Draft SOW (24-200) (3).docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) Sustainable Fisheries Division (SFD) Professional Services for Coded Wire Tag Database 143060-24-0017

I. Background/Overview:

The Alaska Regional Office of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) seeks to develop a 2024 database of all coded wire tagged (CWT) release groups of West Coast salmon and their status as originating from evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA Fisheries = may choose additional annual database development for 2025 through 2028, as annual option items. Beginning in 2006, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) and NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Region have utilized contracted services to annually develop a database of Coded Wire Tag (CWT) information. The database allows NOAA Fisheries staff to summarize any high seas CWT recoveries in federally-managed Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish fisheries that originate from ESA-listed ESUs. This information is necessary for NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region to meet its obligations with the NMFS West Coast Region regarding ESA Section 7 Consultation.

The initial iteration of the CWT database included all CWT release groups of West Coast salmon and steelhead downloaded from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) Regional Mark Information System (RMIS) and their status as originating from within ESA-listed ESUs as determined by NOAA Fisheries.

In 2016 the CWT database contractor undertook a two-phase quality control (QC) review of the annual process for creating the CWT database to improve consistency and accuracy. Phase I included determining, collating, and articulating the relevant information required for assigning ESA-listed status to CWT release groups, and then applying the QC protocol to the most recently developed database to ensure internal accuracy and consistency. Phase II involved developing a new CWT database with the most recent release records in the RMIS database. Annual updates of this database have been completed by a contractor through 2023.

II. Scope of Work This contract is for one job of professional services to develop a CWT database based on regulations in the current and past Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) regarding ESA, new CWT release groups, and any updated information on previously reported CWT release groups with options for database development in additional years.

III. Requirements and Tasks The contractor shall accomplish the assigned work by employing qualified personnel with appropriate combinations of education, knowledge, and experience. Contractor personnel shall have the demonstrated experience with the software, and appropriate development language, as well as the necessary experience and education in fisheries science to fulfill project requirements. The Contractor shall provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to manage, perform, and administer the contract. It is anticipated that this project will utilize a database and GIS analyst and at least one qualified fisheries scientist. Review and interpretation of current and past CFR regarding ESA regulations relevant to West Coast salmonid populations require specialized fisheries science expertise. Also, gathering information for the 13 additional fields in the database (Task 3) may require expert review and interpretation of hatchery program documents. Fisheries knowledge in the areas of Pacific salmon life history, salmon genetics (for determining broodstock origin), salmon ecology, ESA regulations specific to West Coast salmonids, etc. is essential.

Task 1 - Regulatory Review:

The contractor shall conduct a review of Federal regulations contained in current and past CFR for regulatory actions related to ESA-listed ESU membership. This review will be specific to ESA regulations relevant for West Coast salmonid populations (i.e. Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), chum (O. keta), coho (O. kisutch), sockeye (O. nerka), and steelhead (O. mykiss) that originated from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California). Critical review will require determination from current and past CFR geographic boundaries of ESA-listed ESUs, listing dates, specific inclusions or exclusions, run time specifications, etc.

ESA regulatory text indicates that ESA-listed ESU membership for fish released by hatchery programs is primarily determined by juvenile release location. This protocol will continue to be used to determine ESA protection status and ESU membership based on release location for groups of coded-wire tagged fish. The results of this regulatory review will be documented within the annual report provided by the contractor. An example report format will be provided to the contractor.

Task 2 - Download and evaluate CWT release records from RMIS for 2024, and possibly in 2025 through 2028 as option items:

The PSMFC maintains and continuously updates the public facing RMIS database (https://www.rmpc.org/). The RMIS database contains all CWT release, catch sample, and recovery data for Pacific salmonids in the Pacific Ocean Region. The contractor will download all RMIS records of release groups of tagged West Coast salmonids. All RMIS records must be downloaded annually since records are continually updated/corrected, because ESA status of a release group may change from one year to the next, and because CWTs from sampled salmon can arrive several years after the year of capture, requiring retrospective analysis. Based on the regulatory review described above, the contractor will determine geographic boundaries of ESA-listed ESUs. To maintain consistency with previous contracted work, the contractor will compile GIS shapefiles that delineate ESU geographic boundaries. The shapefiles will allow for consistent and reliable determination of whether a CWT release group falls within the geographic boundary of an ESU.

Task 3 - Develop a new database of all CWT release groups in the current RMIS:

The contractor will develop a new database of all CWT release records in the most current RMIS. The database shall contain all of the existing fields and their values downloaded from RMIS, in addition to new fields for which the contractor shall populate with values. The information for the additional fields is not in RMIS and shall be gathered separately by the successful contractor. The 13 additional fields are the following:

1. Did the release group originate within the geographic boundaries of an ESU listed under the ESA as of MM/DD/YYYY (Y/N)?

2. Did the release group return to spawn prior to listing of the ESU under the ESA (Y/N)?

3. Does the release group qualify as an ESA listed group (Y/N)?

4. Name of the ESU in which the group originated

5. Based on the location of stock origin, did the release group originate within the geographic boundaries of an ESU listed under the ESA as of MM/DD/YYYY (Y/N)?

6. Based on the location of stock origin, did the release group return to spawn prior to listing of the ESU under the ESA (Y/N)?

7. Based on the location of stock origin, does the release group qualify as an ESA listed group (Y/N)?

8. Alternate name of the ESU in which the group originated

9. Based on the location of hatchery rearing, did the release group originate within the geographic boundaries of an ESU listed under the ESA as of MM/DD/YYYY (Y/N)?

10. Based on the location of hatchery rearing, did the release group return to spawn prior to listing of the ESU under the ESA (Y/N)?

11. Based on the location of hatchery rearing, does the release group qualify as an ESA listed group (Y/N)?

12. Alternate name of the ESU in which the group originated

13. Would ESU membership be different based on location of stock origin, hatchery rearing, or juvenile release (Y/N)?

Note that “MM/DD/YYYY” represents the date the CWT release records are downloaded from RMIS.

The database is written in Microsoft Access, version 2016.

Task 4 – Reporting:

The successful contractor shall prepare a report for each annual CWT database. This report will, at a minimum, provide a description of methods used in determining ESA protection for CWT release groups and a description of the newly developed CWT database of release groups.

The contractor shall successfully integrate and coordinate with the NOAA Fisheries Project Lead, on an ongoing basis. The contractor shall provide corrective action plans, proposal submittals, and timely identification of issues. The contractor shall seek to ensure customer satisfaction and professional and ethical behavior of all contractor personnel.

IV. Period of Performance Period of performance for the base contract term is 12 months from the Date of Award (DOA), to develop a new CWT database from records downloaded from RMIS in 2024. Task 3 and Task 4 deliverables will be due by September 15, 2024.

Option years are as follows:

Option Year 1: Develop a new CWT database from records downloaded from RMIS in 2025. Performance period is 12 months, dates to be determined after DOA is known. Task 3 and Task 4 deliverables are due by June 30, 2025, and likely on this date for each subsequent option year.

Option Year 2: Develop a new CWT database from records downloaded from RMIS in 2026 - Performance period is 12 months, dates to be determined after DOA is known.

Option Year 3: Develop a new CWT database from records downloaded from RMIS in 2027 - Performance period is 12 months, dates to be determined after DOA is known.

Option Year 4: Develop a new CWT database from records downloaded from RMIS in 2028 - Performance period is 12 months, dates to be determined after DOA is known.

Contractors have the general discretion to set work hours and schedules, including observed holidays. Contractors will not be required to work Federal holidays, as follows:

In addition to the days designated as holidays, the Government observes the following days:

Any other day designated by Federal Statute Any other day designated by Executive Order Any other day designated by a President's Proclamation

It is understood and agreed between the U.S. Government and the contractor that observance of such days by Government personnel shall not otherwise be a reason for an additional period of performance, or entitlement to compensation except as set forth within the contract. If a contractor believes that an unplanned absence has an impact on the price or period of performance, it should notify the contracting officer (CO) of the changed condition and submit a claim for equitable adjustment (see FAR 52.233-1). Nothing in this section abrogates the rights and responsibilities of the parties relating to "stop work" provisions as cited in other sections of this contract.

V. Place of Performance Accomplishment of the results contained in this Performance Work Statement requires 100% of the work to be completed at the contractor’s office at the discretion of the contractor. Work hours are generally at the discretion of the contractor; however, the contractor will maintain a point of contact during core NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region business hours Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm Alaska Time.

The contractor shall make necessary staff available for progress reports and/or quality control evaluations at the request of the NOAA Fisheries technical lead.

VI. Deliverables There are four deliverables under this contract:

1. Kickoff meeting: A kickoff meeting will be held, via conference call, with the Project Lead at a mutually agreed upon time and within 10 days of award.

2. A new version of the CWT database for 2024, and for 2025 through 2028 as annual option items. The contractor shall provide the 2024 CWT database in Microsoft Access, with compatibility to version 2016, via e-mail as well as required reports in Adobe pdfs, also via e-mail. If NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region chooses to exercise the option items, the contractor will provide the 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 CWT databases in Microsoft Access via e-mail as well as required reports in Adobe pdfs, also via e-mail. The CWT database is due by September 15, 2024 and on June 30 in each subsequent option year. Once delivered, the database and report products will be U.S. Government property.

3. Monthly progress reports to the task manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative.

4. Annual reports describing relevant methods and findings and summary of the new CWT records in Adobe pdf format delivered via e-mail.

VII. Government-Furnished Resources The government will furnish a copy of the 2023 CWT database and final report as well as technical memoranda, and annual reports documenting CWT database development methods and results. No other government-furnished resources will be provided for this contract.

VIII. Travel, and Training

a. Training: Contractors are required to complete all NOAA mandated training such as IT security training.

b. Travel: Travel is not expected or authorized for this task order.

IX. Security Requirements This project is considered low risk, and Contractor staff must be suited for public trust classification. Background investigations are required for all contractor staff proposed for this project, and must be completed prior to beginning work.

X. Special Requirements

a. Confidentiality and Data Privacy This contract may require that services contractors have access to Privacy Information. Services contractors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all subjects and materials and may be required to sign and adhere to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).

b. Intellectual Property Rights All deliverables are the property of the U.S. Government. All documents, analyses, files (digital or other), reports, notes and photos are to be used only by Contractor personnel assigned to this purchase order. Documents, files and other data are to be stored exclusively on Government owned equipment and at no point should be saved or archived on personal drives or devices. Copies are not to be disseminated to anyone outside of the NMFS or to any other contractor personnel without explicit release from the Government.

c. Section 508 Compliance Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d) as amended by P.L. 105-220 under Title IV (Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998), all Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) developed, procured, maintained and/or used under this contract shall be in compliance with the “Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards” set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the “Access Board”) in 36 CFR Part 1194. The complete text of Section 508 Standards can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/ or at http://www.section508.gov.

XI. Inclusion of Clause 52.217-8 Inclusion of FAR clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, in the solicitation and resultant contract is for use by the Government as outlined at FAR 37.111, Extension of Services. The option will be exercised as needed at any time during the life of the contract using the rates applicable at the time of exercise.

XII. Required Knowledge and Experience:

The contractor shall accomplish the assigned work by employing and utilizing qualified personnel with appropriate combinations of education, training, and experience. Contractor personnel shall have the following minimum qualifications:

· Minimum Experience (Database and GIS Analyst): Three years of technical experience in database management, modeling, or statistical analysis. Recent experience should include relational database design in Microsoft Access and the design of shapefiles in GIS software for delineating ESU geographic boundaries.

· Minimum Education (Database and GIS Analyst) BA/BS degree in Computer Science or Information Technology, Environmental Science or equivalent education and experience.

· Minimum Experience (Fisheries Scientist): Three years of expertise in fisheries science and/or management specific to the West Coast of the United States ESA-listed salmon and steelhead species.

· Minimum Education (Fisheries Scientist): BA/BS degree in fisheries science and/or marine resource management specific to ESA-listed salmon and steelhead species

· Experience with using the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) Regional Mark Information System (RMIS) CWT database

· Demonstrated experience with analysis of artificial propagation programs included within listed ESUs as determined by NMFS.

XIII. Evaluation Factors:

The Government will issue an order resulting from this request for quotation to the responsible offeror whose quotation results in the best value to the Government, considering both price and non-price factors. The following factors will be used to evaluate quotations:

Technical Evaluation Factors:

Factor 1--TECHNICAL APPROACH. The quotation will be evaluated on how the offeror intends to organize, staff and manage the contract and the means that will be used to accomplish the contract requirements. The degree to which the quotation demonstrates an understanding of the requirements will be evaluated, as well as the offeror's planned management of consultants and subcontractors, if applicable.

Factor 2--EXPERIENCE. The offeror's background, experience, and qualifications will be assessed to determine the likelihood that that offeror can successfully perform the contract requirements and the degree of the risk of non-performance. Offer shall describe the contractor’s experience meeting the requirements shown in the above sections: Scope of Work and Required Knowledge and Experience. Provide resumes for key personnel that will be assigned to work on the contract.

Factor 3--PAST PERFORMANCE. The offeror's past performance on related contracts will be evaluated to determine, as appropriate, successful performance of contract requirements, quality and timeliness of delivery of goods and services, effective management of subcontractors, cost management, level of communication between the contracting parties, proactive management and customer satisfaction.

· Offeror shall provide at least three (3) past performance references. Provide name, address, phone number, and description of the project.

If a quoter has no relevant past performance, the quoter must affirmatively state that it possesses no relevant past performance history. Offerors who fail to either provide past performance information or affirmatively state that they have none, may be considered as non-compliant to the solicitation.

Factor 4 - COST/PRICE. The proposed prices/costs will be evaluated. The cost evaluation will determine whether the proposed costs are realistic, complete, and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements.

XIV. CONTRACTORS INVOICE

Per NAM 1330-52.232-71 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (FEB 2023) The Contractor must submit payment requests electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP). The Contractor must use the IPP website to register, access, and submit payment requests. The IPP website address is https://www.ipp.gov.

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment to the Contractor. To be considered proper, invoices must be prepared in accordance with, and contain all elements specified in, the contract payment clause (e.g., FAR 52.212-4(g), FAR 52.232-25(a)(3), FAR 52.232-26(a)(2), FAR 52.232-27(a)(2)).

The Contractor must include the following documents as attachments to payment requests submitted through the IPP: All reports as required in the deliverables should be submitted with the invoices.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to submit payment requests through the IPP due to a threat to national security; a matter of unusual or compelling urgency; or because the political, financial, or communications infrastructure of a foreign country does not support access to the IPP, the Contractor must request an exception in writing. Contact the Contracting Officer for more information about requesting an exception. (End of Clause)