sGRIN-Global 2021 Performance Work Statement.docx

Description: Contract to provide technical writing/documentation and technical training assistance to the GRIN-Global project, National Germplasm Resources Laboratory.

Statement of Work and Requirements The Contractor Shall:

· Conduct training workshops as required for staff of the USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) and related partners/customers on the use of the GRIN-Global genebank management software. The NPGS training workshops will primarily use virtual and distance learning tools. Coordinate and lead distance learning using appropriate technologies. Develop innovative assistance learning tools (e.g. videos, user guides, cookbook-like instructions, FAQs, etc.) to help NPGS users and external customers achieve proficiency in using GRIN-Global. Travel for in-person domestic workshops may be required but rarely, typically no more than once per year. Such requirements are impossible to predict, and therefore will be negotiated separately and enacted as needed with contract funding modifications.

· Perform technical writing to develop and update user manuals and associated documentation for each release of the software, including Data Dictionary, Administrator's Guide, Installation Guide, Curator Tool User’s Guide, Release Notes, help files, etc. The timeline may vary for each product and will be discussed in advance, but generally will be no later than 20 days after each release of the newest version of the software.

· Test and document system performance and features for both technical development team and end-product users as part of a group effort to ensure the released software is functionally sound.

· Develop and update content for the GRIN-Global project public website with documentation, announcements, photographs and other information that is approved for widespread dissemination.

· Answer technical inquiries, usually by email, from domestic and international customers regarding the documents created, and software features and functions. Engage with GRIN-Global Development Team members on any matters that are beyond the contractor’s level of expertise.

· Attend regularly-scheduled GRIN-Global team meetings to report progress and discuss any problems, typically using virtual tools such as Zoom.

Reports/Documentation:

The Contractor shall provide all reports and documentation to the Government in the appropriate electronic and written formats. The electronic versions shall be created using Microsoft Word in a format agreed to by the Government. Some reporting may require corollary presentation formats using Microsoft Office Suite, e.g. Excel, PowerPoint.

Place of Performance:

Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Building 003, 10300 Baltimore Avenue BARC-West Beltsville, MD 20705 Or alternative work site(s) as agreed upon with technical contact

Period of Performance:

March 24, 2021 – March 23, 2022 with options for extension

Evaluation of Performance/Quality Assurance Surveillance:

The Contractor shall be evaluated based on the timeliness and accuracy of the delivered products and services. The evaluation shall be performed by the Research Leader of the National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, who is also the USDA system owner for GRIN and the COR/technical contact for the contract. Criteria used to assess accuracy and quality will include: technically accurate information in the documentation/absence of inaccurate information; clarity of guidance, instructions, step-wise protocols etc. to allow users to perform the task with proficiency commensurate with their experience with the system; documentation free of spelling and grammatical mistakes; avoidance of jargon or slang that may not translate accurately into languages other than English and used by international customers; feedback from participants and customers about the effectiveness of training classes and assistance/question requests and experiences; up-to-date and accurate content on the project website.

Government Furnished Workspace:

The Government will provide work space and customary office equipment in B-003, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center as needed. The Government will provide a laptop computer with the necessary software for both on-site and off-site access to Government networks, including the Microsoft Azure cloud instance of GRIN-Global.

Security and Dissemination of Information:

The work and information the Contractor shall provide the Government will not be sensitive. The goal is to ensure widespread and successful adoption and use of the GRIN-Global system, which is public domain software. However, all regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to the safeguarding of government information management systems and data will apply to the Contractor.

Invoicing and Payment:

The Contractor shall provide an invoice to the Government monthly and be paid within 30 days maximum after the invoice is received.