Draft_Deepwater Horizon Program PWS.docx

Office of Habitat Conservation, Restoration Center, Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Program Performance Work Statement (PWS)

(DRAFT)

The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), NMFS Office of Habitat Conservation (OHC) NOAA Restoration Center (RC) has a requirement for Scientific and Technical Program Support Service. Broadly, this support includes technical writing, logistical support, grants management, natural resource damage assessment, project management, environmental compliance and office operations.

Created in l991, the NOAA RC is the only office within NOAA solely devoted to restoring the nation's coastal, marine, and migratory fish habitats. The RC works with a wide array of partners to restore mangrove, salt marsh, seagrass, oyster, coral reef, kelp forest, river habitats, and the riverine, coastal and near-shore habitats in the Gulf of Mexico.

Much of the work done by NOAA Fisheries, and in part by the RC, is mandated by U.S. legislative acts, such as Magnuson – Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization; Marine Mammal Protection; Endangered Species; National Environmental Policy; Clean Water; Oil Pollution; and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability.

Through the Oil Pollution Act, the NOAA RC is involved in the response and restoration efforts of oil spills. Through the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP), NOAA participates in the Natural Resource Damage Assessments (NRDA) to determine the type and amount of restoration needed to compensate the public for harm to natural resources as a result of the spill. NOAA works cooperatively with other natural resource trustees and the party responsible for the pollution. The damage assessment process promotes cost-effective assessment and restoration-benefiting the public, the responsible parties, and the environment.

On April 20, 2010 an explosion on British Petroleum's Deepwater Horizon (DWH) MC252 drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico caused the rig to sink and spill oil at a quantity that became the worst in U.S. history and impacted habitats and wildlife species along the coastal areas of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The NOAA RC has been involved in the response and restoration efforts since the onset of the spill.

Although many federal and state agencies are involved in the aftermath of this spill, NOAA is the lead federal trustee for coastal and marine natural resources, including marine and migratory fish, mesophotic and deep benthic communities, endangered species regulated by NOAA, marine animals, and their habitats, which also occur outside of the Gulf of Mexico region.

The NOAA RC DWH Program:

· Funds and implements quality restoration projects to ensure healthy and sustainable fishery resources;

· Employs technical staff to help develop and improve and manage project design, ensure environmental compliance, and advance restoration techniques;

· Engages the local community and encourages stewardship of our nation's coastal and riverine habitats;

· Collaborates with public, private, and agency partners to prioritize projects and leverage successes; and

· Uses scientific monitoring to evaluate restoration project success.

DWH operations are conducted in our headquarters offices in Silver Spring, Maryland, as well as in various locations in the Gulf of Mexico Region. To support this effort the Contractor shall provide a network of professional scientists, technical experts, and consultants to provide services in the areas described and as subsequently specified in each individual SOW.

The purpose of this PWS is to outline the projected technical and professional skills required to efficiently and effectively support the mission and goals of the DWH Program. A variety of labor categories will be necessary to provide diverse services. A description of projected labor category requirements encompassing a range of education and experience are provided for price evaluation (Appendix X).

Overall objectives and services required to accomplish DWH tasks may include, but are not limited to:

Post-Settlement Restoration: Restore resources injured by the spill in accordance with the Settlement Agreement and the Programmatic Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan / Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PDARP/PEIS), provide technical support, provide financial assistance, and promote stewardship ethic to positively affect environmental quality.

· Coordinates and manages DWH restoration project planning, permitting, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management.

· Provides technical leadership and assistance to partners conducting restoration efforts.

· Assists in efforts to achieve outcomes described in the PDARP/PEIS.

· Assist in developing regional and national policy to improve effectiveness of restoration activities, and expand the scale of restoration planning and implementation.

· Establish and participate in regional restoration prioritization and planning to maximize the benefits of restoration on a broader scale.

· Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring projects to protect or restore marine and coastal natural resources under Federal legislation, guidelines, and other statutory acts or regulatory programs that may exist or be enacted during the period of performance of this task order.

· Serve as a liaison to academia, scientific, government, tribal, nongovernmental organizations, and public entities.

· Other activities not specifically mentioned above that relate to the DWH Restoration Program.

Data Collection/Management/Maintenance and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS): Collect, manage, interpret, organize and present data and geospatial information, develop tools, or organize publicly accessible information in order to inform decisions regarding NOAA’s DWH restoration efforts.

· Develop and maintain technical databases and information systems to provide detailed project information to improve restoration methods, provide information for reports, track performance measures, and assist in allocating resources.

· Provide guidance on the maintenance of technical databases and information systems.

· Develop custom data collections strategies.

· Ensure data quality.

· Coordinate GIS efforts and needs, including the development of GIS tools related to the management of geospatial information relating to restoration activities.

· Provide expert analysis and data synthesis to support restoration activities.

· Other GIS activities not included above that relate to losses of coastal habitats and degradation of environmental quality.

Monitoring, Adaptive Management, and Data Collection: Use research and data to improve the results and effectiveness of protection and restoration efforts aimed at meeting the PDARP/PEIS goals and objectives.

· Assist with data collection efforts and implementation- and effectiveness-/ performance monitoring of projects to investigate the environmental consequences of restoration techniques, strategies, or activities, document regional trends in resource recovery due to the spill, and to assess project-specific performance.

· Assist in developing and evaluating restoration strategies, and ecological or socio-economic techniques to better characterize coastal resources and marine habitats.

· Improve theoretical and field techniques to predict, obtain, and evaluate data on physical, biological, and chemical processes related to habitat distribution, health, and recovery rates.

· Conduct monitoring and/or data collection efforts to improve restoration projects, evaluate the need for project specific corrective actions, and to determine adaptive management needs of both projects and the DWH restoration program.

· Other monitoring, adaptive management, and data collection activities not specifically mentioned above aimed at improving DWH restoration efforts.

Communications and Outreach: Maintain capabilities to communicate with internal (NOAA) and external (non-NOAA) audiences to foster understanding and use of information, products and services associated with the DWH restoration program.

· Assist with outreach and communications needs, including the development and implementation of communications strategies for projects or the program.

· Serve as point of contact (i.e., preparer, coordinator) for issues of strategy development, press releases, media advisories, public service announcements, communications with NOAA and other agencies’ public affairs offices.

· Prepare/Coordinate briefing materials, including presentations and speeches, and descriptive interpretive materials.

· Participate in public information meetings, hearings, legal testimony or as an expert witness.

· Other communications and outreach activities not specifically mentioned above aimed at improving DWH restoration efforts.

Program Analyses/Planning: Provide strategic planning and program analysis capability to the DWH Restoration Program.

· Review and comment on pertinent habitat restoration legislation.

· Analyze policies within the Office and assist in the development of new policies to meet changing requirements.

· Support activities as they relate to budgeting processes, which includes facilitation of program planning teams and well as maintaining communications among the many team participants and offices involved in the scope of the process.

· Formulate annual program operating plans and track activities outlined in the program's Annual Operating Plan.

· Develop and report on program's performance through a variety of reporting systems and/or analyses including, Data Integration Visualization Exploration and Reporting (DIVER), Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Annual Performance Plan (APP), Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART), audits and other programmatic tracking systems.

· Draft responses and documents on key issues/concerns.

· Participate in working groups for assigned activities (e.g. program and project performance measures, communications).

· Other program analysis and planning activities not specifically mentioned above that would enhance planning for habitat restoration.

Operations (Administrative, Secretarial, and Clerical) Support: Maintain administrative operations.

· Collect Time & Attendance (T&A) data from office staff and record information in NOAA T&A system.

· Track budgets for divisions, projects and programs.

· Input of budgetary and accounting data in the Commerce Administrative Management System (CAMS).

· Prepare necessary paperwork to facilitate travel for office personnel. (Travel Orders and Travel Vouchers)

· Facilitate the proper accounting of travel cost information, reimbursement to the traveler in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations, local travel policies and procedures.

· Identify effective filing methodology for office administrative files and file administrative documents.

· Assist in implementing efficient cost-documentation processes, tools, and methods that meet the requirements of NOAA and other agencies, as appropriate.

· Develop and update appropriate SOP’s to ensure appropriate documentation of processes and effective continuity of operations.

· Serve as reception (e.g., telephone, in-person, email, fax) for office.

Task 1: RC DWH Communications Coordinator (Strategic Communications Specialist (SCS) III)

Location: Work will be performed in Silver Spring, MD, with sporadic travel to restoration sites or outreach event locations outside of the Washington, D.C., area. Teleworking may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved contract procedures. The contractor may be required to travel for meetings, workshops, trainings, and conferences.

The task will require 60% support for the following:

a) Communications and Outreach Products: The Contractor shall coordinate and directly support development of various communication products, including web stories and social media; fact sheets, brochures, and other print materials; and communications plans, messages, and talking points.

b) Coordination: The Contractor shall serve as a point of contact for RC staff’s outreach needs, develop and lead roll-out efforts of RC announcements, assist staff with identifying opportunities to communicate their work, and help coordinate RC participation and messaging within the OHC Communications Team and across other NOAA outreach teams.

c) Strategic Communication Development: The Contractor shall provide support in defining objectives and key messages for RC programs, and identify opportunities for potential collaborative communications, outreach, and engagement among the RC, OHC, NOAA Fisheries, and NOAA based on overlapping priorities and programs.

d) Strategic Engagement: The Contractor shall help build a common understanding of RC stakeholder engagement needs; develop and implement strategies that focus on stakeholder engagement; streamline processes to identify and refine stakeholder engagement activities; facilitate events across RC regions; determine the value of RC’s engagement investments; and understand and manage stakeholder expectations.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Education and experience requirements: Six to eight years of specialized experience directly related to the position and a Bachelor’s Degree in communications, public relations, media, environmental studies, or an equivalent field.

· Experience developing strategic communications plans and outreach campaigns for a science or environmental agency, private company, public relations firm, or non-governmental organization.

· Experience developing and facilitating collaborative and effective relationships with key stakeholders from corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organizations.

· Demonstrated ability to write for the web, including articles, static content, and/or blog posts.

· Excellent writing and editing skills.

· Experience with content management systems, particularly Drupal.

· Experience using social media, particularly Twitter.

Preferred:

· Excellent team player with experience using interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships with all levels of staff, partners, stakeholders, and volunteers.

· Familiarity using Adobe Creative Cloud tools, particularly InDesign and Illustrator.

· Experience with media relations, including composing quotes, reviewing press releases, and executing events intended for news media, partners, and stakeholders.

· Familiarity with Google Analytics or other user analysis applications.

· Experience establishing and maintaining relationships of mutual respect with conservation leaders, decision-makers, managers, and citizens.

· Working knowledge of organizations and key leaders engaged in habitat conservation and restoration, including federal, state, and local governments; tribes; academic institutions; and non-governmental organizations.

Deliverables:

Deliverables are specified in the table below. All deliverables shall be coordinated with the NOAA Project Lead. Independent representation of NOAA interests without Project Lead coordination is not authorized. In all meetings and site visits the contractor shall identify themselves as a contractor providing these services to NOAA.

Communications and Outreach Products:

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the Project Lead: (a) create and maintain products specific to RC priorities, including but not limited to web content, social media, fact sheets, posters, and other materials; and (b) contribute to the planning and execution of communications plans, messages, talking points, announcements, events, and briefings.

Coordination:

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the Project Lead: (a) serve as a point of contact for RC staff’s outreach needs; (b) assist staff with identifying opportunities to communicate their work; (c) develop and lead roll-out efforts for RC announcements; and (d) coordinate RC’s participation and messaging within the OHC Communications Team and across other NOAA outreach teams.

Strategic Communication Development:

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the Project Lead: (a) provide support in defining objectives and key messages for RC priorities that are appropriate for audiences including but not limited to Congress, NOAA leadership, and other stakeholders; (b) identify opportunities for collaborative communications and engagement based on overlap between RC, OHC, and NOAA priorities and programs; and (c) develop and coordinate strategies and work plans to implement necessary communications.

Strategic Engagement:

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the Project Lead: (a) provide support in building and implementing strategies that focus on where stakeholder engagement can have the biggest impact on the RC mission; (b) provide support in determining and implementing appropriate methods for measuring the value of engagement; and (c) understand and manage stakeholder expectations throughout engagement activities.

Monthly Reports:

The Contractor shall submit electronic monthly progress reports that clearly and concisely correlate cost incurred and level of effort expended during the reporting period along with the specific activity the effort supported, and accomplishments.

Task 2: RC DWH Database Administrator (Database Administrator (DA) I)

Location: Work will be performed in Silver Spring, MD. Teleworking may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved contract procedures. The contractor may be required to travel for meetings, workshops, trainings, and conferences.

The task will require 90% support for the following:

a) Data Management: The Contractor shall support data management and analysis needs and provide technical assistance, support, and training to users of data management systems.

b) Coordination: The Contractor shall support the DWH Data Management Team with a focus on Restoration project tracking, Restoration Planning document management, and team collaboration.

c) System Development: The Contractor shall identify opportunities to leverage existing Gulf of Mexico information systems and data sources and develop strategies for integration with management systems.

d) Record Maintenance: The Contractor shall ensure administrative record requirements are met; and coordinate in the development of appropriate protocols and systems to support administrative records requirements.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Education and experience requirements: Up to four years of specialized experience directly related to the position and a Bachelor’s Degree .

· Demonstrated ability to apply data management tools and processes to address a user group’s information requirements and support program decision-making.

· Experience with database publishing to websites and data integration to web-based mapping tools.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Experience with configuring and customizing collaboration tools and document sharing systems, such as Microsoft Sharepoint.

· Ability to troubleshoot problems with data systems and provide technical support to end users.

· Demonstrated ability to identify problems and propose appropriate solutions, develop and execute a project plan and budget, and manage a multidisciplinary team.

· Demonstrated ability to organize and evaluate information and prepare reports of findings.

· Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent, and competing projects and responsibilities.

· Strong coordination and communication skills, both oral and written.

· Demonstrated ability to develop and run user trainings covering complex system functions and business rules.

· Demonstrated ability to document systems operations, business rules, and user guidance materials.

· Ability to work independently, reliable, self-starter, self-motivated and strong attention to detail.

· Demonstrated ability to lead a team and effectively communicate with users with a wide range of areas of expertise and disciplines.

Preferred:

· Knowledge of federal records management policies, schedules, and best practices.

· Knowledge of biological sciences and techniques pertaining to ecology, marine and anadromous fisheries, and coastal aquatic habitats and/or familiarity with Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) process and requirements.

· Experience in conducting data analysis and preparing summary reports, graphs, maps, and interpreted information products for a variety of audiences.

· Proficiency in computer use including email, electronic file management, and calendaring is required. Experience in Adobe PhotoShop or similar graphic editing software is desirable.

· Knowledge of computer programing or scripting languages such as Java, Python, or Javascript Experience working in a government office including knowledge of government document retention and IT security requirements.

Deliverables:

Deliverables are specified in the table below. All deliverables shall be coordinated with the NOAA Project Lead. Independent representation of NOAA interests without Project Lead coordination is not authorized. In all meetings and site visits the contractor shall identify themselves as a contractor providing these services to NOAA.

Data Management:

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the DWH Data Management Lead, be the principal in; (a) the identification, development, and implementation of technical solutions to data management requirements in coordination with NOAA’s DWH NRDA Restoration Planning leadership and technical staff as well as other DWH co-trustees; (b) the collection of user requirements and the development, configuration, and maintenance of document management systems, collaboration sites, and databases in support of restoration planning efforts. In addition, the Contractor shall; (c) provide technical assistance and support, and training to users of data management systems; and (d) provide data analysis and related technical support as needed.

Coordination:

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the DWH Data Management Lead; be the principal for (a) the DWH Data Management Team activities, development of meeting agendas, and task management; (b) efforts to work with key stakeholder groups to understand the priority information needs and develop tools and strategies for supporting those needs, with a focus on Restoration project tracking, Restoration Planning document management, and team collaboration; (c) serve as the primary liaison to programmers and systems analysts to translate and communicate user requirements and to coordinate system testing, troubleshooting, and user support and training; (d) ensure effective information exchange and promote consensus on Information Technology (IT) system requirements with DWH co-trustees; (e) work with all DARRP program offices to ensure cross-DARRP information requirements, protocols, and systems are integrated and aligned where appropriate; and (f) coordinate with DARRP communications staff and DWH Public Affairs Subcommittee members to develop IT solutions for supporting the development of outreach materials and products and for responding to information requests and publishing to appropriate websites.

System Development:

The Contractor shall lead, in coordination with the DWH Data Management Lead, be the principal for: (a) the identification of opportunities to leverage existing Gulf of Mexico information systems and data sources and develop strategies for integration with DWH data management systems; (b) the development and tracking of project plans, schedules, and budgets; and (c) the support for implementing office IT policies and procedures, including procedures for retaining potentially relevant information related to the DWH Oil Spill.

Record maintenance:

The Contractor shall; (a) ensure administrative record requirements are met; and (b) coordinate with General Counsel for Natural Resources and other DARRP administrative record points of contact to develop appropriate protocols and systems to support administrative records requirements.

System Development:

The Contractor shall lead, in coordination with the DWH Data Management Lead, be the principal for: (a) the identification of opportunities to leverage existing Gulf of Mexico information systems and data sources and develop strategies for integration with DWH data management systems; (b) the development and tracking of project plans, schedules, and budgets; and (c) the support for implementing office IT policies and procedures, including procedures for retaining potentially relevant information related to the DWH Oil Spill.

Monthly Reports:

The Contractor shall submit electronic monthly progress reports that clearly and concisely correlate cost incurred and level of effort expended during the reporting period along with the specific activity the effort supported, and accomplishments.

This task shall be ongoing.

Contract Program Manager

Task 3: OHC SharePoint Developer (SharePoint Developer II)

Location: Services will be provided on site at 1315 East West Highway Silver Spring MD 20910. Teleworking may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved contract procedures. The contractor may be required to travel for meetings, workshops, trainings, and conferences.

The task will require 30% support for the following:

a) Security/Integration Compliance: Providing strategic expertise and direction on future implementation and presentation of online content in SharePoint projects and initiatives, offering expert guidance to staff and management on planning and development of effective web content and its appropriate presentation in current and future online projects.

b) Web Content Management System and Web Application Design and Development: Support out-of-the-box SharePoint developing, scripts, and features pertaining to agency objectives and goals, public programs, education, research, and other initiatives. Coordinates with the OHC and RC Data/IT managers to ascertain if projects are appropriate in concept, content, and presentation

c) System Support: Provide technical support for NMFS-OHC/DWH/DARRPs SharePoint Sites.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Requires two to four years specialized experience directly related to the position and a Bachelor's degree in geography, biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

· Information Technology work experience with projects involving Microsoft SharePoint Content Management Web-site, organization, management, business, and/or technical services.

· Understanding of out-of-the-box SharePoint capabilities, including hierarchy, permissions, site and list templates, web parts development, workflow and content management. Understanding of HTML, CSS and Master Pages to deliver a user friendly experience to the client

· Understanding of JavaScript, jQuery, aspx scripting and .Net Programming

· Experience with Microsoft PowerShell

· Well-Experienced with using SharePoint Designer 2013

· Understanding of SharePoint content types, lists, columns, web parts and features to provide collaboration solutions

· Experience using SharePoint designer to develop workflows and data view web parts

· Ability to work with IT organization and user departments to develop efficient and effective SharePoint solutions to meet business requirements

· Support all components of the Microsoft SharePoint environment

· Ability to troubleshoot and remediate front end issues Enforce site standards, including security policies, to ensure the governance policies and processes are maintained

· Good documentation and analytical skills

· Strong interaction skills including verbal and written communications skills Preferred:

· Microsoft SharePoint certification

· Adobe Photoshop Proficiency.

Deliverables:

Deliverables are specified in the table below. All deliverables shall be coordinated with the NOAA Project Lead. Independent representation of NOAA interests without Project Lead coordination is not authorized. In all meetings and site visits the contractor shall identify themselves as a contractor providing these services to NOAA.

Security/Integration/Compliance:

The Contractor shall comply with all regulations when integrating government and industry information technology trends in standards, services provisioning, shared services, cloud computing, project or program knowledge and management, enterprise architecture into network engagements with stakeholders, guidance, architectural frameworks, and performance metrics.

This task shall be ongoing

NOAA Project Lead

Web Content Management System and Web Application Design and Development:

The Contractor shall: (a) provide expertise in out-of-the-box SharePoint development in support of OHC and (b) participate in Content Management System and SharePoint Information Systems design. (c) ensure OHC is compliant with NMFS, NOAA, and DOC policies and other requirements (d) Ensuring the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of information systems through: developing procedures; participating in business process design; reporting and investigating incidents; conducting risk and vulnerability assessments; promoting awareness and appropriate application of security policies/procedures; conducting systems security evaluations, audits, and reviews; developing systems contingency plans and disaster recovery procedures; and authenticating and validating system user qualifications.

System Support:

The Contractor shall be responsible for user account activation, de-activation, access permission; providing quality service, expert know-how and practical and effective support for all activities related to information systems under the direction of IT Manager.

Training:

The Contractor shall: (a) maintain proficiency and access to key NOAA systems through required training provided by NOAA.

Reports:

The Contractor shall submit electronic monthly progress reports that clearly and concisely correlate cost incurred and level of effort expended during the reporting period along with the specific activity the effort supported, and accomplishments

Task 4: DWH LA TIG Biologist (Biologist III)

Location: Work will be performed in Baton Rouge, LA. Teleworking may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved contract procedures. The contractor may be required to travel for meetings, workshops, trainings, and conferences.

The task will require full time support for the following:

a) DWH Living Coastal Marine Resource and Other Resource Restoration Planning: The Contractor will provide technical support for developing the restoration plan(s)/environmental assessment(s) for living coastal marine resources (eg. oysters, marine mammals, sea turtles, SAV) for the Louisiana restoration area. In conjunction with the Project Lead, the Contractor will coordinate NOAA’s input into developing and reviewing the draft plan, support drafting sections of the document, coordinate NEPA and other environmental compliance, and coordinate with other members of the LA Trustee Implementation Group on completing the draft and final plan. The Contractor will also provide technical support for developing implementation plans for projects that NOAA will lead. In addition, the Contractor will provide technical review for other restoration planning efforts in the LA restoration area (e.g., water quality and recreational use).

b) DWH Habitat Restoration Planning in Barataria Basin: The Contractor will provide technical support for strategic restoration planning in Barataria Basin and for related large-scale habitat restoration planning. Efforts will include technical evaluation of large-scale sediment diversion projects and wetland restoration projects, contributing to development of phase 2 restoration plans, and providing technical support for associated NEPA and environmental compliance evaluations.

c) Restoration Project Identification, Development, and Project Implementation Management: The Contractor shall provide habitat and living coastal and marine resource restoration project management on RC’s behalf for both state-led and NOAA-led projects, primarily in Louisiana. The Contractor may provide technical expertise to support NOAA and partners on development and evaluation of Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency, CRP, RESTORE, and DARRP restoration plans and projects in the Gulf of Mexico, primarily in Louisiana.

d) Data Management, Administrative Record and File Maintenance: The contractor shall maintain proficiency and access to key NOAA systems through training and assist in maintenance of program and project files on SharePoint (or other shared electronic data systems). The Contractor shall maintain and input specific restoration project data.

e) Environmental Compliance: The Contractor shall assist the RC in development of applicable permit applications and consultation requests and development of appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation.

f) Outreach: The Contractor shall assist the RC in coordination of public meetings, press releases, events, web postings, and other outreach activities and products.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Requires 6-8 years specialized experience directly related to the position and a Master’s Degree in an associated discipline (e.g. coastal or aquatic sciences, fishery biology, fish ecology, hydrology, water resources, civil or environmental engineering or a related field)

· Knowledge of biological sciences and techniques pertaining to ecology, marine and anadromous fisheries, offshore and coastal aquatic habitat and invasive species and the ability to apply ecological principles to habitat restoration.

· Knowledge of the habitats and resources of the Gulf of Mexico Region.

· Ability to perform field monitoring and habitat assessment activities to identify and evaluate restoration projects.

· Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations related to living marine resources and habitat restoration projects such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) regulations, Endangered Species Act (ESA), Sec 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA).

· Ability to work collaboratively in a highly-matrixed team environment, develop consensus, and respond positively to direction.

· Strong organizational and analytical skills and ability to handle multiple, concurrent, and competing projects and responsibilities.

· Willingness for occasional travel within a region.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

· Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

Preferred:

· Knowledge of Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) restoration planning requirements under the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) as well as experience implementing existing DARRP program policies and procedures.

· Familiarity or experience specific to DWH assessment or restoration.

· Facilitation and dispute resolution or conflict management skills.

· Experience implementing coastal and marine restoration and developing and implementing associated monitoring plans.

· Coastal habitat restoration experience and experience with coastal, marine and estuarine resources in Louisiana.

· Prior experience working in a federal or state government office and familiarity with government office practices.

· Experience with Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) related statues, regulations or activities, particularly related to the Oil Pollution Act (OPA).

· Knowledge of Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA).

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

· Public speaking and technical writing skills and experience.

Deliverables:

Deliverables are specified in the table below. All deliverables shall be coordinated with the NOAA Project Lead. Independent representation of NOAA interests without Project Lead coordination is not authorized. In all meetings and site visits the contractor shall identify themselves as a contractor providing these services to NOAA.

DWH Habitat Restoration Planning in Barataria Basin:

In close coordination with the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) NOAA Lead, NOAA and co-trustees, the Contractor shall support: (a) development of the Barataria Strategic Plan and Subsequent Restoration Plans; (b) development of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion EIS: and (c) development of Phase 2 Barataria Restoration Plans. This task will require coordination of NOAA input across multiple offices, support of briefings, compilation of NOAA and co-trustee input on-going, frequent contact with the LA TIG lead; LA TIG, Federal Coordination Team(FCT), and the USACE/Federal/TIG (UFT) meetings; development and editorial review of, reports and presentations; coordination with RC staff for technical review of products; regular updates to LA TIG Lead on progress of products; participation in working calls and meetings for product development; coordination with NOAA and NMFS offices on product development and review; and tracking of product development progress and reporting of project milestones.

Support of Development of the Living Coastal and Marine Resources Plan and other Resources Planning:

In close coordination with the LA TIG Lead, LA TIG, FCT, UFT, NOAA and co-trustees, the Contractor shall support: (a) developing content for the Living Coastal and Marine Resources restoration plan/environmental assessment; (b) providing technical support in coordinating NEPA compliance; (c) providing lead technical support for coordinating NOAA and co-trustee input to developing the plan; and (d) in developing implementation plans for NOAA led projects. The Contractor shall also prepare briefing materials for NOAA leadership. These efforts shall require: on-going, frequent contact with the LA TIG lead; LA TIG, FCT, and UFT meetings; development and editorial review of reports and presentations; coordination with RC staff for technical review of products; regular updates to LA TIG Lead on progress of products; participation in working calls and meetings for product development; coordination with NOAA and NMFS offices on product development and review; tracking of product development progress and reporting of project milestones and other agencies in the drafting of appropriate permit and consultation requests to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations.

Restoration Project Identification, Development, and Project Implementation Management:

The Contractor shall: (a) Assess potential opportunities and support identification of potential habitat and living coastal and marine resource project opportunities; and (b) Support DWH NRDA project development, as well as potentially supporting project development and implementation oversight for other NOAA restoration programs, primarily in Louisiana.

Administrative Record and File Maintenance:

The Contractor shall: (a) carry out data management above a novice level and coordinate requests for information;

(b) organize and store hard copy files for the program; (c) back up files monthly to a shared or external drive location; (d) scan and/or upload milestone project management documents to SharePoint in project or program relevant folders; (e) take IT Security Awareness and Safety annual trainings within deadlines and take NOAA/Office IT system training (Restoration Center Database (RCDB), SharePoint) when provided; (f) compile and input project data into appropriate systems (e.g., Data Integration Visualization Exploration and Reporting (DIVER), RCDB, DARRTS, Sharepoint and other reporting databases and systems; and (g) maintain security and operation of government-furnished property and track any changes in NOAA Sunflower.

Environmental Compliance:

The Contractor shall assist in the development of environmental compliance documents in association with the habitat and living coastal marine resource project planning and implementation.

Outreach:

The Contractor shall assist in coordination of public meetings, press releases, events, web postings, and other outreach activities and products

Monthly Reports:

The Contractor shall submit electronic monthly progress reports that clearly and concisely correlate cost incurred and level of effort expended during the reporting period along with the specific activity the effort supported, and accomplishments.

Task 5: DWH Restoration Biologist (Biologist IV)

Location: Services will be provided in Silver Spring, MD or St. Petersburg, FL.. Teleworking may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved contract procedures. The contractor may be required to travel for meetings, workshops, trainings, and conferences.

The task will require full time support for the following:

a) Science and Monitoring Project Implementation: The Contractor shall assist the NOAA DWH case team in managing NOAA-led science and monitoring projects

b) Science and Monitoring Data Management Support: The Contractor shall assist the NOAA DWH case team and NRDA co-trustees in developing appropriate methods and procedures for collecting and managing science and monitoring data and making it available to the public.

c) Cross-TIG Monitoring and Adaptive Management Workgroup: The Contractor shall support, with oversight of NOAA’s MAM Team Lead, NOAA’s role in the cross TIG MAM working group, comprising representatives from each DWH principal trustee.

d) Science and Monitoring Technical Support: The Contractor shall support technical discussions with the NOAA DWH team and NRDA co-trustees to inform science and monitoring approaches, including the development of scientifically sound monitoring standards to support restoration planning and implementation.

e) Science and Monitoring Policy Support: The Contractor shall assist the NOAA DWH team and NRDA co-trustees with the development of approaches for science and monitoring approaches that meet statutory requirements and accommodate DWH case-specific circumstances.

f) Content Development and Coordination: The Contractor shall assist in the development of content for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Oil Pollution Act (OPA) documents specific to science and monitoring components of restoration planning by participating on writing teams and providing support to writing team leads.

g) Regulatory Compliance: The Contractor shall support science and monitoring needs for programmatic and project-specific regulatory compliance such as ESA and EFH consultations for DWH restoration.

h) Restoration Center and DARRP Program Support: The Contractor will provide policy and technical assistance for general RC and DARRP program and case work, as needed, including sharing lessons learned from DWH activities. The Contractor shall also coordinate, as needed, lessons learned with the RC Monitoring and Evaluation Team.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Requires 8-10 years specialized experience directly related to the position and Master’s Degree in an associated discipline (e.g., coastal or aquatic sciences, coastal and marine habitat, geology or earth sciences, or living marine resource conservation and management).

· Demonstrated experience in application of scientific principles to resource management and/or natural resource restoration, including specific experience with developing monitoring plans and programs for restoration/conservation and with data analysis and reporting of monitoring results.

· Knowledge of biological sciences and techniques pertaining to ecology, marine and anadromous fisheries, offshore and coastal aquatic habitat and invasive species and the ability to apply ecological principles to habitat restoration.

· Knowledge of the habitats and resources of the Gulf of Mexico Region.

· Strong demonstrated oral and written communication skills relevant to science or environmental policy.

· Strong initiative, independence, and task management skills.

· Strong project management skills including project scheduling, budgeting, and ability to handle multiple, concurrent and competing responsibilities.

· Ability to work collaboratively in a highly-matrixed team environment, develop consensus, and respond positively to direction.

Preferred:

· Knowledge of Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) restoration planning requirements under the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) as well as experience implementing existing DARRP program policies and procedures.

· Familiarity or experience specific to DWH assessment or restoration.

· Dispute resolution or conflict management skills.

· Experience implementing coastal and marine restoration and developing and implementing associated monitoring plans. Experience with restoration /conservation and monitoring of marine mammals and sea turtles is particularly desirable.

· Understanding of the Northern Gulf of Mexico marine and coastal habitat ecology, restoration needs and priorities, and corresponding restoration techniques and options.

· Knowledge of Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA).

· Experience working in a government office.

· Public speaking and technical writing skills and experience.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Deliverables:

Deliverables are specified in the table below. All deliverables shall be coordinated with the NOAA Project Lead. Independent representation of NOAA interests without Project Lead coordination is not authorized. In all meetings and site visits the contractor shall identify themselves as a contractor providing these services to NOAA.

Science and Monitoring Implementation:

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the NOAA Project Lead and the DWH Implementation Team Lead, provide science and monitoring project planning and management services. For NOAA-led science and monitoring projects or project phases, this shall include technical review of deliverables reports and project presentations; providing technical feedback to RC staff and leadership on status, strengths and weaknesses of associated restoration project deliverables; tracking of project progress and review of project reports; and completing compliance and consultations necessary to implement each project.

Additionally, the Contractor shall, in coordination with the NOAA Project Lead and the DWH Implementation Team Lead, develop and oversee project budgets and schedules; identify necessary products to further project planning goals and objectives; develop draft Scopes of Work; coordinate with NOAA/RC authorized contracting representatives; report on project status; and maintain project files on systems such as Sharepoint.

Science and Monitoring Data Management Support:

The Contractor shall assist the NOAA DWH case team and NRDA co-trustees in developing appropriate methods and procedures for collecting, managing, and making science and monitoring data available to the public. Work will include developing approaches for standardizing, collecting, storing, and analyzing large data sets via improvements to available data management systems, integration with existing systems, or support for development of new systems where applicable.

Cross-TIG MAM Working Group:

The Contractor shall support NOAA’s for this working group to develop guidance and procedures for DWH MAM. The Contractor shall provide, with oversight of NOAA’s MAM Team Lead, NOAA’s role as co-lead of the cross TIG MAM working group, comprising representatives from each DWH principal trustee. The Contractor is responsible for developing the specific, analytical, and data-driven approaches for systematic 5 –year evaluations of DWH restoration progress toward program goals and objectives.

Science and Monitoring Technical Support:

The Contractor shall support technical discussions with the NOAA DWH case team and NRDA co-trustees to inform science and monitoring approaches, including the development of scientifically-sound monitoring standards that are needed to evaluate restoration progress. The Contractor will particularly be responsible for the development of project-specific and resource level monitoring and data standards for restoration, with an expected particular focus on marine mammals and sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico.

Science and Monitoring Policy Support:

The Contractor shall assist the NOAA DWH case team and NRDA co-trustees with the development of monitoring and science approaches that meet statutory requirements and accommodate DWH case-specific circumstances.