S01 2023_NRI_SOW_MNDRAFT_LDSI.pdf

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USDA-NRCS MN NRI LDSI 2023

USDA-NRCS

Minnesota NRI-LDSI

FY23 (2022)

ABSTRACT

Contractor to conduct Natural Resources Inventory Data Survey Instrument (LDSI) activities for the State of Minnesota. Overall completion required by 31 Jan 2024, with optional subsequent orders through by 31 Jan 2028.

NRCS- Minnesota NRI

Solicitation Number 12FPC123Q0030

For More Information Contract:

Kristina Baker Kristina.Baker@usda.gov

Proposals are due 28 July 2023 mailto:Kristina.Baker@usda.gov

Contents

SCHEDULE B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

SCHEDULE B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES (Cont)

SCHEDULE C: DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS STATEMENT OF WORK -

NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY (NRI)

i. General:

ii. Confidentiality Agreement:

iii. Period of Performance

iv. Description of Work: ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

SCHEDULE D: PACKAGING AND MARKING

SCHEDULE E: INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

SCHEDULE F: DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

SCHEDULE G: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

SCHEDULE H: SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

SCHEDULE J: LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SCHEDULE C: DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS STATEMENT OF WORK -

LOCAL DATA SURVEY INSTRUMENT (LDSI) ...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

i. General: ........................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

ii. Confidentiality Agreement: .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

iii. Period of Performance ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

iv. Description of Work: ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

SCHEDULE D: PACKAGING AND MARKING ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

SCHEDULE E: INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

SCHEDULE F: DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

SCHEDULE G: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.

SCHEDULE H: SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.

SCHEDULE J: LIST OF ATTACHMENTS......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

SCHEDULE I: CONTRACT CLAUSES

SCHEDULE K: REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

BIDDERS

SCHEDULE L: INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR QUOTERS ...50

SCHEDULE M: EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

SCHEDULE B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

Local Data Survey Instrument (LDSI)

Period of Performance: The LDSI contract period will be from date of award through January 1, 2024 (for the base year and January 1st of following years for subsequent options)

001 Training Training must be completed prior to commencing the local data review.

Local Data

Coordination

Local data collection portion of NRI will be completed by the deadline date set by the National

Office. This date is variable from year to year, depending on availability of imagery, and has not been released to date. The contractor is expected to provide personnel to coordinate this work with local NRCS Resource Soil Scientists (RSS) and will keep the RSS informed of any correspondence from the Remote sending laboratories (RSL) or the Resource Inventory Division (RID) related to local data collection.

The contractor will monitor the available workload coming from the Remote sensing laboratories

(RSL) via Web Stats and report to State Soil Scientist on the progress of local data collection.

The contractor will monitor the available workload coming from the Remote sensing laboratories

(RSL) via Web Stats and report to State Soil Scientist on the progress of local data collection.

LDSI

Validation/

Verification

Commence local data review activities when the Local Data Survey Instrument (LDSI) becomes operational, on or about September 1, 2023. The contractor will provide the final quality assurance review of the local data, ensuring data meets the standards as specified in the training protocol for final SRIC approval.

Segments must be approved in the SRIC local data review tool by the deadline set by the National

Office.

LDSI Point

Rework

Anomalies/Discrepancies noted in the Data Summaries and other section of the SRIC Review must be addressed. The contractor shall identify these issues and coordinate with the RSS and field offices to correct or address in the SRIC review tool.

005 Travel

COR/CO and RSS determine that data anomalies/discrepancies are prevalent in the system and

CANNOT be corrected via teleconference (see point rework), the contractor may be authorized by the Contracting Officer to travel to the site for corrective measures. The authorization would be in conjunction with a determination that no other solution exists to accomplish the LDSI survey. All travel would be in accordance with the GSA travel regulation.

SCHEDULE B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES (Cont)

BASE YEAR: June 2023 – May 2024

GSA Schedule Category: 899

Service Description: Environmental Consulting Services

Offer Information:

OFFEROR: ______________________________________________

TAX ID: ______________________________________________

DUNS: ______________________________________________

GSA CONTRACT: _______________________________________

Period of Performance: The LDSI contract period will be from date of award through January 1, 2024

006 Training 1 Job (JC)

007 Local Data Coordination 25 HRS

008 LDSI Data Collection segments 1850* Point

(EA)

009 LDSI Point Rework 10

010 Travel 1 Job (JC)

NTE

LDSI Subtotal

NRI + LDSI TOTAL

*QTY in option years may vary. Rate quoted will be applied to actual QTY.

Final LDSI segment totals for MN are typically released around September each year. Contractors will not be paid for segments/points not cleared for data collection by the RSL.

OPTION YEAR 1: June 2024 – May 2025

Period of Performance: The LDSI contract period will be from date of award through January 1, 2025

006 Training 1 Job (JC)

007 Local Data Coordination 25 HRS

008 LDSI Data Collection segments 1850*

Final LDSI segment totals for MN are typically released around September each year. Contractors will not

OPTION YEAR 2: June 2025 – May 2026

Period of Performance: The LDSI contract period will be from date of award through January 1, 2026

006 Training 1 Job (JC)

007 Local Data Coordination 25 HRS

008 LDSI Data Collection segments 1850*

Final LDSI segment totals for MN are typically released around September each year. Contractors will not

OPTION YEAR 3: June 2026 – May 2027

Period of Performance: The LDSI contract period will be from date of award through January 1, 2027

006 Training 1 Job (JC)

007 Local Data Coordination 25 HRS

008 LDSI Data Collection segments 1850*

Final LDSI segment totals for MN are typically released around September each year. Contractors will not

OPTION YEAR 3: June 2027 – May 2028

Period of Performance: The LDSI contract period will be from date of award through January 1, 2028

006 Training 1 Job (JC)

007 Local Data Coordination 25 HRS

008 LDSI Data Collection segments 1850*

Final LDSI segment totals for MN are typically released around September each year. Contractors will not

SCHEDULE C: DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS

STATEMENT OF WORK - NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY (NRI)

for

Local Data Survey Instrument Activities

USDA/NRCS Minnesota

i. General:

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the United States Department of

Agriculture is mandated (through the Rural Development Act of 1972, the Soil and Water Resources

Conservation Act of 1977, and other supporting legislation) to assess the status, condition, and trends of soil, water, and related resources on the Nation’s non-Federal lands. Resources inventory legislative authorities, NRCS policy, and responsibilities for conducting the NRI are contained in NRCS General

Manual 290, Part 400. In order to accomplish this task, the NRCS will award one contract that requires the successful contractor to collect associated cropland information for the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI)

Local Data Survey Instrument (LDSI) activities in Minnesota.

ii. Confidentiality Agreement:

The NRI program is based upon rigorous scientific sample survey protocols. These protocols include maintaining and protecting the integrity and confidentiality of data gathering sites. USDA and NRCS policy states that: “The geographic locations of data gathering sites used for USDA’s NRI are not public information and are to be used only for purposes of official NRI data gathering activities or for such purposes approved by the Secretary”. All of the contractor’s data gatherers shall sign a Confidentiality

Statement under United States Code (USC), Title 18, Section 1905; USC, Title7, Section 2276 and USC, Title 7, Section 2240 for non-disclosure of confidential information relative to data site locations and/or private/corporate non-use of composite data. The Confidentiality Statement shall be signed prior to starting data collection. The NRI data that identifies owners, operators, or data collection sites are not to be released to the public. See Attachment 1.

iii. Period of Performance

Period of Performance: The overall contract period will be from date of award through January 1, 2024

006 Training • Training must be completed prior to commencing the local data review.

Local Data

Coordination

• Local data collection portion of NRI will be completed by the deadline date set by the National

Office. This date is variable from year to year, depending on availability of imagery, and has not been released to date. The contractor is expected to provide personnel to coordinate this work with local NRCS Resource Soil Scientists (RSS) and will keep the RSS informed of any correspondence from the Remote sending laboratories (RSL) or the Resource Inventory

Division (RID) related to local data collection.

• The contractor will monitor the available workload coming from the Remote sensing laboratories (RSL) via Web Stats and report to State Soil Scientist on the progress of local data collection.

• The contractor will monitor the available workload coming from the Remote sensing laboratories (RSL) via Web Stats and report to State Soil Scientist on the progress of local data collection.

LDSI

Validation/

Verification

• Commence local data review activities when the Local Data Survey Instrument (LDSI) becomes operational, on or about September 1, 2020. The contractor will provide the final quality assurance review of the local data, ensuring data meets the standards as specified in the training protocol for final SRIC approval.

• Segments must be approved in the SRIC local data review tool by the deadline set by the

National Office.

LDSI Point

Rework

• Anomalies/Discrepancies noted in the Data Summaries and other section of the SRIC Review must be addressed. The contractor shall identify these issues and coordinate with the RSS and field offices to correct or address in the SRIC review tool.

010 Travel

• COR/CO and RSS determine that data anomalies/discrepancies are prevalent in the system and

CANNOT be corrected via teleconference (see point rework), the contractor may be authorized by the Contracting Officer to travel to the site for corrective measures. The authorization would be in conjunction with a determination that no other solution exists to accomplish the

LDSI survey. All travel would be in accordance with the GSA travel regulation.

iv. Description of Work:

Local Data Survey Instrument (LSDI) Collection: “Local Data” is gathered by the contractor, who does not need to go out into the field. Generally, it involves reviewing conservation practices, production and other attributes (it involves entering data from FSA cropping history and comparing data to what has been entered in the past. The key is that the work can be done from one's desk). This data is available through the on-line Local Data Collection Survey Instrument database.

The contractor(s) must meet the State Resource Inventory Coordinator (SRIC) Data Reviewer education, experience, and proficiency as outlined in Section I of the Statement of Work. The contractor(s) shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities, except as otherwise specified, to perform the effort described below.

Overview – Nationally, there are 300,000 foundation segments, of which a subset is statistically sampled from for each annual survey. Segments are made up of both core and rotational segments. Core segments are visited every year, rotational segments are selected out of the NRI foundation. For example: In 2019, of the 300,000 national foundation segments, 72,529 segments were sent out for local data collection. The

Remote Sensing Laboratories (RSLs) review these segments, verifying land cover and selecting those that meet the criteria for local data collection (where at least one point is interpreted as grassland, cropland, hayland or general sign up CRP). For the 2022 survey in Minnesota, there are 2398 segments, of which approximately 1710 are projected to be cleared the RSLs for local data collection. Based on the ratio of core to rotational segments, the number cleared by the RSLs will vary from year to year. Each segment contains one to three sample points upon which data are to be collected. Contractors will not be paid for segments/points not cleared by the RSL or not assessed through the LDSI instrument.

Training

It is important that the contractor receive training in order to become familiar with the NRI data collection cycle, and the role of States in collecting accurate crop records, and other information related to erosion prediction and conservation practices. The contractor is required to review training on both the LDSI local data collection as well as the SRIC review process which will be available via Webinar or by accessing a recorded training session prior to the release date of the Local Data Survey Instrument. Notes and links to prior years training are included in Attachment 2, Reference Materials.

Local Data Collection, Verification, and Upload

i. Roles and Responsibilities

a. Resource Inventory Division (RID). Resource Inventory Division leads the NRI effort in cooperation with Iowa State University's Center for Survey Statistics and

Methodology and support from:

• NRCS National Geospatial Center of Excellence

• NRCS Information Technology Center

b. Remote Sensing Lab (RSL). RSLs and contractor have responsibility for managing the workload.

c. Local Data Collector. The field office individual(s) responsible for collection and initial upload of data in the SRIC Review “tool”.

d. Resource Soil Scientist (RSS). NRCS regional soil scientist tasked to coordinate

LDSI data upload from field offices with their region. The state is currently divided into four regions. See Attachment 3.

e. State Resource Inventory Coordinator (SRIC). Responsible for coordination and leadership in collection of National Resources Inventory (NRI) onsite and local data within the state, and coordination and communication with the Resources Inventory and Assessment Division (RIAD), the Regional Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL), the Iowa State University Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (ISU

CSSM), and other units involved in the NRI survey process.

f. Contractor. The contractor will act in a support capacity to MN NRCS for the

LDSI. Efforts may include: Coordination with local field offices for data input, data entry into the LDSI tool, review and correction of local field data as needed, coordination with the SRIC on local field data reviews, rework of any data in error, and supporting SRIC through final approval of data. The contractor may be granted access for review per NHQ training and at the request of the SRIC but shall not act as the final approving authority.

The contractor is required to open each segment in the LDSI, review the photo imagery, confirm the cropping history through the FSA data, and ensure the data entry seems reasonable and follows local guidance for all entered survey elements.

Communicate with the local data collectors and the NRCS NRI point of contact to address any concerns and ensure you are clear on all parts of the review process.

ii. Data Collection and Upload Process

The process below is abridged. Refer to NHQ e-directives for any changes and updates.

a. Local Data Collection/Contractor Coordination: “Local Data” is gathered directly by assigned NRCS local data collectors without going into the field. Generally, it involves reviewing conservation practices, production and other attributes.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/contact/conservation/ssra/?cid=nrcs143_021546 http://www.cssm.iastate.edu/ http://www.cssm.iastate.edu/ http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/ngce/ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/null/?cid=nrcsdev11_000933

i. The contractor shall coordinate Local Data Collection with the assigned

NRCS local data collectors. Local Data Collection portion of NRI will be completed by the deadline date set by the National Office. This date is variable from year to year, depending on availability of imagery, and has not been released to date. The contractor is expected to provide personnel to coordinate and complete this work.

b. LDSI Validation/ Verification: The contractor will be provided tools (planning data sets and Web stats) for managing workload and to track progress locally. The

RSLs will help resolve data inconsistencies and will work with the SRICs/contractor to resolve problems that arise during data collection. Additionally, the contractor may contact the NRI Resource Inventory Division (RID) support staff and MN

NRCS technical staff/RSS with questions regarding any part of the local data collection process or to receive clarification on specific conditions at a defined segment point.

i. The contractor shall review each segment, correct errors, and ensure consistency and accuracy in the local data according to the protocol and procedures as outlined in the provided training from the RID. The contractor will also verify that data entered is consistent with local trends and practices for each county. The contractor will be supplied with guidance documents Attachment 002 Reference Materials.

ii. Data review shall begin when the LDSI becomes operational, which varies from year to year and has not been released to date. Work will be completed in accordance with the table set forth at section F

(“Deliveries/Performance”) of this Statement of Work.

iii. Segments must be completed in the LDSI one month prior to the deadline set by the National Office. This will allow the SRIC ample time to complete their final quality assurance review. Any anomalies/discrepancies identified by the SRIC during their final QA must be addressed and rectified in order for segments to be considered “complete”.

c. LDSI Point Rework. Anomalies/discrepancies identified by the SRIC must be addressed by the contractor. The contractor shall identify these issues and coordinate with the RSS and field offices to correct or address in the LDSI. ALL point rework should be coordinated and approved through the COR prior to initiating work. One point is equivalent to one hour of work.

i. Rework can consist of errors in the initial data load from the local data collector. This rework should be minimal due to constraints implemented in the SRIC Review tool.

ii. Rework may also consist of “unique” issues identified by the local data collector that require additional coordination or technical knowledge to resolve.

d. Travel. If the COR/CO and RSS determine that data anomalies/discrepancies are prevalent in the system and CANNOT be corrected via teleconference (see point rework), the contractor may be authorized by the Contracting Officer to travel to the site for corrective measures. The authorization would be in conjunction with a determination that no other solution exists to accomplish the LDSI survey. All travel would be in accordance with the GSA travel regulation.

SCHEDULE D: PACKAGING AND MARKING

NA

SCHEDULE E: INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Quality Assurance (QA)/Performance-Based Requirements:

The COR will coordinate the evaluation of Contractor performance. Once the contractor completes LDSI data entry for two sample counties (one with data collection required on K and V factors, one without), and before the contractor recommends approval to the SRIC any segments in the SRIC review tool, NRCS will provide Quality Assurance Reviews (QAR) for up to 10% of collected data segments. Any issues related to the quality or correctness of collected data will be corrected as soon as possible before the contractor can continue LDSI data entry.

SCHEDULE F: DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

Deliverables:

The contractor(s) shall submit the following:

1. Local Data collection shall be completed, and quality controlled by the dates to be specified after imagery acquisition is complete. All segments must be approved in the SRIC review tool no later than midnight January 31, 2024.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, AND FACILITIES

i. Government Furnished Property (GFP): None.

ii. Government Furnished Materials (GFM): The NRCS will provide GFM in the form of LDSI support materials including reference documents, land use codes, and small grain equivalent conversion charts. Materials will be delivered by the performance start date, if needed/requested.

All NRI support materials must be returned to NRCS at the end of the performance period.

iii. Government Furnished Facilities (GFF): None.

A. CONTRACTOR PROVIDED PROPERTY:

The contractor shall coordinate and provide computers. The computers shall be current on all anti-virus software and can access the LDSI and Web Stats outside a government network

B. REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CONTRACTOR PROFICIENCY TRAINING:

a. Contractors entering LDSI data must meet the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Qualification Standard for a GS-457-9 Soil Conservationist. Qualifications for this position are described below and are published in the "OPM Operating Manual for Qualification

Standards for General Schedule Positions". See:

http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/index.htm

Basic Requirement:

i. Degree: in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. The study must have included 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crop or plant science.

Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crop or plant science.

-OR-

ii. Combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines as shown in A above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops and plant science.

b. Evaluation of Education: Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education that imparted broad but general knowledge and skills. Courses in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil genesis, plant physiology, plant science, and field crops are examples of specialized courses that contribute towards meeting the required 12 semester hours as described above. Courses in the physical sciences or engineering such as geology, civil engineering, and hydrology also meet the soils, crops, or plant science course requirements where such courses included a complete introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils.

c. Evaluation of Experience: Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the soil conservation occupation. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in soil conservation work.

http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/index.htm

Note: Education and experience may be combined for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable.

At Least Two Years’ Experience in the Following:

• NRI LDSI local data entry

• Working in Midwestern states in the field of agronomy or natural resources conservation

• Working with corn, soybean, and hay land cropping rotations and the tillage systems typically used with these rotations

• Working with and an understanding of the Conservation Reserve Program

(CRP)

• Understanding of standard NRCS conservation practices and irrigation systems

(type, source, and delivery systems)

• Working with and an understanding of the Revised Universal Soil Loss

Equation (RUSLE) management systems and support practices including but not limited to contouring, strips, diversions, and subsurface drainage

Less experienced and/or less qualified personnel may not enter data into the LDSI. Note:

College transcripts, resumes, and references may be requested by the government to verify education, experience, and performance.

d. LDSI Data Managers shall have a working knowledge of the NRI local data collection process and demonstrate an ability to:

• Understand and follow NRI LMNI data entry protocols

• Interpret aerial photography to verify land use/land cover, FSA cropping history, and to recognize photo signatures of conservation practices such as contouring, strips, diversions, etc.

• Understand the Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ), more specifically how K factors (ridge roughness) and V factors (vegetative cover) impact the equation outputs.

• Understand tillage practices, crop rotations, and their combined impact on residue cover.

• Determine small grain equivalents based on crop type and percent residue.

e. LDSI Data Managers must be authorized by the CO before reviewing NRI local data. LDSI data entry authorization is granted on an annual basis; data reviewers authorized in the previous year must be authorized for the current year before they are permitted to review data.

To become authorized, the data reviewers must be trained in the local data collection and

SRIC review protocols, sign an NRI confidentiality certification agreement, and pass NRCS

QAR of initially reviewed segments). Authorization may be rescinded by the Government if quality standards are not met or fabrication is detected. See training information provided in

Attachment 2, Reference Materials.

SCHEDULE G: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

C. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

1. CONTRACTOR TRAINING

The contractor(s) shall review NRCS provided Lo for the annual NRI LDSI local data review and

SRIC review on data entry protocols. Contractor shall review both training sessions (estimated duration: 3 hours) prior to data review. To be authorized to review data: one must review training provided and pass the NRCS QAR as outlined under Schedule E. There will be no charge for the

NRCS provided training.

2. TELECONFERENCES

"As-needed" teleconferences with NRCS shall be scheduled whenever requested by the COR or the contractor to review items including progress, questions relating to the project, work revised, or decisions which need to be made with the intention of expediting the completion of the contract.

3. REVIEW PROCEDURES

Work completed by the contractor will be reviewed and approved by the COR.

4. CHANGES

Throughout the period of this contract the contractor can expect to receive government directed changes to the manner in which processes are being performed. Changes include minor changes in data collection instructions and data collection software. Directives may be received in the form of, but not limited to, memoranda, and other informal means of communication.

The contractor shall immediately implement changes to processes approved by the COR that result in a decrease to or no change in the contract price. A proposal documenting the decreased cost will be submitted within 10 working days. Any changes that result in increases in price can only be approved by the CO. A proposal showing the revised work and increased cost must be submitted to the CO and approved in a written modification before commencing the change in work.

5. PAYMENT

Bi-monthly payment shall be made in accordance with the contract requirements at the price per unit for this work. Points/hrs. are “completed” when approved by the COR and checked approved in the

SRIC review tool. Invoicing shall be accomplished through the IPP system.

SCHEDULE H: SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

SCHEDULE J: LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1: NRI Confidentiality Statement

CONFIDENTIALITY CERTIFICATION AND REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO NATIONAL RESOURCES

INVENTORY (NRI) DATA

Confidentiality Statement

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is responsible for conducting the National Resources Inventory (NRI) as mandated by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) legislative authorities and directed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The NRCS objectives in conducting natural resource inventories are to: (a) fulfill legislative mandates; (b) conduct all phases of the NRI in accordance with scientifically developed statistical principles, procedures, and practices; (c) obtain scientifically credible, timely, and relevant information about the Nation's natural resources and environmental conditions at national, regional, and sub-regional levels; (d) collect and develop science-based, continuous natural resource information in support of NRCS strategic planning and accountability; (e) provide information to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation programs; (f) support development of agri-environmental policy and programs at national, regional, and local levels; (g) provide information to the public on the status, condition, and trends of the Nation’s soil, water, and related resources; and (h) provide the scientific community with natural resource information to facilitate the development of models, analysis tools, and reports.

It is NRCS policy to operate the NRI program on the basis of rigorous, scientifically developed sample survey (i.e., statistical) principals and protocols. Inherent to this policy is the requirement to maintain and protect the integrity and confidentiality of data collection sites so that periodic monitoring of conditions at these sites continues to provide statistically valid data.

Proper security and confidentiality of information and materials pertaining to locations of data gathering sites must be maintained. Site locations (identified by coordinate systems, depicted by maps or photographs, or described by direct observation of survey location conditions, and other materials assembled for inventories) are not public information and shall be used only for official inventory purposes. This critical requirement must be met in order to ensure the statistical integrity and validity of the NRI survey design, dataset, and estimates, to prevent intended or unintended sampling bias, and to maintain the confidentiality and cooperation of landowners and operators.

In order to meet NRCS policy requirements related to the confidentiality of NRI sample locations and to maintain statistical validity, integrity, and credibility of NRI data and estimates, the Director, Resource Inventory & Assessment Division (RIAD), NRCS, has established this Confidentiality Agreement framework. This agreement is to be signed and adhered to by all individuals requiring access to or use of NRI program sensitive information. This agreement applies to NRI program staff and NRCS cooperators approved under these provisions.

The Confidentiality Agreement includes four sections. Sections A and B relate to specific kinds of data requests from individuals. Section C is a data release form used by the NRI National

Statistician and Confidentiality Officer, delegated by the RIAD Director to approve or disapprove such requests. Section D outlines federal code related to the agreement. The agreement requires acceptance of the provisions and stipulations identified in sections A, B, C, and D of this document.

A) Certification and restrictions on use of unpublished National Resources Inventory (NRI) data.

B) National Resources Inventory (NRI) Data Request Overview C) National Resources Inventory (NRI) Data Release Authorization D) United States Code, Title 18, Section 1905 "Disclosure of confidential information generally”, United States Code, Title 7, Section 2276 "Confidentiality of Information, United States Code, Title 7, Section 2204 "General duties of Secretary; advisory functions; research and development"

These provisions are consistent with, and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by existing statute or Executive order relating to (1) classified information, (2) communications to Congress, (3) the reporting to the Inspector General of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or (4) any other whistleblower protection. The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.

These restrictions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by Executive Order No. 12958; section 7211 of title 5, United States Code (governing disclosures to Congress); section 1034 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by the Military Whistleblower Protection Act (governing disclosure to Congress by members of the military); section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code, as amended by the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 (governing disclosures of illegality, waste, fraud, abuse or public health or safety threats); the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982 (50 U.S.C. 421 et seq.) (governing disclosures that could expose confidential Government agents); and the statutes which protect against disclosure that may compromise the national security, including sections 641, 793, 794, 798, and 952 of title 18, United States Code, and section 4(b) of the Subversive Activities Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 783(b)). The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by said Executive order and listed statutes are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.

A: CERTIFICATION AND RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF UNPUBLISHED NATIONAL RESOURCES

INVENTORY (NRI) DATA

The specific conditions of this agreement are:

1. The data provided have not been published by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and cannot be considered as official estimates.

2. All individual NRI sample site location data are confidential and, (check one): ____ must be used on-site in NRCS: ____ can be used off-site. No copies of reports or computer files or data sets containing these sample site locations can be made or published. Also, summaries that could possibly reveal the location and/or identity of an NRI sample site may not be published nor made public to anyone not covered by this agreement.

3. These data will be used for ”statistical, analytical and research purposes” only, and for purposes that enhance the National Resources Inventory and benefit the Secretary of Agriculture's ability to direct programs related to natural resources.

4. Dissemination or sharing of data, whether in original form or aggregated, with persons other than those who are directly associated with the project for which the data were obtained and who have completed the CONFIDENTIALITY CERTIFICATION AND REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO UNPUBLISHED NATIONAL RESOURCES INVENTORY (NRI) DATA agreement is strictly prohibited.

5. A courtesy briefing of any report using unpublished data will be given to the Director, Resource Inventory & Assessment Division, prior to publication.

6. Any questions regarding access to unpublished data, propriety of reports or analysis shall be referred to the NRI National Statistician for appropriate response.

In addition to the above conditions, I have been provided a copy of United States Code, Title 18, Section 1905, “Disclosure of confidential information generally”, Title 7, Section 2276, “Confidentiality of Information”, and Title 7, Section 2204, "General duties of the Secretary;

advisor functions; research and development".

If approval is granted, all employees and/or sub-agents who will have access to NRI datasets will be required to sign a notarized or witnessed copy of the CONFIDENTIALITY CERTIFICATION AND

REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO UNPUBLISHED NATIONAL RESOURCES INVENTORY (NRI) DATA

agreement, including any personnel who have access by virtue of their administration of equipment or sites where the data is located. This signature certifies compliance with the laws and regulations listed in the agreement regarding confidentiality and other restrictions limiting the use of NRI datasets to the purpose(s) stated in section B: "National Resources Inventory (NRI) Data Request Overview".

I certify that I have read the above-mentioned conditions and regulations this ______ day of __________, 20_____, and understand and agree to these conditions concerning the use of unpublished NRI data provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in response to my request.

(Signature of individual) (Type or print name)

(Agency/Organization) (Mailing address)

(Email Address) (Phone Number)

Witnessed by: ______________________________ Date Witnessed: __________________ Representative of Director, RIAD, USDA-NRCS

B: NATIONAL RESOURCES INVENTORY (NRI) DATA REQUEST OVERVIEW

Specify data needed (include dates of coverage if applicable):

The following use will be made of these data:

Attach other appropriate project information including:

(1) Timing of the proposed project.

(2) Methods of analysis or statistical techniques to be used.

(3) Levels of reliability required.

(4) Level of interpretation planned.

(5) Where the data set will reside or be used.

(6) Organizational units and/or sub-agents who will have access to the data.

(7) Disposition of data

C: NATIONAL RESOURCES INVENTORY (NRI) DATA RELEASE AUTHORIZATION (reference section A, "Certification and restrictions on use of unpublished National Resources Inventory (NRI) data", and section B, "National Resources Inventory (NRI) data request overview")

Approved _____________________

Disapproved for the following reasons: Date of data base (if applicable)

Signature of NRCS National Statistician and NRI Confidentiality Officer Date

D: UNITED STATES CODE, Title 18, Section 1905; UNITED STATES CODE, Title 7, Section 2276 and, UNITED STATES CODE, Title 7, Section 2204

UNITED STATES CODE

Title 18, Section 1905

Disclosure of confidential information generally. Whoever, being an officer or employee of the United States or of any department or agency thereof, any person acting on behalf of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, or agent of the Department of Justice as defined in the Antitrust Civil Process Act (15 U.S.C. 1311–1314), or being an employee of a private sector organization who is or was assigned to an agency under chapter 37 of title 5, publishes, divulges, discloses, or makes known in any manner or to any extent not authorized by law any information coming to him in the course of his employment or official duties or by reason of any examination or investigation made by, or return, report or record made to or filed with, such department or agency or officer or employee thereof, which information concerns or relates to the trade secrets, processes, operations, style of work, or apparatus, or to the identity, confidential statistical data, amount or source of any income, profits, losses, or expenditures of any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association; or permits any income return or copy thereof or any book containing any abstract or particulars thereof to be seen or examined by any person except as provided by law; shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and shall be removed from office or employment.

UNITED STATES CODE

Title 7, Section 2276

Confidentiality of information

(a) Authorized disclosure

In the case of information furnished under a provision of law referred to in subsection (d) of this section, neither the Secretary of Agriculture, any other officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture or agency thereof, nor any other person may---

(1) use such information for a purpose other than the development or reporting of aggregate data in a manner such that the identity of the person who supplied such information is not discernible and is not material to the intended use of such information;

(2) disclose such information to the public, unless such information has been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form that does not allow the identification of the person who supplied particular information; or

(3) in the case of information collected under the authority described in paragraph (12) or (13) of subsection (d), disclose the information to any person or any Federal, State, local, or tribal agency outside the Department of Agriculture, unless the information has been converted into a statistical or aggregate form that does not allow the identification of the person that supplied particular information.

(b) Duty of Secretary; immunity from disclosure; necessary consent

(1) In carrying out a provision of law referred to in subsection (d) of this section, no department, agency, officer, or employee of the Federal Government, other than the Secretary of Agriculture, shall require a person to furnish a copy of statistical information provided to the Department of Agriculture.

(2) A copy of such information:

(A) shall be immune from mandatory disclosure of any type, including legal process; and

(B) shall not, without the consent of such person be admitted as evidence or used for any purpose in any action, suit, or other judicial or administrative proceeding.

(c) Violations; penalties

Any person who shall publish, cause to be published, or otherwise publicly release information collected pursuant to provision of law referred to in subsection (d) of this section, in any manner or for any purpose prohibited in section 1 (a) of this section, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.

(d) Specific provisions for collection of information

For purposes of this section, a provision of law referred to in this subsection means-

(1) the first section of the Act entitled "An Act authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to collect and publish statistics of the grade and staple length of cotton", approved March 3, 1927 (7 U.S.C. 471) (commonly referred to as the "Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act");

(2) the first section of the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the collection and publication of statistics of tobacco by the Department of Agriculture", approved January 14, 1929 (7 U.S.C. 501);

(3) the first section of the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the collection and publication of statistics of peanuts by the Department of Agriculture", approved June 24, 1936 (7 U.S.C.

951);

(4) section 203(g) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1622(g));

(5) section 526(a) of the Revised Statutes (7 U.S.C. 2204(a));

(6) the Act entitled "An Act providing for the publication of statistics relating to spirits of turpentine and resin", approved August 15, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 2248);

(7) section 42 of title 13;

(8) section 4 of the Act entitled "An Act to establish the Department of Commerce and

Labor", approved February 14, 1903 (15 U.S.C. 1516);

(9) section 2 of the joint resolution entitled "Joint resolution relating to the publication of economic and social statistics for Americans of Spanish origin or descent", approved June 16, 1976 (15 U.S.C. 1516a);

(10) section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e));

(11) section 2204g of this title;

(12) section 302 of the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 1010a) regarding the authority to collect data for the National Resources Inventory; or

(13) section 10109 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.

(e) Information provided to Secretary of Commerce This section shall not prohibit the release of information under section 2204g(f)(2) of this title.

UNITED STATES CODE

Title 7, Sec. 2204

General duties of Secretary; advisory functions; research and development

(a) The Secretary of Agriculture shall procure and preserve all information concerning agriculture, rural development, aquaculture, and human nutrition which he can obtain by means of books and correspondence, and by practical and scientific experiments, accurate records of which experiments shall be kept in his office, by the collection of statistics, and by any other appropriate means within his power; he shall collect new and valuable seeds and plants; shall test, by cultivation, the value of such of them as may require such tests; shall propagate such as may be worthy of propagation; and shall distribute them among agriculturists; and he shall advise the President, other members of his Cabinet, and the Congress on policies and programs designed to improve the quality of life for people living in the rural and nonmetropolitan regions of the Nation.

(b) The Secretary is authorized to initiate or expand research and development efforts related to solution of problems of rural water supply, rural sewage and solid waste management, rural housing, rural industrialization, and technology appropriate to small- and moderate-sized family farming operations, and any other problem that the Secretary may determine has an effect upon the economic development or the quality of life in rural areas.

Attachment 2: Reference Materials

Training Links The recording from the 20121 Local Data Collection Training has now been uploaded to YouTube. It can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/bnue5Qy1pic It can also be viewed within LDSI. It replaced last year’s training recording and can be found by clicking on the “Ldsi Training” link in the upper right hand corner of LDSI (See screen clip below).

The recording for the 2019 SRIC Review Training has been uploaded to YouTube and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/hbxAo4kK1K0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2Fbnue5Qy1pic&data=05%7C01%7C%7C708df07201ef409de29808da929ca50a%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637983499313641548%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=uCQcaVg5vMyGuSF7APYhTeITbUoA0h8oYcEsDX1KDoo%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FhbxAo4kK1K0&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ca9ed50acff2349b558e408d8829bae78%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C1%7C637402952446747859%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=fA4DCTgLpvfPRAp59eLZGXiINROesde1ZcVcMYzk%2FSk%3D&reserved=0

National Resources Inventory LDSI Links Training LSDI (for practice):

https://www.nrisurvey.org/training_ldsi/

Production LDSI (for data entry):

https://www.nrisurvey.org/ldsi/

Attachment 3: Resource Soil Scientist Contacts

SCHEDULE I: CONTRACT CLAUSES

Contract Clauses and Provisions

I.1 AGAR 452.211-72 – Statement of Work/Specifications (Feb 1988)

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the objectives set forth in the Performance Work

Statement/Specifications referenced in Section C.

https://www.nrisurvey.org/training_ldsi/ https://www.nrisurvey.org/ldsi/

(End of Clause)

I.2 AGAR 452.211-74 – Period of Performance (Feb 1988)

The period of performance for this award shall be for one (1) base year and four (4) options years after receipt of award.

(End of Clause)

I.3 AGAR 452.246-70 – Inspection Acceptance (Feb 1988)

(a) The Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s duly authorized representative will inspect and accept the supplies and/or services to be provided under this contract.

(b) Inspection and acceptance will be performed after each service requirement is completed.

(End of clause)

I.4 Limitation of Authority

The government assigned Project or Program Manager, Task POC, or COR are responsible for monitoring the Contractor’s performance. Any proposed modifications to the task order, such as changes to the scope of work, or to the terms and conditions of the task order must be authorized by the Contracting Officer.

(End of clause)

I.5 AGAR 452.224-70 – Confidentiality of Information (Feb 1988)

(a) Confidential information, as used in this clause, means --

(1) information or data of a personal nature, proprietary about an individual, or (2) information or data submitted by or pertaining to an organization.

(b) In addition to the types of confidential information described in (a)(1) and

(2) above, information which might require special consideration with regard to the timing of its disclosure may derive from studies or research, during which public disclosure of primarily invalidated findings could create an erroneous conclusion which might threaten public health or safety if acted upon.

(c) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify elsewhere in this contract specific information and/or categories of information which the Government will furnish to the Contractor or that the

Contractor is expected to generate which is confidential. Similarly, the contracting

Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify such confidential information from time to time during the performance of the contract. Failure to agree will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause.

(d)…