J-10 Lit Search and Gap Analysis Template_170321.xlsx

Literature Search Instructions for Completing a Literature Search:

The initial literature search is performed by the Government during the development of the task order (TO) PWS (pre-award) and is used in shaping the PWS. Literature searches are performed to identify what, if any, STI already exists relative to the new TO effort being pursued. The results of the intial pre-award search will be shared with the TO contractor at the post-award Orientation conference. Thereafter, the contractor's annual searches are to be performed in DTIC Online Access Controlled (DOAC), IAC Quad Charts (within DoD Techipedia), and any other database/system deemed pertinent by the contractor and will build upon the results of the initial literature search. Contractors should rely on their keen search skills, which should blend strategic "keywords" and/or "strings of keywords" during their searches. In situations where an initial search yields too many hits, the contractor should refine their search criteria and search again (e.g., "HH-60G Pave Hawk and survivability" may yield too many hits - - "HH-60G Pave Hawk survivability AND RPGs" may be necessary). In circumstances such as this, please include only the final search term(s) that were used. Identifying and building upon an existing knowledge base is critical to the IAC Program. The contractor, in performing the TO, is expected to fill gaps in the STI literature base as it performs the TO. The completed literature search template is a deliverable as stated in the TO PWS.

Filling Out the Literature Search Template (below) Step 1: Identify strategic keywords and/or a string of keywords to use during your search. (Note: You must have at least one keyword or one string of keywords per PWS task; searches need not be performed for mandatory tasks 1 [post-award orientation/kick-off] and 2 [gap analysis].)

Step 2: Search DOAC using the keywords identified in Step 1. DOAC searches should cover the entire database, not just the IAC documents. Enter the number of returns for each search (separately) under Total Hits/DOAC.

Step 3: Analyze the results from your search and identify any relevant STI (this should be a subset of the number of total hits). Enter the number of relevant results under Relevant STI/DOAC.

Step 4: Enter any relevant comments related to your search Step 5: Repeat Step 2-4 for DoDTechipedia and any other database/systems deemed pertinent by the IAC; identify other databases in the comments field. (Note: Searches in DoDTechipedia should search all IAC Quad Charts, not just the Quad Charts associated with the IAC performing the TAT. Access to IAC Quad Charts is granted on an individual basis; contact the IAC PMO to request access.)

Gap Analysis Instructions for Completing a Gap Analysis:

The contractor shall maintain close coordination with Basic Center Operations (BCO) personnel/resources, to ensure task order (TO) performance builds on the breadth of the BCO knowledge base. TO performance provides an opportunity to validate BCO research/Scientific and Technical Information (STI) in a specific, operational context. Further, TO operational requirements provide real-time assessment of areas where STI is most needed. This report documents the relevance of BCO STI resources in supporting TO requirements, as well as to identify potential gaps in the BCO knowledge base based on TO requirements. The gap analysis builds on the STI literature search performed under the previous tab. The gap analysis is performed annually, as stated in the TO PWS. It identifies, by PWS task, how much STI (gathered from DOAC, IAC Quad Charts in DoDTechipedia, and other sources) has been actually used to inform the work performed under the current TO. Provide the number of relevant STI search results (from the literature search, or subsequent post-award searches) that was actually employed in executing the PWS task. For each search term, highlight noteworthy examples of how STI significantly contributed to the performance of that particular task . For each task, identify any perceived gaps in the knowledge base (e.g., the task required information on XYZ, but the literature search did not turn up STI on XYZ). These "STI Gaps" serve as a signal for the BCO that they may need to build knowledge in XYZ (i.e., establish focused STI collection for "XYZ"), especially as the BCO notices trends where similar entries are made in this column across multiple task orders.

Filling Out the Gap Analysis Template (below) Step 1: Copy and paste the results from the literature search into the first 9 columns of the Gap Analysis template.

Step 2: In each row, identify how much STI has been actually employed in executing the SOW tasks under the current TAT; this will be a subset of "Relevant STI" discovered during the literature search. In cases where additional STI was discovered post-award, insert a new row to record the gap analysis data (enter SOW paragraph, but leave columns B through I blank).

Step 3: In the "Comments on STI Used" section, highlight noteworthy examples of how the STI significantly contributed to the performance of that particular task.

Step 4: Identify any perceived gaps in the knowledge base and enter them into the "STI Gaps" section. Perceived gaps occur when the task required information on a particular topic, but the literature search did not uncover any STI on that topic. A gap may also occur on a topic not covered by the literature search, but for which the information need became apparent during task execution.