ProTech Oceans Domain 2.0 Draft PWS.pdf

DRAFT

SECTION C: PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C.1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them. We provide environmental intelligence for the nation.

From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring, to fisheries management, coastal restoration, and maintaining marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product.

The people of NOAA use research and tools to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers, and other decision makers with reliable and timely environmental intelligence.

C.2 OBJECTIVES

The overall objectives of the ProTech program are to:

● Obtain high-quality professional and technical service

● Develop an industrial base of partners

● Develop and maintain performance-based contracts

● Contribute to the NOAA mission

C.3 OCEANS SERVICES DOMAIN

The primary clients of this Domain will be the offices of the National Ocean Service (NOS). NOS’ mission is to provide science-based solutions through collaborative partnerships with industry to address evolving economic, environmental, and social pressures on our ocean and coasts. NOS has identified three priorities that reflect the primary statutory and mission drivers and reflect NOAA’s commitment to navigation services, coastal research and observations, emergency response, and place-based conservation programs. Other NOAA offices may also use the contracts included within this Domain if their requirements are covered herein.

Coastal resilience: preparedness, response, and recovery. From oil spills and vessel groundings to hurricanes and marine debris, NOS provides world-class science and services in support of resilient and healthy coastal communities, economies, and ecosystems. In light of increasing threats to our coasts, coastal resiliency has become a national priority. NOS supports and informs improved decision making and end-to-end coastal preparedness, response, recovery, and resiliency.

Coastal intelligence. Whether it is the nation's nautical charts, environmental monitoring and assessment, or socioeconomic tools, NOS and their industry partners are committed to integrating science and services to provide actionable information. The goal is to increase ocean and coastal intelligence and thereby improve the ability of public and private decision makers to make informed choices.

Place-based conservation. Conserving coastal places provides economic benefits to local communities. These communities rely on dollars spent on activities such as recreation and tourism.

NOS works to conserve marine areas and preserve the economic benefits of these special places to local communities through its coastal management and place-based conservation programs.

These include Coastal Zone Management, the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, National Marine Sanctuaries, and the Coral Reef Conservation Program. See the NOS website http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ for more information on NOS programs.

The services provided under ProTech will support NOS worldwide. To support NOS, the Contractor shall provide the full range of program management, professional scientists, technical experts, consultants, and administrative support to provide professional and technical services, as well as all equipment, facilities, and travel needed to complete the work, on a timely basis in the broad areas described below and as specified by each individual task order.

C.3.1 Studies, Analyses, and Reports

The Contractor shall conduct studies, numerical modeling, assessments, analyses, and reporting, which focus on current and future programs in an effort to understand outcomes, define issues, or highlight problems and areas for improvement. Program studies and analyses will involve developing, evaluating, analyzing, and reviewing coastal and oceans programs and policies that develop strategies and contribute to the state-of-the-science assessments of the climate. Specific emphasis will be focused on identifying and mitigating any Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) concerns for any contractors that assist the Government in conducting special studies of NOS operations. The program studies, analyses, and reports will identify and promote the use of best practices in coastal and ocean habitat planning and may be used to inform program modification and redesign. The Contractor shall develop new analytical and quantitative tools, analyze data, and develop a final report of results and recommendations.

Program studies, analyses and reports may include, but are not limited to, the following:

C.3.1.1 Provide collection of coastal and ocean data and information products and perform time series, harmonic, spectral, and other statistical analyses of field data and model-generated data.

C.3.1.2 Perform routine or 24×7 real-time monitoring and quality control of oceanographic, navigation, and meteorological data collected by sensors deployed in nearshore, coastal and deep ocean environments, as well as offshore field environments (including marine, terrestrial, aerial, and space) to ensure the availability, accuracy, and quality of tide, water level, current and other marine environmental information.

C.3.1.3 Provide services to investigate and report data problems (inconsistent or questionable readings, changes in sensor status, etc.) utilizing appropriate oceanographic principles, such as inter-comparisons (neighbor checks, observations vs. predictions, etc.).

C.3.1.4 Provide services to collect, analyze, evaluate, correct, and spectrally combine terrestrial, marine, airborne, and satellite gravity data and support creation of a geoid for use in geodetic control and modeling. Support publishing terrestrial and airborne gravity data for use in geodetic control and modeling.

C.3.1.5 Provide scientific support to analyze satellite data in support of Coastal and Ocean programs.

C.3.1.6 Provide data entry, manipulation, verification, quality control, and evaluation of oceanographic, meteorological data, and nautical charting systems.

C.3.1.7 Process, analyze, control quality, and disseminate data (to include data categorized as sensitive) and derived products from oceanographic, navigation and nautical charting systems, and meteorological data collected by sensors deployed in the field or space.

C.3.1.8 Develop and support routine state-of-the-science assessments of the climate system for informed decision-making; and provide archeology support to coastal and ocean programs.

C.3.1.9 Analyze and report on deficiencies in operational systems, evaluate system enhancements, and provide insight into new sensor behavior.

C.3.1.10 Provide scientific expertise support in ocean science, biology, physical science, science policy, science project management, and natural resource management disciplines.

C.3.2 Applied Research, Development, Engineering, and Operations

The Contractor shall provide scientific and engineering expertise to conduct applied research, development, engineering, consulting, and operations to support oceanic and atmospheric research for program managers and policymakers in developing state-of-the-science models, selecting new technologies for development, and determining if further program performance information is needed. The Contractor shall identify and apply appropriate methodologies and research designs needed to test particular technologies or answer a specific research question.

The Contractor shall analyze data and develop a final report of results and recommendations.

Applied research, development, engineering, consulting, and operations support may include, but are not limited to, the following:

C.3.2.1 Provide oceanic and atmospheric research coordination and support delineating regional ecosystems, promote partnerships at the ecosystem level, and implement cooperative strategies to improve regional ecosystem health to include scientific diving operations.

C.3.2.2 Provide oceanographic and hydrodynamic 3-D (layered) modeling and modeling systems to include: analysis, research and development, experiments and evaluation, data management, findings and interpretive products, coastal ocean assessments and reports, ocean observing, and technical feasibility studies for Coastal and Ocean programs.

C.3.2.3 Enhance partner development and system engineering to advance integration across participating federal agencies and the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)

Regional Associations.

C.3.2.4 Provide services for field (to include marine, terrestrial, aerial, and space) operations of Remote Operation Vehicles, including but not limited to: passive buoyancy or autonomous or uncrewed surface platforms, uncrewed underwater platforms, uncrewed airborne systems, drop cameras, benthic grabs, and other state of the art and advancing technology. These are to be used to: characterize the seafloor and associated biota habitats; ocean observing and exploration; field data acquisition and processing for nearshore, coastal and deep ocean, as well as offshore field environments, including non-navigationally significant waters of both domestic and international/high seas; and assess habitat damage post natural disasters.

C.3.2.5 Provide scientific services for the coordination, development, and evaluation of new simulation and predictive models to predict species habitat utilization patterns and the advancement of understanding of ecosystems.

C.3.2.6 Provide advanced technology for monitoring and observing systems in nearshore, coastal and deep ocean, as well as offshore field environments to expand and enhance the capabilities, such as: weather and oceanographic observations; ice forecasts and nowcasts;

geodetic, hydrographic and topographic surveys; habitat characterization; and to provide accurate, up-to-date information.

C.3.2.7 Provide system-wide boat planning and use management; assistance to the Government on new boat construction and acquisition.

C.3.2.8 Maintain a boat inventory and database; develop safe-operation guidelines and operation manuals; boat maintenance, repair, and services; day-to-day boat operations in nearshore, coastal and deep ocean, as well as offshore field environments

C.3.2.9 Provide vessel support, transportation services, and large and small boats operations related to special science and exploratory expeditions, data collection, ecosystem monitoring, seafloor and habitat characterization as well as associated biota, in nearshore, coastal and deep ocean, as well as offshore field environments for all field office operations and on-the-water operations.

C.3.2.10 Provide installation and maintenance of mooring buoys, boundary markers, instrument moorings, and instrumentation packages, and technical support to the buoy team in preparation, field deployment, field maintenance and retrieval of ReCon System components.

C.3.2.11 Transfer ReCon data and integrate real-time sensor data into web displays;

technical support to the engineering design process based on field and lab data analysis;

and conduct sensor interoperability testing comparing ease of integration of existing software to interoperability software.

C.3.2.12 Provide Geographic Information System (GIS) services for coastal and ocean resource management and navigation and nautical charting systems.

C.3.2.13 Provide technical and analytical services for remote sensing support for coastal and ocean resource management and navigation.

C.3.2.14 Provide programmatic and technical support for marine debris projects and research for oceans and coastal hazards.

C.3.2.15 Provide Facilities support and operational services to include: system-wide facilities planning and use management; assistance to the Government on new facilities design; maintain a facility inventory and database; maintenance and repair; develop safe day to day operation guidelines and operation manuals, for all field offices.

C.3.2.16 Provide remote engineering services to facilitate and coordinate the transfer of large amounts of data from nearshore and offshore field sensors to various data communication hubs (i.e. shoreside, shipside, or an uncrewed surface platform hub) using automated means and learning to transition data to the cloud or via telepresence in as near real time as possible, as it relates to the concept of operations.

C.3.3 Field Sampling, Data Collecting, and Surveys

The Contractor shall conduct field sampling, data collection, and surveys. These services will support program managers in evaluating and employing state-of-the-art-data collection technologies and determine if further sampling and collection is required. Surveys may require Contractors to identify and apply appropriate evaluation methodologies and research designs needed for a particular program or answer a specific research question. The Contractor shall analyze data and develop final reports of results and recommendations. Additionally, collection may require accessing databases from appropriate sources, constructing databases, and consulting with other experts as required. Field sampling, data collecting, and surveys may include, but are not limited to, the following:

C.3.3.1 Provide services in the design, installation, and maintenance of field data collection and field condition monitoring platforms and programs and the collection of marine and freshwater field data in nearshore, coastal and deep ocean, as well as offshore field environments which may include, but is not limited to: scientific diving (including SCUBA) in relation to work in marine archeology, research coordination, scientific research, buoy operations, environmental monitoring, seafloor and habitat characterization as well as characterization of associated biota. All diving must adhere to OSHA Diving Regulations.

C.3.3.2 Provide and assist in the design and implementation of coastal and ocean-related social science tools and methods, including, but not limited to, surveys, interviews, and focus groups.

C.3.3.3 Analyze (using both quantitative and qualitative methods) and report socio-economic data that results from coastal and ocean social science based inquiries.

C.3.3.4 Provide analytical and operational services to collect, process, and document full-scale coastal and ocean data. Data will be included as part literature to be published in scientific journals.

C.3.3.5 Collect, develop, integrate, map, and analyze geospatial data for use in coastal and ocean resource management, navigation, and nautical charting systems, as well as update and maintain geodetic models and classification of shoreline elements.

C.3.3.6 Collect biological and physical samples for chemical characterization and histopathological analysis.

C.3.4 Consulting and Program and Project Management

The Contractor shall provide consulting, program and project management services to assist in program execution, improvements, and measurements. Services may include redesigning and improving the quality of the performance measurement process, performance data, and the system and method by which data are collected. Activities may include collection and analysis of program data; field observation reports; advice concerning improvement of agency measurement systems, disseminating these methods to other Government agencies and interested organizations; developing assessments, reports, and plans, logistics support, technical training, conducting independent reviews, and education and outreach activities. The consulting, and program and project management services may include, but are not limited to, the following:

C.3.4.1 Provide services to the Government with strategic planning, policy development, project programming, congressional affairs, and budgeting system support to designated programs.

C.3.4.2 Provide assistance to the Government with planning, developing, and implementing Government quality assurance programs and/or Quality Management Systems. Develop strategies for improving the quality of climate observations, analyses, interpretation, and archiving.

C.3.4.3 Provide quality assurance support for acquiring, describing, and maintaining archived coastal and ocean data and data products, metadata, and related information.

C.3.4.4 Provide assistance to the Government with developing and coordinating NOAA’s homeland security-related plans, programs, and policies to enhance NOAA-wide program response, risk management, continuity of operations, and other contingency planning and program infrastructure.

C.3.4.5 Provide assistance to the Government with: evaluation, developing environmental impact assessments; analysis and review of Coastal and Oceans programs; management policies and guidance; technical assistance, development, review, and comment for ongoing or planned environmental assessments, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other documentation to demonstrate compliance with environmental statutes and other environmental permitting activities.

C.3.4.6 Develop instructions, guides, procedures, and processes for operating, maintaining, and configuring oceanographic, navigation and nautical charting systems, and meteorological systems.

C.3.4.7 Develop, test, implement, and quality control of processes and procedures for collecting coastal and ocean data.

C.3.4.8 Support document development for requirements, business analysis, and design specifications for oceanographic, navigation, and meteorological systems.

C.3.4.9 Provide assistance to the Government with administrative and technical support to the formulation and management of multi-year budgets, development of budget strategies, collection and analysis of financial data, cost collection and estimating, and developing spend plans, cost tracking and reporting systems.

C.3.4.10 Support the development and maintenance of software for the operation of budget formulation databases and for producing tracking and reports.

C.3.4.11 Provide assistance to the Government with financial services support to NOAA programs including but not limited to Interagency Agreements, grants, and other federal funding opportunities.

C.3.4.12 Provide assistance to the Government with coordinating, planning, and operating facilities, to include access and security requirements for visitors, coordinate all employee separation procedures, catalog issuance and receipt of keys to facilities, vehicles, and offices.

C.3.4.13 Provide communication, external requests for information, and outreach projects support including document development, editing and graphic art services, as well as compliance with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure materials are accessible. Services may include design, layout, word processing, copy-editing and photocopying of reports, materials, brochures, or other printed or electronic materials. Graphic services, including graphic artists, preparation of graphs based on the analysis of technical data and in the preparation of flyers, [pictures, posters, bookmarks, meeting agendas, certificates, artwork, pamphlets, covers, logos, promotional materials, and end-to-end video services including producing, editing, managing, cataloging, and all associated technical matters.

C.3.4.14 Provide assistance to the Government with programmatic and financial technical assistance, and general administrative support services to place-based Coastal and Oceans programs and program offices.

C.3.4.15 Provide assistance to the Government with the development of economic guidelines and standards, and points of view used in forecasting trends and formulating economic policy. Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to address economic problems or to interpret relevant markets.

C.3.5 Capacity Building

The Contractor shall provide products and services to support enhancing external coastal Audiences’ knowledge and skills.

C.3.5.1 Provide technical training for coastal professional audiences, including instructional design and materials to incorporate adult learning theory and technologies.

C.3.5.2 Provide education information focused on ocean and estuarine literacy related to NOS mission, for K–12, community members and teacher audiences, including learning networks, and instructional design to incorporate educational and instructional theory and technologies.

C.3.5.3 Provide technical assistance to address coastal and ocean management issues, providing support on products and services and working directly with local communities including assistance to work with underserved communities, tribes, and and non-governmental entities.

C.3.5.4 Provide logistical and programmatic support for designing and delivering collaborative processes and facilitation support.

C.3.5.5 Develop, implement, and coordinate NOAA fellowship programs.

LABOR CATEGORIES

Category 1: Coastal Hazards Services

Examples include (but not limited to) coastal engineering, environmental engineering, hazard mitigation, emergency response management, climate engineering, environmental hazard prevention, control, and remediation, remote sensing, coastal and marine policy, and coastal surveying.

Education: A degree in Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or related field.

Experience: Experience in a lab or classroom or field or other directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 2: Coastal Management Services

Examples include (but not limited to) logistical management, resiliency planning, environmental engineering, climate change analysis, water management, coastal and marine policy, and supply chain analysis.

Education: A degree in Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or related field.

Experience: Experience in a lab or classroom or field or other directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 3: Environmental Sciences

Examples include (but not limited to) environmental consulting, education, management, conservation, water quality, recycling, sustainability analysis, field work, coastal and marine policy and planning, scientific technical writing and review, and biological, physical, and earth scientific analysis.

Education: A degree in Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or related field.

Experience: Experience in a lab or classroom or field or other directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 4: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysis

Examples include (but not limited to) collection, management, development, analysis, scripting/coding for automation, modeling, and presenting geographic or spatial data, concept formulation, statistics, computer science, remote sensing, and constructing applications for geospatial data visualization and analysis.

Education: A degree in GIS, Remote Sensing, Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, or related field.

Experience: Experience in a lab or classroom or field or other directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 5: Geographic Information Systems Data (GIS) Management

Examples include (but not limited to) geospatial data systems configuration, metadata documentation, conformation and standardization, digital cartography, image processing, concept formulation, software architecture and engineering, integration of general software applications with GIS software, statistics, GIS operation, scripting/coding for automation, geospatial production techniques, geospatial database manipulation, remote sensing, and photogrammetry.

Education: A degree in GIS, Remote Sensing, Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, or related field.

Experience: Experience in a lab or classroom or field or other directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 6: Program Analysts

Examples include (but not limited to) operational assistance, policy research, analysis, and recommendations, budgetary analysis, database management, economics (including all manner of socioeconomic studies and analysis), statistical analysis, coastal and marine policy, quality control, and risk management.

Education: A degree in Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 7: Program Management

Examples include (but not limited to), risk management, formulate high-level strategic plans, records management, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of organizational programs, evaluation of efficiency of complex program operations, financial data collection, analysis, interpretation, and management, issue analysis, extrapolation, presentation, and implementation, quality control, coastal and marine policy, database analysis, and the coordination of all these efforts within the program for use by multiple programs.

Education: A degree in Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 8: Remote Sensing

Examples include (but not limited to) data and collection, processing, and management, metadata documentation, information systems, imagery analysis and capture, scripting/coding for automation, artificial intelligence, geospatial production techniques, geospatial database manipulation, and cartography.

Education: A degree in Remote Sensing, GIS, Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS or related field.

Experience: Experience in a lab or classroom or field or other directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 9: Marine Science

Examples include (but not limited to) marine biology, ecology, geodesy, cartography, marine archeology and geoarchaeology, oceanography, ocean engineering, social and policy sciences, research, field and laboratory work, design, fabrication, configuration, installation, testing, and repair of the structural elements of oceanographic equipment such as sensors and field instruments, scientific technical writing and review, and data collection and synthetization.

Education: A degree in Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or related field.

Experience: Experience in a lab or classroom or field or other directly related experience.

of this document.

Category 10: Training

Examples include (but not limited to) technical training in all areas within scope of the PWS for professional audiences, creation of instructional materials and brochures for all levels of learning, community engagements and speakership, education of K-12 audiences on literacy related to the NOS mission, and training in office-specific safety plan implementation as needed;

providing objectives and anticipated outcomes of training opportunities, lead preparation of training agendas that will meet project needs, materials and activities that will meet the training objectives, provide evaluation tools that will gauge effectiveness of the training and provide guidance for future opportunities, provide guidance to workshop/training participants.

Education: A degree in Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or related field.

Experience: Experience in a lab or classroom or field or other directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 11: Web Design

Examples include (but not limited to) Involvement is all aspects of the look, layout, features, and maintenance of a website. Assist in the development of solutions using current Internet technologies for presenting NOS and NOAA scientific information. Assist in planning websites, developing storyboards, and creating HTML templates. Providing technical assistance and training to web content managers. Documenting technical development of websites. Assist in the management of website developer accounts and publishing files to public servers. Collecting and processing web logs and statistics using Google Analytics.

Education: A degree in Computer Science or a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 12: Administrative Support Specialist

Examples include (but not limited to) executive management, travel planning and reimbursement, general office operations, property management, time and attendance management, invoicing and general administrative work such as providing logistical support;

maintaining records; receiving, preparing and verifying documents; managing schedules;

database entry; typing; filing; faxing; scanning; photocopying; mailing and shipping, presentation and briefing coordination.

Education: A degree in a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end

Category 13: Data Scientist

Examples include (but not limited to): scientific modeling, data processing and management with experience in GIS, AI, Machine Learning, Cloud, web design, coding/scripting for automation, and application development. Develop and direct new and novel strategies for better implementing the data management lifecycle steps through innovative technology choices (cloud, etc.), and policy implementations. Advise on technology infrastructure issues to support data management and dissemination. Develop innovative strategies for data management lifecycle (i.e., from data creation, storage and deletion, etc.), particularly in a cloud computing environment. Determine approaches to coordinate efforts with agency GIS (Geographic Information System) communities. Coordinate data management planning, documentation, preservation and data dissemination to support office and agency projects. Develop and implement business practices to resolve complex data management problems. Formulate and execute GIS data/metadata management policy, including analyzing, interpreting and implementing GIS data/metadata management policies and guidance. Expert level knowledge of metadata standards and practices to interpret metadata standards and advise on strategies to plan, collect, document, and publish metadata. Expert level ability to ensure that quality metadata is created, maintained, and made accessible to the public for all applicable scientific, technical, geospatial data created and served by the program office.

Education: A degree in Data Science, Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS, Remote Sensing, Computer Science, or related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 14 Marine Engineering, Electronics, and Operations Services

Examples include (but not limited to): Field equipment design, site/equipment selection, survey planning, recognizance, installation, maintenance, and operations (marine, aerial, space, and terrestrial) to include Electrical engineering, Electronics, Equipment engineering, all Marine Survey operations (including aerial drones and other aerial platforms, marine platforms, terrestrial platforms, autonomous platforms, etc.), and Mechanical engineering.

Education: A degree in Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, GIS, Remote Sensing, Computer Science, or related field. Aerial drone operator: Must have FAA License for Drone Operations.

Experience: Experience in a lab or classroom or field or other directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 15 Communications Specialist

Examples include (but not limited to): Support internal and external communications (oral or written) including: press releases, social media, web posts, photography, design, layout, word processing, copy-editing and photocopying of reports, materials, brochures, or other printed or electronic materials and ensuring compliance with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Graphic services, including graphic artists to create artwork for publications and websites; preparation of presentations and graphs based on the gathering and analysis of technical data and in the preparation of flyers, one page handouts, posters, pamphlets, covers, logos, promotional materials, animation and design, and end-to-end video services.

Education: A degree in Communications or a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 16: Studio and Video Production Services

Examples include (but not limited to): day-to-day project management and coordination of video production, assets, operations, logistics, and archival; providing expertise and senior-level counsel on the design, development and operation of a video studio; managing budgets and producing on-location video shoots in support of multiple video stories or a video series;

writing/editing/reviewing/coordinating multiple video scripts and storyline development;

managing the end to end editorial process for internal and external content; coordinating with contacts at major news and on-line electronic organizations; filming of video footage, catalog all video footage with date, location, subject, and other metadata, obtain appropriate release forms, complete all rendering, compressing, and processing of video files to ensure prompt delivery via web, DVD, or external hard drives, add finished video content to digital asset management database, talent direction/recruitment and narration adaptation, script writing, produce animations and designs and be knowledgeable of animation and design software, perform animation development and editing, including creation of graphics using recommended software program; export animations to formats that are compatible with NOS project standards; produce voice-over narration using a digital audio recording, creating graphics to support video stories, performing color correction, adding open captions, performing audio mixing, manage voice over narration.

Education: A degree in Communications or a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 17: Economist

Examples include (but not limited to): Lead the planning and design of coastal and marine economic research. Conduct and/or lead a team to conduct economic research, including conducting surveys, controlling data collection methodology, assessment of reliability and validity of data, and analysis of data. Develop alternative economic simulations for policy and impact analysis; perform related financial analysis; develop specialized models to facilitate effective decision- making. Determine validity and soundness of modeling and data developed by others by systematic dismantlement, analysis, and reconstruction. Provide advice to develop and support agency goals. Develop and review reports, recommendations, and guidance.

Education: A degree in Economics or a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

of this document.

Category 18 Fellowship Support Services

Examples include (but not limited to): Coordinate fellowship programs and provide support on one or more other programs. Coordinate all aspects of the program including the logistics associated with the selection of hosts and fellows. Coordinate in person and virtual fellowship meetings, coordinate with hosts and fellows throughout their time in the program, develop and deliver fellowship training. Prepare and deliver professional development and networking events.

Evaluate the program annually and incorporate lessons learned. Support the development of new fellowship programs. Promote office fellowship opportunities.

Education: A degree in a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 19: Social Scientist

Examples include (but not limited to): Theoretical knowledge of methods specifically related to the description, validation, explanation, and application of knowledge about human social and cultural processes. Use standard methods to examine patterns of behavior that are characteristic of various occupational groups, informal social groups, formal institutions, culture groups, regions, and nations. Assist with collecting various forms of primary and secondary source information to help solve complex social problems. Focus on topical areas including but not limited to: ongoing changes in the character, size, distribution, and composition of human populations; social mechanisms for enforcing compliance with widely accepted norms and for controlling deviance; social and cultural phenomena relating to human interaction with the physical environment, including the marine environment; the structure and operation of informal and formal groups and organizations; complex interrelationships between the individual and the larger society or culture; systems and patterns of belief and meaning as manifest within and across societies and cultures present and past; patterned similarities and differences in terms of socioeconomic class, gender, ethnicity, and nationality; and social, cultural, and human-ecological changes over time. Coordinate comments in support of agencies’ goals and assist with drafting reports.

Education: A degree in social science or a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 20: Engagement Process Specialist

Examples include (but not limited to): Use adult learning theory and other learning science techniques to provide facilitation and training for a variety of audiences in subjects relating to coastal natural resources, management and their policies, and social science methods. Conduct partner needs assessments and integrates that information in product and training development.

Conduct training both face to face as well as using web-based methods (synchronous and asynchronous), to include these competencies: managing the learning environment, establishing credibility as an instructor, conveying objectives, encouraging participation and building learner motivation, facilitating learning and creating a positive learning climate to ensure learning outcomes. Work with instructional designers to develop new training and learning products based on user needs and review of evaluations measuring effectiveness of learning activities through audience feedback. Provide technical assistance to people and organizations. Serve as the lead trainer and/or co-trainer on one or more classes. Work with instructional designers to develop new training and learning products based on user needs and review of evaluations measuring effectiveness of learning activities through audience feedback. Serve as the lead facilitator on complex topics, working closely with the meeting leads and developing the process agenda. Coordinate with co-facilitators, conduct the meetings and workshops, and evaluate efforts. Responsible for designing and facilitating meetings of all sizes.

Education: A degree in a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 21 Event Planner

Examples include (but not limited to): Lead the planning and implementation of the logistics associated with conferences, workshops, and meetings, both face to face and virtual. Serve as the event coordinator for large, complex events and oversee smaller events coordinated by more junior staff. Working in a team with technical programmatic leads, coordinate venue set up and other support as required. Develop a budget for the event and review venue contracts. Oversee and coordinate participant logistics and external partners. Provide onsite leadership during the events. Evaluate efforts and success of events and apply lessons learned to future events.

Education: A degree in a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 22 Instructional Designer

Examples include (but not limited to): Use advanced knowledge of learning theory and/or instructional technology to systematically design and develop educational training programs and products delivered in person and online. Apply innovation and a variety of learning technologies to address specific learning needs. Provide expert consultation to clients to understand target audience needs, analyze content, target audience job tasks and learner environment to identify training strategy. Determine learning objectives, and identify appropriate learning approaches and delivery mechanisms to achieve objectives. Work with subject matter expert trainers and engagement specialists and provide guidance and technical assistance. Document learning product design and technical specifications and translates requirements into innovative products.

Design and develop testing/evaluation instruments to determine the effectiveness of the instructional strategies. Examine instructional processes and training evaluation data, and recommend improvements. Serve as an expert instructional designer or instructional developer for the organization. Develop, oversee, research, review, test, debug, and refine new and existing products to meet specifications. Develop and evaluate metrics associated with online learning applications. Recommend and oversee processes for lifecycle maintenance of existing online instructional products. Provide technical guidance and recommendations on effective blended learning strategies and may support administration for virtual learning platforms.

Provide oversight for instructional team results. Review the work of and provide coaching to lower level staff. Create original or retooled activities or lesson plans for publication in print or web media. This may include, develop education products at the assigned target grade level and for the final web or print media format, design activities/lesson plans for use in the assigned education venue (formal or informal), utilize NOAA data and science information within the development of the education materials, provide draft activities/lessons plans for scientific review and make revisions based on that review, provide connections to appropriate national standards of teaching and learning, submit final files in necessary formats for print or web publishing.

Education: A degree in education or a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 23 Resilience Specialist

Examples include (but not limited to): Has extensive knowledge of adult learning theory and other learning science techniques to develop complex learning products and deliver training for a variety of audiences in subjects relating to climate change, adaptation strategies, community planning for resilience, and natural hazards based in knowledge of public planning processes at multiple levels of government in rural and urban communities. Conduct partner needs assessments and integrate into product and training development. Conduct training both face to face as well as using web-based methods (synchronous and asynchronous). Serves as the lead trainer or co-trainer on one or more classes. Develop new training and learning products.

Examine training processes and training evaluations to recommend improvements. Provide technical assistance. Provide just in time learning and learning materials. Serve as technical expert for the organization.

Education: A degree in a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 24: Diving Services

Examples include (but not limited to): Scientific Diving and Working Diving.

Education: N/A.

Experience:

Level 1: Open water diving certification from an accredited organization with at least 50 logged dives, plus relevant coursework (college or advanced/specialty/technical PADI/NAUI/SDI courses) or scientific/working diver experience.

Level 2: Open water diving certification from an accredited organization with at least 100 logged dives, plus relevant coursework (college or specialty PADI/NAUI/SDI courses) or scientific/working diver experience.

Level 3: Open water diving certification from an accredited organization with at least 150 logged dives, plus relevant coursework (college or specialty PADI/NAUI/SDI courses) or scientific/working diver experience.

Category 25: Communications/Facilitation.

Examples include (but not limited to): the contractor will support corporate communications, including internal and external communications. This may include, support content development for online and print audiences, design and produce communications materials, gather, analyze, and present data necessary to cross cutting initiatives in support of NOS priorities; applying a corporate view of NOAA activities, develop briefing and communications materials and reports (oral and written) including presentations, one-page handouts, and talking points, revisit older website content and apply style guidelines with emphasis on consistency and tone, serve as executive secretariat support for cross-NOAA activities such as those supporting strategic management of supplemental funds.

Education: A degree in a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Refer to the Labor Category Level description table and equivalence table on page X at the end of this document.

Category 26: Technical Writing/Editing

Examples include (but not limited to): the contractor will develop new content and assist with maintaining existing on-line website content, and develop content for other hard copy media for the purposes of communications, outreach, and education. This may include, research and write scientific essays in a style that is website compatible and user-friendly and written at a level that is understandable by the public, research and write contact for pamphlets, summary reports, and other products meant for hard copy publication, revisit older website content and apply newly updated style guidelines with emphasis on consistency and tone, make edits and updates to websites, and may also include changing out images and content formatting, and maintain intermediate level of experience in Adobe Dreamweaver.

Education: A degree in a related field.

Experience: Directly related experience.

Labor Category Level Description Table

Level Narrative Description Typical Years’ Experience (range)

*Typical Educational Requirement

Level I Junior/Entry Level: Typically responsible for assisting more senior positions and/or performing functional duties under the oversight of more senior positions.

In other cases taskings may be performed independently but are routine in nature not requiring a high degree of expertise.

0–3+ None to Bachelor’s

Level II Associate: Typically performs work with a moderate degree of complexity and/or specialization. Work is generally conducted independently.

3+ Bachelor’s to Master’s

Level III Senior: Typically works on high-visibility or mission critical aspects of a given program and performs all functional duties independently. Work is complex or highly specialized.

A Senior labor category may oversee the efforts of less senior staff and/or be responsible for the efforts of all staff assigned to a specific tasking.

5+ Master’s to Ph.D.

Level IV

Senior Subject Matter Expert:

Qualifications and/or particular expertise are exceptional and/or highly unique.

10+ Master’s to Ph.D.

Education and Experience Equivalency Table

Minimum Years of Relevant Experience

Level 1 No Minimum

Level 2 4

Level 3 8

Level 4 14

Educational Requirements

Requirements for degrees or credentials will be identified at the task order level. Degrees from an accredited institution and/or professional credentials from a recognized entity may be cumulatively tallied and substituted for experience at the discretion of the Task Order Contracting Officer. In general, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees are equivalent to two years of experience; master’s and doctoral degrees are equivalent to four years of experience. If applicable, equivalency requirements for degrees, credentials, and experience will be specified at the task order level.