PWS_DCDB_astronomer_FY18.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Integrated Astrometric Database Astronomer

BACKGROUND

The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) Astrometry Department is actively developing an integrated DoD Celestial Database (DCDB). This includes the most advanced astrometric and photometric catalogs and surveys to date along with supplementary information required to construct, validate, and verify mission-related DoD catalogs and other astronomical data products. The Gaia catalog and ancillary information will constitute the core of the DCDB. The database, when it becomes fully operational, will increase the reliability of USNO data products and the efficiency of both the primary mission and research operations.

USNO is required to provide dedicated astrometry and photometry of celestial objects to DoD under DoD Instruction 4650.06, “Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Management”. The development of the optical observing facilities described here falls under the purview of this Instruction.

SCOPE

In order to meet DoDI 4650.06 requirements, USNO requires support from a contractor with knowledge and skills related to astronomy, astronomical data analysis, astrometry, photometry, and handling large volumes of data. The primary tasks of the contractor will be to 1) starting from the post Initial Operating Capability (IOC) DCDB, develop to Full Operating Capability (FOC) and post FOC level and deploy to the operational network, the specialized DCDB system, 2) conduct astrometric analysis of DCDB constituents and quality control of operational data, 3) ingest new data sets in the database, and 4) participate in the verification of mission-related catalogs. This contract focuses specifically on moving the DCDB system from post-IOC to FOC and beyond. This work builds on the extensive work done already to develop the current post-IOC system.

REQUIREMENTS

USNO requires the following skills and experience:

Experience in the development and use of PostGreSQL database.

Experience in astrometric and photometric data analysis.

Experience in the development of customized software to process astronomical data from diverse sources; writing technical and scientific documentation; managing large volumes of data; specialized computer applications.

Experience developing astronomical algorithms.

Knowledge of or experience with celestial mechanics, astrodynamics, orbital characterization.

Facility with Python.

Experience with astrometric catalog construction techniques.

Facility with the IOC Defense Celestial Database system, including all catalogs, tables, and supporting processes and documentation.

Demonstrated expertise in the discipline of astrometry, as evinced by one or more refereed papers regarding astrometry, published in major astronomical journals such as Astrophysical Journal, Astronomical Journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, or Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The period of performance is broken down into a 6 month base period and a 3 month option. The required start date of the base is 1 February 2018. There is a 3 month option with a POP start date of 1 August if necessary.

FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, MEETINGS, AND TRAVEL:

These tasks shall be performed onsite at USNO, DC. USNO will assume the cost of all required computer equipment.

The candidate will be expected to participate in weekly planning meetings with USNO staff. Meetings related to the project shall take typically occur at USNO’s Washington, DC facility.

The candidate may be required to travel to other observatory locations, including both CONUS and OCONUS.

REPORTS TO USNO:

The contractor will be required to provide full documentation of any customized data products or data analysis/processing algorithms produced during the term of the contract. Results data analysis and catalog verification shall be provided to USNO both informally and formally, in report format.

NOTE(S):

Any procedures, software, documentation, or reports generated in the course of the performance of this contract will be the property of the government, and will be retained and managed at USNO. Research papers, publications and conference presentations will be subject to proper security clearance and USNO Editorial Board review.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

BASE: 1 February 2018 - 31 July 2018 OPTION: 1 August 2018 - 31 October 2018

POINT OF CONTACT:

The technical point of contact is Dr. Valeri Makarov: (202) 762-0012; (valeri.makarov@navy.mil).

The alternate point of contact is Dr. Bryan Dorland: (202) 762-0134;

(bryan.dorland@navy.mil)