PWS-Social Scientist.pdf

SOCIAL SCIENTIST EXPERTISE

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

I. General Information

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) defines the effort required to support the needs of social science expertise for many high priority projects to support the Refuge system mission. For U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS or Service) Human Dimension Branch, Natural Resource Program, Fort Collins, CO. This requirement shall involve requiring additional social science expertise which includes:

1) project management for the National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Survey; 2) social science technical expertise and support to regions and field stations, including guidance on OMB Paperwork Reduction Act, and subject matter expertise on working groups; and 3) developing outreach and communications products and supporting training efforts. To fulfill these efforts, the Human Dimensions Branch has a need for 4 positions (3 full-time and 1 part-time) in the base year; with an optional 5th (full-time) position in option year 1.

1.2 Task Proposal

The Contractor shall provide a Request for Quote Proposal in response to this PWS. This effort shall be proposed on a fixed price (labor hour) basis. Only upon Contracting Officer authorization and funding of the Contract Line items (CLINs) shall the Contractor proceed with any effort. The Contractor shall provide firm labor rates for the CLINs.

1.3 Period of Performance

The period of performance for this PWS will be commencing approximately January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021. Four Option Years are included in this Order and may or may not be exercised at the discretion of the Government. In the event of uncontrollable occurrences (i.e. pandemic, natural disaster, defense against attack on the USA, Federal furlough, etc.) affecting completion of this work, the Government may elect to terminate the contract for the convenience of the Government or allow for an extension of the contract due to excusable

1.4 Place of Performance

Performance shall take place at the US Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resource Program Center, 1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 320, Fort Collins, Colorado with flexibility for situational telework authorized by the Government.

1.5 Security Requirements:

Incumbents must be eligible to receive USFWS low-level security clearance, hold a valid Driver's License, and be able to rent a vehicle.

1.6 Physical Security

As applicable, the Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information, files, and property provided for Contractor use for purposes of performing duties required under the contract. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, materials, and files shall be secured

1.7 Government System Access

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service network access is required for all positions.

1.8 Access

Contractors requiring access to computer systems or networks for employees shall comply with specific network access requirements and FWS Division of Information Resources & Technology Management restrictions.

1.8.1 Key Control: N/A

1.9 Hours of Operation

1.10 Holidays

The Contractor is not required to provide service on the U.S. Federal holidays. A request to work on a Federal holiday must be authorized by the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officers Representative.

1.11 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings

The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference or progress meetings convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The Contracting Officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), Government/Site Representative (GR/SR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance and/or status of work. At these meetings, the Contracting Officer or its representative (COR/SR) will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems being experienced, if any. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.12 Contracting Officer Representative (COR)/Site Representative (SR) The COR/SR will be identified by either separate letter or other form of notification. The COR/SR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR/SR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance;

maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property; and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR/SR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR/SR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery/performance dates. The COR/SR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting contract/Order or obligate the Government to any funding changes. The Contractor shall not perform any services or additional services or purchase any supplies or equipment causing an increase in the funded contract value without prior and written consent of the designated Contracting Officer. To do so will be at the Contractor’s own risk and expense with no allowance for equitable adjustment.

1.13 Key Personnel

The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: Contract Manager/Administrator and Project Manager/Supervisor. The Contractor shall provide a contract/project manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between normal business hours.

1.14 Identification of Contractor Employees

All Contractor personnel attending meetings and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

1.15 Data Rights

(If applicable): The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract/Order. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract/Order shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

1.16 Business Relations

The Contractor shall successfully integrate and coordinate all activity needed to execute the tasks, including the timeliness, completeness and quality of problem identification, corrective actions plans, timely identification of issues in controversy, effective/responsive management of subcontractors, customer satisfaction, and professional and ethical behavior of the Contractor management personnel.

1.17 Safety Requirements

The Contractor is solely responsible for compliance with all federal, state and local laws, the Occupational, Safety and Health Act (OSHA) (Public Law 91-596) and the resulting standards, OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910 and 1926, as applicable, and the protection of their employees.

Additionally, the Contractor is responsible for the safety and health of all subcontractor employees.

1.18 Definitions and Acronyms:

1.18.1) DEFINITIONS: [Terms used within the PWS that require further definition].

1.18.1.1 CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

1.18.1.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

1.18.1.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S.

Government appointed by the contracting officer to perform specific technical functions or administrative functions on contracts or orders. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

1.18.1.4 DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

1.18.1.5 DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

1.18.1.6 GOVERNMENT/SITE REPRESENTATIVE (GR/SR). An employee of the U.S. Government designated by the contracting officer to act as an authorized local representative in monitoring contractor performance and assisting with specific administrative oversight. This individual has authority to provide limited technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

1.18.1.7 KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS.

When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

1.18.1.8 PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

1.18.1.9 QUALITY ASSURANCE. The Government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

1.18.1.10 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

1.18.1.11 QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

1.18.1.12 SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

1.18.1.13 WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

1.18.1.14 WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

1.18.2) ACRONYMS: NOTE: Acronyms listed below may or may not be applicable under this contract order.

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative CFR Code of Federal Regulations CO Contracting Officer CONUS Continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii) COR Contracting Officer Representative COTR Contracting Officer's Technical Representative COTS Commercial-Off-the-Shelf DOI Department of the Interior FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation FWS Fish and Wildlife Service GIS Geographic Information Systems GPS Global Positioning System GR Government Representative HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

JAO Joint Administrative Operations JFTR Joint Federal Travel Regulations MOA Military Operating Area MPH miles per hour MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet NWR National Wildlife Refuge NWRS National Wildlife Refuge System OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest OCONUS Outside Continental United States (includes Alaska and Hawaii) ODC Other Direct Costs PIPO Phase In/Phase Out POC Point of Contact PRS Performance Requirements Summary PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Program Ref Reference SR Site Representative TE Technical Exhibit US/A United States/of America

II. Background

2.1 The Branch of Human Dimensions established at the Natural Resource Program center under the National Wildlife Refuge System role is to build human dimensions understanding and capacity within the Refuge System and provide social science expertise.

III. Scope

3.1 Objective: The Human Dimension Branch identified many high priority projects to support the Refuge System mission, and requires additional social science expertise to meet these needs. Priority products include: 1) project management for the National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Survey; 2) social science technical expertise and support to regions and field stations, including guidance on OMB Paperwork Reduction Act, and subject matter expertise on working groups; and 3) developing outreach and communications products and supporting training efforts. To complete these efforts, the Human Dimensions Branch has a need for 4 positions (3 full-time and 1 part-time) in the base year; with an optional 5th (full-time) position in option year 1.

3.1.1 Base Year, 3 FT/1 PT positions – overtime is not authorized:

• Social science project manager -- Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Senior social scientist – Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Social science project coordinator—Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Communications specialist – Part Time, 1300 hrs max

3.1.2 Option Year (1), 4 FT/1PT positions – overtime is not authorized:

• Social science project manager -- Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Senior social scientist – Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Social science project coordinator—Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Social scientist – Full time, 2080 hrs max

• Communications specialist – Part Time, 1300 hrs max

3.1.3 Option Year (2), 4 FT/1PT positions – overtime is not authorized:

• Social science project manager -- Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Senior social scientist – Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Social science project coordinator—Full Time, 1920 hrs max Social scientist – Full time, 1920 hrs max

• Communications specialist – Part Time, 1300 hrs max

3.1.4 Option Year (3) – 4 FT/1PT positions – overtime is not authorized:

• Social science project manager -- Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Senior social scientist – Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Social science project coordinator—Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Social scientist – Full time, 1920 hrs max

• Communications specialist – Part Time, 1300 hrs max

3.1.5 Option Year (4) – 4 FT/1PT positions – overtime is not authorized:

• Social science project manager -- Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Senior social scientist – Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Social science project coordinator—Full Time, 1920 hrs max

• Social scientist – Full time, 1920 hrs max

• Communications specialist – Part Time, 1300 hrs max

3.2 Labor Categories

The Contractor shall propose the labor category and a labor hours to meet the requirements in this PWS.

Proposal response to this PWS will be evaluated to see if the proposed labor category, associated labor hour mix, and qualifications of proposed contractor personnel is appropriate for this effort and that the total price is reasonable.

3.3 Operational Hours: Work will be performed weekly Monday through Friday.

IV. Applicable Directives

4.1 Travel shall be in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations and GSA per diem mileage allowances. Travel up to four weeks total during the base year and each option year (total 4 weeks base, 4 weeks option) may be required. Travel will originate from Fort Collins, CO (closest airport Denver, CO) to locations, in general, near USFWS Regional Offices (Hadley, MA; Falls Church, VA; Atlanta GA;

Minneapolis, MN; Albuquerque, NM, Denver, CO; Sacramento, CA; and Portland, OR). An average trip cost of $2250 shall be used for pricing and this cost is to be included for both the base and each option year. This travel allowance may also be used for conference registration and training fees, if applicable.

V. Specific Tasks by Position

5.1 Senior Social Scientist #1 shall:

1. Provide project management for national wildlife refuge visitor survey.

2. Design and conduct social science research, including focus groups, interviews, and surveys.

3. Provide social science technical expertise to regions and the field, including guidance on OMB Paperwork Reduction Act.

4. Develop guidance and FAQs on social science tools and methods for regional and field staff.

5. Serve as subject matter expertise on working groups.

5.2 Senior Social Scientist #2 shall:

1. Provide social science expertise on working groups and to the field.

2. Provide subject matter expertise support on such programs as pollinator conservation and stakeholder engagement tools.

3. Design and conduct social science research, including focus groups, interviews, and surveys.

4. Develop guidance and FAQs on social science tools and methods for regional and field staff.

5.3 Social Scientist Social Science Project Coordinator shall:

1. Coordinate internal training opportunities, including seminars, webinars, and courses offered at the National Conservation Training Center.

2. Coordinate development and dissemination of technical guidance and informational resources, including a web-based resource portal and the Branch newsletter.

3. Assist in the design and conduct social science research, including focus groups, interviews, and surveys.

4. Support the development of guidance and FAQs on social science tools and methods for regional and field staff.

5.4 Communications specialist shall:

1. Assist in the communication efforts related to building and communicating science capacity at NRPC.

This includes developing newsletters, articles and other products to communicate results.

2. Develop and communicate guidance and FAQs on science and data management tools and methods for regional and field staff.

3. Communicate science efforts on refuges to the field. This includes updates, News from Washington, and Refuge Update articles and NRPC website. Track analytics for these products.

4. Help integrate social science information with biophysical efforts to support refuge activities.

5. Develop opportunities for collaboration with other NRPC Branches.

5.5. Junior social scientist shall:

1. Provide social science support to the HD Branch such as literature reviews, review of surveys, and organizing and conducting focus groups and interviews.

2. Develop guidance and FAQs on social science tools and methods for regional and field staff.

3. Assist in the communication efforts related to building capacity and communicating social science and HD Branch activities via development of special issues, news and announcements and other outreach products.

4. Provide social science technical expertise to regions and the field, including guidance on OMB Paperwork Reduction Act.

VI. Work Time/Hours of Duty

6.1 Work will be performed to satisfy the requirements of providing social science expertise.

6.2 Hours of Operation: Hours will be arranged with the COR. Work shall not be performed when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, furloughs, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor will not be reimbursed or otherwise paid when the Government facility is closed for the aforementioned (but not limited to) reasons, unless an exception exists as determined by the Contracting Officer/Government. The Contractor must maintain an adequate workforce at all times for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the aforementioned reasons. When hiring Contractor personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

VII. Supplies, Materials, Equipment, Facilities and Utilities

NOTE: As a Government agency dedicated to “working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people,” the FWS strives to incorporate the most ecologically sound and environmentally beneficial technologies, materials, and practices into all aspects of planning and operations. To help achieve this mission and meet Executive Orders (EOs) and DOI planning requirements, the FWS has implemented strategies to reduce the environmental impacts associated with procurement, lease acquisition, waste prevention and recycling, facility design, construction, operation and management, contracting and permitted commercial visitor services. These strategies have been collectively referred to as the USFWS’s Green Procurement and Waste Prevention & Recycling Program (Greening Program) and are a part of the FWS’s overall approach to environmental management.

7.1 Government-Furnished Property and Services: The Government will provide the Contractor with the following items:

7.1.1) Services/Supply: none

7.1.2) Facilities: none

7.1.3) Utilities: none

7.1.4) Equipment: (1) laptop, docking station and two large monitors and other equipment deemed necessary to perform the requirement.

7.1.5) Materials: none

VIII. Supervision

8.1 In order to ensure performance and accomplishment of the work as outlined herein, the Contractor shall provide adequate and competent supervision at all times for all work to be accomplished by the Contractor’s employees. When contract work is in progress, supervisory personnel shall be available at all times to receive and/or approve documents, notices, reports, or requests from the CO/COR/SR or other authorized individuals (i.e. HR Specialist/Assistants). At no time shall Government representatives direct or supervise the activities of the Contractor’s employees.

8.2 On-site Supervision: N/A.

8.3. Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervisory responsibilities shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

8.3.1) Provide an adequate labor force; this includes the immediate replacement of personnel dismissed for cause or leaving employment of their own volition. The requirement shall not be made the basis of any claim for compensation or damages against the USA or any of its officers or agents.

8.3.2) Ensure that Contractor personnel are properly trained to perform their assigned work in a proper, safe, and efficient manner, and ensuring that the proper supplies, materials, and equipment are on hand.

8.3.3) Take action to prevent general carelessness by employees and/or abuse of facilities, equipment, files, and/or systems.

8.3.4) Establish an effective and comprehensive safety program as applicable.

8.3.5) Indoctrinate employees to report fire, hazardous conditions, maintenance deficiencies, and graffiti as applicable.

8.3.6) continually ensure that the conduct of the Contractor’s employees reflects favorably upon the Contractor’s and FWS organization(s). If applicable, supervisory personnel are responsible for ensuring that employees fully support and participate in the energy-conservation program within the facilities. Use lights or other energy-consuming equipment only in areas where and when work is actually being performed. Secure lights and other equipment when not in use or needed.

IX. Contractor Personnel Qualifications

9.1 Senior Social Scientist--Completed Master's Degree or equivalent work experience in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources or similar field plus at least two years’ experience working in the conservation social science field.

9.2 Social Scientist Social Science Project Coordinator—Master’s degree in relevant field required; advanced degree or professional experience preferred.

9.3 Junior Social Scientist-- Completed Master's Degree or equivalent work experience in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources or similar field.

9.4 Communications specialist-- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required; advanced degree or professional experience preferred.