Monitoring_IDIQ_PWS-DRAFT_1.docx

DRAFT Performance Work Statement (PWS) Monitoring Services IDIQ

Mission Statements

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities.

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

The mission of the Albuquerque Area Office (AAO) is to lead innovative and collaborative efforts as stewards of water and related resources, in a safe, transparent, and economically sound manner, while developing our personnel as leaders and technical experts, to provide exceptional service to the public in a dynamic and changing environment.

Table of Contents

Services Contract September 2023 Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Monitoring Services

1.0 Introduction

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has a need for natural resource-related monitoring services within the Upper Colorado Region and Denver Office (headquarters). The boundary of the Upper Colorado Region encompasses parts of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming (Figure 1). Reclamation’s Albuquerque Area Office (AAO) is interested in developing monitoring initiatives at both the project and program level. This contract will be a five-year, Indefinite Deliverable Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) services contract under which the selected contractor will assist Reclamation with developing monitoring, analysis, and assessment plans, developing information systems, coordinating data uploading from ongoing monitoring, conducting remote sensing and field-based monitoring, conducting analyses, reporting and tracking metrics, developing an assessment framework, and providing recommendations on frequency and duration to maximize information gained from monitoring efforts. When workload either exceeds the capacity of Reclamation staff or requires specialty knowledge and expertise Reclamation staff does not possess, we may use this IDIQ to acquire professional services to perform the work through a task order (TO).

Figure 1. The geographic extent of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Upper Colorado Region.

Reclamation anticipates that most of the field work activities under this contract will be performed within the AAO boundary which covers central south Colorado, New Mexico, and northwest Texas, with most of the work being performed along the Middle Rio Grande corridor.

2.0 Background

Reclamation’s mission is to assist in meeting the increasing water demands of the West while protecting the environment and the public's investment in water delivery structures. We place great emphasis on fulfilling our water delivery obligations; water conservation; water recycling and reuse; developing partnerships with our customers, states, and Native American Tribes; and in finding ways to bring together the variety of interests to address competing needs for limited water resources.

Monitoring is essential to quantifying project and program success, and effective reporting is necessary to communicate the effect a project or program is having on Reclamation’s mission. Reclamation seeks a contractor to work with staff to assess current efforts and develop the foundation for new monitoring efforts and systems to quantify success and effectively communicate results. Task orders under this IDIQ contract will provide Reclamation with monitoring services ranging in scale from agency-wide programs to individual, area office-level projects.

3.0 Objectives

3.1 The objective of this Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract is to acquire a wide range of monitoring services that may include any of the following:

· Information systems

· Vision and plan

· User task and requirements analysis

· User experience and workflow design

· Data and technology architecture

· Application design and development

· GIS development

· Change management support

· Systems management and improvements

· Administrator training and transition planning

· Operations and maintenance services

· Monitoring program development

· Monitoring, analysis, and assessment plans for programs and individual projects

· Data collection and analyses

· Remote sensing (satellite or drone data acquisition)

· Field-based monitoring

· Conduct analyses of numerical and spatial data

· Integrating information systems

· Workflows for uploading data from ongoing field-based monitoring efforts

· Workflows for uploading remotely sensed or field-based data collected by contractors

· Data analyses within the information system when appropriate

· Reports within the information system

· Assessment frameworks with integrated thresholds

· Solutions to monitoring results

· Engineering design drawings that resolve issues identified through monitoring

· Summary Reports

· Provide solutions for maximizing information gained from monitoring efforts

3.2 All monitoring services will meet Reclamation and Department of the Interior guidance, instructions, regulations, policies, and technical requirements as identified herein and supplemented at the TO level, if applicable.

4.0 Scope

The activities and responsibilities of the Contractor may include those identified under the task areas listed below. Specific activities and deliverables will be fully defined in individual TOs.

Project Management Support

4.1 The contractor will support the planning, management, and execution of all TOs, applying expertise rooted in project management best practices. The contractor will support each project with project planning and management, milestone tracking and review, earned value management, risk and issue identification and resolution. The contractor will provide project support that aligns with the Reclamation development path, methodology, and delivery approach.

Information Systems Development

4.2 System vision and plan

Reclamation has a need to better monitor, quantify, and communicate the results of their activities ranging from agency-wide programs to understanding the effects of individual projects. The contractor will work with Reclamation staff to recognize the agency’s vision for its monitoring needs and develop a plan for how to meet those needs.

4.3 User task and requirements analysis

The contractor will work with Reclamation technical leads, subject matter experts, and other system users to identify additional stakeholders and gather comprehensive information on system needs. The contractor will draft a document that captures Reclamation’s requirements for the system(s) that will meet the identified needs. After receiving stakeholder approval, this document will guide system development and may change throughout the process as additional requirements are identified.

4.4 User experience and workflow design

The contractor will work with Reclamation users to understand how they will experience the system and how the system should be designed to facilitate the flow of work to ensure a user-based, human-centric design that will be readily adopted.

4.5 Data and Technology Architecture

The contractor will provide technical expertise to ensure that system architecture reflects the strategic direction of Reclamation. The contractor will produce initial system designs and technical documentation for Reclamation approval.

The contractor will identify and manage technical dependencies and integration points between supporting systems, processes, policies, technologies, organizations, delivery partners, project teams, and any other identified stakeholder groups.

The contractor will ensure that the infrastructure strategy adheres to Reclamation’s architecture and accurately reflects the planned goals and approach, ensuring expected components and services and are accurately and completely implemented in architecture tools in use at Reclamation.

4.6 Application design and development

The contractor will provide integration and coordination support to the Applications Development organization that encompasses risk mitigation planning, application system requirements management and impact coordination, test planning, deployment and operations/production process support, and related integration and coordination activities as required.

The contractor will review project and release designs, solution assurance plans, and validation plans to identify risks associated with implementation and achieving expected objectives.

The contractor will provide operational support processes and procedures that align with program tasks that meet agreed upon objectives and are completed on schedule and in coordination with the program and affected projects.

4.7 GIS development

The contractor will develop the capability for users to describe a project’s location using points, lines, polygons, and annotations. Users should also be able to map the proximity of project areas to one another and the projects within a given area such as the Region or Area Office.

4.8 Change management support

The contractor will develop a plan for implementing system changes that will help to embed the changes into Reclamation culture and practices. The contractor will recommend, develop, and assist with communications, trainings, and other activities that will improve employee engagement and adoption of new systems. This may include videos and other online training materials as well as on-site training sessions.

4.9 Systems management and improvements

The contractor will monitor users’ experience and address needs discovered only after system implementation to ensure employee engagement and adoption remains high.

4.10 Administrator training and transition planning

The Contractor will train administrative users to ensure Reclamation is equipped to manage the system on their own. The contractor will also provide documentation on the system sufficient to allow Reclamation or another contractor to provide continuity of services.

4.11 Operations and maintenance services

The contractor will provide ongoing operations and maintenance of the system, including managing the system and supporting its user community.

Monitoring Program Development

4.12 Develop Monitoring, Analysis, and Assessment plans for programs and individual projects The contactor will develop monitoring, analysis, and assessment protocols for projects and programs. The requirements of each plan will be specified in the individual TOs. These plans will provide a foundational document for the monitoring that needs to occur to understand the effect a program or project is having on Reclamation’s goals and mission.

Data collection and analysis

4.13 Remote sensing

The contractor will conduct remote sensing monitoring efforts. Remote sensing efforts could include but are not limited to acquisition of satellite or drone imagery and change detection analysis (e.g., pre- and post-construction vegetation mapping, channel development/conveyance, and water ponding on the floodplain or returning to the main channel following high-flow events). The imagery requirements will be determined by individual TOs.

4.14 Field-based monitoring

The contractor will be capable of conducting field-based monitoring efforts. Field-based efforts could include but are not limited to field verification of remotely sensed vegetation data; biological surveys for aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species; geomorphic surveys; and topographic surveys.

4.15 Conducting analyses

Analysis of Numerical Data The contractor will determine the appropriate statistical and logical techniques to describe, illustrate, condense, and evaluate monitoring data. When appropriate, the contractor will work to transition the responsibility for specific analyses to Reclamation technical staff.

Analysis of Geospatial Data The contractor will provide support services to determine and deliver innovative approaches to solving problems related to TO requirements. Contractor will use geospatial tools, models, and analysis procedures for raster and vector data. The contractor will conduct advanced analysis of raster, vector, and terrestrial, airborne, or satellite-based data sources to generate derivative data and information products. Such analysis activities could include, but are not limited to, multi-criteria analysis, view shed analysis, geographically weighted regression analysis, geostatistical modeling, image interpretation and classification, anomaly identification and change detection, and feature extraction.

The contractor will adhere to agency data standards and requirements as specified in individual TOs. Examples include science-based data processing and analysis standards, metadata, file naming conventions, data dictionary standards, and file storage rules.

Integrating information system(s)

4.16 Workflows for uploading data from ongoing field-based monitoring efforts The contractor will coordinate with Reclamation points-of-contact for data and results from ongoing monitoring efforts and determine the best method for entering or uploading data collected by others into the Information System. On-going monitoring efforts include but are not limited to avian monitoring, fish monitoring, vegetation/habitat classification, river miles dry/day, and time-series gage readings. All data entered into the Information System will undergo a QA/QC process developed and executed by the contractor.

4.17 Workflows for uploading remotely sensed or field-based data collected by contractor The contractor will determine the best method for uploading contractor-collected data into the Information System. All data entered into the Information System will undergo a QA/QC process developed and executed by the contractor.

4.18 Data analyses within information system when appropriate Reclamation acknowledges that some analyses may be too complex to conduct within the information system and results will need to be uploaded after being conducted within other programs. However, when possible and appropriate, the contractor will analyze monitoring data within the information system.

4.19 Reports within the information system

Annual monitoring reports too often fall short of conveying the importance and relevance of the information collected. The contractor will develop a method for reporting monitoring results using the Information System that effectively visualizes and explains the data. Reporting will include but is not limited to clear and concise description of rationale and methods used, access to complete datasets, links to supporting documentation, and the ability to independently evaluate and check conclusions.

4.20 Assessment frameworks with integrated thresholds

The contractor will develop an assessment framework for monitoring results that determines if management actions should be taken. Thresholds will be developed in coordination with Reclamation staff and will be able to be adjust overtime as more is understood about programs and projects.

Solutions to monitoring results

4.21 Engineering design drawings that resolve issues identified through monitoring Based on monitoring data and the assessment framework, a TO may request the Contractor provide design drawings to improve conveyance or ecological function for sections of river not performing as desired.

Summary reports

4.22 Provide solutions for maximizing information gained from monitoring efforts A TO could be issued asking the contractor to document the lessons learned over the previous monitoring seasons and provide recommendations on how to gain the most information from the monitoring process. Useful recommendations could include but are not limited to the timing, frequency, and duration of monitoring efforts.

5.0 Period of Performance

The duration of this IDIQ contract will be 5 years from the time of award.

6.0 General Requirements

6.1 Scientific integrity is vital to 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 in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications and damage DOIs reputation and ability to uphold the public's trust. All work performed will comply with the DOI Scientific Integrity Policy posted to https://www.doi.gov/scientificintegrity.

6.2 Contractor will furnish adequate supervision and the labor necessary to perform all services in an orderly, timely, and efficient manner. The contract manager and/or program manager will have the authority to act on behalf of the Contractor. The Contractor will use qualified and experienced employees capable of achieving the goals established in the contract. All personnel will maintain current qualifications and clearances and obtain any and all training required to meet mission requirements. Contractor personnel are employees of the Contractor and under its administrative control and supervision.

6.3 Business Relations. The Contractor will successfully integrate and coordinate all activities needed to execute the requirements of this IDIQ. The Contractor will manage the timeliness, completeness, and quality of work performed. The Contractor will provide effective management of subcontractors, timely identification of issues, and corrective action plans. The Contractor will seek to ensure customer satisfaction and professional and ethical behavior of all Contractor personnel.

6.4 Contractor Appearance. For field-based monitoring, contractor personnel and sub-contractor personnel must be easily recognized as Contractor employees (e.g., company shirts or badges). If Contractor personnel and sub-contractor personnel attend meetings, answer phones, or work in situations where their status is not obvious, they will identify themselves as Contractors to avoid the impression that they are government employees.

6.5 Location and Work Hours. Services under this IDIQ will be provided within the Upper Colorado Region and Denver Office (headquarters). The boundary of the Upper Colorado Region encompasses parts of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming (Figure 1). Reclamation anticipates that most of the field work under this contract will be performed along the Middle Rio Grande corridor, which begins below Cochiti Dam and extends to Elephant Butte Dam on the Rio Grande.

6.5.1 Contractor Workspace. Much of the work required under this IDIQ will be performed on a computer and conducted outside of Reclamation’s facilities.

6.5.2 Reclamation Office Locations. Contractor staff may attend meetings and when necessary, conduct work at Reclamation’s offices within the Upper Colorado Basin and/or Denver. However, it is expected that, other than field-based work, most of the work can be performed remotely.

6.5.3 Field-based work. Contractor personnel conducting field-based monitoring should anticipate conducting most of the work within the San Acacia reach of the Middle Rio Grande; however, work could occur anywhere within the Upper Colorado Region (Figure 1).

6.5.4 Hours. Reclamation staff will be available to the contractor during normal business hours (8 am to 4 pm, Mountain Time, Monday through Friday). Reclamation will observe federal holidays. During task order kick-off meetings involving field-based work, emergency contacts for outside normal business hours will be established.

6.6 Travel. Travel to government facilities, remote field sites, or other Contractor facilities may be required. The Contractor will make any necessary travel arrangements for employees. All travel requirements (including plans, agenda, itinerary, and dates) will be approved by Reclamation per each task order. Costs for travel will be billed following Federal travel regulations.

7.0 Technical Requirements

7.1 Information system developed under this IDIQ may be required to push and pull data from other information systems hosted or used within Reclamation and Partner Organizations. Desired system interactions will be defined in task orders.

7.2 GIS Requirements.

7.2.1 National Standards and Guidelines

For Government-wide geospatial datasets, national standards provide policy and guidelines to ensure consistency, maintenance, usage practices, and version tracking. Contractors will adhere to these standards as relevant to, or explicitly stated in, individual task orders.

All GIS data developed by the Contractor will meet Reclamation accuracy standards for geographic data and will be provided electronically using USA Contiguous Albers Equal Area Conic, NAD 83. Reclamation is using the ESRI suite of GIS products; the Arc/GIS software version currently in use is ArcGIS Pro version 3.1.1. All GIS data must be in a file geo-database or later format. All geospatial deliverables will comply with applicable federal and state geographic information standards, particularly those determined by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) as supporting the National Spatial Data Infrastructure. The Contractor will provide complete geospatial data to include a spatial component, attribute information, and metadata in accordance with the 1998 Federal Geographic Data Committee standards. Prospective Contractors will include how they will accomplish GIS management and information transfer in their proposals.

Laws

Other project-specific standards may be indicated in individual task orders.

7.3 All deliverables will comply with the accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and amendments thereto, whether in written, audio, visual, or web format (https://www.usbr.gov/main/accessibility.html; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-XI/part-1194).

8.0 Security Posture

For Contractor or Subcontractor employees requiring access to Reclamation computer systems and information, the following requirements may apply.

8.1 IT Personnel Requirements .

8.1.1 Contractor will prescreen all personnel requiring access to Reclamation computer systems to ensure they maintain the appropriate Background Investigation, and are able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

8.1.2 Contractor employees will have a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI), or National Agency Check and Inquiries and Credit (NACIC), or equivalent investigation initiated. Before starting work under a task order, a National Criminal History Check (NCHC) will be initiated to verify the identity of the individual applying for clearance and to determine the individual’s suitability for the position. Successful results from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Criminal History Check (i.e., fingerprint check) portion of the NACI/NACIC must be received for issuance of an identity credential for access to Reclamation facilities and IT systems. At the discretion of the Government, higher levels of clearance may be required for certain positions.

8.1.3 Contractor will maintain and provide an electronic roster of Contractor and Subcontractor employees containing full name, email address, phone number, labor category, rate, and staff position responsibility under the TO to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to begin their background investigations within ten (10) business days after award.

8.1.3.1 Any revisions to the roster as a result of staffing changes during the term of the TO will be submitted within ten (10) calendar days of the change to the COR.

8.1.4 Contractor personnel will submit all required information related to their background investigations to the COR within ten (10) business days after award. Contractor staff personnel will complete the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e-QIP1) within three (3) business days after receiving an email notification from the Government.

8.1.5 Contractor will, when notified of an unfavorably adjudicated background investigation on a Contractor employee as determined by the Government, withdraw the employee from consideration in working under the contract.

8.1.6 Contractor personnel will complete Federal Information Systems Security Awareness (FISSA) and other security training as defined in the TO in advance of the start of work and annually thereafter during the period of the TO and provide a copy of the certificates of completion to COR.

8.2 Safeguarding Information and Information Systems. In accordance with the Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS)199, Standards for Security Categorization of Federal Information and Information Systems, the Contractor (and/or any Subcontractor) will:

8.2.1 Protect Government information and information systems to ensure:

8.2.1.1 Confidentiality. Preserving authorized restrictions on access and disclosure, based on the security terms found in this contract, including means for protecting personal privacy and proprietary information;

8.2.1.2 Integrity. Guarding against improper information modification or destruction, and ensuring information non-repudiation and authenticity; and

8.2.1.3 Availability. Ensuring timely and reliable access to and use of information.

8.2.2 Provide security for any Contractor systems, and information contained therein, connected to a Reclamation network or operated by the Contractor on behalf of Reclamation regardless of location. In addition, if new or unanticipated threats or hazards are discovered by either Reclamation or Contractor, or if existing safeguards have ceased to function, the discoverer will immediately, within one (1) hour or less, bring the situation to the attention of the other party.

8.2.3 Adopt and implement the policies, procedures, controls, and standards required by the Reclamation Information Security Program to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Government information and Government information systems for which the Contractor is responsible under this contract or to which the Contractor may otherwise have access under this contract. Obtain the Reclamation Information Security Program security requirements, by contacting the CO/COR.

8.2.4 Comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974 as amended.

8.3 Non-Disclosure of Information.

8.3.1 Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) may be required under specific TOs. Each Contractor (and/or any Subcontractor) employee having access to non-public Government information under this contract will complete the supplied form and return to the Contracting Officer.

8.3.2 Contractor and Contractor personnel will not disclose sensitive or proprietary information of, or in the possession of, the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation or any of its operating units, contractors, or business partners to unauthorized persons. The Contractor will be subject to any and all penalties imposed by law for unlawful disclosure of Reclamation information.

8.3.3 Any information provided to the Contractor (and/or any Subcontractor) by Reclamation or DOI or collected by the Contractor on behalf of the Government will be used only for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this contract and will not be disclosed or made known in any manner to any persons except as may be necessary in the performance of the contract.

8.3.4 The Contractor assumes responsibility for protection of the confidentiality of Government records and will ensure that all work performed by its employees and Subcontractors will be under the supervision of the Contractor.

8.4 Security Training. Contractor employees shall be required to take periodic mandatory training courses provided through the agency and other training required by statute, regulation, Reclamation, or Department of the Interior policy.

8.5 Sanitization of Government Files and Information - As part of contract closeout and at expiration of the contract, the Contractor (and/or any Subcontractor) shall provide all required documentation to the CO and/or COR to certify that, at the Government's direction, all electronic and paper records are appropriately disposed of and all devices and media are sanitized in accordance with NIST SP 800-88, Guidelines for Media Sanitization.

8.6 Contractor Responsibilities Upon Physical Completion of the Contract. The Contractor (and/or any Subcontractors) shall return all Government information and IT resources (i.e., laptops, mobile devices, government information in non-government-owned systems, media, and backup systems) acquired during the term of this contract to the CO and/or COR. Additionally, the Contractor shall provide a certification that all Government information has been properly sanitized and purged from Contractor-owned systems, including backup systems and media used during contract performance, in accordance with Reclamation policies.

8.7 Information systems that are designed, developed, hosted, operated, and/or maintained for or on behalf of Reclamation at non-Reclamation facilities shall comply with all Reclamation policies developed in accordance with Federal Information Management Act (FISMA), NIST, and related Reclamation security and privacy control requirements for Federal Systems.

9.0 Personnel

9.1 Key Personnel.

The Contractor will minimize changes to key personnel to the greatest extent possible. When changing key personnel is unavoidable, the Contractor will ensure a smooth transition and minimize any potential disruption to task order performance. If any change to a key personnel position becomes necessary (substitutions or additions), the Contractor will immediately notify the Contracting Officer and the COR in writing, accompanied by the resume of the proposed replacement personnel who be of at least substantially equal ability and qualifications as the individuals currently approved for that category.

9.1.1 Project Manager.

9.1.1.1 For each task order issues the contractor will assign a Project Manager (PM) to serve as the Government’s primary point-of-contact (POC) who will be responsible for the company’s overall execution of this IDIQ with the full authority to make decisions and commit company resources for IDIQ execution and completion. The PM will be an employee of the prime Contractor. The PM will be ultimately responsible for the quality and efficiency of the work required to complete the task order, including both technical issues and business processes.

9.1.1.2 The PM should have the following qualifications:

9.1.1.2.1 Certified Project Management Professional, Program Management Professional, or a minimum of 8 years of demonstrated experience successfully managing projects who uses Project Management tools to track the scope, schedule, and budget of the task order.

9.1.1.2.2 Experience providing services similar in size, scope, and complexity to the requirements of the task order.

9.1.1.2.3 Experience managing and supervising employees (including Subcontractors) of various skill levels for projects similar in size and scope as proposed for the task order.

9.1.1.3 The PM will provide overall leadership and guidance for all Contractor personnel assigned to the contract regardless of personnel place of performance. The PM will ensure that all Contractor employees are performing their duties and responsibilities according to the task order. The PM will ensure an adequate workforce is maintained for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within each task order.

9.1.1.4 The PM will be readily available to respond to Government questions, concerns, and comments, and will be proactive in alerting the Government to potential contractual or organizational issues including situations that may compromise the Contractor’s ability to provide services.

9.1.1.5 The PM will be directly contacted by the CO/COR (Government Personnel) regarding any issues and/or problems with the Contractor’s work performance or with the Contractor’s employees.

9.1.1.6 The PM will be the POC for all contract deliverables. The PM will ensure that all contract deliverables are presented to the Government, as specified in the task order.

9.1.1.7 The PM will be the POC between the Government and the Contractor for all financial information, receipts for invoices, and questions concerning invoices.

9.1.1.8 The PM will attend all contract status meetings (regularly scheduled or otherwise) with the COR. The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss on-going efforts, issues/concerns, and address identified risks and action items related to the task order.

9.1.2 Technology Lead.

9.1.2.1 The Contractor will assign a Technology Lead (TL) to serve as the individual responsible for integrating database and monitoring efforts across this IDIQ. The TL will be an employee of the prime Contractor.

9.1.2.2 The TL will have the following qualifications:

9.1.2.2.1 Credentials and experience that demonstrate an ability to integrate geospatial and technology service solutions, including but not limited to database development, optimizing field data collection with appropriately equipped devices, and utilizing remote sensing tools for environmental planning, monitoring, and design.

9.1.2.2.2 An understanding and knowledge of new and emerging technologies that inform analytics, data visualization, and information management solutions.

9.1.2.3 The TL will work to understand Reclamation’s vision for their monitoring efforts and coordinate with the Science Lead to integrate technological and information management solutions with monitoring efforts, when appropriate.

9.1.2.4 The TL will communicate frequently with the COR, PM, and Science lead to develop plans that ensure new technological developments are seamlessly integrated into Reclamation’s monitoring workflow.

9.1.3 Science Lead.

The Science Lead (SL) will only be required for task orders involving projects/programs monitoring natural resources including but not limited to threatened and endangered species, wetlands, habitat restoration, ecosystem function, hydrology and/or geomorphology.

9.1.3.1 The Contractor will assign a Science Lead (SL) to serve as the individual responsible for working with Reclamation on project and program science and monitoring efforts across this IDIQ. The SL will be an employee of the prime Contractor.

9.1.3.2 The SL will have the following qualifications:

9.1.3.2.1 Credentials and experience that demonstrate an ability to establish monitoring programs that develop monitoring, analysis, and assessment protocols with a tiered classification system (e.g., landscape-level assessment with field verification, rapid on-the-ground assessment, and intensive site assessment) to address differ types of monitoring needs (e.g., compliance, effectiveness, ambient).

9.1.3.2.2 Ability to work seamlessly with the TL to integrate technology into data collection methods, use the database to perform analyses when possible and appropriate, and develop meaningful reports from the database to inform management decisions.

9.1.3.3 The SL will

9.1.3.3.1 Work with Reclamation to understand their need to develop a more meaningful monitoring program and better communicate the results of that program.

9.1.3.3.2 Work with Reclamation to understand the monitoring that is already occurring.

9.1.3.3.3 Be prepared to develop monitoring plans that fill data gaps and allow for management to use monitoring information to make informed decisions.

9.2 Other Personnel Requirements.

9.2.1 The Contractor will provide employees who are experienced and trained in the appropriate professions associated with natural resources and have the knowledge, skills, experience, and training in the numerous specialties required to successfully complete the work within each task order. Resumes of all primary staff working the contract and subsequent TOs will be provided to the CO and COR.

9.2.2 The Contractor will be prepared to provide technical and scientific expertise including but not limited to the following areas:

9.2.2.1 Desert Fish

9.2.2.2 Migratory Birds

9.2.2.3 T&E Avian Species of the southwest

9.2.2.4 Ecosystem function

9.2.2.5 Riparian ecology

9.2.2.6 Aquatic ecology

9.2.2.7 Geomorphology

9.2.2.8 Remote sensing

9.2.2.9 Hydrology

9.2.2.10 Adaptive management

9.2.2.11 Computer programming and design services

9.3 The Contractor will provide all personnel management and support. The Contractor will maintain the currency of their employees by providing initial and refresher training as required to meet the TO requirements. The Contractor will provide necessary infrastructure to support their employees while completing work under this contract.

9.4 The Contractor will not employ any person to work on any task order if such employee is considered by the CO and COR to be a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being, or operational mission of Reclamation and its employees.

10.0 Contract Management and Administration

10.1 Contract Management. The Contractor will establish clear organizational lines of authority and responsibility to ensure effective management of the resources assigned to each TO. The Contractor will maintain continuity between staff conducting field-based monitoring and the Contractor's central office. The Contractor will respond to Government requests for contractual actions in a timely fashion.

10.2 Personnel Management. Contractor will establish processes and assign appropriate resources to effectively administer the TO requirements.

10.2.1 Contractor will provide for all management and support of Contractor personnel.

10.2.2 Contractor will assign tasks and maintain proper and accurate time keeping records of personnel assigned to work on each TO.

10.2.3 All Contractor personnel will maintain courteous, professional, and quality communications across all areas. This includes communications with other Contractors, Government employees and staff members, as well as any other personnel they interact with while conducting business.

10.3 Subcontract Management.

10.3.1 The prime contractor will be responsible for any subcontract management necessary to meet the needs of each TO.

10.3.2 The prime contractor will be responsible and accountable for subcontractor performance.

10.3.3 The prime Contractor will manage work distribution to ensure there are no organizational conflict of interests.

10.3.4 The Contractor will not employ any person who is an employee of the U.S. government if employing that person would create a conflict of interest or the impression of it.

10.3.5 The prime Contractor may add subcontractors to their team after notification to the COR.

11.0 Performance Measurements

For TO requirements over the threshold, a report will be created in the Contractor’s Performance Assessment Report System (CPARS). This report will be completed by the COR at the end of the TO performance period. For more information, go to www.cpars.csd.disa.mil/cparsmain.htm.

The performance measurements under each task order will be based on timeliness, quality, and adherence to standards of the work and deliverables provided by the Contractor under the individual TOs. These measurements are defined as:

11.1 Timeliness. The completion of tasks and/or the submission of deliverables within the schedule set forth by the Government during the performance of the TO.

11.2 Quality. The quality of work completed under the resulting TOs will be measured based on the Government’s determination of the validity, accuracy, clarity, and usefulness of a deliverable or if the work performance met the expected outcomes as was communicated to the Contractor by the Government.

11.3 Quality Control: Contractor will develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS and TOs. The Contractor will develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s quality control program is the means by which Contractor assures themselves that their work complies with the requirements of the contract and TO. As a minimum, the Contractor will develop quality control procedures that address the requirements within each TO. After acceptance of the quality control plan, the Contractor will receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to Contractor’s quality control system.

11.4 Quality Assurance: Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan respective to each TO as applicable. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

11.5 Version Control: Contractor will provide version control for information, documents, software, hardware, processes, and other services provided to customers and the IT Services Division to ensure that users are provided correct and current information. The Contractor will ensure that their staff provides consistent information.

12.0 Meetings

12.1 Kick-Off Meeting. Contractor will schedule and coordinate a kick-off meeting within ten business days after each task order is awarded. At a minimum, meeting attendees will include key Contractor personnel, Reclamation’s CO, the COR, and other key Reclamation personnel. Contractor will coordinate with the COR to develop an agenda for the meeting and will coordinate with the COR to ensure all identified participants are notified of the meeting in advance. At a minimum the agenda should include the following:

12.1.1 Schedule.

12.1.2 IT security requirements.

12.1.3 Provided or required government-furnished information.

12.1.4 Points of contact.

12.1.5 Roles and responsibilities.

12.1.6 Safety Plan with after-hours contacts (for TOs involving field data collection).

12.1.7 Quality Assurance Plan.

12.1.8 Performance metrics including methods.

12.1.9 Monthly status reports.

12.2 Bi-weekly Meetings. Contractor will conduct biweekly meetings with Reclamation POCs and other key Government stakeholders. The purpose of these meetings is to ensure all stakeholders are informed of the projects’ current activities, the status of all outstanding issues and progress in relation to metrics.

12.3 Ad-hoc Meetings. Contractor will attend Ad hoc meetings as needed. These are usually about a specific topic or discussion versus a recurring meeting that takes place at regular intervals and has ongoing topics. Ad hoc meetings can be unstructured with no preparation/planning, or they can be structured with an agenda and meeting minutes.

12.4 Meeting Minutes. Contractor will prepare meeting minutes and action items within three (3) business days after each meeting. At a minimum the minutes will contain the following.

12.4.1 Date and place

12.4.2 Attendees

12.4.3 Purpose of meeting

12.4.4 Brief description of items discussed

12.4.5 Decisions

12.4.6 Action Items

13.0 Reporting

For each TO, the monthly status reports will follow the requirements below. Other reporting requirements may be specified under individual TOs.

13.1 Monthly Status Reports. Contractor will track all project activities and submit a Monthly Status Report. Contractor will coordinate the specific data required for each TO monthly status report with COR, which may include but not be limited to:

13.1.1 Budget and schedule updates with financial summary chart showing planned value, earned value, and actual cost.

13.1.2 Work performed with key accomplishments.

13.1.3 Issues and recommendations for how to resolve.

13.1.4 Risk management.

13.1.5 Decision and change log.

13.2 The Contractor will submit a sample monthly report to the COR for review and approval. Any corrections identified by the COR must be incorporated into the report format prior to submission. All performance reports must include the calculations and mechanisms used to arrive at report results and be approved by the COR prior to use.

13.3 Summary Reports. Individual task orders may require the contractor to provide a report documenting lessons learned and solutions to issues encountered while completing the required work.

14.0 Deliverables

14.1 General Submission of Deliverables

The Contractor is responsible for timely submission of deliverables identified in each TO. A draft schedule, including due dates for deliverables will be provided by the Contractor during kick-off meetings for each TO. Reclamation will approve, or submit feedback on, the draft project schedule within 2 weeks of the kick-off meeting. If a Contractor deliverable is dependent on the provision of materials, data, information, etc., by Reclamation, due dates for Reclamation provision of these materials will be developed as well. Reclamation review of materials, data, and information is not expected to take more than two weeks. If Reclamation does not meet agreed upon due dates, the Contractor's due dates will be adjusted accordingly. It is not acceptable if a product is turned in to meet a timeframe but does not meet the content requirements (and needs) of the task or document.

All submitted deliverables will meet Reclamation requirements (quality standards), as required by laws, regulations, this PWS, and other guidance provided by the COR; and be approved by Reclamation staff and the COR.

14.2 General Submission Guidelines

Software: With the exception of geographic information systems (GIS) and web-based deliverables or as requested, the Contractor will submit all written deliverables in Microsoft Office software applications.

Finals: The Contractor will incorporate all Reclamation-requested changes into their final deliverables or provide an explanation for why they did not. Final deliverables will be submitted within 2 weeks after receiving feedback from Reclamation on the draft deliverables.

Deliverables will be addressed to Reclamation as follows:

Bureau of Reclamation Albuquerque Area Office Attn: Ashlee Rudolph, ALB-127 555 Broadway Blvd, Suite 100 Albuquerque, NM 87102 arudolph@usbr.gov

15.0 Government Furnished Property, Materials, and Information

15.1 Government furnished property, materials, and information will be listed in the TO. Government property, materials, and information that may be made available under this contract include but are not limited to:

15.1.1 Computers, software, and VPN access as needed for IT developers that will require access to Reclamation infrastructure. Equipment will remain the property of the Government, and Contractor will be required to sign a receipt for all equipment provided and return to the Government at the end of the TO.

15.1.2 Current and historical data for input into database systems. (See Section 8.2 for non-disclosure information.)

15.1.3 Geographic information related to programs, projects, and agreements.

15.1.4 DOI Scientific Integrity Policy (https://www.doi.gov/scientificintegrity).

15.1.5 Reclamation's Safety Handbook and Standards (https://www.usbr.gov/safety/rshs/index.html).

15.1.6 Reclamation Visual Identity information standards.

15.2 Except for those items or services specifically stated to be Government-furnished in the TO, the Contractor will furnish all items (equipment, materials, supplies, incidentals, etc.) required to successfully perform the work required.

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