RSGS- PWS_2023-03-07 DRAFT.pdf

GTAC REMOTE SENSING &

GEOSPATIAL SUPPORT

Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract for

Forest Service Agency Use

Basic Contract Performance Work Statement

March 2023

Table of Contents

1. Background

2. Scope

2.1. Geospatial Technology Evaluation

2.2. Geospatial Training

2.3. Helpdesk Support

2.4 Operational Support

2.5. Sample Design and Accuracy Assessment

2.6. Resource Inventory, Mapping, and Monitoring

2.7. Geospatial Programming

2.8. Information Technology (IT) Management

2.9. Enterprise Raster Data and Services

2.10. International Projects Support

2.11. Project Management

3. General Information

3.1. Overarching

3.2. Organizational Conflict of Interest

3.3. Place of Performance and Hours of Operation

3.3.1. Place of Performance

3.3.2. Hours of Operation

3.3.3. Field Project Support

3.3.4. Mission Essential Services

3.3.5. Government Shut-Down

3.4. Publications, Reference Documents, National Standards

3.4.1. Reference Standards

3.4.2. Other Standards

3.4.3. Metadata

4. Performance Requirements

4.1. Program Management

4.1.1. General Responsibilities

4.1.2. Quality Control

4.1.3. Government Furnished Property

4.1.4. Operation of Government-Owned Vehicles

4.1.5. Security

4.1.6. Field Project Support

4.1.7. Mission Essential Services

4.1.8. Travel

4.1.9. Records Management

4.1.10. End of Contract Transition

4.1.11. Key Personnel

4.2. Project Management and Data Services

4.2.1. Project Management

4.2.2. Data Services

4.3. Geospatial Services

4.3.1. Geospatial Analysis

4.3.2. Assessment and Monitoring

4.3.3. Geospatial Data Management

4.3.8. Graphic User Interface Design

5. Data Deliverables

5.1. Basic Contract

5.2 Task Orders

GTAC Remote Sensing & Geospatial Support Performance Work Statement (PWS)

1. Background The USDA Forest Service (FS) Geospatial Technology & Applications Center (GTAC) has a continuing requirement for Remote Sensing and Geospatial Support (RSGS). GTAC is a detached unit of Washington Office, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a component of the Forest Service Geospatial Management Office (GMO). Organizationally, the center is aligned under the National Field Solutions and Innovation Center (NFSIC) within the National Forest System (NFS) Deputy Area. This national technical center provides remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and other geospatial support and services to all levels of the USDA Forest Service (FS) and external agency partners.

The RSGS contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract to provide professional support services. This contract provides unique business functions to GTAC such as national service center coordination, technology evaluation, training, remote sensing and GIS helpdesk support, operational support, geospatial application, analysis and data and product delivery using the FS enterprise geospatial software. Individual projects may vary in scope, scale and area, complexity and length, and address critical resource management problems. The contractor must respond to workload changes, unanticipated workload surges or decreases in agency ordering, and/or multiple reprioritizations of workload.

2. Scope This is a five (5) year, Forest Service ID/IQ contract for professional geospatial services. The contract will also contain FAR Clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services. Task orders will specify the period of performance for that individual order. The services described herein are non-personal in accordance with FAR Part 37 and are not inherently governmental.

The contractor shall provide services and consultation to Forest Service units from the Washington Office to field offices as determined by GTAC staff. Individual task orders issued by GTAC under this contract are varied, may be of varying size and complexity, and performed at/for geographically separate locations. The level of effort may change from year-to-year based on government funding levels and program priorities. The contractor must respond to workload changes, unanticipated workload surges or decreases in Agency ordering, and/or multiple reprioritizations of workload. General types of projects supported include, but are not limited to the following:

2.1. Geospatial Technology Evaluation

The contractor shall investigate emerging geospatial technologies and/or methods, conduct demonstration projects, and determine the feasibility for implementation in the agency. Emerging geospatial technologies include, but not limited to, satellite and airborne remote sensing systems, photogrammetry, GIS (including mobile), Global Positioning System (GPS), database management, hardware, software, analytical processes and other storage delivery systems. The contractor shall deliver evaluation projects that demonstrate technology or processes that improve the quality, accessibility, collecting, managing and analysis of natural resource data for land management applications. Specific technology evaluation examples include applications of lidar data, image processing and analysis software and methods, and evaluation of satellite, airborne and terrestrial sensor technologies for data collection. The contractor shall be prepared to support varying levels of documented outcomes of the evaluation including grey literature to scientific publications and support the writing styles as requested. These evaluation efforts directly influence the agency and improve the quality, accessibility, and gathering of natural resource data for management applications and more efficiently integrate promising technology into FS business.

2.2. Geospatial Training

GTAC manages the National Geospatial Training and Awareness Program to deliver GIS and remote sensing related training. The center develops and delivers up-to-date geospatial training courses to support geospatial users in the FS and external agency.

Training content emphasizes enterprise and other geospatial software solutions, platforms, workflows, and techniques. The contractor shall provide the development and delivery of geospatial training to the agency and partners. Geospatial training services consist of: 1) conducting requirements analyses to identify skill and knowledge gaps; 2) researching new technologies and methods applicable in the field; 3) providing up-to-date training manuals, exercises, and presentation materials; 4) delivery of training using different mediums (in person and virtual); and 5) maintenance of website on the FS Geospatial Training and Awareness SharePoint site.

2.3. Helpdesk Support

The contractor shall provide level 2 and 3 helpdesk support such as advanced remote sensing and GIS end-user support for installation, licensing, and use of enterprise geospatial software and technologies (e.g., ERDAS Imagine, Trimble eCognition, Esri ArcGIS, AGOL and ArcPro, Summit Evolution, FUSION, etc.) and other software and technology support to FS field units and regional offices. Helpdesk and consultation services extend across all levels of the agency involving enterprise remote sensing geospatial software installation, licensing, image processing, raster data modeling, and other applications of remotely sensed imagery and geospatial technology. The contractor shall develop and document workflows and best practices implemented through methods such as knowledge management documents, interpersonal communication, and training materials.

2.4 Operational Support

The contractor shall provide operational analysis of remote sensing and other geospatial data, generate geospatial assessment products and deliver services and technical support to FS and FS partners for targeted support activities and resource management responsibilities and information needs. Examples include, but are not limited to, provision of technical support to facilitate airborne tactical fire detection and mapping products for incident support; timely provision of post-fire imagery, change detection products and analysis derivatives to response teams and agency resource managers to support emergency stabilization, rehabilitation and restoration treatment planning and reforestation needs in fire-affected areas; risk and damage assessment resulting from hazard/disaster events; and, detection and monitoring of biotic and abiotic disturbances affecting forests, other natural resources and infrastructure.

2.5. Sample Design and Accuracy Assessment

The contractor shall provide expert-level consultation and practitioner-level implementation to determine appropriate sampling design, acquire validation data via fieldwork (e.g. reference datasets, etc., for multiple scales and varied landscapes), and support initiation and application of statistical analysis techniques and methods. This work also includes designing and conducting model based and traditional geospatial accuracy assessments to quantify uncertainties in derived geospatial products - both thematic (e.g., vegetation classifications) and continuous (e.g., suitability models).

2.6. Resource Inventory, Mapping, and Monitoring

The contractor shall provide operational analysis of imagery and other data to generate resource information products that characterize existing conditions and monitor changes over time. At time, natural resource inventory that utilize different techniques including field, active and passive remotely sensed data, may be required to estimate and quantify resource conditions and/or analyze trends over time. Mapping products range from fine to coarse scale mapping using established and new remote sensing techniques (e.g. data mining and feature extraction, bi- temporal change detection, time series/trend analysis, etc.) and integrate current remote sensing data sources (e.g. digital and analog aerial imagery, multispectral satellite imagery, lidar, radar derivatives, etc.) for small to national scale efforts. Examples of applications include existing land cover type mapping, fuels mapping, soils/ecological unit mapping, hydrographic feature mapping, forest and range health/condition monitoring. In addition to the mapping services, the contractor shall work with agency partners to generate mid-level and national-scale existing vegetation mapping products, and contribute to the development of vegetation mapping standards and related technical guidance documentation associated with National policies and guidance.

2.7. Geospatial Programming

The contractor shall use the application programming interface (API) for enterprise desktop software applications (ArcPro, ERDAS, etc.), as well as geospatial cloud computing services (Google Earth Engine, Microsoft Planetary Computer, etc.), and related geospatial/statistical analysis software packages to script and automate geospatial workflows and processes using standard languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, ERDAS SML and EML, R, Windows batch, etc.). Such workflows and processes include data processing, analysis, information extraction, visualization, and more efficient product generation.

2.8. Information Technology (IT) Management

In coordination with the FS CIO, the contractor shall administer, manage, and maintain onsite and offsite Information Technology (IT) infrastructure. This includes 30-35 Windows NAS devices (~4PB of total capacity) in the GTAC data center to support storage, management and dissemination of remote sensing and other geospatial data;

Windows desktop and notebook PCs for approximately 100 GTAC staff members, as well as and additional 15-20 workstations, for data processing and analysis; web production environments to host GTAC websites for disseminating data, information and services; a remote computing environment facilitated by the FS CIO and external agency partners to support FS/GTAC operational geospatial application needs (< 10 physical Windows and Linux servers) and NAS devices (< 3 NAS devices); and remote web production environment facilitated by the FS CIO (< 5 physical and virtual servers). The contractor shall provide support for related IT processes and applications, including 1) coordinate with the FS CIO to conduct license server management activities for targeted enterprise geospatial software applications (e.g. ERDAS Imagine, Trimble eCognition, Pix4Dmapper, Agisoft Metashape, Avenza MAPublisher and Geographic Imager, etc.);

2) conduct development and maintenance activities for approximately 20 websites and multiple SharePoint sites; and 3) coordinate and plan with the FS CIO and USDA OCIO to address current and future Forest Service and GTAC geospatial computing needs, including development and implementation of cloud computing and storage solutions, and support related IT activities.

2.9. Enterprise Raster Data and Services

The contractor shall compile, store and manage large volumes of enterprise data (single and multiband imagery, thematic and continuous raster data, etc.) on local and remote IT infrastructure. The contractor shall conduct routine duties to publish raster data as imagery and map services for enterprise access by FS staff and external agency partners.

This work includes 1) review and accept enterprise level data to be published as services;

2) ensure appropriate formatting and completeness of submitted data; 3) prepare image/raster mosaics; 4) cache raster data to enhance performance of services; 5) monitor and maintain availability and performance of services; and; 6) design and implement relevant applications using COTS and opensource tools for enhanced decision support and enterprise geospatial data delivery.

2.10. International Projects Support

The contractor shall provide technical support to FS International Programs Office by assisting developing nations via consultation, building capacity (e.g., training), and supporting various projects using remote sensing and GIS applications for resource management and monitoring initiatives. This work frequently includes travel and on-site support at international locations.

2.11. Project Management

The contractor shall provide project support services and consultation to many different Forest Service units from the Washington Office to field offices, such as districts.

Contractor provided project management services shall include, but are not limited to, coordination with Federal staff to assure all requirements are appropriately addressed;

conduct and risk assessment and analyses and provide regular status updates to Federal staff; monitor and track adherence to project plan and schedules and make necessary adjustments to the projected work; provide project close-out documentation including final project status, project deliverables, lessons learned, etc.; and, facilitate communications with partners regarding project activities. The contractor shall use generally-accepted project management techniques (e.g., waterfall, agile) to manage projects as appropriate.

3. General Information

3.1. Overarching

The Contracting Officer identified in the basic contract shall be the only individual authorized to change the terms of the basic contract. Such change will be accomplished by issuance of modification to the basic contract. All FS Contracting Officers may issue task orders under the contract and make changes to their task orders.

3.2. Organizational Conflict of Interest

The contractor shall identify, avoid, mitigate, and track actual or apparent conflicts of interest for the prime, teaming partner(s), subcontractors, and employees under this contract. The contractor shall obtain approval from the administrative contracting officer (ACO) prior to making changes to their teaming arrangements or subcontractors during the first year of contract performance and shall coordinate with the ACO any changes to their teaming arrangements or subcontractors following the first year of contract performance. Any actual or perceived conflict of interest shall be immediately disclosed to the ACO, accompanied by the contractor’s Conflict of Interest Mitigation Plan.

3.3. Place of Performance and Hours of Operation

3.3.1. Place of Performance

Place of Performance for task orders issued under this contract may order performance at destination or at the orgin. Origin of services will be at the GTAC facility in Salt Lake City, Utah or telework from an alternative location with the Government’s approval.

3.3.2. Hours of Operation

The contractor shall perform on-site work Monday through Friday at GTAC or an approved location. The contractor may work at their discretion between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. However, the contractor shall ensure that interaction with the Government is facilitated between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Exceptions and adjustments to hours of operation will be made for work supporting Field Project Support and Mission Essential Services, which may require extended hours and/or weekend support.

3.3.3. Field Project Support

Field project support will be identified via individual task order and is highly variable reflecting the needs of the Government, the sponsors of GTAC, and the level of effort required for each task. This support may require work on weekends or any other hours outside of office hours and may be dependent on weather, equipment availability, data requirements, required coordination with cooperating agencies, or other project related variables. Field project support requirements may necessitate use of non-routine travel media, such as horses, boats, snowshoes, snowmobiles, skis, helicopters, etc., and clothing appropriate for safety and effectiveness in executing the required tasks. Contractor employees may be working in remote areas and may be exposed to natural conditions including, but not limited to, traveling over uneven and rocky terrain, encounters with bears and other wildlife, and inclement weather. The contractor is responsible for ensuring that all employees receive safety training and have proper personal protection equipment (PPE) prior to commencing work in the project area.

3.3.4. Mission Essential Services

Some services under this contract, such as those supporting the western fire season, may be deemed as Mission Essential at time of task order issuance.

Mission Essential services must be performed under all circumstances to ensure the protection of life, health, and safety of individuals. Notwithstanding any other clause of this contract, the contractor shall be responsible to perform those services identified as Mission Essential during crisis situations (as identified in the individual task order or as directed by the Contracting Officer). In the event the contractor anticipates not being able to perform any of the Mission Essential services identified in the task order during a crisis situation, the contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer, the COR, and any other designated representative and use its best efforts to cooperate with the Government in the Government’s efforts to maintain continuity of operations. The Government reserves the right in such crisis situations to use federal employees, or contract support from other contractors for Mission Essential services. The contractor shall segregate and separately identify all costs incurred in continuing performance of Mission Essential services in a crisis situation. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of the costs within thirty days after continued performance has been directed by the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall include this paragraph as a clause in subcontracts for the Mission Essential services.

3.3.5. Government Shut-Down

In the event of a planned or perceived lapse in government appropriations, the ordering Contracting Officer(s) or ACO will determine the feasibility of contractor performance on a task order basis. Considerations may include whether the services are identified as Mission Essential, the pricing arrangement of the task order, continuation of planned automic project activities, whether the government facility and/or Government Furnished Property is available, and any other information pertinent to the task order.

3.4. Publications, Reference Documents, National Standards

3.4.1. Reference Standards

For the numerous Government-wide geospatial datasets, national standards and reference materials have been developed to establish consistent collection, maintenance and usage practices. Contractors shall adhere to the standards related to the respective datasets associated with each task. Following are examples of common standards, guides, and other dataset documentation.

TITLE AGENCY

National GIS Data Dictionary Standards (http://fsweb.datamgt.fs.fed.us/current_data_dictionary/ind ex.shtml)

USDA FS

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Standards (https://www.fgdc.gov/resources/download-geospatial-standards)

DOI FGDC

National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/accuracy/part3/in dex_html)

DOI FGDC

National Hydrography Dataset (https://www.usgs.gov/ngp-standards-and-specifications/hydrography-standards-and-specifications)

DOI USGS

Section508 Accessibility (https://www.section508.gov/) GSA Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (https://www.fgdc.gov/gda) DOI FGDC Existing Vegetation Classification (https://www.fs.usda.gov/emc/rig/protocols/vegclassmapin v.shtml)

DOI

Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory (TEUI) (https://www.fs.usda.gov/soils/teui.shtml)

USDA FS

https://fgdc.gov/https://www.fs.usda.gov/emc/rig/documents/protocols/vegClassMapInv/EVTG_ v2-0_June2015.pdf

3.4.2. Other Standards

On occasion, customer requirements may require the inclusion of other standards not listed above. In this event, they will be cited in the task order. Furthermore, over the course of time, as standards change and new ones are developed, they may be incorporated by unilateral contract modification into this contract or into unique awarded tasks. Compliance with the established standards is required unless otherwise stated in individual task orders generated under this contract.

3.4.3. Metadata

All metadata shall be prepared in compliance with FGDC standards supplemented by the following. All metadata shall be stored in the same directory as the geospatial data file (e.g. coverage), except in the case of feature or individual record based metadata which is normally stored in FS systems Automated Lands Manager (ALP) and Natural Resource Manager (NRM) with corresponding databases: Forest Service Activity Tracking System (FACTS); Natural Resource Information System (NRIS); Timber Information Manager (TIM); or Infrastructure (INFRA). The fields required for FS metadata shall be the ones relevant to the layer or theme and shall be specified in each task order.

http://fsweb.datamgt.fs.fed.us/current_data_dictionary/index.shtml http://fsweb.datamgt.fs.fed.us/current_data_dictionary/index.shtml https://www.fgdc.gov/resources/download-geospatial-standards https://www.fgdc.gov/resources/download-geospatial-standards https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/accuracy/part3/index_html https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/accuracy/part3/index_html https://www.usgs.gov/ngp-standards-and-specifications/hydrography-standards-and-specifications https://www.usgs.gov/ngp-standards-and-specifications/hydrography-standards-and-specifications https://www.usgs.gov/ngp-standards-and-specifications/hydrography-standards-and-specifications https://www.section508.gov/ https://www.fgdc.gov/gda https://www.fs.usda.gov/emc/rig/protocols/vegclassmapinv.shtml https://www.fs.usda.gov/emc/rig/protocols/vegclassmapinv.shtml https://www.fs.usda.gov/soils/teui.shtml https://www.fs.usda.gov/soils/teui.shtml https://fgdc.gov/ https://www.fs.usda.gov/emc/rig/documents/protocols/vegClassMapInv/EVTG_v2-0_June2015.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/emc/rig/documents/protocols/vegClassMapInv/EVTG_v2-0_June2015.pdf

4. Performance Requirements

4.1. Program Management

4.1.1. General Responsibilities

General responsibilities of the contractor include:

• All work under this contract will be ordered via task order for specific projects. Site specific work ordering documents (e.g. PWS, Statement of Work, Statement of Objectives, etc.) will be specified for each task order.

Each task order will include a summary of the deliverables and delivery schedule. The contractor shall provide information for planning purposes, rough order of magnitudes, and technical and price proposals as necessary to support the award of individual task orders. The contractor shall propose the most appropriate and cost-effective procedures and methodologies using generally accepted engineering practices and controls.

• Except as provided per paragraph 4.1.3 (Government Furnished Property), the contractor shall furnish all necessary and appropriate personnel, facilities, consumables, and services needed for, or incidental to, performing and completing work in accordance with the requirements of this PWS.

• The contractor shall ensure personnel have the appropriate tools, hardware, and network access to perform all required duties.

• The contractor shall manage the timeliness, completeness, and quality of performance. The contractor shall provide corrective actions plans as necessary, timely identification of issues, and effective management of subcontractors.

• The contractor shall maintain a Training and Certification program (i.e.

initial and refresher training and training curriculum, certifications, and/or licenses to perform duties) for each functional area as required to satisfy the PWS requirements. The contractor shall maintain copies of training certificates, certifications, and/or licenses and provide them to the designated government representative upon request. The contractor shall bear the cost of their Training and Certification program.

• At the completion of a task order, the contractor shall perform all necessary project closeout activities. These activities may include:

Closing out any subcontracts; Preserving project records and files as required; Packaging and return of documents or GFP to the Government;

Preparation and submittal of completion reports; and providing financial closeout information to the Government.

• The contractor shall participate in, hold, and/or support various meetings, working groups, and briefings, and provide agendas and minutes. The contractor shall host quarterly Program Management Reviews (PMRs) and address the full spectrum of the program status including schedule, metrics, program cost, integrated support, and quality assurance status.

The contractor shall include a discussion on remote sensing and geospatial technology innovations or changes as they relate to or affect GTAC or the FS as a whole. PMRs shall be conducted at GTAC or another mutually agreed upon location.

• The contractor shall provide regular scheduled (e.g. weekly) project status and ad-hoc status. The contractor shall supply information to the Government quarterly for Information Resources Board (IRB) reports.

The contractor shall complete the Section 508 Voluntary Products Accessibility Template (VPAT) when required (annually around September/October).

• The contractor shall execute stewardship over obligated funding and ensure that projects are executed in the most efficient and affordable manner. The contractor shall provide financial information such as monthly performance and cost reports, depicting the cumulative hours/dollars expended by labor category and that remaining under the task order.

• The contractor shall participate in and support surveys, reviews, inspections, and audits when requested and approved by the Government including random and scheduled performance and quality reviews, Inspector General (IG), or other inspections.

• All contractor personnel shall identify themselves as contractors. Whether sending email or other written correspondence, attending meetings, answering government telephones, or working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties, the contractor shall make their status known to avoid creating an impression that they are government employees.

4.1.2. Quality Control

The contractor shall establish and maintain a comprehensive Quality Control Plan (QCP). At a minimum, this plan will include:

• A quality program that encourages innovations, efficiencies, and promotes the use of best practices for all functional areas of the contract, including program management.

• Appropriate metrics and indicators leading to continuous process improvement and enhanced productivity.

• A detailed description of the quality system procedures, including inspection and testing activities to verify that the specified requirements of the contract are met.

• A description of any quality control software used. Contractor provided software shall be compatible with Esri geospatial datasets and a working copy shall be provided to the Government, if requested.

• Procedures for implementing corrective action in response to nonconforming services or deficiencies, including: the effective handling of customer complaints; investigation of the cause of non-conformities;

determination of the corrective action; and application of controls to ensure corrective action is taken and that it is effective.

• Procedures for implementing preventative action, including the uses of appropriate sources of information to detect, analyze and eliminate potential causes of non-conformities; determination of the steps needed to deal with any problems requiring preventative action; initiation of preventative action and controls to ensure that it is effective; and confirmation that relevant information on actions taken is submitted for management review.

• Procedures for planning and implementing internal quality audits, as necessary per the nature of any given task order, verify whether quality activities and related results comply with planned arrangements and to determine the effectiveness of the quality system. Quality records shall be maintained to demonstrate conformance to specified requirements and the effective operation of a quality system.

• Procedures for identifying the training needs and provide for the training of all personnel performing activities affecting quality. Personnel performing specific assigned tasks shall be qualified on the basis of appropriate education, training and/or experience, as required.

The Government will review and approve the contractor’s QCP.

The contractor shall ensure that the QCP is implemented and maintained at all levels in the company organization.

The contractor shall review and participate as a Stakeholder in the surveillance process outlined in the Government’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

(QASP). The contractor shall ensure all employees working under this contract are familiar with the surveillance procedures in this document. The QASP is a living document that may be amended by the Government during the performance of this contract.

4.1.3. Government Furnished Property

Contractor-Assigned Government Furnished Property (GFP): The Government will provide GFP to the contractor on a rent-free basis for use of performance on this contract. The contractor shall establish, maintain, and implement a property management and control program in accordance with FAR Part 45 and the GFP clauses in the contract. The contractor shall maintain and update a listing of the GFP in their possession and allow the Government access to any GFP reports during the performance of the contract. GFP used in the conduct of this contract is under the control and accountability of the contractor. Contractor personnel are responsible for protecting, preserving, maintaining, and repairing any GFP in their possession according to the contract and their property control procedure. The contractor shall be liable for any and all loss or damage of GFP until transfer of property back to the Government occurs.

The Government will provide the following GFP, as required per task order:

• An FS imaged laptop and docking station.

• USDA-issued LincPass for access to federal facilities and computer systems.

Shared-Use and Incidental GFP: The Government will provide access to shared-use or incidental property for task orders performed at GTAC. Shared-use property may also be utilized by government staff and other contractor support personnel. Incidental property may be for the sole use of the contractor during contract performance.

Shared-use property may include:

• Equipment such as computer printers, plotters, photographic interpretation equipment (e.g. stereoscopes, light tables, scanners, and photographic printers), multi-media projector, portable computer, photo viewing devices, terrestrial and aerial cameras and sensors, GPS/GLONASS units and receivers, tablets and protective cases, survey measuring tapes, logger tapes, flagging tape, field marking stakes, and related equipment and supplies needed to deliver multimedia-supported training and presentations and while conducting field work or field training exercises.

• Equipment requiring agency training and/or certification for operation (e.g., uncrewed aerial vehicles and related devices, etc.) while conducting technology evaluation or field work.

• Laboratory space.

• Aerial photographs, index maps, hardcopy and/or softcopy of existing maps, satellite remote sensing data, digital elevation models, digital orthophoto quadrangles, digital line graphs, existing field data, and other ancillary data and pertinent information.

• Standards, specifications, source material, project plans for related projects, and relevant feasibility studies.

• Specialized hardware including ground station equipment.

• Office Internet and intranet access.

• GIS, image analysis, and other software.

• Ancillary data and information relevant to performance of project objectives, including data that may have particular access, use and storage requirements.

• Vehicle(s) for local/regional travel.

Onsite specific property may include:

• Cubicle workspace equipped with desk, chair, filing space, telephone, etc.

• FS imaged desk-top computers and monitors (depending on project requirements)

Contractor-Acquired Property (CAP):

• The contractor may acquire items during contract performance that shall become government property. Any material purchased under Time and Material line items shall be in accordance with the Government property clauses in the contract and shall be accounted for and maintained pursuant to that clause. The contractor is authorized to use Government Supply Sources (see FAR clause 52.251-1). All purchases made by the contractor shall be pre-approved by the Government. Government approval shall be submitted with the request for reimbursement.

4.1.4. Operation of Government-Owned Vehicles

Upon availability and in accordance with FSH 7109.19 CH60, Sec 61.4, the Government may provide vehicle(s) for shared-use under the contract/task orders for local and regional travel. This PWS, together with the award document, serves as an authorized agreement for use of a government-owned vehicle by the contractor. The contractor driver(s) shall use government-owned vehicles solely for performance under the contract/task order and only during the identified period of performance. Use of government-owned vehicle(s) requires adherence to the following:

• The Forest Service and the contractor shall have executed a written agreement or contract where employees are required to operate Forest Service vehicles as part of official duty.

• Forest Service fleet equipment must be used for official Forest Service business only and in accordance with the terms of the contract.

• Drivers and equipment operators shall hold appropriate operating licenses to meet State and Federal laws. Only properly licensed and qualified drivers may operate the equipment. Employees of contractors with valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) cannot be authorized to operate any commercial motor vehicles unless there is written documentation they are participating in a Department of Transportation Drug Testing program.

• Drivers and equipment operators shall complete a Defensive Driving and

Distracted Driving course every 4 years and prior to operating Forest Service fleet equipment.

• The contractor shall provide proof of and maintain comprehensive liability insurance within contract limits. Liability issues must be addressed in the contract.

• Drivers and equipment operators shall complete an orientation on operating fleet equipment, which includes information on: defensive and distracted driving, official use policies, appropriate use of the fleet credit card, retaining fleet credit card receipts and invoices, log books, appropriate behavior when driving, seatbelt use, accident reporting procedures, driving conditions in the Forest Service environment, preventative maintenance, daily and monthly fleet equipment inspections, emergency repair process, and so on (EM-7130-2).

• The Forest Service does not train, test, qualify, or certify cooperators, partners, contractors, or their employees. All costs for training, orientation, certification, and authorization are paid by the benefiting project.

A copy of all required documents shall be maintained by the contractor and provided to the COR.

4.1.5. Security

The Contractor shall ensure compliance with applicable security regulations and operations requirements for facility access and handling of information and materials. FS data and work environment is considered sensitive but unclassified.

The FS is required under the Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 “Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors” to perform a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) for contractor personnel. The NACI is a brief form of background investigation that is conducted through the Office of Personnel Management. This investigation will be conducted for contractor staff assigned to this contract. Contractor staff shall provide two (2) forms of acceptable identification, a current photograph, and be finger-printed. A current and successful clearance is required for a contractor employee to work under this contract.

For tasks dependent on access to the FS Network contract personnel shall be required to have FS network access. Contractors shall follow the “Person Model” process to obtain a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) known as LincPass.

Allowance of approximately six (6) weeks should be anticipated for activation of a LincPass.

All contractor personnel shall complete initial and annual security awareness training to maintain their access to FS systems.

Upon termination of employment, the contractor shall take immediate possession of the terminated personnel’s LincPass and close or restrict access to all USDA or FS accounts. The LincPass of terminated or separated personnel shall be returned to the Government within three (3) business days.

The contractor shall bear the cost of hiring qualified employees including labor time to perform interviews, the costs of background checks and security clearances, outside recruitment fees, the cost of job advertising, and initial and recurring training, etc.

4.1.6. Field Project Support

Field project support will be identified via individual task order and is highly variable reflecting the needs of the Government, the sponsors of GTAC, and the level of effort required for each task. This support may require work on weekends or any other hours outside of office hours and may be dependent on weather, equipment availability, data requirements, required coordination with cooperating agencies, or other project related variables. Field project support requirements may necessitate use of non-routine travel media, such as horses, boats, snowshoes, snowmobiles, skis, helicopters, etc., and clothing appropriate for safety and effectiveness in executing the required tasks. Contractor employees may be working in remote areas and may be exposed to natural conditions including, but not limited to, traveling over uneven and rocky terrain, encounters with bears and other wildlife, and inclement weather. The contractor is responsible for ensuring that all employees receive safety training and have proper personal protection equipment prior to commencing work in the project area.

4.1.7. Mission Essential Services

Some services under this contract, such as those supporting the western fire season, may be deemed as Mission Essential at time of task order issuance.

Mission Essential services must be performed under all circumstances to ensure the protection of life, health, and safety of individuals. Notwithstanding any other clause of this contract, the contractor shall be responsible to perform those services identified as Mission Essential during crisis situations (as identified in the individual task order or as directed by the Contracting Officer). In the event the contractor anticipates not being able to perform any of the Mission Essential services identified in the task order during a crisis situation, the contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer, the COR, and any other designated representative and use its best efforts to cooperate with the Government in the Government’s efforts to maintain continuity of operations. The Government reserves the right in such crisis situations to use federal employees, or contract support from other contractors for Mission Essential services. The contractor shall segregate and separately identify all costs incurred in continuing performance of Mission Essential services in a crisis situation. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of the costs within thirty days after continued performance has been directed by the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall include this paragraph as a clause in subcontracts for the Mission Essential services.

4.1.8. Travel

Travel may be required and shall be in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46 and the pricing arrangement utilized on the individual task order. When travel is required, the contractor shall employ the most economical and efficient means of travel, including number of hours for travel. Prior to incurring any travel expense on a cost reimbursable basis, the contractor shall obtain written authorization to travel from the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

The contractor shall provide justification for why travel is necessary and include travel dates, origin/destination, personnel traveling, and an estimate of total travel and labor cost, including supporting documentation. Reimbursement claims for expenses must be supported by valid receipts.

4.1.9. Records Management

As stated in DR 3099-001, the contractors shall certify that all Federal records, regardless of media, have been identified and transferred to the appropriate records management liaison or custodian. The attached Form AD-3001, Documentary Materials Removal/Non-Removal Certification and Non-Disclosure Agreement, shall be completed upon contract completion. The unauthorized removal, concealment, falsification, mutilation, or disposition of official records is prohibited by law and is subject to penalty (18 U.S.C. 2071).

Definition of Federal Records (See 44 U.S.C.3301). All books, papers, maps, photographs, machine-readable materials, or other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that are made or received by an agency of the United States Government under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business, and that are preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the Government or because of the informational value of data in them. Electronic communications such as electronic mail messages are included in this definition.

All U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) contractors are required by the Federal Records Act of 1950 and Departmental Regulation 3080-001 to receive training on properly identifying and managing their official records. Records are any material that provides documentation of USDA’s operations, functions, policies, procedures, decisions, and other activities. The course “USDA Records Management Fundamentals” may be access through AgLearn (www.aglearn.usda.gov).

4.1.10. End of Contract Transition

The contractor shall develop, maintain, and deliver and End of Contract Transition Plan at least 90 calendar days prior to contract ordering period expiration to ensure an orderly transition period and minimize any impact on open task orders and FS programs. At a minimum, this plan shall cover:

• The contractor’s management plans, processes, and structure to ensure continuation of open task orders and contract support through the end of the transition period.

• The contractor’s plans and processes to transfer all property, records, data, drawings, plans, etc.

• The contractor’s plans and processes to transfer responsibilities under the contract.

http://www.aglearn.usda.gov/

• A transition schedule.

The contractor shall allow as many personnel as practicable to remain on the job to enable the successor contractor to maintain the continuity and consistency of the services. The contractor shall disclose necessary personnel records, including key employees’ training, certification, and license status, and allow the successor to conduct interviews with employees. If transfer of personnel occurs, the contractor shall release employees to the successor contractor at a mutually agreeable date.

The contractor shall provide the successor contractor with full access to all non-proprietary data at the end of contract transition period. The contractor shall provide the Government a list of all proprietary data not included in the transition to the successor contractor.

The contractor shall provide the successor contractor access to the work area(s) and all technical documentation/publications on a not-to-interfere with operations basis during the transition period.

4.1.11. Key Personnel

Certain experienced, professional and/or technical personnel are essential for successful accomplishment of the work to be performed under this contract. These are defined as “Key Personnel” and are listed in the following PWS sections. The contractor agrees that such personnel shall not be removed from the contract work or replaced without compliance with the following:

• If one or more of the key personnel, for any reason, becomes or is expected to become unavailable for work under this contract for a continuous period exceeding 30 workdays, or is expected to devote substantially less effort to the work than indicated in the proposal or initially anticipated, the contractor shall promptly replace personnel with personnel of equal ability and qualifications.

• Changes to key personnel assignments must be provided to the Contracting Officer in writing along with a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the substitution. The request must contain a resume for the substitute evidencing the skill and relevant experience requirements for the position have been met, and any other information requested by the Contracting Officer.

If the Contracting Officer determines that suitable and timely replacement of Key Personnel who have been reassigned, terminated or have otherwise become unavailable for the contract work is not reasonably forthcoming or that the resultant reduction of productive effort would be so substantial as to impair successful completion of the contract, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract or task order for default or for the convenience of the Government, as appropriate, or make an equitable adjustment to the contract to compensate the Government for any resultant delay, loss or damage.

The contractor has the right to remove personnel assigned to perform the tasks hereunder and to substitute other qualified personnel provided that the Contracting Officer is notified of such removal and replacement. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer prior to such change, providing a resume for the substitute evidencing the skill and relevant experience requirements for the position have been met, background check/security clearance information, and any other information requested by the Contracting Officer.

Any removals or replacements (e.g. due to retirement, voluntary separation, etc.)

are at the convenience of the contractor and shall be at no additional cost to the Government. Cost to be borne by the contractor include, but are not limited to:

travel time, travel costs, and training costs for replacement personnel.

4.11.1.1 Geospatial Principal Investigator

Provide expert level strategic and technical support of a highly specialized nature. The Principal Investigator solves complex technical problems and is responsible for providing technical direction to federal program management staff and program stakeholders in order to define project scope, identify resource requirements, identify strategic risks, and assess project feasibility relative to the mission of GTAC, the Geospatial Management Office, and the Forest Service.

The minimum requirements for this position include all of the following:

• Demonstrated ability to problem solve at a strategic level, defining set plans to achieve business goals.

• Demonstrated experience providing expert level assistance in developing complex technical proposals and managing geospatial project activities.

• Applies expertise and knowledge in supervision of project staff for work required by the project including remote sensing data collection, field data collection, image processing and preparation of final deliverables.

• Demonstrated expertise in preparing publications, technical reports, guidelines, strategic-level documents, assessment and recommendations documents, etc.

• Presents research and work results at meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications.

-AND-

• Bachelor’s degree related to geography, GIS, remote sensing, or physical / biological / environmental discipline, including emphasis or coursework in geospatial analysis and modeling, and fifteen (15) years of…