GM-22-05_Mini SOW_FINAL.docx

NSL # GM-22-05

NSL # GM-22-05

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Reevaluating BOEM’s Guidelines for Identifying Submerged Pre-Contact Archaeological Sites in the Gulf of Mexico

Authorities:

Section 1346 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) of 1953 mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for assessment and understanding of those environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected due to oil and gas or other mineral development. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information and joint utilization of available expertise to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) operations both onshore and offshore. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is the Federal agency established to conduct OCS lease sales and to assess the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of OCS activities. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 requires Federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 requires Federal agencies to consider the potential effects of its permitted or funded activities on historic properties (e.g., submerged cultural resources, traditional cultural properties, etc.). The Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorizes BOEM to manage and assess impacts of renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Background:

Submerged pre-European Contact (pre-Contact) archaeological sites are difficult to identify and confirm on the OCS using traditional seafloor and subsurface mapping technologies. Furthermore, BOEM’s current survey guidelines are inadequate for detecting and identifying such sites to a high level of confidence. In the GOM, for example, BOEM’s maximum allowable 300-meter survey line spacing for conventional (i.e., oil and gas) energy development has been demonstrated to be inadequate for sufficiently imaging submerged landforms such as river channels or detecting submerged pre-Contact features. Through experimental research conducted internally, BOEM archaeologists developed a hypothetical survey area using 300-m line spacing and overlaid it on a map of the modern-day Tchefuncta River in Louisiana. Entire sections of the river channel were missed (e.g., not imaged or detected) due to the wide distance between survey lines. To date, no submerged paleolandforms confirmed to contain preserved archaeological remains have been identified through BOEM-required surveys for conventional energy development and marine minerals extraction projects in the GOM. However, non-BOEM-related archaeological research projects applying narrower survey line spacing methods have identified several confirmed and more than a dozen potential submerged pre-Contact sites off the northeastern Gulf coast of Florida since the 1980s. In addition, displaced and redeposited Pre-Contact artifacts have been discovered washed ashore at McFaddin Beach, Texas since the 1960s, yet no intact, preserved pre-Contact archaeological site has been positively identified offshore in the northwestern GOM to date.

In 2016, the preserved remains of a freshwater pond containing 8,000-year-old human burials and other archaeological materials was discovered eroding from the seafloor in State waters offshore Manasota Key (MKO), southwest Florida by a scuba diver. This unique site is currently being investigated by the State of Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR) and BOEM to determine why it exhibits such remarkable preservation in the marine environment and survived marine transgression during sea level rise over millennia. Under BOEM’s existing survey guidelines for identifying potential submerged pre-Contact sites—maximum 300-m survey line spacing—the site most likely would not be detected, as the pond measures only 190 meters by 150 meters in size (i.e., at most, only one survey line would cross it). In addition, a high-resolution geophysical survey conducted after the site was discovered using a traditional Chirp sub-bottom profiler did not sufficiently resolve the intact strata containing the burials or independently provide evidence that preserved archaeological features were present. The ongoing study at MKO (M19AC00014) conducted a new survey in 2019 utilizing a parametric sub-bottom profiling system to collect higher-resolution acoustic data at 1-meter line spacing to ensure 100 percent coverage of the entire site. Using that dataset, data from various survey line increments (e.g., every 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, etc.) are being reanalyzed by BAR to determine the widest line spacing at which the known site and its preserved intact (e.g., undisturbed) strata can be sufficiently resolved for an archaeologist to recommend avoidance. Results from the MKO study will inform this follow-up BOEM study to determine how revisions to BOEM’s current prescribed survey guidelines can better identify and delineate submerged paleolandscapes with a high probability of containing preserved archaeological remains in the GOM’s State and Federal waters.

Purpose:

BOEM’s current survey guidelines for identifying potential submerged pre-Contact archaeological resources within a project area prescribe survey line spacing for sub-bottom profiling sensors at no greater than 30 meters for renewable energy projects, 30 meters for marine minerals projects, and 300 meters in water depths less than 60 meters for conventional energy development in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Coastal states, including those along the GOM, often adopt entirely or rely on portions of BOEM’s survey guidelines to inform their own State-mandated, high-resolution survey guidelines for their respective territorial waters. High-resolution geophysical surveys traditionally employ Chirp sub-bottom profiling systems to identify potentially preserved submerged paleolandscapes buried beneath the seafloor and side scan sonar or multibeam echosounder to identify those that are visible on the seafloor. These tentatively identified paleolandscapes may contain preserved landforms and features that could have supported human populations when the OCS was subaerially exposed during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). However, under current BOEM guidelines, if these areas can be avoided during BOEM-permitted activities then they are not required to be tested or investigated to confirm their archaeological nature or to determine their spatial extent.

In Federal waters, as a result of this incomplete information, BOEM archaeologists may prescribe large avoidance zones that extend well beyond the estimated boundaries of potentially preserved paleolandforms as conditions of respective permit approvals to ensure that no potential archaeological resources, assuming any that may be located within the avoidance area, will be impacted by the proposed activity. However, these avoidances may be prescribed in areas that pre-date the age of human occupation, or do not contain preserved archaeological material, or were misidentified due to inconsistencies in geophysical data interpretation and use of paleolandform terminology. The resulting assignment of large avoidance zones not only reduces the area available for industry’s proposed seafloor-disturbing activities but may exclude areas that do not or could not in fact contain preserved archaeological resources.

Paleolandscape reconstructions (modeling that integrates past environmental conditions, geological processes, local sea level history, regional human settlement patterns and culture history, and geophysical/geotechnical data) are necessary to identify areas of the Western, Central, and Eastern GOM OCS that are more likely to contain preserved submerged paleolandforms potentially containing archaeological resources as well as those that are less likely. In addition, an assessment of, and scientifically informed revisions to, BOEM’s existing survey guidelines and prescribed methodologies are needed to better identify and delineate any submerged paleolandforms that may support preservation of pre-Contact archaeological remains. This information will be used to design more accurate and effective avoidance mitigations and better detect and delineate potentially preserved paleolandform features and archaeological remains while increasing the availability of OCS lands for conventional and renewable energy development and marine minerals utilization in State and Federal waters.

State-of-the-art advances in sub-bottom acoustic technologies, paleolandscape reconstructions, and survey and testing methodologies have been made in the 18 years since the issuance of BOEM’s NTL 2005-G07. The identification and preservation of pre-Contact archaeological resources are also frequently cited as priorities by Native American Tribes, and are relevant to BOEM’s consultations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Incorporating these recent advancements into revised and updated survey guidelines will better inform BOEM’s archaeological avoidance mitigations and resource management responsibilities as well as inform and facilitate meaningful government-to-government consultations with Native American Tribes under E.O. 13175, S.O. 3317, and the DOI Policy on Consultation with Indian Tribes. While the study focuses on the GOM, study results, including a revised methodology or methodologies based on empirical data and field testing, will inform all of BOEM’s program areas and other BOEM regions. Ultimately, revisions to BOEM’s survey guidelines based on the best available science will directly inform and benefit coastal states and their submerged cultural resource management programs which rely on BOEM’s established guidelines.

Objectives:

1). Develop updated/refined regional paleolandscape reconstructions in a publicly shareable, ArcGIS-compatible geospatial database to identify the aerial extent and below-seabed depth (i.e., shapefiles or polygons) of areas in the GOM with the potential to contain preserved paleolandforms that might contain pre-Contact archaeological remains as well as those areas with low or no potential (e.g., in the Eastern, Central, and Western GOM). In addition, develop a separate geospatial database for BOEM use only that identifies known and potential submerged pre-Contact archaeological sites and features in a format compatible with ArcGISPro 3.0.1 or the latest version of ArcGISPro that BOEM is using at the time of delivery.

2). Assess whether BOEM survey guidelines and methodologies for identifying preserved paleolandforms and potential pre-Contact archaeological sites should be tailored for specific areas of the GOM (e.g., Western GOM versus Eastern GOM) rather than one set of guidelines applied universally to all areas in the GOM.

3). Engage tribal communities to seek their perspectives on the purpose, design, and results of this study and, where possible, include tribal representatives in field survey activities. Incorporate involvement of undergraduate and/or graduate students from Federally or State-recognized Tribes who are interested in the marine sciences (e.g., archaeology, biology, geology, oceanography, etc.) through an outreach and education effort that will provide opportunities to assist with data collection and analysis, modeling, publications and presentations, report writing, and/or other relevant tasks. Consider partnering with a Tribal College (for more information, see https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ or https://tribalcollegejournal.org/map-of-tribal-colleges/.)

Period of Performance:

5 years (2023–2028)

Award Amount:

$1,500,000

Description of Work – Tasks:

Tasks to be completed include, but are not limited to:

1). Conduct a literature review and synthesis to assess the current state of knowledge regarding submerged pre-Contact site detection and identification methods and preservation potential in the Eastern, Central, and Western GOM.

2). Based on currently available and newly collected data, compile a publicly shareable geospatial database identifying areas of the northern GOM with preservation potential (e.g., high, moderate, low, or none), estimated age of landforms, depth of burial, and other pertinent information at an appropriate scale to inform submerged cultural resource management decision-making. In addition, compile a non-publicly shareable geospatial database for BOEM internal use including known and potential pre-Contact archaeological sites and features that can inform BOEM’s submerged cultural resource management decision-making.

3). Design, test the efficacy of, and compare results from a revised high-resolution geophysical survey methodology (or region-specific methodologies) conducted in geologically distinct planning areas of the GOM (e.g., the Eastern and Western GOM at a minimum). Recipient shall propose the number and spatial extent of survey areas to be tested. Consider surveying a previously investigated/suspected archaeological site for fine-tuning the proposed survey methodology(ies) in each planning area of the GOM (e.g., the Eastern and Western GOM at a minimum) and then testing the methodology(ies) in at least one unsurveyed location with high potential for containing archaeological remains within each planning area. Based on geophysical survey results, select up to three (3) potential archaeological sites that shall be investigated to confirm their archaeological nature, approximate age, and spatial extent; and collect sufficient data and conduct appropriate analyses to inform paleoenvironmental reconstructions (e.g., diver investigations, sampling and analyses such as test excavations, coring, sediment grain size analysis, geochemical analysis, palynology, radiocarbon dating, etc.).

4). Based on study results, the current state of technology, and best available science, identify best practices methodology(ies) and optimal survey line spacing for detecting and delineating submerged paleolandscapes with high potential for containing pre-Contact archaeological remains in the GOM.

MEETINGS, REPORTS, AND OTHER DELIVERABLES

Performance measures include: scheduling of meetings with BOEM, demonstrating satisfactory progress according to the project schedule, and submitting deliverables in a timely manner that result from this effort. The following deliverables shall be submitted and meetings held in accordance with the specified schedule. The Recipient is responsible for editing and proofreading all deliverables prior to submission to BOEM in order to produce products of the highest technical and editorial standard.

A. Post-award Meeting, Planning Meetings, and Meeting Summaries The Recipient shall hold a post-award meeting with BOEM within thirty (30) calendar days following cooperative agreement award. The goal of the Post-Award Meeting is to ensure a clear understanding by all of the study tasks, concerns, availability of relevant data, and reports, deliverables, and timelines. The Recipient shall provide a draft agenda to the participants one (1) week prior to this meeting. Other relevant planning meetings and post-fieldwork/cruise meetings may be required during the course of the study. Meeting dates and times shall be agreed upon by all parties and may be held virtually. Within two (2) weeks following each meeting, the Recipient shall prepare and submit a meeting summary detailing the discussions and any mutually agreed upon decisions. Any agreed to changes that might affect the cooperative agreement are subject to approval in writing by the BSEE Contracting Officer (CO).

B. Project Management Plan (PMP) Project management encompasses a range of planning and communication tasks integral to the overall success of the project. The Project Management Plan (PMP) must include necessary Agreement administrative documents, key personnel, estimated timelines for task completion, and integration of tasks toward completion of the deliverables. The Recipient shall provide a draft PMP to the BOEM PO and ESPR one (1) week prior to the Post-Award Meeting. The Recipient shall be responsible for administration of the PMP. At the Post-Award Meeting, the Recipient and BOEM shall discuss the PMP in detail and resolve any outstanding questions or concerns. The final PMP shall be submitted to the BOEM PO, CO, and ESPR by email within two (2) weeks of the Post-Award Meeting.

C. Data Management Plan (DMP) The Recipient shall develop a Data Management Plan (DMP) to be implemented by a designated Data Manager. The DMP is a high-level summary of all data management activities that are needed throughout the data lifecycle. The DMP shall include a description of planned procedures for data collection, data processing, metadata development, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), electronic file inventory, storage and backup, dissemination and distribution (including method and timeline of making the finalized data products publicly available and protocols for handling/withholding sensitive information such as the location of known/potential archaeological sites), and final archiving. These procedures must be described sufficiently to allow repeatability. The Recipient shall provide a draft DMP to the BOEM PO and ESPR one (1) week prior to Post-Award Meeting. At the Post-Award Meeting, the Recipient and BOEM shall discuss the DMP in detail and resolve any outstanding questions or concerns. The final DMP shall be submitted to the BOEM PO, CO, and ESPR by email within two (2) weeks of the Post-Award Meeting and shall be updated as necessary throughout the period of performance. For more information about how to develop a DMP, please see the U.S. Geological Survey website for an example at: https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans

D. Field/Cruise Plan(s) At least two (2) weeks prior to major at-sea efforts, the Recipient shall submit a Pre-Field/Cruise plan in MS Word or PDF detailing the purpose, scope, and proposed logistics to the BOEM PO and ESPR for review.

E. Field/Cruise Report(s) Post-Field/Cruise reports in MS Word or PDF shall be due within one (1) month after the end of each at-sea effort. These reports shall include a description of relevant fieldwork/cruise activities and an assessment of the activities in relation to the overall project. Work not accomplished must be listed along with the reason it was not accomplished and a description of the contingency plan to accomplish the work, describe the resolution of whatever problem caused the work to remain unfinished. Post-Field/Cruise reports shall be submitted to the BOEM PO, ESPR, CO, and Chief of DES.

F. Geospatial Database Develop updated/refined regional paleolandscape reconstructions published in a publicly shareable geospatial database format that is compatible with ArcGIS Online. The geodatabase shall be based on currently available and newly collected data and provide an assessment of preservation potential (e.g., high, moderate, low preservation potential areas), estimated age of landforms, depth of burial, and other pertinent information. Areas in the GOM with higher potential for preserved paleolandforms that might contain pre-Contact archaeological remains as well as those areas with lower potential shall be clearly indicated. In addition, compile a separate, non-publicly shareable geospatial database that includes known/suspected pre-Contact archaeological sites/features and is compatible with ArcGISPro 3.0.1 or the latest version of ArcGISPro that BOEM is using at the time of delivery. Draft databases shall be submitted to the BOEM PO concurrent with submittal of the Draft Report. Final databases shall be submitted to the BOEM PO concurrent with submittal of the Final Report. Copies of the transmittal letter/email for these deliverables shall be submitted to the ESPR and CO.

G. Quarterly Progress Reports Submit quarterly progress reports in a format determined by the Recipient that summarizes all work performed during the preceding three (3)-month period and includes a list of all significant meetings held and overall progress made against the schedule. This report shall summarize preliminary results and interpretations of collected data. It shall also include planned actions for the upcoming quarter, progress toward major milestones, and discuss any issues that occurred during the past period with proposed solutions or actions taken to remedy them and lessons learned. Submit a list of purchased/repaired equipment in the report if there is a need (i.e., something breaks, or new equipment is required). The reports shall also include a basic budget table showing expenses incurred and budget remaining at time of report. Quarterly reports shall be submitted to the BOEM PO, ESPR, CO, and Chief of DES.

H. Annual Progress Reports Submit an annual report at the end of each twelve (12) calendar months of performance that shall include the major accomplishments of the past year and the activities planned for the upcoming year (this is excluded for the last annual report). Any changes in the work plan shall be discussed with the PO and CO to obtain written approval prior to performing the work. This report may be combined with the concurrent quarterly report. Annual Progress reports shall be submitted to the BOEM PO, ESPR, CO, and Chief of DES.

I. Draft Report No less than eight (8) months prior to the end of the period of performance, the Recipient shall prepare and submit a Draft Report in MS Word that details all of the Recipient’s methodologies, techniques, equipment, interpretations, analyses, and results of the study to BOEM for scientific peer and editorial review. The BOEM webpage, https://www.boem.gov/environment/environmental-studies/report-specifications/esp-report-and-footprint-specifications, specifies the minimal formatting requirements for reports and technical summaries. Templates are available on the website and shall be used for developing these deliverables.

The following language must be included in the draft and final reports (on the disclaimer page), “This report has been technically reviewed by BOEM, and it has been approved for publication. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.”

If the Draft Report is considered an acceptable draft, BOEM will have thirty (30) days to review the report, and notify the Recipient of any required changes, corrections, or additions. The Recipient shall incorporate BOEM’s changes, corrections, and additions. Questions regarding reviewer comments on the scientific and technical content and interpretation shall be discussed with the PO. In those cases where the Recipient disagrees with the suggested changes, corrections, or additions, the Recipient shall submit a letter of explanation to the PO explaining the rationale for the disagreement. Formatting standards are not subject to discussion of alternatives. The Recipient shall be expected to employ the services of a professional editor to ensure the requirements with BOEM report specifications have been met. The Draft Report shall be submitted to the BOEM PO and ESPR. A copy of the transmittal letter/email for this deliverable shall be submitted to the CO.

J. Report Cover Graphic Concurrent with submittal of the Draft Report, the Recipient shall submit a digital graphic file prepared in JPEG or TIFF format for use as the Report Cover Graphic. The graphic shall be readily identified with the subject of the report. The file with the cover graphic may be in color provided it reproduces well in black and white print. The Report Cover Graphic shall be submitted to the BOEM PO and ESPR. A copy of the transmittal letter/email for this deliverable shall be submitted to the CO.

K. Revised Final Report Once accepted by BOEM as a draft deliverable and within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of BOEM comments, the Recipient shall incorporate the suggested changes, corrections, and additions into the Revised Final Report and submit it to BOEM (this should be approximately six [6] months prior to the end of the period of performance). The Revised Final Report will be reviewed by BOEM for technical content and editorial compliance. The technical review will evaluate the report for completeness, content, and general structure. BOEM and designated reviewers will have thirty (30) calendar days to review the report, and notify the Recipient of any additional required revisions, corrections, clarifications, or additions. The Revised Final Report shall be submitted to the BOEM PO and ESPR. A copy of the transmittal letter/email for this deliverable shall be submitted to the CO.

L. Draft Technical Summary The Recipient shall prepare a Draft Technical Summary in MS Word of the Recipient’s contributions to the overall study that is approximately two (2) pages in length and conforms to the Technical Summary specifications found at our website: https://www.boem.gov/environment/environmental-studies/report-specifications/esp-report-and-footprint-specifications. The Recipient shall use the Technical Summary Template provided at the above web address for drafting the Technical Summary. The Draft Technical Summary shall be submitted concurrently with the Revised Final Report. The Draft Technical Summary shall be reviewed for technical content by BOEM. BOEM will submit any necessary edits or revisions to the Recipient for incorporation into the Final Technical Summary. The Draft Technical Summary shall be submitted to the BOEM PO and ESPR. A copy of the transmittal letter/email for this deliverable shall be submitted to the CO.

M. Final Report Within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of BOEM comments on the Revised Final Report of Finding, the Recipient shall incorporate comments into the digital file in MS Word format. This version shall be prepared as if it were the Final Report with all appropriate formatting in place, all Section 508 accessibility issues addressed, and will be circulated for final editorial and BOEM management review. The Final Report shall be submitted to the BOEM PO, ESPR, CO, and Chief of DES.

N. Final Technical Summary The Recipient shall prepare and submit the Final Technical Summary in MS Word that incorporates changes, corrections, and additions identified during the BOEM review of the Draft Technical Summary. The Final Technical Summary shall be submitted concurrently with the Final Report and is to be included on the Archival Discs/Portable Hard Drive. All Section 508 accessibility issues shall be addressed in the final version. The Final Technical Summary shall be submitted to the BOEM PO, ESPR, CO, and Chief of DES.

O. Final Report CD/DVD Copies Upon BOEM acceptance of the Final Report and within two (2) weeks of receiving the final bookmarked PDF version of the report from BOEM, the Recipient shall provide two (2) CDs/DVDs that each contain the searchable-text PDF digital copy of the Final Report with bookmarks. The discs must include a list of bibliographic citations for the Final Report to BOEM in Reference Manager (or as a file directly importable into Reference Manager), and the disc labels shall include report title, BOEM report number, Recipient name, and report date.

P. Data Products and Archiving Detailed field and data notebooks shall be maintained by the Recipient sufficient to ensure the methods and analyses used are clearly documented and methodology used is recorded. Copies of the field notes shall be submitted separately with the Final Report and other final deliverables.

The Recipient will provide BOEM and the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) with copies of all relevant data and derived products from this study in accordance with NCEI specifications no later than one (1) month prior to the end of the period of performance. The Recipient shall confirm accomplishment of the data submission to NCEI by a letter/email to the BOEM PO describing the dates, formats, and documentations of submissions, and a statement from NCEI indicating that the data have been accepted for archiving. Information on submission requirements can be found at: https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/s2n/. Other data repositories may be suggested as appropriate for data archiving and are subject to agreement by the Recipient and the BOEM PO. No original data files shall be mailed without first creating and verifying file backups.

All geospatial data* shall be submitted in the following datum and coordinate systems: North American Datum 1927 and 1983 (both NAD27 and NAD83 are required), and Latitude and Longitude (for both NAD27 and NAD83).

*Please note that coordinates for known/potential archaeological site locations must be withheld from public dissemination (presentations, papers, posters, peer-reviewed and other publications, data repositories, etc.) as they are considered by BOEM as sensitive information.

Study Footprint: The geographic information that enables the referencing of the study using a GIS, following the study footprint specifications.

Study Footprint Metadata: The scientific attribution information following the study footprint metadata specifications.

All digital geospatial data products are to be accompanied by complete metadata documentation. The metadata records shall conform to the Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998) as published by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or any format that supersedes it as determined by the FGDC https://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/csdgm/. Profiles and extensions to the standard that have been endorsed by the FGDC shall be used if they are applicable to the data or data products. The metadata records shall contain any and all elements, including those that are considered optional, wherever applicable to the data or data product. The metadata record shall contain sufficient detail to ensure the data or data product can be fully understood for future use and for posterity. The metadata records shall be delivered free of errors in both content and format. The metadata records will be subject to review and approval prior to final acceptance by the Government.

Study Map: The study area map embedded in the Final Report and Technical Summary that depicts the study footprint and that is cited in the Study Footprint Metadata.

Study Footprint Data Dictionary: The Data Dictionary is an Excel spreadsheet containing guidelines on the required content for ESP Study Metadata and shall be submitted to BOEM with the Study Footprint Metadata and Study Footprint.

Study Footprint Templates are available on the BOEM website at https://www.boem.gov/environment/environmental-studies/report-specifications/esp-report-and-footprint-specifications and shall be used for developing these deliverables.

Q. Presentations The Recipient shall attend and, if requested, make an oral presentation at the BOEM Information Transfer Meeting (ITM) to be held in the Greater New Orleans area of Louisiana, if an ITM is scheduled during the Agreement’s period of performance. The presentation shall be accompanied by appropriate visual aids which shall be limited to clear, readable computer-generated media (e.g., MS PowerPoint). The presentation shall be submitted to the BOEM PO for review approximately two (2) weeks prior to the ITM. Short biographical sketches shall be submitted for each author. Any visuals distributed at these meetings must pertain to the presentation and have prior written approval by the BOEM PO. Attendance and participation at an ITM shall be noted in the Quarterly Reports.

Other Scientific Meetings/Conferences: A minimum of one presentation (oral, poster, etc.) shall be given at a scientific conference to present the results of the study. Any abstracts, posters, and/or oral presentations pertaining to this study, its methodologies and data, and results must be reviewed by BOEM and any comments incorporated to the extent practical prior to submittal to the conference/meeting organizing authority. All such papers, presentations, and posters shall contain an acknowledgement of support from BOEM under this Agreement.

“Study collaboration and funding were provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program, Washington, DC under Agreement Number __________.”

The Recipient shall prepare and submit to BOEM for review any presentations that portray:

The title slide shall include the BOEM logo. The Recipient shall add notes to the PowerPoint file in the notes page of each slide in sufficient detail to enable an informative presentation on the study using only the PowerPoint file. Attendance and participation at conferences/meetings shall be noted in the Quarterly Reports.

R. Peer-Reviewed and Other Publications Peer-reviewed publication is strongly encouraged and shall be joint efforts between BOEM and the Recipient where appropriate. At least one scientific manuscript shall be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. Manuscripts will summarize major objectives, methods, significant results, conclusions, and implications of the work. All manuscripts (articles, abstracts, summaries, datasets, and similar materials) intended to be published, based on this study, must be submitted to BOEM for review and comment prior to submittal to the publishing authority and any comments incorporated to the extent practical. All such publications shall contain an acknowledgement of support from BOEM under this Agreement as follows:

“Study collaboration and funding were provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program, Washington, DC under Agreement Number __________.”

If published, reprints of each publication shall be provided to BOEM. Courtesy copies of any publications pertaining to this Agreement authored/published by the Recipient after the period of performance has ended shall be sent as courtesy copy to the BOEM PO.

The manuscripts of scholarly publications and conference presentations for research funded by this Agreement for free and unlimited use by BOEM staff, which may take the form of a full-text, final, pre-publication copy of the related publication in the cases that the publisher enforces pay for access or copyright restrictions.

The information on each related publication needed for formatting Council of Science Editors bibliographies using the name-date system, including the URL and Digital Object Identifier to access the publication on the publisher’s website, when applicable.

S. Archival Discs/Portable Hard Drive Create Archival Discs/Portable Hard Drive containing digital copies of all reports and other documents, conference papers, presentations, publications, and data associated with the study for archiving purposes. Consult with the BOEM PO to formulate a complete list of contents and quantity of discs/drives to be submitted. BOEM standard for electronic files is Windows 10 based PC’s. This deliverable shall be submitted no later than two (2) weeks prior to the end of the period of performance. No original files shall be mailed until backups/copies are created.

T. Correspondence All correspondence pertaining to this Agreement prepared by the Recipient shall have a courtesy copy (with attachments) sent to the BOEM PO, CO, and ESPR. Correspondence pertaining to this Agreement received by the Recipient (excluding correspondence to and from BOEM) shall be copied and sent to the BOEM PO, CO, and ESPR. All correspondence shall be clearly marked with the Agreement number on the first page and copies shall be included on the Archival Discs/Portable Hard Drive. Emails may be compiled into PDF files if desired.

U. List of Purchased Equipment Submit a list of purchased equipment at the conclusion of the project (if relevant). Ownership of any property or equipment purchased for this project remains with BOEM.

SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY POLICY

Scientific integrity is vital to Department of the Interior (DOI) activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and/or publications are developed and used. Failure to uphold the highest degree of scientific integrity will result not only in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications, but will damage DOI’s reputation and ability to uphold the public’s trust. All work performed must comply with the DOI Scientific Integrity Policy posted at http://www.doi.gov or its equivalent as provided by their organization or State law.

SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (found at 29 U.S.C. 794d) requires access to and use of information by individuals with disabilities. A deliverable such as electronic reports (e.g., PDF files) to be placed on the web (either on the agency’s web server or the company’s), video footage, or other electronic data such as CD-ROMs to be distributed, are subject to Section 508 guidelines. Simplified, this means that PDF files need to be formatted so that they are “readable” by assistive technology devices such as screen readers. Video footage must be closed captioned. CD-ROMs which contain HTML, PDF, or word processor files must be accessible. Any/all electronic information technology procured through this effort must meet the applicable accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194. 36 CFR 1194 implements Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and is viewable at http://www.section508.gov.

DUE DATES AND DISTRIBUTION

Deliverable products shall be submitted to the addresses shown in accordance with the following schedule.

Item

Deliverable Title

Due Date

Number of Digital Copies

Submit to:

A1.

Draft Agenda for the Post-Award Meeting

CO

PO

ESPR

A2.

Post-Award Meeting Within thirty (30) days of award

A3.

Post-Award Meeting Summary

all participants

CO

PO

Chief, DES

B.

Project Management Plan Draft: one (1) week prior to Post-Award Meeting Final: two (2) weeks after Post-Award Meeting

C.

Data Management Plan Draft: one (1) week prior to Post-Award Meeting Final: two (2) weeks after Post-Award Meeting

D.

Field/Cruise Plans

CO

PO

ESPR

Chief, DES

Final: submitted with Final Report of Findings

ESPR*

CO

PO

H.

Annual Progress Reports

PO

ESPR

Chief, DES

J.

K.

Revised Final Report

PO

ESPR

PO

N.

PO

O.

CO

P.

Note: Study Footprint deliverables due with submittal of Revised Final Report 1 each

CO*

ESPR*

Q.

PO

PO

ESPR*

PO

ESPR*

*Transmittal letter/email only.

Addresses for deliverables:

Chief, DES:

Email: EnvironmentalStudiesProgram2@boem.gov

Contracting Officer (CO):

Najma Shaikh Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement 45600 Woodland Road, VA-AMD Sterling, VA 20166 Tel: (703) 787-1529 Fax: (703) 787-1387 Email: najma.shaikh@bsee.gov

Project Officer (PO):

Melanie Damour Office of Environment Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard (MS GM676E) New Orleans, Louisiana 70123 Tel: (504) 736-2783 Fax: (504) 736-2611 Email: melanie.damour@boem.gov

ESP Representative (ESPR):

Dr. James Moore Division of Environmental Sciences Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 45600 Woodland Rd., VAM-OEP Sterling, VA 20166 Tel: (703) 787-1651 Email: james.moore@boem.gov