CUI

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

FOR LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES (LSS)

PART 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

October 15, 2026

1. INTRODUCTION

This is a non-personal services contract to provide Laboratory Support Services (LSS). The Government shall not exercise supervision or control over Contractor personnel performing the services described herein. Contractor personnel shall be accountable solely to the Contractor, who is responsible to the Government for performance under this contract.

1.1. BACKGROUND

The Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) conducts global research, investigation, recovery, and laboratory operations to identify and account for unaccounted-for Department of Defense (DoD) personnel from past conflicts. These efforts support the DoD personnel accounting mission.

DPAA was established on January 30, 2015; however, its predecessor organizations have supported the personnel accounting mission for decades. DPAA operates a satellite laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, which opened in June 2013. DPAA also maintains permanent detachments that support host-nation access, logistics, and in-country requirements for investigation and recovery operations. These detachments include Detachment 1 in Bangkok, Thailand; Detachment 2 in Hanoi, Vietnam; Detachment 3 in Vientiane, Laos; and Detachment Europe in Miesau, Germany.

DPAA Scientific Analysis (SA), also referred to as the DPAA laboratory, is a large and diverse forensic skeletal laboratory staffed by forensic anthropologists, archaeologists, and odontologists.

The laboratory performs scientific analysis to support the identification of missing personnel. In 2003, the laboratory became the second Federal laboratory to achieve accreditation under the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) International Standards Program. Laboratory accreditation supports the DoD Defense Forensic Enterprise program and is consistent with DoD Directive 5110.10, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

DPAA regional directorates, including the Indo-Pacific (IP) Directorate and Europe-Mediterranean (EM) Directorate, conduct complex historical research and archaeological analysis in support of recovery, investigation, and disinterment missions. The regional directorates plan and execute field investigations and recovery operations worldwide. The Partnerships and Innovations Directorate supports these global field operations.

This contract supports DPAA laboratory and regional-directorate requirements necessary to advance the Agency’s mission of accounting for as many missing service members as feasible each year.

DPAA’s planning objective is to maintain the capacity and capability to account for 200 or more individuals annually.

1.2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide professional, administrative, management, scientific, technical, and field-support services in support of DPAA laboratory and regional-directorate operations, as defined in this PWS, except for Government-furnished services identified elsewhere in this contract. Services include support for forensic laboratory operations; scientific and historical research; laboratory testing and analysis; archaeological and recovery-related field operations; geospatial analysis; data management; technical documentation; and associated administrative and program-management functions. The Contractor shall perform all services in accordance with the standards, procedures, and performance requirements established in this contract.

1.3. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this PWS are to:

1. Provide qualified professional and technical support to DPAA forensic laboratory operations and scientific analysis activities.

2. Support scientific, historical, archaeological, and geospatial research necessary to advance DPAA investigation, recovery, disinterment, and identification missions.

3. Support laboratory testing, analysis, documentation, and research activities that enhance or augment DPAA laboratory standard operating procedures and forensic-identification capabilities.

4. Provide field-support services for remote and worldwide archaeological investigations and recovery operations, as required by the Government.

5. Provide administrative and management support that enables effective planning, coordination, execution, documentation, and quality control of contract services.

6. Support DPAA’s capacity to account for missing DoD personnel while maintaining required scientific, technical, and quality standards.

1.4. SCOPE

1.4.1. General

DPAA requires the services of a qualified Government contractor experienced in forensics, anthropology, archaeology, pathology, odontology, data science, DNA collections for autosomal Short Tandem Repeat (STR), YSTR, MtDNA, next-generation sequencing, forensic evidence processing, logistics, field laboratory services, information technology, and historical research to support DPAA in its mission.

The Contractor shall provide professional services to support three operational objectives at DPAA:

1. Laboratory Support Program;

2. Research Support Program; and

3. Field Support Program.

1.4.1.1. Laboratory Support Program

Laboratory Support is the primary requirement under this PWS. The Contractor shall provide forensic testing and data-analysis services in the areas of anthropology, odontology, chemistry, and support roles to achieve the Agency’s mission. Identification efforts are conducted through forensic analysis, testing, and research completed by professionals in the fields of forensic anthropology, forensic archaeology, forensic odontology, isotope analyses, data science, and other scientific disciplines.

Support professionals, including DNA technicians, evidence coordinators, and case coordinators, shall provide additional administrative services to maintain laboratory integrity, efficiency, and accuracy while maintaining the standards established by the laboratory’s accrediting agencies.

The majority of anthropological forensic testing services will be used to segregate commingled human remains from various large commingled-human-remains projects. In addition, the Contractor shall support scientific research to develop or validate new forensic-testing methods in the areas of forensic anthropology, odontology, chemistry, archaeology, and human identification.

The technical requirements are described in Technical Requirements/Laboratory Support Program.

The work is primarily scientific in support of the past accounting mission.

1.4.1.2. Research Support Program

Research Support is another requirement under this PWS. The Contractor shall perform complex historical research and/or archaeological analysis regarding specific DPAA recovery, investigative, or disinterment-related missions. The Contractor shall contextualize loss incidents and unaccounted-for service members within this historical framework.

Historical research support requires professionals in the field of history to conduct archival research and develop case narratives of individuals or conflicts. These narratives are used to generate short lists of possible individuals or locations where missing individuals may be found based on historical records.

Archaeology professionals shall conduct research and provide recommendations regarding the excavation and identification strategies required for mission deployments, with the goal of locating, repatriating, and identifying missing personnel around the world.

The technical requirements are described, Technical Requirements/Research Support Program. The work supports DPAA scientific requirements and the accounting mission.

1.4.1.3. Field Support Program

Field Support is another requirement under this PWS. The Contractor shall provide expert forensic support in the areas of forensic archaeology and field laboratory services to identify and recover remains at recovery sites worldwide.

DPAA’s research and operational missions include coordination with hundreds of countries and municipalities around the world. DPAA cases are based on information received from families, research, and findings from local residents in the areas where these wars were fought.

The Contractor’s expert personnel shall conduct terrestrial or underwater archaeological recovery or investigation activities with the primary objective of locating, recovering, documenting, and repatriating all possible osseous and material evidence.

When a site is identified, and when requested by the Government, the Contractor shall propose the recovery approach; provide a cost estimate; provide a schedule within the period of performance;

and draft a recovery plan. The recovery plan shall include all ancillary labor, permits, access requirements, logistics, supplies, and materials required for the specific mission. The plan shall be reviewed and evaluated by DPAA/the Government and approved or rejected by the Government.

The technical requirements are described in Technical Requirements/Field Support Program. The work supports DPAA field-recovery requirements and the accounting mission.

1.5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be for one (1) month phase-in period and eleven (11) months base year of 12 months and two (2) 12-month option years.

1.6. CONTRACT TYPE

The labor under this contract shall be performed on a Firm-Fixed Price Level of Effort (FFP-LOE) basis and will contain Time and Materials (T&M) CLIN for the reimbursement of travel and material expenses. The Government will establish a Not to Exceed (NTE) amount for Travel and Material.

1.7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All work shall take place at the following locations:

1.7.1. General

The majority of laboratory and historical work shall occur at DPAA facilities in Hawaii or Nebraska.

Worldwide remote work shall be required for Field Support Program projects. In some cases, the Contractor’s place of performance will be located at other DPAA-affiliated sites as referenced in Section 1.4.1.

1.7.1.1. Laboratory Support Program

The effort shall be performed at DPAA Laboratories at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii (Buildings 4077 and 220); Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska (Building 301D); or remote locations.

1.7.1.2. Research Support Program

The effort shall be performed at DPAA regional directorates at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii (Buildings 4077 and 220); Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska (Building 301D); Virginia (multiple locations); Washington, D.C.; or remote locations.

1.7.1.3. Field Support Program

The effort shall be performed in support of accounting operations at remote locations worldwide.

1.8 TELEWORK: The COR will determine whether the work to be performed can be successfully accomplished offsite. Teleworking must be accomplished at no additional cost to the Government and with no detrimental impacts to contract performance. Contractor personnel may be required to report on onsite to a government facility to perform services at any time as required by the KO or

COR.

1.9 HOURS OF OPERATION: The Contractor is responsible for providing services, between the hours of

8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.9.1 On-Site Working Conditions, Holidays, and other Closures: (If applicable).

1.9.2 Washington Headquarters Services facilities are smoking restricted workplaces. Due to the nature of the work, facilities, and requirements, Contractor staff may only smoke outside in designated smoking areas.

1.9.3 The Contractor shall establish normal operating hours under this contract between 8 a.m. to 4:30 P.m Monday through Friday. The Contractor’s Program Manager (PM) and the Government’s Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) shall consult and coordinate on any proposed alternate work schedules that may be arranged depending on the operational tempo/needs of the mission.

1.10 RECOGNIZED HOLIDAYS: Government personnel observe the following holidays as governed by 5 U.S.C. § 6103. Government facilities will be closed and unavailable to Contractor personnel:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s

Birthday Columbus Day Washington’s Birthday Veterans Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Independence Day Christmas Day

*If the date falls on a Saturday, the Government holiday is the preceding Friday. If the date falls on a Sunday, the Government holiday is the following Monday.

In addition to the days designated as holidays, the Government observes the following days:

• Any other day designated by Federal Statute

• Any other day designated by Executive Order

• Any other day designated by the President’s Proclamation

1.11. QUALITY CONTROL/ASSURANCE

1.11.1. Quality Control

The Contractor shall provide a draft Quality Control Plan (QCP). The Contractor shall submit the post-award final QCP no later than fourteen (14) calendar days after contract award for stakeholder review, edits, and comments. The QCP shall be finalized, accepted in writing by all stakeholders, and submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for the contract file no later than thirty (30) calendar days after contract award. The Contractor shall provide a QCP that identifies how each specific task will meet contractual requirements and describes the management techniques used to ensure compliance and monitor contract performance by the Contractor, including subcontractors and consultants.

The QCP shall include:

1. A monthly inspection sheet for the Government COR to use to record the Contractor’s monthly progress; and

2. A separate sheet to identify and document deficiencies recorded and/or discovered during monthly surveillance.

An example of the QCP monthly-surveillance rating sheets may be obtained from the Contracting Officer. The Government will evaluate the Contractor as described in the QCP. The Contractor shall submit the QCP to the COR via email.

1.11.2. Quality Assurance

The Government shall evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.12 PERSONNEL MATTERS:

The Contractor shall perform the requirements of the PWS by providing sufficient level of personnel resources to assure uninterrupted support for all task areas for the duration of this contract. The Contractor shall at all times maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS. The Government expects this level of support will be maintained at the level agreed upon in the contract throughout the Period of Performance (PoP) of this contract. The Government expects Key Personnel, with the appropriate skills, will be provided throughout the performance period of this contract. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential

1.12.1. Key Personnel: Key personnel require significant knowledge of DPAA policies and procedures. Key personnel shall be immediately available upon contract award. All key personnel shall meet or exceed the education, certifications, knowledge, skills, and experience requirements of the PWS. All key personnel require Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer Representative approval.

1.12.2. Key Personnel Changes and Substitutions: Before replacing any Contractor employee designated as key personnel, the Contractor shall notify the COR and KO in writing at least 15 calendar days in advance. The Contractor’s request shall include a written justification and the resume, including experience, education, and any required certifications, of the proposed key personnel substitution. All proposed personnel substitutions shall possess qualifications that are equal to or exceed the minimum requirements of the PWS. The Contractor shall not unilaterally change its key personnel without written approval from the KO and COR. The Contractor shall not unilaterally change or remove any key personnel or subcontractor key personnel without the written approval of the Contracting Officer and COR. The Contractor shall provide the selected replacement(s) for key personnel within thirty (30) calendar days of vacancy. If required by position, security clearances must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of employment.

1.12.3. Contract Personnel Changes: The Contractor shall make no changes in contract personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer and COR. The Contracting Officer or COR shall notify the Contractor within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on proposed substitutions.

1.12.4. Emergency Vacancies: The thirty (30) calendar-day advance-notice requirement is waived in the case of employee illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer or COR within one (1) business day after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information outlined above.

1.12.5. The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Program Manager; Contract Lead; Anthropologists (all categories). The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor employees complete the laboratory-administered competency tests within ninety (90) calendar days of start date. Contractor employees shall maintain proficiency according to annual laboratory requirements.

1.12.5.1. Contractor Program Manager (Estimated 1 FTE)

The contractor shall provide a Program Manager as one of the Key Personnel. The Contractor’s Program Manager will be the primary interface with the Contracting Officer (KO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and shall attend status meetings and ad hoc meetings with stakeholders, as required, accompanied by Contract Leads when necessary. The contractor shall provide weekly reports on staffing. The format of the report shall be approved by the COR.

Functional Responsibility

• Provide primary contract management oversight.

• Act as the primary interface between the KO, COR, and the contractor.

• Coordinate contractor resources for the flawless execution of the contract.

• Ensure that all contract activities are within scope and budget.

• Identify and mitigate contract execution risks.

• Ensure that all deliverables are submitted on time and without errors or omissions.

• Conduct scheduled and ad hoc productive meetings between the Government and contract stakeholders.

• Ensure that all required Government sign offs and approvals are obtained.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in business administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience Experience

• Possess at least three (3) years of Federal Government project/program management experience.

• Possesses at least three (3) years of experience supporting laboratory and mission projects specifically focused on the identification and repatriation of human remains.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in archaeological deployment and Phase III recoveries.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate is beneficial but not required.

1.12.5.2. Contract Leads: The Contract Leads are key personnel that provide on-site supervisory support and act as the liaison between the Contractor and DPAA. In addition, DPAA may seek support from external Subject Matter Experts from various laboratory disciplines. The Contract Leads shall display strong management and coaching experience. Each location is required to onboard: two (2) contract leads for SA Hawaii; one (1) contract lead for SA Nebraska and remote; one (1) contract lead for IP Hawaii; and one (1) contract lead for IP Nebraska and remote. The Contract Leads are required to reside at their respective duty location, either Hawaii or Nebraska.

1.12.5.2.1. Contract Lead – Hawaii Laboratory (Estimated 2 FTEs)

• Provides administrative contract oversight and acts as the primary on-site liaison between the Government and the Laboratory contractor employees in Hawaii.

• Provide program oversight for augmentee scientific recovery experts.

• Primary functional duties consistent with Forensic Anthropologist and Postdoctoral

Research Associate.

• Doctoral degree in forensic anthropology, biological anthropology, or closely related field

Experience

• Demonstrated professional experience (minimum of eight years) in forensic anthropology, analysis of human skeletal remains, forensic archaeology, or other closely related forensic science discipline.

• Possess a five (5) years’, or greater, knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices within their field of expertise, and a working knowledge of the general issues involving related departments of functional areas.

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as oral/poster presenter at a professional organization conference.

• Minimum of at least three (3) years of experience supporting Laboratory and mission projects specifically focused on the identification and repatriation of human remains.

• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory environment.

Preferred Requirement

• Certification in Leadership or Management

• Possess an established record of peer-reviewed publications with at least three (3) publications.

1.12.5.2.2. Contract Lead – Nebraska Laboratory (Estimated 1 FTE)

• Provides administrative contract oversight and acts as the primary on-site liaison between the Government and the Laboratory contractor employees in Nebraska or remote locations.

• Primary functional duties consistent with Forensic Anthropologist, Postdoctoral Research Associate.

• Doctoral degree in forensic anthropology, biological anthropology, or closely related field.

Experience

• Demonstrated professional experience (minimum of eight years) in forensic anthropology, analysis of human skeletal remains, forensic archaeology, or other closely related forensic science discipline.

• Possesses at least five (5) five years of knowledge and experience applying knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices within their field of expertise, and a working knowledge of the general issues involving related departments of functional areas.

• Possesses a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as oral/poster presenter at a professional organization conference

• Possesses at least three (3) years of experience supporting laboratory and mission projects specifically focused on the identification and repatriation of human remains

• Maintains membership in a professional scientific organization

• Possesses a minimum of three (3) years of leadership in an ISO/IEC 17025 or

ISO/IEC 17020 accredited laboratory

• Holds a certification in Leadership or Management

• Possesses an established record of peer-reviewed publications with at least three (3) publications.

1.12.5.2.3. Contract Lead – Research Support, Hawaii (Estimated 1 FTE)

• Provides administrative contract oversight and acts as the primary on-site liaison between the Government and the Research Support contractor employees in Hawaii.

• Primary functional duties consistent with Historianor Historical Archaeologist.

• Doctoral degree in a field of history or archaeology

• Possesses a minimum of ten (10) years related work experience in historical research, archival research, or archaeological analysis

• Possesses an established record of peer-reviewed publications with at least one (1) publication

• Possesses a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as oral/poster presenter at a professional organization conference

• Possesses at least one (1) year of experience supporting historical research and mission projects specifically focused on the identification and repatriation of human remains

• Maintains membership in at least one (1) professional History or Archaeology organization

• certification in Leadership or Management

1.12.5.2.4. Contract Lead – Research Support, Nebraska (Estimated 1 FTE)

• Provides administrative contract oversight and acts as the primary on-site liaison between the Government and the Research Support contractor employees in Nebraska, Washington, DC, and remote.

• Primary functional duties consistent with Historian or Historical Archaeologist, Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Doctoral degree in a field of history or archaeology.

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years related work experience essential to the success of the DPAA’s mission.

• Possess an established record of peer-reviewed publications with at least one (1) publication.

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as oral/poster presenter at a professional organization conference.

• Possess at least one (1) year of experience supporting historical research and mission projects specifically focused on the identification and repatriation of human remains.

• Maintain membership in at least one (1) professional History or Archaeology organization.

• Certification in Leadership or Management

1.12.6. The following personnel are considered Technical Positions by the government. The descriptions below are provided to show the depth of analysis and education required to work in the Agency. The Contractor shall recommend skill levels appropriate for the work based on their similar experience but must ensure that the minimum requirements detailed below are provided.

The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor employees complete the laboratory-administered competency tests within ninety (90) calendar days of start date. Contractor employees shall maintain proficiency according to annual laboratory requirements. All positions must meet or exceed minimum requirements listed for all positions (i.e. all post-doctoral must meet/exceed the Post- Doctoral, Postgraduate and laboratory technician minimum requirements)

1.12.6.1. Forensic Anthropologist

• Inventory human remains and associated faunal and material evidence.

• Properly handle remains from the cleaning stage to the final layout of the remains in the anatomically correct position for efficient analysis.

• Nominate remains for DNA testing.

• Prepare professional-level reports for submission to higher authorities detailing analytical findings.

• Performs forensic anthropological research and tests; interprets data resulting from forensic anthropological, archaeological, odontological, or isotopic tests in the laboratory or from outside sources.

• Conducts evidence database searches to address specific research problems; and provide expert review of research papers and proposals, case reports, and identification report packets.

• Performs radiographic image capture of postmortem remains using sensitive laboratory equipment; conducts comparisons between antemortem and postmortem imagery.

• Conducts segregation analyses of commingled human remains projects and produces Reports of Segregation and Reports of Association including, but not limited to:

• Assessing potential pair matches, visually and statistically;

• Interpreting DNA results;

• Nominating samples for additional testing; and

• Associating remains to unidentified service members.

• Completes reports and other assignments in a timely manner and with minimal errors, with attention to assigned suspense date.

• Effectively peer reviewing reports in a timely manner, with attention to suspense date.

• Completes preliminary skeletal and dental reports; generates written forensic comparison reports.

• Maintains continuing education per SOP requirements, such as conference attendance and in-house training.

• Maintains competency via successful proficiency exams.

• Assists with evidence movement duties, internal and external, including packaging evidence, labeling evidence containers, and performing evidence transactions in StarLIMS or other programs as required by the lead evidence coordinator.

• Supports various laboratory duties, including second review of case packets, laboratory tours, and internal auditing.

• Participates in the preparation of scientific manuscripts, presentations, and lectures based on research results.

• Assists lab personnel by answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and providing feedback regarding LIMS as required by the LIMS Project Leads.

• Follow all Government policies and procedures.

Minimum Requirements

Experience

• Experience in osteological analysis and working in the anthropology field.

• One (1) year experience with forensic materials or in a forensic laboratory is beneficial but not required.

• Demonstrated experience/familiarity with ForDisc.

• Demonstrated experience with generating a biological profile, to include ancestry.

• Experience in radiographic analyses in a forensic laboratory is beneficial but not required.

• Experience using state of the art procedures in Radiographic Comparison, 3D, and computer-aided methods of radiographic and geometric morphometric analyses is beneficial but not required.

• Strong pattern recognition skills is beneficial but not required.

• Proficient in c++, R, Julia, Python, Artec Studio, Meshlab, and Statismo is required for certain positions.

• At least one (1) year of experience using MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat.

• Familiarity in archaeological methodologies and field documentation is beneficial but not required.

• Demonstrate experience in osteological analysis

• Demonstrate a highly organized, detail-oriented, and precise approach to recording analytical results and findings

Requirements for Each Level

1.12.6.1.1. Postgraduate Research Associate, Journeyman Level Education

• Master’s degree in anthropology or related field.

Experience

• Five (5) years of experience with human skeletal anatomy, generating a biological profile and/or writing technical reports.

• Two (2) years of professional work experience in a forensic anthropology laboratory setting, or equivalent combination of similar education and experience.

• Demonstrate experience in osteological analysis and a thorough grasp of the methods used to create a biological profile.

• Demonstrate work history or equivalent in the analysis of human remains to include large, commingled assemblages.

• Correlate investigative evidence with Laboratory findings to achieve identification of casualties.

1.12.6.1.2. Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Doctoral degree in anthropology or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience or MA/MS degree.

Experience

• Six (6) years of professional experience with generating biological profile or writing technical reports; demonstrate the ability to synthesize analytical results.

• Expert knowledge in human skeletal anatomy.

• Leadership background desired with supervisory experience in an anthropology or related discipline.

• Provide professional, scientific guidance to teams engaged in forensic and biological anthropological studies and investigations.

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience processing, evaluating, and reporting data in reports.

• Strong communication and organization abilities, focusing on process coordination, within a laboratory setting.

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience writing and editing scientific documents, as proven through scientific publications or other relevant materials.

Administrative Advisor Tasks : These tasks shall be appointed to any two (2) billets, typically aligned with a postdoctoral position, as required by the Government. Leadership background desired with supervisory experience in an anthropology or related discipline.

Assist and advise the Project Lead with project management, including:

• Provide professional, scientific guidance to teams engaged in forensic and biological anthropological studies and investigations.

• Follow up with assignments, such as tracking and monitoring analysts’ workloads and assignments, evidence locations, and sample nominations. Request weekly/daily updates as required based on priority of the task.

• Perform onboarding activities and assist with competency and proficiency requirements for contractor employees.

• Supporting the Project Lead (PL) with LIMS case assignment.

• Supporting the PL with identification tracking.

• Supporting the PL with Cases For Identification slides.

• Supporting the PL with 48-month tracking and memo preparation.

• Supporting the PL with design project workflow/forms.

• Supporting the PL with dental, chest radiograph, DNA, and prioritization of taskings.

• Supporting the PL by providing project-related trainings as required by management.

• Perform periodic quality checks on work produced by the analysts.

• Encourage team collaboration while maintaining individually assigned tasks.

• Communicate deliverables to PL.

• Establish and enforce standardization of written and verbal communication.

1.12.6.1.3 Postdoctoral Research Specialist / Subject Matter Expert –

• Doctoral degree in anthropology or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• These specialists are used on consulting or supplemental basis only

• Fifteen (15) years of professional experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of scientific technical writing experience and editing scientific documents, as proven through scientific publications or other relevant materials.

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience processing, evaluating, and reporting data in reports.

1.12.6.2. Forensic Archaeologist

• Provides professional forensic and archaeological laboratory analysis and designs and implements analyses of a variety of materials associated with covered conflicts, including the Cold War, Vietnam War, Korean Conflict, and World War II.

• Apply expertise in fundamental spatial concepts for assessing, visualizing, and managing data using software, such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Surfer, and GoogleEarthPro.

• Serves as a scientific decision maker to create and iteratively execute an archaeological strategy to excavate a site and forensically process any evidence.

• Deploys up to 140 days a year to recovery sites, both foreign and domestic, which may include remote, isolated, and/or austere environments.

• Follow all DPAA policies and procedures to serve as a scientific decision maker to create and iteratively execute an archaeological strategy to excavate a site and forensically process any evidence.

• Perform to DPAA Laboratory standards the direction and supervision of a team of military and civilian personnel in the execution of an established archaeological strategy.

• Comply with all DPAA requirements for reporting and coordinating all plans and results through all appropriate channels.

• Apply knowledge of human remains identification procedures, and comprehensive knowledge of remote-sensing, mapping, probing, coring, and test excavation methods/techniques to recover and stabilize human skeletal and dental remains and material evidence from archaeological and other contexts in the field and laboratory.

• Write, implement, and follow standard operating procedures.

• Assists lab personnel by answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and providing feedback

• Follow all Government policies and procedures.

1.12.6.2.1. Postgraduate Research Associate, Journeyman

Education

• Master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field.

Experience

• Leadership background required with at least one (1) year of full-time professional experience at the supervisory level in the study of archaeological resource.

• Demonstrate extensive Phase III terrestrial experience in the recovery of human remains.

• At least one (1) year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management.

• At least one (1) year of supervisory field and analytic experience in general archaeology.

• Comprehensive knowledge of best practices in forensic and archaeological laboratory analysis procedures.

• Comprehensive knowledge in designing, directing, and supervising all phases of archaeological projects to include Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III archaeological processes, mapping methods and techniques.

• Demonstrate knowledge of artifact and material evidence analysis to include identifying circumstantial and direct evidence supporting casualty identifications.

• Demonstrate knowledge of forensic laboratory best practices and accreditation standards.

• Demonstrate ability to carry research to completion.

1.12.6.3. Dental Hygienist

• Assists odontologists with matters related to dental remains and associated casework at DPAA Lab-Offutt, including inventory, cleaning, radiograph, photograph, and charting.

• Operates digital dental X-ray equipment to take dental radiographs.

• Catalogs antemortem radiographs.

• Takes documentary photographs of dental remains.

• Conduct preliminary assessments of dental remains.

• Process teeth and prepare paperwork for DNA submission.

• Assists the Evidence Manager with cleaning, accessioning, and storage-related tasks of dental remains.

• Tracks case progress, creates databases, writes short reports and scientific memoranda for dental remains as assigned.

• Completes recurring duties independently, but refers deviations, problems, or unfamiliar situations to the DPAA Odontologist for assistance.

• Maintains performance checks, monitors proper operation, requests and coordinates service calls, and trains new users on dental radiographic instrumentation.

• Alternate DNA sampling technician. Knowledge of DNA sampling equipment, techniques, documentation, and data tracking/entry.

• Assists lab personnel by answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and providing feedback

1.12.6.3.1 Postgraduate Research Associate, Journeyman

Education

• B.A/B.A degree in dental hygiene, forensics, related field, or certified as an extended duty dental assistant.

• Professional dental experience required.

• Some experience in forensics and DNA sampling desired but not required.

• Demonstrate work history knowledge of dental and medical terminology and anatomy.

• Demonstrate work history knowledge of clinical, restorative, and prosthetic dentistry.

• One (1) year experience with tooth numbering systems.

1.12.6.4. Case Coordinator

• Assemble, quality check, and track all active case management files and records for the

Laboratory.

• Manage Laboratory databases.

• Perform administrative tasks required in order to complete critical work responsibilities.

• Support Lead Case Coordinator in liaising with outside agencies, such as Service Casualty

Offices and Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, in order to advance case work.

• Assists in responding to queries and requests related to DNA testing, reports, comparisons; and assists the Lead Case Coordinator with requests, correspondence, and consultation with the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL).

• Tracks case data and maintains multiple databases related to DNA, FRS, accessions, case progression, evidence tracking, identifications, and records for Case File Review (CFR).

• Compiles relevant personnel records for casualties on the cases for identification list.

• Collaborate with DPAA historians to progress future/current case work to identification.

• Reviews and critiques case documentation for administrative adequacy and accuracy, ensuring that the scientific methodology and analysis meets the professional standards required by the lab accreditation program.

• Check casefiles for spelling, punctuation, syntax, and other potential grammatical errors.

• Confirm accuracy, consistency, and completeness of names, dates, and other information in case files.

• Interact with analysts for confirmation and modification to reports.

• Confirm that all case files documents are in accordance with the laboratory style guide.

• Generates and maintains one-year case reviews on accessions.

• Manage active case management files, Laboratory databases, and tracking evidence; maintain multiple databases related to accessions, identifications, and records for CFC.

• Compiles Laboratory information for family member updates, and, as required by laboratory management, infrequently attends meetings to brief families on case progression and status.

• Conduct surety checks/audits on DPAA-Hawaii test reports and forensic review documents.

• Assists lab personnel by answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and providing feedback regarding LIMS as required by the LIMS Project Leads.

• Follow all Government policies and procedures.

Minimum Requirements

1.12.6.4.1 Laboratory Technician

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in physical or life sciences, or a related field.

• Demonstrate work history with forensic case files.

• Two (2) years of forensic experience is preferred but not required.

1.12.6.4.2 Postgraduate Research Associate, Journeyman

• Master’s degree in appropriate scientific discipline, such as physical or life sciences, or a related field.

Experience

• Demonstrate work history with forensic case files.

• Four (4) years of forensic experience is preferred but not required.

1.12.6.5. Isotope Mass Spectrometrist

• Develops and then maintains isotope analysis capability within the DPAA.

• Follows established Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) programs to ensure data surety and replicability to meet accreditation needs.

• Develops, monitors, and improves existing and new DPAA Standard Operating Procedures

(SOPs) relating to all aspects of isotope sample preparation and isotope data generation.

• Produce and peer review reports of isotope test results on a regular basis.

• Perform analysis of human remains, such as bone, teeth, and hair.

• Perform sample preparation and analysis, plus routine maintenance of the isotope analysis instrument(s) and associated peripheral(s).

• Develop high-resolution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-

ICP-MS) sample preparation and analysis capacities.

• Assists lab personnel by answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and providing feedback

1.12.6.5.1 Postgraduate Postdoctoral Research Associate

Education:

• Doctoral in an appropriate scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, biogeochemistry) with an emphasis on isotope ratio measurements and a working knowledge of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS_ systems (specifically Thermo Fisher Scientific equipment and associated peripherals (e.g., Delta V+ and/or MAT 253 mass spectrometer, Finnigan Neptune mass spectrometer) or

• Master’s degree in appropriate scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, biogeochemistry) with emphasis on isotope ratio measurements and a minimum of four (4) years of post-degree professional experience working with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS_ systems (specifically Thermo Fisher Scientific equipment and associated peripherals (e.g., Delta V+ and/or MAT 253 mass spectrometer, Finnigan Neptune mass spectrometer).

• Experience in isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) instrument operation and familiarity with associated peripheral devices in the DPAA Laboratory including elemental analyzer, GasBench, and thermal conversion elemental analyzer

• Experience developing high-resolution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) sample preparation and analysis capacity

• Proven ability to develop and enact Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) required of certified/accredited isotope analysis laboratories

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) procedures for isotope ratio data – particularly data generated from the analysis of human bone and teeth, likely of historic or prehistoric origin

• Experience collecting and preparing human remains samples for stable isotope ratio analysis. Other materials are a plus (e.g. ivory, water, drugs, etc.). Experience with sample preparation in a clean room environment is desirable

• Experience processing and evaluating IRMS and MC-ICP-MS data, especially in terms of QA and QC

• Demonstrate ability to communicate findings and innovations to the scientific community via publications and presentations

1.12.6.6. Isotope Preparation Analyst

• Work as an isotope preparation scientist on the Stable Isotope Research project at the DPAA Laboratory, helping develop and then maintain isotope analysis capability within the DPAA.

• Follow established Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) programs to ensure data surety and replicability to meet accreditation needs.

• Develop, monitor, and improve existing and new DPAA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to all aspects of isotope sample preparation and isotope data generation.

• Perform sample preparation, apatite and collagen, for isotope analysis and maintain records in accordance with DPAA SOPs.

• Monitor and order isotope Laboratory supplies.

• Monitor and coordinate isotope Laboratory waste disposal.

• Produce and peer review reports of isotope test results on a regular basis.

• Assists lab personnel by answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and providing feedback regarding LIMS as required by the LIMS Project Leads.

1.12.6.6.1 Postgraduate Research Associate, Journeyman

Education

• Master’s degree in appropriate scientific discipline, such (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, or biogeochemistry) with emphasis on isotope sample preparation or,

• Bachelor’s degree in appropriate scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, or biogeochemistry) with emphasis on isotope sample preparation and a minimum of two (2) years of post-degree professional experience in isotope sample preparation, analysis, or closely related field.

Experience

• Experience developing high-resolution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) sample preparation.

• Proven ability to develop and enact Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) required of certified/accredited isotope analysis laboratories.

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) procedures for isotope preparation.

• Experience collecting and preparing human remains samples for stable isotope ratio analysis. Other materials are a plus, such as ivory, water, drugs, and other materials.

1.12.6.7. Life Support Investigator

Functional Responsibility

• Evaluate analytical methodologies to ensure all recovered artifacts are accurately identified and correlated to specific loss incidents whenever possible.

• Maintain liaison with aircraft component manufacturers, experts, and Defense Logistics Agency contacts to develop and sustain inter-agency aircraft component research networks.

• Utilize the unique DPAA mission-related aircraft and life sciences equipment technical order reference library and update it when possible.

• Originate detailed wreckage analysis reports to provide accurate information to designated U.S. Government agencies and the families of unaccounted-for U.S.

military personnel.

• Research and answer specific field requests for information on recovered artifacts to field personnel to rapidly correlate, or disassociate, the items to a specific loss incident involving U.S. military personnel.

• If deployed, perform the primary on-site evaluations to determine aircraft crash dispersion characteristics and assess areas most likely to yield remains of unaccounted-for U.S. military personnel and perform initial field analysis on recovered aircraft and life sciences artifacts to determine their origin, if possible.

• Perform peer review and edit detailed analytical reports that accurately identify all aircraft wreckage and life sciences equipment recovered; correlate the site to a specific loss incident, if possible; determine if all unaccounted-for personnel involved in a specific incident are represented by the evidence recovered; and determine if the crash incident was of a non-survivable nature.

• Prepare and present the material evidence component of the Agency's brief to U.S.

Government officials, news media, DoD representatives, families, and various local and national organizations.

• Deploys up to 140 days a year to recovery sites, both foreign and domestic, which may include remote, isolated, and/or austere environments.

• Assists lab personnel by answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and providing

1.12.6.7.1 Laboratory Technician

Education

• BA/BS degree or relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Specific knowledge of Vietnam era aircraft inventory, aircrew escape and evasion techniques, survival equipment, emergency locator devices, survival radios, emergency signaling devices, flotation equipment, escape systems, flight helmets, oxygen systems, parachutes, survival kits, and theories of operation.

• Detailed knowledge of analytical methodologies to include aircraft impact/dispersion analysis; aircraft component research techniques; life sciences equipment recognition expertise; and multi-level database searches.

• Knowledge of aircraft manufacturer parts numbering systems and end-item application.

• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to adapt communication styles to different audiences.

• Possess strong attention to detail, excellent record keeping skills, and exceptional organizational skills.

• Possess the ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task, and work well under pressure.

• Work closely with other contractors and members of the Government in a team environment and be able to take direction when required.

• Work independently with staff supporting and anticipating Government needs and demonstrating problem-solving skills.

• Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.

1.12.6.8. DNA Analyst

Functional…