Statement_of_Work_1.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction

The US Geological Survey requires support engaging environmental justice communities in the collection of biological samples for the Dragonfly Mercury Project, providing samples for analysis, and summarize community engagement through reporting.

B. Background

The Dragonfly Mercury Project is a national scale community science effort led by US Geological Survey, in partnership with National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service. The project engages community groups to sample bioindicators of mercury contamination from diverse water bodies throughout the US and provide samples for laboratory analysis of mercury contamination. Conducting such an effort requires extensive outreach and communication efforts to engage community members and provide background and educational opportunities. Recently the project has worked to more fully engage environmental justice communities in an effort to more fully engage them in authentic research that informs them of health risks to their own communities.

C. Scope

The US Geological Survey seeks support in facilitating community engagement, data collection, and to develop summary reports of community efforts. This work will include organizing community groups to conduct sampling, providing training and education materials to community volunteers, follow USGS guidance for sample collection and data collection, provide samples to USGS and Dragonfly Mercury Project partners for mercury analysis, summarize community engagement and learning outcomes through a summary report, and contribute to technical reports regarding mercury in dragonfly larvae.

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.

1. The US Geological Survey requires support in facilitating community engagement, data collection, and to develop summary reports of community efforts. This work will include organizing community groups to conduct sampling, providing training and education materials to community volunteers, follow USGS guidance for sample collection and data collection, provide samples to USGS and Dragonfly Mercury Project partners for mercury analysis, summarize community engagement and learning outcomes through a summary report, and contribute to technical reports regarding mercury in dragonfly larvae.

2. The work requires a contractor with a combination of: 1) intricate knowledge of the operating protocols of the USGS/NPS Dragonfly Mercury Project, 2) demonstrated technical expertise regarding environmental mercury cycling, 3) demonstrable experience sampling, identifying, and appropriately handling dragonfly larvae from aquatic ecosystems in a manner sufficient to ensure sample integrity requirements of the Dragonfly Mercury Project, 4) capability and experience engaging environmental justice communities in community science activities related to environmental pollution.

3. Contractor will deliver biosentinel samples for mercury analysis to USGS within

60 days of sample collection. Samples and associated data will be collected following USGS-provided guidelines. Contractor will provide an assessment of community engagement through a summary report. Contractor will contribute and collaborate with USGS scientists on technical reports.

B. Deliverables.

1. Characteristics for work product described in II.A.1., identified by name and quantity.

-Collect and provide dragonfly larvae to USGS laboratory for mercury analysis.

At least 15 dragonfly samples each from 3 or more locations. Samples will be delivered with USGS-provided field data collection sheets that provide information on where sampling occurred and what was sampled.

-One summary report outlining community engagement efforts and experiences conducting sampling -Contribute intellectual support for annual Dragonfly Mercury Project data summary reports and other outreach products.

2. Delivery dates for work/product to be completed and point of delivery.

- Samples and data will be provided with 60 days of sample collection, which will occur within one year of contract initiation -Report will be delivered within 1 year of sample collection.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance.

Diverse field sites across New England and the northeastern United States

B. Period of Performance.

730 days

D. Special Considerations.

1. Key personnel qualifications.

Personnel must have: expertise in the cycling and bioaccumulation of mercury in the environment; experience following the strict USGS protocols for sample collection, handling, and storage; experience leading and engaging community groups in research activities and data collection.