PWS_mental_modeling_final.pdf

Performance Work Statement

Engineering With Nature Advancement through Mental Modeling Research

Background

In 2010, the USACE began its Engineering With Nature (EWN) program with the expressed purpose of promoting the intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes to efficiently and sustainably deliver economic, environmental and social benefits through collaborative processes (www.engineeringwithnature.org). The EWN Program includes a combination of research and development, communication, and demonstration activities that are organized to promote four key elements in infrastructure project development and execution: 1) using science and engineering to produce operational efficiencies; 2) applying natural systems and processes to maximum benefit;

3) broadening and extending the benefits provided by projects to include economic, environmental and social benefits; and 4) employing science-based collaborative processes to engage, organize and focus interests, stakeholders, and partners. Aligning natural processes with infrastructure systems can produce benefits across the US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works mission, including navigation, water operations, ecosystem restoration, and flood risk management.

Scope

For the continued success and advancement of the EWN program, the development of evidence-based strategic risk communications through utilization of Mental Modeling Technology™ is required. Mental Modeling Technology™ is a software-supported management platform for developing validated, behavior-specific programs that seamlessly integrate policy, strategy, communications, and measurement. The platform is essential to this effort because it is the premier method for generating the in-depth, evidence-based understanding of factors influencing decision making and behavior required to develop strategies, plans and communications to effectively address complex issues. There is also a growing need for determining how best to communicate with our federal agencies and the public. Obtaining input from scientists and management professionals in the field of applied research in judgment, decision making and behavioral communication science will be critical. This will entail a series of stakeholder meetings incorporating mental models research, development of a five-year research strategy and various communication materials (videos, website content, fact sheets, technical documents, etc.). For cutting edge videographic material, the contractor will utilize the MedRespond’s Synthetic Interview™ which is an interactive technology that simulates a one-on-one conversation through a combination of streaming video and artificial intelligence. Designed in a modular format, the technology will enable ongoing data collection on the interests and priorities of stakeholders regarding EWN. It will be used to share advances in EWN research and technology, and to elicit internal and external stakeholder input on research priorities. Overall, these tasks build upon one another and each is integral to the goal of supporting implementation of EWN. The products will include EWN communication materials mentioned above, reports that determine factors for decision-making, identify data gaps, and summarize short-term communications.

Long-term strategies will be compiled in a comprehensive research strategy.

Expected Outcomes

Task One – Conduct Stakeholder Meetings

Work Description: The contractor will design, conduct and prepare detailed reports for 2 stakeholder meetings during the 2016-2017 fiscal year. The purpose of the workshops will be to effectively engage stakeholders in EWN and elicit stakeholder input through Mental Modeling Technology™. This will enable systematic identification and documentation of research gaps and opportunities, trends and lessons learned. It is anticipated that participants will be scientists and technical leaders within USACE, EWN Leadership Team members, along with key external agency partners and stakeholders at the district level. Meetings will be held at the most cost effective location.

Additional meetings and the reports and materials generated from these meetings will be Optional Tasks 1 and 4.

Deliverables: The contractor will design two stakeholder meetings and will provide the agenda, facilitation and a comprehensive evaluation report for each meeting. All preparation materials will be sent to the EL for review prior to the meetings. The contractor will serve as lead moderator for these meetings, along with a senior research assistant who will support the moderator in facilitating the workshops and taking notes.

Deliverables for optional tasks include designing and conducting additional stakeholder meetings and generating reports and materials associated with those meetings similar to those deliverables mentioned above.

Task Two – Draft and update EWN Research Strategy reports and brochures.

Work Description: The contractor will draft a five-year research strategy with the proposed title EWN Strategic Plan: Transforming Our Culture. The contractor will conduct one or two in-person meetings and/or webinars with key EWN members concerning the draft research strategy. Next, the contractor will conduct interviews with key stakeholders individually in order to complete the strategy and develop meaningful metrics for assessment. Two or three meetings are anticipated. Through this iterative process, the contractor will develop, design, implement, and establish evaluation measures for three interrelated waves of activity: Deepening and Broadening the EWN Base of Support; Engaging the Research Community and Expanding Our Capabilities;

and Demonstrating the EWN Approach through Our Leadership.

Optional Tasks 2 and 5 involve revised, updated reports to reflect new and updated information. Additional interviews and meetings, up to 6 meetings total, to collect pertinent, current information and metrics, and updated reports and brochures to reflect the updated information will also be options to this task.

Deliverables: The contractor will provide meeting agendas, facilitation, meeting notes, action registers, and a draft EWN Research Strategy reports. Two-three meeting are anticipated, possibly one in-person (note meeting will be held at the most cost effective location) and others by webinar, plus a number of one on one phone interviews to complete the strategy. The contractor will make all preparation materials available to the EL for review prior to the webinars and/or meeting. The final products will include a high-print quality EWN Research Strategy and a brochure summarizing key messages.

Task Three – Develop and update videos, a web site, and communication materials.

Work Description:

The contractor will develop and produce a short (five minute) video providing current context and overview of EWN and featuring 3-4 research case examples. The contractor will also develop a more comprehensive interactive video that will enable dialogue and interaction with stakeholders and members of the EWN Leadership Team.

Using material from the short videos, the contractor will design, develop and host a state-of-the-science, online stakeholder engagement site. The engagement site will combine Mental Modeling Technology™ with MedRespond’s Synthetic Interview™ platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, search, and streaming media. The contractor will also develop basic communications materials, such as key messages, technical notes, fact sheets, and web content.

Optional Tasks 3 and 6 are developing and producing revised and updated videos, web sites, and communication materials to reflect new knowledge and research. Updating and revising the engagement site to reflect new and updated information will also be an optional task.

Schedule

All products are expected to be completed within48 months after the contract is awarded.

Concurrent tasks can be conducted to meet project milestones.

Performance Requirements Summary.

Task Statement Standards/AQLs

1) Design and conduct 2 strategic workshops to evaluate progress with implementation of the EWN strategy

Deliverable: 2 sets of workshop materials.

2 workshop evaluation reports

Optional Task 1: Design and conduct 2 strategic workshops to evaluate progress with implementation of the EWN strategy Optional Task 4: Design and conduct 2 strategic workshops to evaluate progress with implementation of the EWN strategy

Workshops will identify data gaps, trends and lessons learned. Two workshops will be completed by Sep 2017.

AQL: The contractor will complete workshops on time. Delays will be reported as soon as possible.

2) Draft and produce EWN research strategy reports and brochures

Provide documents, interview results, and the

Deliverables 1 report annually 1 set of updates brochures annually

Optional Task 2: Update and produce EWN research strategy reports and brochures.

Optional Task 5: Update and produce EWN research strategy reports and brochures.

EWN research strategy.

AQL: Materials will be submitted by a date TBD. Delays should be reported as soon as possible.

Brochures will be developed that explain key metrics of the EWN strategy.

AQL: Materials will be submitted by a date TBD. A delay of 5 days is acceptable

3) Develop and produce videos, web sites, and communication materials

Deliverable:

Multiple communication materials 1 Peer-reviewed journal article draft and final manuscript

Optional Task 3: Update and produce videos, web sites, and communication materials Optional Task 6: Update and produce videos, web sites, and communication materials

a) Development of basic communications materials of key messages, technical notes, fact sheets, web content AQL: Materials will be submitted by a date TBD. Delays will be reported as soon as possible.

b) Preparation of article(s) on the application of strategic risk communications within USACE for publication.

AQL: Publication in a peer reviewed journal

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The contractor and all associated subcontractors’ employees shall comply with applicable installation, access and local security policies and procedures. Policies and procedures will be provided by the local Security Office. The contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DoD, HQDA, and local policies. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.