Draft_Office of Habitat Restoration PWS.docx

Office of Habitat Conservation Performance Work Statement (PWS)

(DRAFT)

The Task Order for the Office of Habitat Conservation (OHC) will support NMFS, Habitat Protection (HP); Operations, Management and Information Division (OMI); and the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO). Broadly, this support includes technical writing, field operations, logistics, grants management, communications, environmental policy and compliance and office operations.

Coastal and marine habitats are one of the most biologically rich and economically valuable areas on Earth. They provide a range of benefits to our nation by:

· Playing an essential role in the reproduction, growth, and sustainability of commercial and recreational fisheries and protected species.

· Providing recreational opportunities for the public's use and enjoyment.

· Protecting life and property by helping to buffer coastal communities against natural hazards such as storms, coastal flooding, and sea level rise.

· Supporting the biodiversity on which marine and coastal ecosystems depend.

Much of the work done by NOAA Fisheries, and in part by the OHC, is mandated by U.S. federal statute, such as the Magnuson –Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; Marine Mammal Protection Act; Endangered Species Act; International Dolphin Conservation Protection Act; Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention; National Environmental Policy Act; Clean Water Act; Oil Pollution Act; the Estuaries Restoration Act, and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.

The OHC works to protect, restore, and promote stewardship of marine and coastal habitats to ensure they are healthy and self-sustaining, which is vital to support living marine resources, human use, and resilient coastal communities. To provide solutions to habitat challenges in coastal and marine habitats, OHC contains several divisions:

· Operations, Management and Information Division (OMI) – OMI provides comprehensive administrative support services; administers a broad range of financial, contract and program partnership activities directed at supporting the core mission of NMFS, and; provides data management and technical systems support to the OHC.

· The Habitat Protection Division (HP) - HP works to protect and conserve habitats important to NOAA trust resources. The Division's primary mandates focus on ensuring that living marine resources have sufficient healthy habitat to sustain populations of fish and protected resources. Those mandates emphasize wetlands, corals, diadromous fish habitat, and habitat of other marine and estuarine species. National policy approaches are used to protect habitat, and work is conducted within the agency and with partners including non-governmental organizations, states, Tribes, local governmental agencies, regional fishery management councils and other Federal agencies.

· NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) - NCBO provides science, service, and stewardship to protect and restore the Bay. The Office is organized into two associated programs, Environmental Literacy & Partnerships, and Ecosystem Science & Synthesis, to ensure that NOAA's resources and capabilities are aligned with the current and future needs of the Bay, constituents, and the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership. Efforts in these programs are focused on the work NOAA undertakes in the Bay area in four key topic areas (Fisheries, Habitats, Observations, and Education). Together, the Office's programs represent an integrated approach to ecosystem management, enabling scientists and resource managers to examine some of the interconnected elements of the Bay ecosystem and ensuring that Bay residents have a holistic understanding of the resource.

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 NOAA Fisheries. Overall objectives and services required to accomplish OHC tasks may include, but are not limited to:

Policy Analysis and Development: Assist in making policy, developing guidance, and tracking performance to inform national level decision-making. Provide technical support, provide financial assistance, and promote stewardship ethic to positively affect coastal environmental quality.

· Coordinates and manages coastal and marine habitat management and planning.

· Provides technical leadership and assistance to partners conducting coastal and marine habitat protection.

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

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

· Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring projects to conserve 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.

· Support habitat protection through non-regulatory, proactive partnership building efforts including the National Fish Habitat Partnership and other mechanisms.

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

· Other activities not specifically mentioned above that relate to habitat protection and restoration.

Data Collection/Maintenance and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS): Collect, manage, interpret, organize and present geospatial information, develop tools, or organize publicly accessible information in order to inform decisions regarding support of natural resource decision-making and agency allocation of resources.

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

· 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 protection activities.

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

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

Research and Development: Use research and development to improve the results and effectiveness of conservation efforts aimed at improving living marine resources.

· Assist with research and monitoring projects to investigate the effectiveness of environmental protection, strategies, and activities.

· Assist in developing and evaluating protection strategies, and ecological or socio-economic techniques to better conserve 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 research to improve protection projects.

· Support field operations, including environmental monitoring, research, and ecological restoration.

· Other research and development activities not specifically mentioned above aimed at improving coastal environmental quality.

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 coastal environmental quality.

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

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

· Prepare/Coordinate briefing materials, web stories, one-pagers, handouts, social media presentations, talking points, speeches, and descriptive interpretive materials.

· Assist in the development and delivery of K-12 NOAA-related educational programs and products, including training for teachers and environmental science educators

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

Funds Management/Accounting: Provide financial support, budget analysis and management capability related to habitat protection and restoration efforts.

· Monitor and analyze budget information.

· Track expenditures of funds from all sources for decision making purposes.

· Review financial documents for proper accounting classification and authorizations.

· Analyze changes in budget policies.

· Develop reports and tracking systems for monitoring expenditures and appropriated funding.

· Collect, input, and analyze data from cross-automated financial applications and software applications using electronic spreadsheets or databases.

· Input budgetary and accounting data from source documents into NOAA’s budget system.

· Correct and resolve any differences or errors found in financial data records.

· Generate management and reporting requirements.

Program Analyses/Planning: Provide strategic planning and program analysis capability to support protection activities and decision-making.

· Review and comment on pertinent habitat conservation and protection legislation.

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

· Draft memos, informal reports, analyses, and similar documents on key issues/concerns associated with the management of living marine resources and their habitat.

· Support policy development and decision-making 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.

· Maintain effective communication system among the team members.

· Formulate annual program operating plans or work 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, 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 protection.

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

· Develop and implement improved methods, automated products and tools that simplify and streamline the processing of administrative functions.

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

· Track divisions, projects and programs budgets.

· 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.

· Identify office supplies needing to be replenished along with quotes from vendors and maintain inventory of office equipment.

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

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

OHC NCBO TASKS

Task 1: NCBO Chesapeake Bay Office Environmental Science Training Center Communications Specialist (Strategic Communications Specialist (SCS) II)

Location: While the main office is located in Annapolis office, work will be performed mainly from the NOAA Environmental Science Training Center located in Oxford, Maryland. Telework may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved task order 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) Programming: The Contractor shall assist Education Coordinator in the planning, development, and implementation of a strategic portfolio for ESTC programming. The CS will also survey participants to ensure that NOAA is meeting the needs of target audiences.

b) Workshop Logistics: The Contractor shall coordinate advertising and registration for workshops to include logistics and planning and organization of materials and presentations. The CS will also ensure availability of all workshop materials and presentations on the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office website.

c) Online Learning: The Contractor shall develop and implement multi-media online learning modules to further the learning for ESTC participants, NOAA B-WET grantees, and other educators.

d) Choptank Habitat Focus Area: The Contractor shall work with school districts and other partners on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to infuse learning about NOAA’s Choptank Habitat Focus Area into local programming.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Requires four to six years specialized experience directly related to the position and a Bachelor’s Degree in an associated discipline: environmental science, communications, environmental education, or related field.

· Experience developing and implementing professional development programming for educators

· Experience with content management systems for the web

· Experience developing written and/or multi-media content for formal education audiences

· Technical understanding of the ecology, challenges/issues, and conservation efforts centered on Chesapeake Bay watershed through either formal education programs or work experience

· Ability to develop descriptive and interpretive materials on NOAA related content for education audiences

· Excellent organizational skills

· Excellent writing and editing skills Preferred:

· Experience with Drupal and/or Moodle content management system

· Experience applying the Next Generation Science Standards to education programming.

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.

Programming:

The Contractor shall work with the ESTC coordinator to: (a) plan ESTC workshops; (b) implement trainings for educators; (c) survey participants to ensure that NOAA is meeting the needs of our target audiences

Workshop Logistics:

The Contractor shall: (a) advertise ESTC workshops; (b) coordinate registration for workshops; (c) manage workshop logistics; (d) post all workshop materials and presentations on the web.

Online Learning:

The Contractor shall: (a) develop multi-media online learning modules, (b) post modules in ESTC online environment, (c) track participation and satisfaction with online learning modules

Choptank Habitat Focus Area:

The Contractor shall: (a) meet regularly with school districts and other partners on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to discuss NOAA’s Choptank Habitat Focus Area; (b) provide technical support to partners as they implement learning about NOAA’s Choptank Habitat Focus Area

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: NCBO Education Coordinator (Strategic Communications Specialist (SCS) III)

Location: NCBO has offices in Annapolis and Oxford, Maryland as well as Norfolk, Virginia. The Strategic Communications Specialist is expected to work primarily out of Oxford, but remain flexible to travel to the NCBO headquarters office in Annapolis and to attend meetings and lead trainings at other locations around the Bay. Telework may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved task order procedures.

The task will require full-time support for the following:

a) Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Chesapeake Program Coordinator: The SCS shall provide support to the B-WET Program as detailed in the Deliverable Table.

b) Environmental Science Training Center (ESTC) Programming: The SCS shall provide support to the ESTC as detailed in the Deliverable Table.

c) Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience outcome of the Chesapeake Bay Program Environmental Literacy Goal: The SCS shall provide support to the Environmental Literacy Goal as detailed in the Deliverable Table.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Requires at least six years specialized experience directly related to the position and a Bachelor’s Degree in an associated discipline: ecology, biology, fisheries science, environmental education, environmental policy, or similar field.

· Experience working with environmental education professionals to develop and implement environmental education programs.

· Experience managing the agenda and logistics for meetings and trainings.

· Experience developing and implementing professional development programming for educators.

· Excellent organizational skills

· Understanding of the ecology, challenges/issues, and conservation efforts centered on Chesapeake Bay watershed through either formal education programs or work experience.

· Experience working with Chesapeake Bay Program partners on the outcomes of the Environmental Literacy Goal

· Excellent writing and editing skills Preferred:

· Technical understanding of the ecology, challenges/issues, and conservation efforts centered on Chesapeake Bay watershed through either formal education programs or work experience.

· Experience working with Chesapeake Bay Program partners on the outcomes of the Environmental Literacy Goal.

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.

B-WET Chesapeake Program Coordinator:

The Contractor shall: (a) assist in the development of the Federal Funding Opportunity, (b) manage the review process, (c) assist with the processing of awards and award actions, and (d) respond to grantee inquiries about the program.

This task shall be ongoing

NOAA Project Lead

ESTC Programming:

The Contractor shall work with the Environmental Science Training Center (ESTC) coordinator to: (a) identify ESTC workshop topics; (b) implement trainings for educators; and (c) provide strategic thinking on how ESTC programs can support B-WET grantees

Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience outcome of the Chesapeake Bay Program Environmental Literacy Goal:

The Contractor shall: (a) coordinate the activities of the Chesapeake Bay Program Education Workgroup, (b) develop content for online MWEE resources, (c) assist with the planning and implementation of MWEE practitioners’ forums and leadership Summits, (d) provide trainings for and technical assistance to MWEE practitioners, including partners in the Outdoor Learning Network Initiative (OLNI).

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 3: NCBO Data Management Specialist (DMS) III

Location: NCBO has offices in Annapolis and Oxford, Maryland as well as Norfolk, Virginia. While the main office is located in Annapolis office, meetings are regularly scheduled at state, federal, non-profit and university offices throughout the watershed. The Contractor is expected to work primarily out of Annapolis, but remain flexible to travel in order to attend meetings, lead trainings and support some field activities at other locations around the Bay. Telework may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved task order procedures.

The task will require full-time support for the following:

a) Oversee data architecture and software systems for CBIBS and related observational assets: The DMS shall provide data architecture and software systems support as detailed in the Deliverable Table

b) Manage the collection, archival and retrieval of Chesapeake Bay watershed observational data: The DMS shall provide Chesapeake Bay data support as detailed in the Deliverable Table.

c) Monitor NCBO data systems and software versions: The DMS shall provide monitoring of the NCBO data systems and software versions as detailed in the Deliverable Table.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Requires four to six years specialized experience directly related to the position and a Bachelor’s Degree in an associated discipline: computer science or computer engineering.

Preferred:

· Experience with required technologies to support existing and future applications, including: Nexsens X2 Data Management Software (DMS)(or similar software), Unidata Thredds server, OPeNDAP, NetCDF & Sensor Observation Service (SOS). Demonstrate experience with languages, including: JAVA, SQL, bash, Python, R, PHP & PERL.

· Experience in working with buoy based observation networks.

· Experience testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining data transmission from a variety of remote, wirelessly operated buoys.

· Experience integrating data from multiple federal and state observation networks into publically accessible applications.

· Familiarity and experience with federal 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

Oversee data architecture and software systems for CBIBS and related observational assets

In coordination with the NOAA Project Lead, the Contractor shall: (a) Design and develop software to support CBIBS (Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System) and the Integrated Ocean Observing System; (b) operate and refine CBIBS middleware including a web, business, and database tier; (c) design and deploy applications to run all of the CBIBS middleware tasks; and (d) design a relational database model for the CBIBS middleware.

Manage the collection, archival and retrieval of Chesapeake Bay watershed observational data

In coordination with the NOAA Project Lead, the Contractor shall: (a) Implement a data portal for CBIBS using the existing public API. This will provide data download and viewing; (b) develop and deploy Chesapeake Exploration; (c) participate in the analysis and hardening of the CBIBS web site

NOAA

Project Lead

Monitor NCBO data systems and software versions

In coordination with the NOAA Project Lead, the Contractor shall: (a) Support all NCBO programs by developing innovative software applications: (b) keep application and software configurations up to date; (c) configure the application servers including apache, wildfly, tomcat, and geoserver (with NOAA support and approval); and (d) use a source code version control system .

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 4: NCBO Data Management Support Specialist (Data Management Specialist (DMS) I)

Location: NCBO has offices in Annapolis and Oxford, Maryland as well as Norfolk, Virginia. While the main office is located in Annapolis office, it is anticipated that the majority of work can be completed offsite. Telework may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved task order procedures.

The task will require part-time support (estimated at 20 hours per month) for the following:

a) Maintenance and enhancement of Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System and web site.

b) Development of new web sites in support of product delivery.

c) Installation and maintenance of content management software.

d) Improvements to user interface.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems or another applicable field, or related disciplines appropriate to the position and up to two years specialized experience.

· Demonstrated written and oral communication skills

· Moderate to high level of web and information technology skills in solving complex and unusual managerial, technical and administrative problems

· Ability exercises independent judgment

· Experience with projects involving operational support, management, organizational, business, and/or technical services

· Demonstrated operational knowledge of Web Content Management System and Information Systems Project management.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, supervisors, agency officials and others.

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

Web site Maintenance and Enhancement:

The Contractor shall maintain and enhance the CBIBS, Chesapeake Exploration and NCBO web site (chesapeakebay.noaa.gov) to ensure proper operation and to address changes to the supported system.

Web site development:

The Contractor shall develop new web sites supporting the delivery of data and scientific products to NCBO constituents.

These sites may require the incorporation of existing database related applications developed by the NCBO or full life-cycle development efforts.

System Support:

The Contractor shall install and maintain most recent releases of Joomla, Drupal and Moodie content management software of Chesapeake Exploration, Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System, and NCBO including ensuring continuity of functionality and security of existing components

Improvements to User Interface:

The Contractor shall improve user interface related to website navigation, data display/interface, graphic design, and embedded file types (i.e.. mov, .ppt, .mp3, etc.) for Chesapeake Exploration

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: NCBO Fishery Policy Research Consultant (Research Consultant (ReCon) I)

Location: NCBO has offices in Annapolis and Oxford, Maryland as well as Norfolk, Virginia. While the policy oriented work is based out of the Annapolis office, meetings are regularly scheduled at state, federal, and university offices associated with fisheries management. In addition, NCBO sponsors and conducts fisheries research at locations throughout the tidal portion of the Bay. The ReCon is expected to work primarily out of Annapolis, but remain flexible to travel in order to attend meetings and conduct research at other locations around the Bay. Telework may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved task order procedures.

The Contractor shall provide support for NCBO fisheries science and policy by working with NOAA staff and the bay community to develop science synthesis and decision support products that advance ecosystem management of bay resources.

This position will help the Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team implement outcomes of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement. Specifically, the Contractor shall work closely with fisheries managers in Maryland and Virginia on issues related to blue crab research and management. The Contractor shall work to expand relationships with multiple stakeholders and fishing interests to ensure shared understanding of NOAA/NCBO’s goals and to develop strategic partnerships toward more sustainable fisheries.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Bachelor’s Degree in environmental policy, ecology, biology, fisheries science, or similar field and up to 4 years’ experience working with fisheries scientists and managers to analyzing ecological and/or fisheries data, synthesizing research results.

· Experience working with fisheries scientists and managers to analyzing ecological and/or fisheries data, synthesizing research results.

· Training in quantitative fisheries such as population modeling and ecosystem based fisheries assessment.

· Training in or demonstrated use of statistical software (such as R) and GIS mapping and analysis.

Preferred:

· Experience working with fisheries scientists and managers to analyzing ecological and/or fisheries data, synthesizing research results.

· Experience facilitating diverse stakeholder groups to develop science based decision support products.

· Training in or demonstrated use of GIS mapping and analysis.

· Demonstrated proficiency writing management strategies for fisheries and habitats.

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

Support coordination of blue crab science and invasive catfish research and management measures.

In coordination with the NOAA Project Lead, the Contractor shall: (a) provide staff support and coordination of cross jurisdictional blue crab assessment and management efforts conducted by the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC) under NOAA’s role in chairing the Sustainable fisheries Goal Implementation Team; (b) support CBSAC to ensure sustainability of the blue crab fishery and population (operations, meeting and workshops, reference points, advisory report, stock assessment, and management strategies); (c) support coordination of cross jurisdictional invasive catfish taskforce; through science based assessment of management options to mitigate the spread and impact of invasive catfish species; (d) support population modeling to explore effects of the environment on Chesapeake Bay species

Increase communication with local and regional partner organizations to improve application of habitat and fisheries science to management of Bay and coastal resources.

In coordination with the NOAA Project Lead, the Contractor shall:

(a) Develop strategic projects and initiatives to address issues identified previously through research, monitoring, or assessment with a focus on but not limited to incorporating habitat and forage considerations into fisheries management;

(b) facilitate implementation of strategic initiatives through direct personal interaction with municipal, community or industry groups, NGOs, and partner resource agencies;

(c) provide analysis and synthesis of habitat, forage, fisheries, and observational data (including telemetry) to describe the status of Chesapeake Bay living resources and inform management decisions.

(d) Assist with engaging recreational fishing interests on ecosystem science and habitat restoration

Support implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement Sustainable Fisheries Goal Management Strategies

In coordination with the NOAA Project Lead, the Contractor shall: (a) Assist in coordination and implementation of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Program Agreement Sustainable Fisheries Outcomes for Blue Crab, Forage and Fish Habitat including indicator development and tracking performance through the adaptive management process.

Program Support:

As requested by either the Project Lead or Contract PM the Contractor shall: (a) participate in applicable planning and coordination meetings in order to provide or collect information regarding agency policy, programs or regulations; and (b) assist in the support of applicable NOAA programs, initiatives and activities including those intended to improve safety and security, mission function, communication and overall efficiency.

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 6: NCBO Partnership Project Coordinator (Project Coordinator (PC) III)

Location: NCBO has offices in Annapolis and Oxford, Maryland as well as Norfolk, Virginia. While the main office is located in Annapolis office, meetings are regularly scheduled at state, federal, non-profit and university offices throughout the watershed. The Contractor is expected to work primarily from Annapolis, but will spend approximately 3-4 days per month working with partners at remote locations.

The task will require full-time support for the following:

a) Place-Based Collaboration: Support partner engagement and project development with NOAA offices and external partners in the Middle Peninsula, including developing the community of practice around nearshore habitat restoration; Coordinate the Choptank HFA, including serving on the backbone group to support partner engagement and organizational management.

b) Chesapeake Bay Program: Ensure the active engagement of the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office and OHC leadership in the CBP partnership in support of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

c) NCBO Partnerships Portfolio: Work with the Environmental Literacy and Partnerships Manager to design, develop, refine and administer a strategic partnerships portfolio for NCBO.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in an associated discipline and six to eight years of experience (community development, environmental policy, or similar field).

· Experience working with partners from different sectors to create shared strategic priorities.

· Experience managing the agenda and logistics for meetings that include representatives from multiple organizations and sectors.

· Experience conducting community engagement and citizen outreach.

· Public speaking and professional writing experience.

· Skill in using Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

· Comfortable working independently, able to stay on task and offer sound recommendations.

· Highly organized and detail-oriented.

Preferred:

· Experience creating print and web communication products.

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

Place-Based Partnership Strategy and Engagement:

The Contractor shall coordinate the Choptank Habitat Focus Area, including: (a) Provide support for the Envision the Choptank backbone and steering committee; (b) identify opportunities for NCBO science to be applied to partnership projects, and support subject matter expert engagement in these projects; (c) respond to OHC reporting requests; (d) track and share project progress with internal and external audiences; and (e) connect to other federal agency efforts in the geographic area (i.e. USACE, USFWS). The PC shall also work with the Virginia coordinator to support partnership efforts in the Middle Peninsula of Virginia to: (a) Develop a community of practice around nearshore habitat restoration; (b) support the development of a Habitat Focus Area or similar partnership effort that draws in NOAA partners; (c) support the development of projects and initiatives that involve multiple partners and address multiple restoration objectives; and (d) provide support and guidance to the York River and Small Coastal Basin (YR&SCB) Roundtable

Chesapeake Bay Program Coordination

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the NOAA Project Lead: (a) Provide insight and support for NOAA's engagement in the CBP partnership; (b)support NOAA's involvement in the executive functions of the CBP, including the Federal Office Directors committee, the Management Board, and the Principals Staff Committee; (c) ensure staff awareness of and engagement in major activities of the CBP, including reporting requirements, management strategy development, and Executive Order activities; and (d) coordinate NOAA reporting to the Federal Facility Workgroup.

NCBO Partnerships Portfolio

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the NOAA Project Lead: coordinate the NCBO partnerships portfolio, including: (a) Use tools and established methods to analyze partnerships and work with the Environmental Literacy and Partnerships Manager to recommend appropriate actions for NCBO leadership; and (b) assist NCBO teams in identifying and implementing partnership-building strategies to provide a foundation for successful programs and projects. The PC shall support NCBO diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) efforts, including: (a) participate in the Office of Habitat Conservation Workforce Action Team (WAT) and other teams focused on DEIJ as identified by the TM; and (b) work with Management Team to plan and implement DEIJ trainings and activities.

Program Support :

As requested by either the Project Lead or Contract PM the Contractor shall: (a) participate in applicable planning and coordination meetings in order to provide or collect information regarding agency policy, programs or regulations; and (b) assist in the support of applicable NOAA programs, initiatives and activities including those intended to improve safety and security, mission function, communication and overall efficiency.

NOAA Project Lead and Contract Program Manager

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 7: NMFS NEPA Research Consultant (Research Consultant (ReCon) V)

Location: Work will be conducted at the NMFS Headquarters NEPA Program Office, which is part of the NMFS Office of Policy, in Silver Spring, MD. Telework may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved task order procedures. The Contractor may be required to travel for meetings, workshops, training, and conferences.

The task will require full-time support for the following:

a) Program Support: The Contractor shall support NOAA Fisheries NEPA Program in the development and coordination of NEPA documentation and analysis and coordination of applicable policy and procedures.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Requires at least ten years specialized experience directly related to the position and a Master’s Degree in an associated discipline.

· Experience with federal agency NEPA implementation for operational or research programs and activities in the coastal and marine environment is required.

· Familiarity with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other applicable environmental laws such as the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act is required.

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

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.

Preferred:

· Ability to seamlessly work across NOAA Fisheries’ science and regulatory organizations.

· Ability to work well under pressure, including handling special assignments under compressed deadlines.

· Ability to identify and prioritize potentially contentious issues and successfully resolve or recommend options to resolve them.

· Ability to brief complex issues in an easy to understand manner and prepare written and presentation materials for scientific, political and public audiences.

· Ability to work independently and deliver results without close supervision or written guidelines.

· Policy and project management experience.

· Knowledge of NMFS regulatory, research and management activities.

· Knowledge of NOAA operational and research activities.

· Experience creating print and web communication products.

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.

Program Support:

In coordination with the NOAA Project Lead the Contractor shall: (a) conduct, coordinate and facilitate internal HQ NEPA document reviews, meetings with General Counsel and Program staff, and meetings with NMFS regional and science center staff on specific actions; (b) make determinations if the correct level of NEPA analysis is being conducted, provide technical comments on the documents, and provide general programmatic comments for issues seen across multiple documents; (c) provide NEPA policy and procedural advice and guidance to NMFS and NOAA Headquarters program offices; (d) support efforts to revise and update NOAA NEPA procedures; and (e) assist with development and revisions of NMFS NEPA procedures and other NMFS policies.

Data Management:

The Contractor shall assist and maintain a database of NEPA actions under development and review.

Monthly Reports:

The Contractor shall submit electronic monthly progress reports that clearly and concisely correlate cost incurred and level of effort expended on the role of the contractor in supporting the NEPA Program work during the reporting period along with the specific activity the effort supported and accomplishments.

OMI TASKS

Task 8: OMI SharePoint Developer (SharePoint Developer (SD) 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 task order procedures. The contractor may be required to travel for meetings, workshops, trainings, and conferences.

The task will require 70% 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 at least 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.

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 9: OMI Data Management Specialist (Data Management Specialist (DMS) III)

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 full-time support for the following:

a) Website Support: Planning, developing, writing and editing online exhibition scripts, promotional texts, and other information and features pertaining to agency objectives and goals, public programs, education, research, and other initiatives.