D.1 Statement of Work (SOW) Gas Industry Seminars Services.pdf

Environmental Review and Compliance Seminars for Natural Gas Facilities

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

1.0 Purpose:

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) requires Contractor support services to prepare and present training seminars about FERC’s natural gas environmental program.

The Contractor must supply all labor, materials, equipment, facilities, software, transportation, and incidentals necessary to perform services as defined in this SOW. The Contractor will communicate with the FERC Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to make sure all project related tasks are done on time.

2.0 Background:

FERC regulates the interstate transmission, storage, and sale of natural gas. If an applicant proposes to abandon, construct or operate interstate natural gas facilities, they must secure approval from FERC, in the form of a certificate of public convenience and necessity pursuant to Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) for pipeline or storage facilities or an authorization to construct and site a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) import/export terminal pursuant to Section 3 of the NGA.

To gain FERC's approval to construct any interstate natural gas related facilities, companies must file an application. FERC staff completes an environmental analysis of the application, with findings to assist the FERC in its determination to approve or deny a certificate or authorization for the project. If FERC approves the project, the certificate or authorization could include conditions the applicant(s) must comply with for FERC to authorize project construction.

When the project is authorized, the applicant must adhere to certain construction-related conditions and land restoration processes of the affected environment. FERC is responsible for monitoring project construction and restoration to ensure that the pipeline/facilities are constructed/restored as authorized. FERC accomplishes this by conducting on-site inspections both during construction to monitor compliance with construction conditions and after construction to monitor restoration of the right-of-way.

3.0 Scope:

3.1 The Contractor must provide the necessary level of administrative, professional, and technical support required to facilitate three-day Environmental Review and Compliance Seminars for Natural Gas Facilities at various geographic locations in the United States in conjunction with FERC staff. The seminar’s objectives include educating representatives of the natural gas industry and other stakeholders about FERC’s environmental review process and an introduction to pipeline construction compliance. The Contractor must provide all personnel, Statement of Work - Natural Gas Industry Seminars materials, facilities, software, transportation, related equipment, and incidentals necessary to perform the work defined in this SOW.

FERC expects the seminars to cover the same material as the last seminar, held December 10- 12, 2019 in Seattle Washington (See Attachment A). The Contractor will meet with FERC staff (in person or by teleconference) to determine what changes should be made to the format and materials content within three weeks of contract execution and at least two months before each seminar.

3.2 Performance Objectives

3.2.1 Environmental Review: The seminar is designed to educate various stakeholders about FERC’s environmental review process, from early planning stages of a natural gas project to FERC approval, including applicable FERC regulations, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The seminar must provide the necessary information to prepare the environmental report filed with applications for project construction and, or abandonment. The Contractor must provide an overview of all information required to meet FERC's minimum filing requirements for environmental reports. The Contractor must include interactive exercises to reinforce key concepts and topics. Topics covered in this seminar must include the following:

− Introduction to FERC − FERC Jurisdiction and Regulations − The Pre-filing Process − Stakeholder Outreach − Landowner Notification − NEPA Scoping and Process Overview − Resource Report Preparation

• General Project Description

• Water Use and Quality

• Fish, Vegetation, Wildlife, and Threatened and Endangered Species

• Cultural Resources

• Geological Resources

• Soils

• Land Use, Recreation, and Aesthetics

• Air Quality and Noise

• Reliability and Safety

• Socioeconomics

• PCB Contamination

• LNG Engineering and Design Material

• Alternatives

• Cumulative Impacts

− Post-Application − Section 2.55 Projects − Section 157 Blanket Certificate Projects − Natural Gas Policy Act Section 311 Projects

3.2.2 Environmental Compliance: The seminar is also designed to provide an introduction to pipeline construction for industry newcomers; a discussion of pre-construction preparation considerations; a review of baseline mitigation measures for pipeline construction and restoration detailed in FERC’s Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan (Plan) and Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures (Procedures);

construction best management practices; and resource protection measures. The Contractor must include interactive exercises to reinforce key concepts and topics. Topics covered in this seminar must include :

− Environmental Compliance Management Programs − Environmental Inspection − Environmental Training − Compliance Reports − Third Party Compliance Programs − Variance Process − Preconstruction Planning − Defining Project Work Areas and Access Roads − Clearing and Grading − Facility Installation − Waterbody Crossings − Wetland Construction − Residential Construction − Winter Construction − Erosion Control and Resource Protection Measures − Revegetation, Restoration, Monitoring, and Maintenance − Post Construction Reporting

3.2.3 Specialized Sessions: The Contractor will provide the necessary level of administrative, professional, and technical support (including registration) required to facilitate at least four hours, but no more than one full day, specialized sessions at FERC headquarters, by utilizing a controlled-access webinar platform, or at another location specified by each Task Order. . The specialized session content will be based on attendees’ interest, agency requests for FERC training, and issues affecting the natural gas industry. The presentation materials will be developed in consultation with the COR and any printing/shipping of materials will be reimbursed at cost. FERC will provide to the contractor the number of attendees at each specialized session at least three weeks before the registration period. The number of attendees will not exceed 150 for in-person training and 200 for any webinars. If FERC requests the specialized session to be held at another location, the Contractor will follow the site-selection procedures described below in section 3.2.4.

3.2.4 Seminars and Site-Selection: The three-day seminar covers the FERC’s environmental review and compliance process, current regulations, and environmental reporting requirements, as described in section 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 above.

3.2.4-1 The Contractor will identify three potential sites at each location determined by the Government, and include summary information on the following logistical items to the COR:

• Meeting dates, as proposed

• Room to accommodate the proposed number of trainees (generally 175 people )

• Chevron seating (no interior pillars or other obstructions)

• Overhead projector(s)

• Screen(s)

• Audio equipment (e.g. wireless microphones and speaker system)

• Speaker’s table for participants (4 to 5 persons each)

• Extension cords

• Flip chart

• Registration tables (2) outside of room

• Two tables for presentation materials in the back

3.2.4-2 The Government will select one site amongst all the sites presented by the Contractor.

3.2.4-3 The Contractor must arrange and finalize a contract with the selected facility. The cost of the facility and audio/video equipment will be reimbursed at a cost no greater than $10,000 with a goal of minimizing this cost, which is included within the seminar cost.

3.2.5 Guidance Manual for Environmental Report Preparation: The Contractor will review all related materials and updates to the Guidance Manual for Environmental Report Preparation (Guidance Manual, available at https://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/enviro/guidelines/guidance-manual-volume-1.pdf) produced since 2017 and incorporate them into the document. The Contractor must edit the entire document for technical accuracy, statutory applicability, consistency, as well as orthographical and grammatical errors. The Contractor must update this document at least once a year or at the request of the COR.

3.2.6 E-Learning Course: The Contractor will update the existing interactive online training materials, with text, graphics, animation, audio, and video as specified in Task Order. The E- Learning modules will cover all the content covered by in the seminar and outlined in 3.2.1 and

3.2.2. The E-Learning must be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The existing E-Learning Modules are located at https://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/e-learning.asp and were created using Adobe® Captivate.

3.2.7 Contractor Travel (Other Direct Cost): Contractor will be required to travel CONUS during the performance of this contract to attend meetings, conferences, and training. The Contractor may be required to travel to off-site training locations in support of this SOW.

Contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with the substantive provisions of the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and the limitation of funds specified in Task Order. The offeror shall not propose on Other Direct Costs (ODCs); the offeror shall include the cost for in its total price proposal with the Not-to-Exceed (NTE) amount provided in the RFQ.

3.2.8 Printing of materials (Other Direct Cost): The Contractor will be required to print training materials for the scope of this contract. The Contractor will be reimbursed at cost for the https://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/enviro/guidelines/guidance-manual-volume-1.pdf https://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/enviro/guidelines/guidance-manual-volume-1.pdf https://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/e-learning.asp printing of materials related to the seminars or specialized sessions. The offeror shall not propose on ODCs; the offeror shall include the cost for in its total price proposal with the NTE amount provided in the RFQ.

3.2.9 Shipping of materials (Other Direct Cost): The Contractor will be reimbursed at cost for the shipping of materials related to the seminars or specialized sessions. The offeror shall not propose on ODCs; the offeror shall include the cost for in its total price proposal with the NTE amount provided in the RFQ.

3.3 Performance Objectives

The Contractor will plan to meet (by teleconference) with the COR to obtain direction for execution of each task and/or clarification on technical requirements and logistics spelled out in this contract. The Contractor would be expected to communicate with the COR at least biweekly. This interaction between the Contractor and COR is expected to ensure that both parties are informed of ongoing developments and that seminars are planned and executed in accordance with the contract.

4.0 Deliverables:

Deliverables: A deliverable is defined as any document/report that is required to be generated during the period of performance of the contract as outlined in the SOW. The Contractor must submit deliverables to the COR for review and approval. The COR will respond to the deliverables submitted with a formal approval or non-approval. Deliverables must be submitted via email to the COR. If a document exceeds the email capacity of either party, the Contractor will setup a secure file transfer site for transfer of large documents. All deliverables are the property of the FERC and the information contained in the reports is considered proprietary to

FERC.

4.0.1 Guidance Manual for Environmental Report Preparation: The Contractor will have the single contract period or exercised option year to complete consequent reviews and edits to the Guidance Manual and will provide the finalized document to the COR by the end of the contract period or by the end of each option period exercised.

4.0.2 Prepare a master training manual and presentation package to be used as the master manual for all the sessions. Slides used at the 2019 sessions will be provided to the awardee Contractor, as needed. (We encourage creativity in the development of the presentation package, in preparing and presenting these seminars provided the material included in the attached sample is thoroughly covered). The presentation package shall include at a minimum: introductory materials for all presenters (FERC and Contractor staff), copies of the training PowerPoint slides, a website of applicable reference documents for attendees (available two weeks before, during, and two weeks after the seminar), booklet copies of the FERC’s Plan and Procedures; interactive exercises to be used periodically throughout the presentation; and other applicable materials The presentation materials will be updated for each session based on attendee comments, and updates to FERC’s regulations, policies, or procedures. PowerPoint Slides, videos, pictures, and exercises used during the presentation will be reviewed and updated (as necessary) prior to each seminar and revised to ensure they reflect current FERC policy and requirements.

4.0.3 Prepare name tents and name tags for all confirmed attendees based on a finalized registration list approved by the COR and provided one week in advance of the seminar start date.

4.0.4 Prepare and maintain a database of attendee registrations beginning at the opening of registration and continuing until the completion of each seminar. Specific information required for registration will be determined by the COR, normally includes names of the registrants, their titles, company affiliation, mailing address, phone number, e-mail, and if each registrant has attended a previous session and the year of attendance

4.0.5 Maintain seminar/specialized session registration website and announcement distribution list. Send the COR an updated distribution list on a quarterly basis.

4.0.6 Coordinate all registration activities electronically and on-site for the seminar and specialized sessions. Contractor will send two e-mails to individuals on the distribution list prior to registration going live two weeks and one week prior to registration opening Contractor will send automated confirmation emails to registered attendees and will send separate e-mails to individuals placed on the waiting list up to 100 individuals within 24 hours of the notification by the COR of the selection of the confirmed list of attendees. The Contractor will send a daily email with an updated registration list to the COR or their designee until authorized to close registration by the COR. The Contractor will handle consequent questions, cancellations, and substitutions of attendees. The Contractor will coordinate delivery of all presentation materials and manuals to the seminar site, verify the room set up, sign in all registrants, and distribute attendee materials. The Contractor will also handle the setup of any information technology required for the specialized session webinars. If the specialized sessions are held at FERC, the COR and the Contractor will work collaboratively to reserve space at the FERC Headquarters Building and coordinate any information technology requirements.

4.0.7 Within three weeks of the end of the seminar, the contractor shall provide the attendee completed evaluation forms and summarize the results of attendee evaluations; and Provide suggestions of meaningful ways to improve the program based on attendee feedback.

4.0.8 Make copies of training materials/binders (or bound format) for each registered participant, and individual presenter binders for each presenter. Provide two extra copies of the participant binders to the COR.

4.0.9 Provide training certificates for all attendees of the three-day seminars by email (or in hard copy by mail if an electronic means of delivery is not available) within three weeks of the end of the seminar, based on the attendee sign-in list at the seminar. Training certificates are not required for the specialized sessions.

4.0.10 Facilitate all presentations and exercises throughout the seminar and specialized sessions, track timing, adjust presentations and breaks accordingly, and record all questions.

4.0.11 E-learning course: The Contractor will have the single contract period or exercised option year, to finish updates. Each update is expected to take a one-year period.

4.0.12 Administrative Reporting:

Invoices: Invoices for seminars are due 60 days after the end of the seminar or specialized sessions. Invoices for editorial work are due 60 days after COR’s acceptance of the completed product. All travel expenses must be submitted in Microsoft Excel with each traveler and expense category outlined separately. All receipts must be submitted in PDF format.

5.0 Schedule of Performance:

Unless otherwise indicated, the tasks described in this SOW will be accomplished by the Contractor, with review and approval by FERC staff, according to the following schedule:

Deliverable

Time to Complete/

Schedule

Venue options At least 120 days prior to the seminar or specialized session Draft copy of the updated participant and presenter manual At least 45 days prior to the seminar Updated Distribution list Every 90 days

Registration list Daily during open registration

Registration & waitlist emails Within 24 hours of notification by COR that attendee list is final Verify appropriate room set up and coordinate necessary adjustments with venue staff

Day before the seminar/ specialized session

Registration check in for all attendees Day of the seminar/ specialized session

Copy of the training manual for each participant on the first day of each seminar (or specialized session) with two extra copies for the

COR

Day of the seminar/ specialized session

Registration documentation, database and associated reports; any other documentation associated with preparing for or presenting these training courses, facility preparation and cleanup for each training session, when not otherwise handled by the training facility.

Day of the seminar/

Attendee lists Day of the seminar/

Evaluation forms and training certificates for attendees. Training certificates are not required for specialized sessions.

Within three weeks after the seminar/ specialized session Name tags and place cards for each participant, speaker, and any attending FERC staff.

Day of the seminar/ specialized session

Closeout report following completion of each seminar/specialized session which includes a participant feedback summary (ratings and comments); planned vs. actual times for the presentations; copy of the sign in list; summary of verbal comments, questions and suggestions received at the sessions; lessons learned and recommendations of how to handle future activities.

Within 21 days after the seminar/ specialized session

Closeout conference to discuss slide updates and preparations for the next seminar.

30 days after the seminar

6.0 Kick-off Meeting

A kickoff meeting will be held with the Contractor, Contracting Officer, Contract Specialist, Program Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative via teleconference. Arrangements for this meeting will be coordinated by the Contract Specialist within five days after contract award. The purpose of the kickoff is to provide guidance on how to successfully complete the award. The Six main goals of the Kick-Off Meeting:

1) Clarify procedures to facilitate award implementation.

2) Clarify the roles that key personnel will play in award implementation

3) Detail the requirements of the award and ensure understanding.

4) Explain the Statement of Work (SOW) revisions and reasons for any actions resulting in an administrative modification.

5) Invite questions from the awardee regarding any requirements needing clarification.

6) Identify and resolve any potential issues.

7.0 Place of Performance

Majority of the work under this contract will be performed at the Contractor’s facility. Seminars will take place in various cities throughout the continental United States and will be determined by each Task Order. Specialized sessions may take place at FERC Headquarters in Washington, DC, by webinar, or in other locations, and will be determined by each Task Order.

8.0 Quality Assurance/Control

The Contractor must ensure that training manuals provided to participants at the training sessions are complete. All final documents will be reviewed and edited by the Contractor to ensure that the document is both technically and grammatically correct. The final documents will be organized in a logical manner.

The Contractor should only submit deliverables that conform to the requirements of this SOW.

The government reserves the right to inspect all deliverables that have been tendered for acceptance. (See Section 4.0 Deliverables). The government may require correction of nonconforming deliverables at no increase in price. If correction is not possible, the government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of the nonconforming deliverables.

9.0 Key Personnel

Key Personnel are essential to the work being performed. The following personnel are considered key personnel:

Seminar Facilitator All Seminar Presenters Project Manager

The Contractor must provide a project manager who will be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the Contractor when the manager is absent must be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The project manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer in advance, and not less than 30 days, prior to any changes of Key Personnel. The Contractor must submit a written justification, with proposed changes, in enough detail to permit evaluation of the impact on task activities plus a description of mitigating measures, if applicable. Individuals submitted as key personnel changes will be approved at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer, with concurrence of the COR. Qualifications for all key personnel are as follows:

Seminar Facilitator and Seminar Presenters: Resumes will demonstrate relevant educational background (e.g., engineering, biology, cultural resources, archaeology, hydrology, etc.) and training in FERC’s Environmental review and Compliance for Natural Gas Facilities Seminars (or equivalent training). Resumes must address the individual's experience with:

• Oral presentations to large audiences;

• FERC's environmental process and regulations for natural gas projects;

• Preparation of environmental resources reports for FERC certificate applications;

• FERC’s current Plan and Procedures;

• Compliance inspections of FERC-regulated natural gas projects;

• Instructional design and training.

Project Manager: Resume will demonstrate project management experience with at least 10 years of experience in the natural gas industry.

Project Manager: The Contractor must have one project manager, and one alternate contact who will respond within 36 hours to inquiries from the COR.

Seminar Facilitator: The Contractor must have one seminar facilitator to oversee logistics at the seminars.

Course Instructors: The Contractor must have at least four course instructors to deliver each seminar.

10.0 Operating Constraints

All data produced is and shall remain the exclusive property of the Government. The Contractor shall ensure that the government retains all rights to access, export, download, transfer, and any other required data manipulations and transactions of all data for any purpose the Government deems necessary, including investigation, transfer, or migration to other cloud platforms. The Contractor must provide notice immediately of any third-party request for the data and the request cannot be serviced without written permission from the Contracting Officer.

Attachment:

Attachment A - Environmental Review and Compliance Seminar for Natural Gas Facilities, December 10-12, 2019, Seattle, Washington