Statement of Work 2024 04 05.pdf

Statement of Work Na�onal Agricultural Library/ARS/USDA Informa�on Systems Division (REE/ITSD)

Library Support Program Moderniza�on and Enhancement March 11, 2024

Background:

The Na�onal Agricultural Library (NAL) is one of five (5) na�onal libraries with a Congressional mandate to serve the ci�zens of the United States and serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s library. Most of the informa�on provided to U.S. ci�zens and employees of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is made available over the Internet. With both a na�onal and Departmental user group, the web interfaces, applica�ons, and services must deliver beter services to ci�zens and be secure, interac�ve, and u�lize a modern technology stack.

The mission of the USDA, Na�onal Agricultural Library is to facilitate the crea�on of agricultural knowledge through the acquisi�on, cura�on, and dissemina�on of the informa�on needed to solve agricultural challenges today and in the future. NAL sustains the American agricultural enterprise through public access and effec�ve stewardship of agricultural data, literature, and other informa�on resources.

NAL’s Informa�on Systems Division (ISD, part of REE ITSD) provides programming and O&M support for the Library Support Programs. The purpose of the Library Support Programs is to accept publica�on and digital object metadata in various formats (XML, JSON), normalize them to a standard JSON format, enrich them with persistent iden�fiers, addi�onal metadata from a variety of sources, mostly through API calls. The completed metadata packages will then get ingested into NAL’s integrated library system, which is an external SaaS product (Exlibris’ Alma), so that the data are available through the public search interface (Exlibris’ Primo, htps://search.nal.usda.gov).

NAL has updated the exis�ng Perl program suite to support Alma and requires contract support to the replacement the Perl suite with a modern Python approach and framework to increase func�onality.

These modernized programs shall u�lize Python with a Django framework as the backend processing system. Most of the func�onality is backend/automa�on only, without the need of a graphical user-interface.

Addi�onally, enrichment programs are also part of this project. For example, the persistent iden�fiers called “handles” use an already exis�ng microservice that requires a simple user interface for NAL library staff to use, addi�onally to the API func�onality.

A related digital repository, NAL’s Ag Data Commons (htps://agdatacommons.nal.usda.gov) uses the Figshare SaaS product. NAL requires harvests from other agricultural databases that are then ingested into Figshare. This process is well defined and currently implemented in PHP. Moderniza�on in Python https://search.nal.usda.gov/ https://agdatacommons.nal.usda.gov/ has also already been started using the same microservices and components as the Library Support Programs.

Thus, the project comprises several parts that interact with each other: (i) Complete the moderniza�on of the Library support programs; (ii) Integrate the Handle Microservice; create and integrate NALT Term Microservice; (iii) Integrate other services for metadata enrichment such as PubMed Central; (iv) Add public API for the PubAg component of the Integrated Library System’s search interface; (v) complete metadata harvests for Ag Data Commons.

Scope:

1. Complete the moderniza�on of the Library Support Programs including normaliza�on and transforma�on of publisher supplied metadata (xml) into json and subsequently marc21 metadata formats, deduplica�on and prepara�on for ingest.

2. Microservice tasks: Integrate the exis�ng Handle microservice into the Library Support programs and add func�onality such as a simple in-house only user interface to the Handle microservice;

Create and integrate a NALT Term Microservice using exi�ng API calls to a local ExpertAI service.

3. Metadata enrichment tasks: Add capability to discover and ingest NIFA funded ar�cles from PubMed Central into PubAg. Include catalog harvests for Ag Data Commons for NIFA funded research using Figshare API.

4. PubAg API: Create an Applica�on Programming Interface (API) for PubAg. We propose to implement an API by crea�ng an applica�on on NAL server(s) that queries the Alma system directly through the Search/Retrieval via URL (SRU) interface, transforms the results as needed and returns the results to the customer. API capabili�es will support but not be limited to search by Author, Title, Publica�on, Handle, and Collec�on and will return the results in MARC21, XML, or JSON.

The API interface shall be accessible USDA only or for the general public depending on licensing restric�ons. It shall also be backwards compa�ble with the previous PubAg API (currently not available).

5. Complete the metadata harvests for several harvests from public databases into Figshare. A PHP program already exists for these tasks, including metadata mappings as required. These need to get converted to Python and integrated with the Handle and NALT microservices for enrichment of these metadata.

System Architecture Considerations:

• Microso� Azure government cloud environment

• U�lizing COTS products as much as possible especially the ones already used by

NAL

• RESTAPI for ingest from other systems

• Customizable data processing pipeline with valida�on, security checks (an�virus scan), cross checks

• U�lizing microservices design on the steps in the processing pipeline, they should be

“pluggable”.

• Handle rejec�on gracefully from submissions or from ingest

• Handle errors and excep�on gracefully

• Customizable rou�ng to des�na�on applica�on systems

• Connec�on to commercial and public systems such as Ex Libris Alma, CrossRef, ROR, PubAg, and Ag Data Commons

• All solu�ons shall be 508 compliant for any applica�on feature provided to library staff or end users.

• All code shall be commited to a designated repository in the USDA-REE-ARS github organiza�on at least on a weekly basis.

• Best prac�ces for separa�ng code and configura�on files shall be followed to allow for easy portability.

Proposed SME Support Descrip�on Labor

Category Cost Hours Skill Set Contract

Library Support Programs

Applica�on Developer (Senior)

2000 Python, API development, XML, JSON, and related metadata schema, developing in a Linux environment

Subject of

ROM

Library Support Programs

Applica�on Developer (Mid-level or Junior)

2000 Python, XML, JSON, and related metadata schema, developing in a Linux environment

Subject of

ROM

Milestones and �meline Category Task Milestone Responsibility Timeline Library support programs

API for PubAg Requirements gathering and sign-off by NAL and NIFA management

Government

Complete 6 weeks a�er award

Complete onboarding and creden�aling of contractors

COR Two months a�er award

Design of technical solu�on

ISD/Contractor Complete 4 weeks a�er requirements are available

Implement and test first phase of technical solu�on (Framework, SRU calls)

ISD/Contractor 3 months a�er design sign-off

Implement second phase of technical solu�on and user tes�ng.

ISD/Contractor 5 months a�er design sign-off

User tes�ng, and issue fix

IPD, ISD, NIFA 1 month a�er second phase is complete

Build on the modernized framework (NIFA-

2) to add features to the processing workflow

Integrate remaining publishers into new publisher data processing workflow. (Metrics

TBD)

ISD/Contractor Complete all 28 sources by the end of the contract.

Integrate Handle microservice into new framework

ISD/Contractor 2 months a�er creden�aling

Create technical design for user interface for Handle Microservice

ISD 1 month a�er previous task

Add user interface to Handle Microservice (internal only)

ISD/Contractor TBD

Add Alma SRU API client to framework

ISD/Contractor 1 month a�er creden�aling

Microservice:

NALT

Add NALT Microservice

ISD/Contractor 2 months a�er previous task

Completeness of PubAg content

Microservice:

PubMed Central (PMC) enrichment

Create requirements document for this project

IPD, DPD 2 weeks a�er award

Create repeatable searches of PMC to include author manuscript PMCIDs that fall under USDA public access policy and iden�fy NIFA-funding

IPD, DPD

Created exchange mechanism of PMC metadata between NAL and NLM

ISD/Contractor Depending on requirements document

Add new and updated ar�cles to ingest workflow

ISD/Contractor

ADC harvest Setup harvest framework

ISD/Contractor 1 month a�er award

Integrate 10 harvest sources

ISD/Contractor One harvest source every 3 weeks

Test harvesters Contractor/KSD 1 week a�er each source has been implemented

Term As soon as possible for 12 months (base year)

Two op�on years

Government Furnished Equipment The government shall provide computer to the contractors for remote work. Hoteling space is available at NAL if it is desired.

Travel N/A

Contractor’s Key Personnel The contractor shall perform all work described in this Statement of Work in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regula�ons, codes, technical specifica�ons, manufacturers guidelines, USDA, REE, and the ARS mission.

Security Requirements All contractor personnel who work at NAL must have approval for facility access. Prior to work star�ng, the contractor must supply the names of those employees selected to perform the work. Due to security requirements, pre-no�fica�on of all visitors to the Na�onal Agricultural Library is required. Anyone requiring access must the OCIO prior to arrival to this loca�on.

Data Rights The contractor shall adhere to the Privacy Act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Sec�on 552a and applicable agency rules and regula�ons. The Contractor Program Manager shall ensure that all contract personnel take the required USDA Privacy training.

Sec�on 508 - Electronic and Informa�on Technology Standards This contract vehicle is subject to Sec�on 508 of the Rehabilita�on Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 749d) as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220). The Revised Sec�on 508 Standards, which consist of 508 Chapters 1 and 2 (Appendix A), along with Chapters 3 through 7 (Appendix C), contain scoping and technical requirements for informa�on and communica�on technology (ICT) to ensure accessibility and usability by individuals with disabili�es. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for Federal agencies subject to Sec�on 508 of the Rehabilita�on Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794d).

Each ICT product or service furnished under this contract shall comply with the Revised Sec�on 508 ICT Accessibility Standards at a minimum, as specified in the contract. If any furnished product or service is determined to be noncompliant, the Contrac�ng Officer will no�fy the Contractor in wri�ng. The Contractor shall, without charge to the Government, remediate or replace the noncompliant products or services within a specified �meframe as determined by the Government in wri�ng. If such remedia�on or replacement is not completed within the �me specified, the Government shall have the following recourses:

1) Cancella�on of the contract, delivery, task order, purchase, or line item without termina�on liabili�es; or

2) In the case of custom ICT being developed by a contractor for the Government, the Government shall have the right to have any necessary changes made or repairs performed by itself or by another firm for the noncompliant ICT, with the contractor liable for reimbursement to the Government for any expenses incurred thereby.

The contractor must ensure all noncompliant ICT products and services are provided pursuant to extensive market research and exhibit the highest level of compliance while sa�sfying the contract requirements.

For every ICT product or service accepted under this contract by the Government that does not comply with the Revised Sec�on 508 Accessibility Standards, the contractor shall, at the discre�on of the Government, remediate or upgrade the item with a compliant equivalent product or service, if commercially available and cost neutral, on either a contract specified refresh cycle for the product or service, or on a contract effec�ve op�on/renewal date, whichever shall occur first.

Sec�on 508 Compliance Vendors, contractors, and their respec�ve ICT products and services shall comply with the following standards, policies, and procedures. In the event of conflicts between the referenced documents and this contract vehicle, the contract vehicle shall take precedence.

1) Revised Sec�on 508 ICT Accessibility Standards

2) Sec�on 508 of the Rehabilita�on Act as amended (29 U.S.C. 794d)

3) Federal Acquisi�on Regula�on (FAR) Subpart 39.2

4) USDA Sec�on 508 Departmental Regula�on

Addi�onally, all contract deliverables are subject to these standards.

All ICT products and services, regardless of format, must conform to the applicable Sec�on 508 standards to allow Federal employees and members of the public with disabili�es equivalent access to and use of informa�on and data provided to those without disabili�es.

https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#about-the-ict-accessibility-standards https://www.access-board.gov/law/ra.html#text-of-section-508-of-the-rehabilitation-act-of-1973-as-amended-29-usc-794d https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart%2039_2.html http://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/departmental-regulation-4030-001

All contractors, sub-contractors, and consultants are responsible for preparing or pos�ng content must comply with the applicable Sec�on 508 accessibility standards and, where applicable, those set forth in the referenced policy or standards document. Remedia�on of any noncompliant ICT or materials as set forth in this contract vehicle shall be the responsibility of the contractor, sub-contractor, or consultant.

According to the Access Board’s Sec�on 508 Scoping Requirements The following Sec�on 508 provisions apply to the products and/or services iden�fied in this contract vehicle:

• C202 Func�onal Performance Criteria: Where the requirements in Chapters 4 and 5 do not address one or more func�ons of telecommunica�ons or customer premises equipment, the func�ons not addressed shall conform to the Func�onal Performance Criteria specified in Chapter 3.

• C203 Electronic Content: Electronic content that is integral to the use of telecommunica�ons or customer premises equipment shall conform to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0.

• C204 Hardware: Where components of telecommunica�ons equipment and customer premises equipment are hardware, and transmit informa�on or have a user interface, those components shall conform to applicable requirements in Chapter 4.

• C205 So�ware: Where so�ware is integral to the use of telecommunica�ons func�ons of telecommunica�ons equipment or customer premises equipment and has a user interface, such so�ware shall conform to C205 and the applicable requirements in Chapter 5.

WCAG Conformance: User interface components, as well as the content of pla�orms and applica�ons shall conform to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0.

• C206 Support Documenta�on and Services: Where support documenta�on and services and provided for telecommunica�ons equipment and customer premises equipment, manufacturers shall ensure that such documenta�on and services conform to Chapter 6 and are made available upon request at no addi�onal charge.

In addi�on, vendors and contractors shall comply with the standards, policies, and procedures below for all ICT pursuant to this contract:

• For Custom ICT Development Services, the vendor or contractor shall ensure the ICT fully conforms to the applicable Revised Sec�on 508 standards prior to delivery and before final acceptance.

• For Installa�on, Configura�on, and Integra�on Services, the vendor or contractor shall not install, configure, or integrate the equipment and so�ware in a way that reduces the level of conformance with the applicable Revised Sec�on 508 standards.

• For Maintenance, Upgrades, and Replacements, the vendor or contractor shall ensure maintenance upgrades, subs�tu�ons, and replacements do not reduce the original level of conformance with the applicable Revised Sec�on 508 standards at the �me of the contract award.

• Service Personnel are ensured by the vendor or contractor to possess the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary to address the applicable Revised Sec�on 508 standards and shall provide suppor�ng documenta�on upon request.

https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#508-chapter-2-scoping-requirements https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#C202-functional-performance-criteria https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#C203-electronic-content https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#C204-hardware https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#C205-software https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#C206-documentation-services

• When providing Hos�ng Services, the vendor or contractor shall not reduce the exis�ng level of conformance of the electronic content with the applicable Revised Sec�on 508 standards.

• When purchasing ICT where 1) Sec�on 508 valida�on is not possible prior to award, 2) the ICT will be changed a�er the award, or 3) ICT will be hosted in a third-party environment, the vendor or contractor shall test and validate the ICT solu�on for conformance to the Revised Sec�on 508 standards, in accordance with the required tes�ng methods as defined by the agency.

• The vendor or contractor shall document and maintain informa�on regarding the measures taken to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements. This documenta�on includes but is not limited to tes�ng records, product demonstra�ons, and reported defects by end users and testers.

• Prior to acceptance, the vendor or contractor shall provide an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for each ICT item that is developed, updated, and/or configured for the agency, and when product subs�tu�ons are offered. The ACR should be based on the latest version of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) provided by the Informa�on Technology Industry Council (ITI). To be considered for award, an ACR must be submited for each ICT item, and must be completed according to the instruc�ons provided by the ITI.

Note: A supplemental ACR may be required if the agency has addi�onal or stricter accessibility requirements than what is outlined in the VPAT.

• Prior to acceptance, the agency reserves the right to require a full working demonstra�on of the completed ICT item to demonstrate conformance to the agency’s accessibility requirements in addi�on to independent tes�ng to validate.

• In the case of non-compliance where the vendor or contractor claims its products and/or services sa�sfy the applicable Revised Sec�on 508 standards specified in the contract vehicle, the contrac�ng officer will promptly inform the vendor or contractor in wri�ng of the non-compliance. The vendor or contractor shall, at no cost to the agency, repair or replace the non-compliant products or services within the period specified by the contrac�ng officer.

All Informa�on and Communica�ons Technology (ICT) subject to the Revised Sec�on 508 standards will be evaluated for Sec�on 508 conformance and usability. The test must be administered by a Federal Sec�on 508 Tes�ng Center. All maintenance for ICT that requires upgrades, modifica�ons, installa�ons, repairs, and purchases shall adhere to the Revised Sec�on 508 standards.

Performance Requirement Measures Compliance with Internet Protocol Version (IPv6) This contract involves the acquisi�on of Informa�on Technology (IT) that uses Internet Protocol (IP) Technology. In order to comply with OMB Memorandum M-05-22, Transi�on Planning for Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) issued on August 2, 2005, the contractor agrees that: (1) all deliverables that involve IT that uses IP (products, services, so�ware, etc.) will comply with IPv6 standards set forth in the USGv6 Profile (NIST Special Publica�on 500-267) and interoperate with both IPv4 and IPv6 systems and products; and (2) it has IPv6 technical support for such deliverables. If the contractor plans to offer a deliverable that involves IT that is not compliant with these requirements, the contractor agrees to obtain the Contrac�ng Officer’s approval before star�ng work on the deliverable.

https://www.section508.gov/sell/vpat http://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility http://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility

Protec�on of Informa�on Informa�on about USDA networks and/or the security posture of any USDA informa�on assets gathered or created under this SOW is sensi�ve but unclassified informa�on. It is an�cipated that this informa�on will be gathered, created, stored within the primary Government work loca�on. If contractor personnel must remove any informa�on from the primary work area for any reason, the informa�on must remain in the possession of the contractor at all �mes or locked in a secure loca�on. If contractor personnel are away from primary work area for any reason, they must secure any hardcopy informa�on by storing the informa�on in a locked shelf or drawer and or use a password protected screen saver if the informa�on is on a computer.

Prior approval must be obtained in the contractor must remove any materials from their work area.

Recommended Sources: Vtech Solu�on.

Independent Government Cost Es�mate

ITEM DESCRIPTION TOTAL COST

Descrip�on $650,000 Base Year