other stakeholders.

iv. Assist with making coastal hazards information more accessible to relevant stakeholders in Puerto Rico.

v. Assist with translating certain relevant documents needed for the project from English to Spanish and vice versa.

vi. Assist with vendors and venue rental communications and arrangements for in-person workshops.

vii. Help organize in-person workshops – contact stakeholders, secure materials, facilitate communication and assist with other logistics as needed to accomplish the project goals.

viii. Analyze the feedback on USGS coastal hazards resources and tools provided by volunteers.

2.2 Deliverables – The contractor is required to provide a written report on data analysis and findings from this task. The report will be delivered electronically in the following formats:

2.2.1 Draft Report – electronic version in MS Word– due by June 2022

2.2.2 Final Report – electronic version in MS Word– due within 60 days after receipt of USGS comments on draft report.

2.3 Criteria for Acceptance of Deliverables – The final report will be deemed acceptable once it contains all the necessary information as outlined in the objectives for this task. These include significant findings on stakeholder needs from the focus group discussions, feedback on USGS coastal hazards resources provided by the stakeholders, and knowledge gaps between their needs and USGS resources where future research efforts may be directed towards.

3. Supporting Information

3.1 Period of Performance – This task order is expected to be completed by August 2022 including all deliverables described in section 2.2.

3.2 Government Furnished Material/Services – A hard drive will be provided for the contractor if requested.

3.3 Special Considerations – None

3.4 Technical Coordination – On all technical matters related to the task order the contractor shall coordinate with:

**To be provided upon award**