Tree_Genetics_Consultant_SOW_4Aug21 _DRAFT.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Tree Genetics Research Consulting

4 August 2021

Contents Project General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Government Furnished

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards Attachment

Project

Tree Genetics Research Consulting

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The overall project is to obtain research services for the Southern Institute of Forest Genetics (SIFG, within SRS-4160) addressing new molecular approaches to forest pest management and developing a sustainability genetics research framework for white oak. The SRS-4160 conducts genetics and physiology research and outreach/education activities throughout the southern region of the US with collaborators from universities and various government agencies across the eastern US. The specific goals and objectives of this work include providing the following services under two projects:

1. Molecular biology/genetic approaches to forest pest management

a. Complete literature review

b. Develop webinar series for SRS forest health team

2. White oak genetics, genomics, conservation, and improvement

a. Compile, complete literature review and develop framework for special issues paper

b. Develop framework for USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grant proposal

2.0 Background

Up to date information on novel approaches to forest pest management is needed. Our research unit (SRS-4160) studies host resistance in forest trees to insect pests and fungal pathogens. Some of these approaches utilize molecular biology including genetic mapping and sequencing pathogen resistance factors and engineering Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) interference to silence specific genes of insect pests. Other approaches exist and the unit and station scientists could benefit from understanding the various options currently becoming available. This is the goal of the first project.

For the second project, our collaborative white oak genetics research team has been invited to provide a paper for an upcoming special issue in the journal Forests. Partial literature searches and reviews of oaks genetics and physiology have been prepared by two team members and these along with the remaining literature need to be complied and drafted into a review (focusing on white oak) that can be revised for the special issues manuscript. In addition, a framework for a large-scale white oak genetics/genomics competitive grant needs to be developed bringing into focus the central questions needing attention to advance white oak sustainability under current and future climate scenarios.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Contractor will provide scientific and technical advice and research services to the Project Leader (PL) and scientists of SRS-4160. Services will include literature reviews, manuscript and grant proposal preparation, and webinar presentations. Services provided will be professional and delivered in a timely manner. In addition, they will be “cutting edge” helping to advance the SIFG’s ability to deliver its mission. Work will be delivered through written documents and online webinars.

A monthly summary report of actions completed, and total hours worked support each project/action will be submitted with the IPP invoice.

In addition, a summary report of all work products completed will be provided to the Government Technical Monitor (GTM)) at the conclusion of the contract period. Quality of work products will be reviewed by the GTM, as well as peer reviews performed for written proposals and manuscripts.

4.0 Government Furnished

Not Applicable

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

Key Deliverables

Item No.

Deliverable Objective Due

1 Complete literature review

Molecular biology/genetic approaches to forest pest management—part 1

February 28, 2022

2 Develop webinar series for SRS forest health team

Molecular biology/genetic approaches to forest pest management—part 2

May 31, 2022

3 Complete literature review and develop framework for special issues paper

White oak genetics, genomics, conservation, and improvement— part 1

November 30, 2021

4 Develop framework for USDA/NIFA grant proposal

White oak genetics, genomics, conservation, and improvement— part 2

December 15, 2021

5 Monthly Progress Report

Monthly summary report of actions completed, and total hours worked support each project/action

1st of each month, submitted with IPP invoice

5 Summary Report of all Work Products Completed

Capture summary of all work performed during course of the contract in a single consolidated document

September 30, 2021

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

Tree Genetics Scientific Consultant

Key Personnel Minimum Qualifications:

-- PhD in molecular biology/molecular genetics -- Experience (5+ years) in plant/tree genetics research -- Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish peer-reviewed research in plant/tree genetics -- Demonstrated ability to obtain grant funding for research proposals in plant/tree genetics

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

All data/information produced, furnished, acquired, or used in meeting contract requirements belong to the Government. The Government shall have sole unlimited rights to use and disclosure.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards Not Applicable. No technology will be acquired.

Attachment 1 – Level of Effort

FIRM FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT TERM

WORKLOAD DATA

Based on a determination that work described within this SOW cannot be quantified sufficiently enough to warrant pricing on a Firm Fixed Price basis, the following level of effort shall be the basis for contract pricing.

The below hours and stated positions are the basis of this requirement and invoicing will be at a set monthly amount, based on the total level of effort depicted below.

POSITION

LEVEL OF EFFORT

Tree Genetics Research Consultant 240 hours per year