Draft_ Restoration Center PWS.docx

Office of Habitat Conservation, Restoration Center (RC) Performance Work Statement

(DRAFT)

The NOAA RC:

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

· Employs technical staff to help develop and improve project design, manage projects, 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 and ensure the efficient use of tax dollars.

To provide solutions to restoration challenges in coastal and marine habitats, the NOAA RC implements several major programs, including:

· Large-scaled regional restoration projects conducted under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) reduce coastal erosion and reverse wetlands loss in Louisiana, where tens of thousands of acres of wetlands are lost through subsidence, erosion, and

· The Fisheries Restoration Program (FRP) applies a novel, grass-roots approach to restoration that actively engages communities in on-the-ground restoration of local habitats, and

· NOAA's Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP) restores marine resources that have been injured due oil spills, toxic releases, or ship groundings.

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 NOAA Restoration Center. A variety of labor categories will be necessary to provide diverse services. Overall objectives and services required to accomplish RC tasks may include, but are not limited to:

Habitat Restoration: Restore coastal habitats, provide technical support, provide financial assistance, and promote stewardship ethic to positively affect coastal environmental quality.

· Coordinates and manages coastal habitat restoration project planning, permitting, implementation, and monitoring.

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

· Assist in efforts to achieve cooperative settlements with responsible parties that protect and restore marine habitats and coastal resources.

· Assist in developing 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.

· Support habitat restoration through non-regulatory, proactive partnership building including the National Fish Habitat Action Plan 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 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 agency allocation of resources.

· 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.

· Collection and management of data in accordance with administrative record procedures.

Research and Development: Use research and development to improve the results and effectiveness of protection and restoration efforts aimed at improving coastal environmental quality.

· Assist with research and implementation- and effectiveness-monitoring of projects to investigate the environmental consequences of restoration techniques, strategies, or activities.

· 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 improve restoration outcomes including: 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 restoration projects.

· 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 (including events) for projects or programs.

· 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.

Program Analyses/Planning: Provide strategic planning and program analysis capability to habitat protection and restoration efforts.

· 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, 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.

· 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.

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

· Other operations support activities not specifically mentioned above.

Task 1: RC Restoration Center Administrative Secretarial, Clerical and Administrative Support (ASCAS IV)

Location: The position will be NOAA/NMFS/OHC 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) Travel: Manage travel for RCHQ and Deepwater Horizon Program staff located in the field.

b) Time and Attendance: Prepare and maintain time and attendance for RCHQ and Deepwater Horizon Program staff located in the field, and provide overall coordination with RC regional office timekeepers.

c) Administrative Support: Provide RCHQ staff support and backup for HC administrative staff and regional RC administrative staff.

d) Communications: Manage inbound and outbound RC communication inquiries, such as phone calls and individual and bulk mailings.

e) Schedule Coordination: Manage calendars, appointments and administration details for the RC Division Chief and Deputy Division Chief.

f) Records Management: Ensure the RC appropriately and consistently complies with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101) and other relevant legal authorities by supporting the Agency Records Officer, Records Liaisons and RC Records Custodians in their duties. Ensure RC record disposition pursuant to NOAA record disposition schedule, Chapter 1500 – Fishery and Living Marine Resource Functional Files.

g) Clearance Packages: Support development and processing of clearance packages for documents requiring signature and release by the RC Division Chief (or delegated) and RC products or documents requiring approval by the Office of Habitat Conservation or NMFS leadership.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Education and experience requirements: Minimum of Associate of Arts Degree and nine to twelve years specialized experience directly related to the position.

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

· Experience with Microsoft Applications (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).

· Motivated and flexible attitude with a strong ability to multi-task.

· Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

· Demonstrated ability to learn new technical skills.

Preferred:

· Prior experience working in a federal government office and familiarity with government office practices and or software, including for travel and time and attendance.

· Experience in working in a biology or conservation related office.

· Ability to identify, propose and initiate opportunities to improve office efficiency and staff support.

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.

Travel:

The contractor shall: (a) prepare travel orders and travel vouchers for Chief, Deputy Chief, RCHQ Office staff, DWH Program staff located in the field, and invitational travelers in accordance with NOAA travel procedures; (b) maintain files of all travel for the RC in accordance with NOAA procedures; (c) populate Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) case files with travel documents to support NRDA cases; (d) ensure that travel vouchers utilizing NRDA case project numbers contain proper justification documents and signatures; and (e) track travel authorization submittals for payment.

Time and Attendance:

The contractor shall: (a) collect and assemble for all time and attendance records for RCHQ and DWH Program staff located in the field; (b) enter time and attendance data into NOAA Time and Attendance Software Program for review and approval by RCHQ staff and DWH Program staff located in the field; (c) assemble all Time and Attendance reports, Certified Copies and other related schedule; (d) respond to queries about timekeeping issues in support of cost documentation packages; (e) resolve discrepancies or questions pertaining to time and attendance in accordance with NOAA regulations; (f) participate in NOAA timekeeping workgroups to develop policies and procedures; (g) obtain time and attendance from all regional RC offices to populate NRDA case files for use in preparing cost documentation reports; and (h) ensure that all time and attendance forms contain proper signatures.

Task (a) and (b) shall be completed every two weeks. All other tasks shall be ongoing.

NOAA Project Lead

RC Support:

The contractor shall; (a) provide phone coverage for RC office with backup for the OHC Director and Deputy Director as needed; (b) prepare UPS forms; and (c) other support as needed.

Financial Document Review:

The contractor shall review travel financial documents for accurate claim information, accounting classification and authorizations.

Communications:

The contractor shall: (a) provide a professional presence and positive image of the RC through contacts made at reception desk and phone; (b) manage incoming calls and messages; (c) analyze incoming requests and to inform leadership of level of priority, uses judgment and discretion for sensitive topics and information; (d) format and process Controlled Correspondences for RC; and (e) provide general guidance and support for administrative operations for RC.

Schedule Coordination:

The contractor shall: (a) successfully manage and coordinate the RC Chief’s and Deputy Chief’s calendar and meeting schedule; and (b) set up conferences and meetings for RC Chief and Deputy Chief, including coordinating meetings with senior leadership in NOAA and NMFS; and (c) coordinate with staff to ensure available meeting materials are provided to the RC Chief and Deputy Chief in advance of meetings.

Records Management:

The contractor shall (a) utilize SharePoint or other software to maintain RCHQ’s files and records; (b) develop a file plan and apply a set of instructions for disposition of federal records pertaining to RC work pursuant to NOAA disposition schedules; and (c) assist in the development of a permanent electronic filing system.

Specifically, task (b) includes classifying documents (progress report, emails, and memos to the record), making an electronic copy of those documents needed for retention, and destroying the remaining paper. The task shall involve coordination with NMFS records managers to obtain filing boxes and coordinate the determination of how to archive information off-site.

Document Collection:

The contractor shall collect, assemble, review for completeness and accuracy in required format; labor time and attendance reports, travel authorizations and vouchers, contracts and invoices, credit card statements and invoices, grants, and other documents utilizing NRDA project numbers and verify compliance with NRDA procedures.

Clearance Packages Administrative Support:

The contractor will support development of templates and processes to support the consistency in content and review/clearance steps for RC documents being released to the public or being developed for briefings of NOAA leadership. The contractor also will support program staff in the development, formatting, or other administrative tasks needed for specific clearance packages or leadership briefings and will ensure the routing of packages in a timely manner to the RC Deputy/Division Chief.

This task shall be ongoing

NOAA Project Lead

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 Southeast Administrative Secretarial, Clerical and Administrative Support (ASCAS III)

Location: Work will be performed at the Southeast Region Office of NOAA Fisheries: 263 13th AVE S., St. Petersburg, FL, 33701. 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) Travel: Manage travel for RCSE.

b) Time and Attendance: Prepare and maintain time and attendance for RC.

c) Administrative Support: Provide RCSE Staff support.

d) Finance and Purchasing: Maintain finance and purchasing records.

e) Equipment Records Management: Maintain equipment, vehicle and purchase records.

f) Administrative Records and Filing: Develop and maintain administrative records and manage and organize RCSE databases and files.

Qualifications:

Essential:

· Education and experience requirements: Minimum of Associate of Arts Degree and six to nine years specialized experience directly related to the position.

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

· Proficiency in computer use including email, electronic file management, calendaring, and databases.

· Demonstrated ability to learn new technical tasks.

· Ability to multi task, prioritize tasks, and manage time.

· Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

· Strong organizational skills.

· Ability to consistently and rapidly follow-up on detail-oriented questions posed by staff across the RCSE.

· Ability to identify, propose and initiate opportunities to improve office efficiency and staff support.

Preferred:

· Prior experience working in a federal government office and familiarity with government office practices and or software, including for travel and time and attendance.

· Experience in working in a biology or conservation related office.

· Ability to identify, propose and initiate opportunities to improve office efficiency and staff support.

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.

Travel:

The Contractor shall: (a) prepare travel orders and travel vouchers for RCSE staff and invitational travelers in accordance with NOAA travel procedures; (b) maintain paper files of all travel for the RC in accordance with NOAA procedures; (c) populate DARRP case files with travel documents to support DARRP cases; (d) ensure that travel vouchers utilizing DARRP case project numbers contain proper justification documents and signatures; (e) track travel authorization submittals for payment; (f) report on monthly travel expenditures; (g) respond to travel issue queries; and (h) participate in NOAA workgroups on travel procedures, including development of policies and methods.

Time and Attendance:

The Contractor shall: (a) collect and assemble all time and attendance records for RCSE; (b) assemble all Time and Attendance reports, Certified Copies and other related schedule and deliver to RCHQ; (c) respond to queries about timekeeping issues in support of cost documentation packages; (d) resolve discrepancies or questions pertaining to time and attendance in accordance with NOAA regulations; (e) participate in NOAA timekeeping workgroups to develop policies and procedures; (f) maintain electronic time logs required for cost accounting and cost documentation for selected DARRP cases, including Deepwater Horizon (DWH); (g) ensure that all time and attendance forms contain proper signatures; and (h) work with RCSE Supervisor to develop labor hour targets and track labor hours by project number to ensure targets are met.

Administrative Support:

The Contractor shall; (a) maintain staff schedules for RCSE staff and provide weekly schedules to Regional Supervisor; (b) assist with maintenance of personnel files including training requirements; (c) assists Regional Supervisor with recruiting, in-processing, and training actions for new employees; (d) assist in arranging meetings and workshops; (e) assist with mail distribution, shipping, calls, and visits from public and partners; (f) assist with development and editing of web and other outreach products; (g) arrange meetings and workshops and assist with meeting minutes and subsequent distribution; (h) assist RC Supervisor with assembling responses to requests for information from HQ, partners and public; and (i) manage general office needs such as filing and supplies organization. Specific support for meetings and management of correspondence associated with DWH will be required.

Finance and Purchasing:

The Contractor shall: (a) be responsible for all procurement administration including tracking of expenditures and maintain financial records for contracts; (b) maintain supply purchase requests and make purchases as approved; (c) perform routine credit card reconciliation of monthly credit card invoices; and (d) maintain and track financial records for selected DARRP cases, including DWH.

Equipment Records Management:

The Contractor shall: (a) maintain an inventory of supplies, equipment and vehicles and coordinate quarterly reporting of GOV gas purchases; (b) provide quarterly list of equipment and supplies needed for purchase; (c) support staff in maintaining accurate property hand receipts and support RC Supervisor with periodic property inventories; and (d) assist in office planning that relates to managing and operating the office.

Administrative Records and Filing:

The Contractor shall: (a) develop and maintain administrative records for NOAA’s RCSE DARRP cases; (b) develop and maintain records according to legal standards as established by the DARRP program, with a particular focus on recordkeeping requirements associated with DWH; and (c) support status tracking and maintain financial records for RCSE contracts and MOAs/MOUs.

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 3: RC West Coast Administrative Secretarial, Clerical and Administrative Support (ASCAS III)

Location: Work will be performed at NOAA/NMFS/RC, Seattle, WA. 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) Administrative Records and Filing: Develop and maintain administrative records and manage and organize databases and files.

b) Outreach: Provide support in preparation of outreach materials.

c) Travel: Assist RC staff with preparation of travel; provide back-up assistance to GCNR and NOS staff as needed.

d) Records: Maintain financial and equipment records

e) Time and Attendance: Prepare and maintain time and attendance for RC.

f) Program Support: Provide RCSE Staff support.

g) IT Support: Support IT software installation, operation, maintenance and training.

h) Training Support: Provide training to other administrative specialists as needed for SharePoint, Travel Manager, WebTA or other applications Qualifications:

Essential:

· Education and experience requirements: Minimum of Associate of Arts Degree and six to nine years specialized experience directly related to the position.

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

· Proficiency in computer use including email, electronic file management, calendaring, and databases.

· Demonstrated ability to learn new technical tasks.

· Ability to multi task, prioritize tasks, and manage time.

· Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

· Experience/proficiency with graphic design/layout software.

Preferred:

· Prior experience working in a federal government office and familiarity with government office practices and or software, including for travel and time and attendance.

· Experience in working in a biology or conservation related office.

· Ability to identify, propose and initiate opportunities to improve office efficiency and staff support.

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.

Administrative Records and Files:

The contractor shall: (a) develop and maintain administrative records according to legal standards as established by the DARRP program for NOAA’s NWRO DARRP cases in the northwestern United States including, but not limited to, Commencement Bay and Lower Duwamish; (b) maintain a filing system for all RCNW Community-based Restoration Program (CRP) projects and activities; and (c) maintain a filing system for all administrative functions for the RCNW DARRP team including travel, purchases, time and attendance, and contracts. The contractor shall work with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in preparing Federal Records to be transferred for safekeeping until deposition.

Training:

The contractor shall provide training to other staff as needed for SharePoint, Travel Manager, WebTA or other applications. Provide training to staff for purchase card reconciliation as needed.

Outreach:

The contractor shall: (a) provide DARRP and CRP case support regarding outreach materials and public meetings; and (b) provide presentation editorial and graphic support.

Travel:

The contractor shall: (a) timely prepare travel arrangements for RCNW and DARRP staff; (b) accurately prepare vouchers and reimbursements for travel; (c) maintain log systems for all travel requests and vouchers to ensure timely submission of each to meet due dates and ensure correct project codes are charged; (d) maintain filing system for travel orders and travel vouchers; (e) track travel expenses by quarter; (f) respond to queries about travel issues in support of cost documentation packages; and (g) participate in NOAA workgroups on travel procedures, including development of policies and methods.

Financial and Equipment Records Management:

The contractor shall: (a) maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment and on a quarterly basis provide the RCNW Regional Supervisor with a list of equipment and supplies needed for purchase; (b) track expenditures and maintain financial records for RC contracts; and (d) maintain and track financial records for selected DARRP cases.

Time and Attendance:

The contractor shall: (a) collect and assemble for NW Regional Supervisor review and approval of all time and attendance records for NW; (b) enter time and attendance data into NOAA Time and Attendance Software Program for review and approval by NW staff; (c) assemble all Time and Attendance reports, Certified Copies and other related schedule material and deliver to RC Headquarters; (d) respond to queries about timekeeping issues in support of cost documentation packages; and (5) participate in NOAA timekeeping workgroups to develop policies and procedures.

Programmatic and Staff Support:

The contractor shall: (a) maintain records of staff contact information; (b) arrange meetings and workshops for DARRP and RCNW staff; (c) assist with mail distribution, shipping, and calls and visits from public and partners; (d) assist with development and editing of web and other outreach products; (e) provide contract and MOU/MOA Tracking; (f) provide property Tracking in accordance with NOAA policy; (g) assist in development of DARRF spend plan assistance to case team leads; and (h) provide GSA vehicle maintenance support.

IT Support:

The contractor shall: (a) coordinate with HQ regarding all network, hardware and software issues, replacements and upgrades; (b) provide software Installation / hardware installation support; (c) coordinate with HQ to provide on-site IT troubleshooting assistance; (d) install new computers; (e) map network drives, installing printers and synchronize Outlook to Google email; (f) provide training for SharePoint and assistance for uploading files; (g) provide maintenance to office printers or schedule maintenance for any printing/copying issues; and (h) provide DARRTs and RCDB assistance including updates, and queries.

This task shall be ongoing

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: 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 40% support for the following:

a) Communications and Outreach Products: The Communications and Outreach Specialist 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 Communications and Outreach Specialist 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 Communications and Outreach Specialist 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 Communications and Outreach Specialist 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:

· 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 5: 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 10% 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 JavascriptExperience 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 6: RC Great Lakes Environmental Engineer (Environmental Engineer (EE) IV)

Location: The contractor’s duty station will be Ann Arbor, MI at the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. The contractor shall be required to travel throughout the Great Lakes region to attend meetings and project site visits. Teleworking may be approved for this position in accordance with any approved contract procedures.

The task will require full time support for the following:

a) Fishery Habitat Restoration: The Contractor shall assist the RC in evaluation, identification, prioritization, design, implementation and monitoring of habit restoration projects.

b) Technical Services: The Contractor shall provide engineering services for high priority projects throughout the Great Lakes providing technical review of engineering related products and activities.

c) Data Management: The Contractor shall maintain and input specific restoration project data.

d) NRDA/DARRP Planning: The Contractor shall provide support on DARRP cases.

e) Restoration Planning: The Contractor shall provide support on Community Based Restoration Program (CRP) or DARRP cases

f) Programmatic Management: In coordination with the NOAA Project Lead, the Contractor shall provide oversight of field activities and sub-contractors.

g) Environmental Compliance: The Contractor shall assist the RC in development of applicable permits and development of appropriate NEPA documentation.

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

Qualifications:

Essential:

· A Master’s Degree in engineering, hydrology, water resources, earth science, or a related field and minimum six to eight years specialized experience directly related to the position.

· Knowledge of engineering practices and methods pertaining to habitat restoration.

· Strong background in shoreline and river restoration, geomorphology, and/or hydrology/hydraulics.

· Ability to perform project management tasks including project scheduling, budgeting, project oversight, and ability to handle multiple, concurrent, and competing projects and responsibilities.

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

· Familiarity with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

· Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations related to Great Lakes resources and habitat restoration projects.

· Strong oral and written communication skills.

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

· Willingness for occasional travel within the region.

Preferred:

· Experience with Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and Oil Pollution Act (OPA).

· Knowledge of the habitats and resources of the Great Lakes.

· Experience with GIS.

· Professional engineering certification.

· 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.

Fishery Habitat Restoration:

The Contractor shall, in coordination with the Project Lead: (a) review and evaluate restoration projects to determine if projects meet award and design criteria throughout the contract period; and (b) assist the RC and partners in the development of restoration projects through identification and prioritization of these projects. This shall require on-going contact with local partners, technical review of project proposals, developing monitoring plans, tracking of project progress and reporting of project accomplishments. Specific responsibilities shall include: (a) distribution of requests for proposals (RFPs) to potential applicants: (b) review and scoring of proposals; (c) participation in technical review discussions, frequent on-site meetings and participation in implementation plans; (d) review of progress reports; and (e), accurate and timely tracking and reporting progress in Restoration and Conservation Database (RCDB).