A Community Engagement Framework and Its Implementation Using Mental Modeling for the Dredging Operations Environmental Research Program
This is a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION - SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS announcement to be used for preliminary market research purposes only. No proposals are being requested or accepted with this synopsis. THIS... This is a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION - SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS announcement to be used for preliminary market research purposes only. No proposals are being requested or accepted with this synopsis. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS AND NO CONTRACT SHALL BE AWARDED FROM THIS SYNOPSIS. The type of solicitation issued in the future will depend upon the responses to this sources sought synopsis. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this synopsis or any follow up information requests. The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities and qualifications of various members of the community to compete and perform a Service Contract. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing this request for information (RFI) announcement as part of a market survey for a Service Contract for A Community Engagement Framework and Its Implementation Using Mental Modeling for the Dredging Operations Environmental Research Program. The requirements are listed below: 3.1 Adaption of a Proven Framework for Community Engagement & Ongoing Project Monitoring The Contractor shall adapt their proven framework to ensure the appropriate identification and engagement of key community stakeholders and agency partners from the beginning of a USACE dredging operations project (and/or other innovative project incorporating BU, TLP, NNBF, or other EWN practices). The underlying objectives will be to: 1) build shared understanding of the benefits of USACE’s approach and support for implementation on projects; 2) increase BU of muddy sediments for enhanced ecosystem and flood risk management function; 3) increase use of new and evolving technologies, including TLP, NNBF, etc.; 4) reduce dredging delays and social friction associated with community concerns; 5) control dredging costs while optimizing BU of dredged sediment, 6) increase USACE credibility and credibility of USACE dredging operations with respect to stakeholders. The resulting Community Engagement Framework will be the foundational process, methods and tools for all of the demonstration projects. A key part of this Task is review of the Framework and how it is being applied, including documentation and assessment of lessons learned over the course of the 3-year project. To that end, the contractor shall conduct quarterly reviews with the ERDC PIs (typically via conference call or webinar) to review and make any required course corrections. Deliverables: A comprehensive White Paper describing the Community Engagement Framework – adaptation of the methodology, process, methods and tools, initial guidance and success criteria -- and expected outcomes. An Opportunity Statement for the 3-Year Community Engagement to be delivered at 6 months after award A 3-year Workplan to be delivered at 6 months after award. Quarterly progress reports will capture progress made, obstacles encountered, lessons learned and problem resolution. Period of performance: White Paper, Opportunity Statement and Workplan -- 6 months after award. OPTION 3.2 Implementation of the Community Engagement Framework at a Large Site -- Demonstration A The contractor shall implement the Community Engagement Framework for a large USACE dredging LTMS that includes BU alternatives. Existing community perceptions will be acquired through a standardized behavioral science-based stakeholder interview protocol developed specifically for this effort. Perceptions of dredge material and potential BU shall be considered when developing and refining questions for the protocol. Based on insight into influences on community stakeholders’ understanding of and backing for the project, recommendations will be made for broader engagement of and communication with the community about the project. The contractor shall prepare and implement the engagement plan, then assess its success. Deliverables: Quarterly progress reports will capture progress made, obstacles encountered, lessons learned and problem resolution. A Partner and Community Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report and Recommendations (20-40 pages) outlining the implementation of the Framework – the process, methods and tools applied and results of demonstration that illustrate the community stakeholder and partner engagement and response, including lessons learned and considerations for future use and integration of BU strategies. ERDC will review a draft and offer comments or revisions for consideration. Report will be developed using the standard ERDC format. The following items shall be included in the report: - Project workplan - Opportunity Statement - Expert Model - Stakeholder Identification and Engagement Plan - Interview protocol(s), community survey - Implementation of Stakeholder Engagement Plan - Partner and Community Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report and Recommendations - Project Team Training/Coaching materials Period of Performance: 12 months after award OPTION 3.3 Implementation of the Community Engagement Framework at a Large Site -- Demonstration B. The contractor shall implement the Community Engagement Framework for a large USACE dredging LTMS that includes BU alternatives. Existing community perceptions will be acquired through a standardized behavioral science-based stakeholder interview protocol developed specifically for this effort. Perceptions of dredge material and potential BU shall be considered when developing and refining questions for the protocol. Based on insight into influences on community stakeholders’ understanding of and backing for the project, recommendations will be made for broader engagement of and communication with the community about the project. The contractor shall prepare and implement the engagement plan, then assess its success. Deliverable: Quarterly progress reports will capture progress made, obstacles encountered, lessons learned and problem resolution. A Partner and Community Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report and Recommendations (20-40 pages) outlining the implementation of the Framework – the process, methods and tools applied and results of demonstration that illustrate the community stakeholder and partner engagement and response, including lessons learned and considerations for future use and integration of BU strategies. ERDC will review a draft and offer comments or revisions for consideration. Report will be developed using the standard ERDC format. The following items shall be included in the report: - Project workplan - Opportunity Statement - Expert Model - Stakeholder Identification and Engagement Plan - Interview protocol(s), community survey - Implementation of Stakeholder Engagement Plan - Partner and Community Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report and Recommendations - Project Team Training/Coaching materials Period of Performance: 12 months after award OPTION 3.4 Implementation of the Community Engagement Framework at a Medium Site -- Demonstration C The contractor shall implement the Community Engagement Framework for a medium USACE dredging LTMS that includes BU alternatives. Existing community perceptions will be acquired through a standardized behavioral science-based stakeholder interview protocol developed specifically for this effort. Perceptions of dredge material and potential BU shall be considered when developing and refining questions for the protocol. Based on insight into influences on community stakeholders’ understanding of and backing for the project, recommendations will be made for broader engagement of and communication with the community about the project. The contractor shall prepare and implement the engagement plan, then assess its success. Deliverable: Quarterly progress reports will capture progress made, obstacles encountered, lessons learned and problem resolution. A Partner and Community Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report and Recommendations (20-40 pages) outlining the implementation of the Framework – the process, methods and tools applied and results of demonstration that illustrate the community stakeholder and partner engagement and response, including lessons learned and considerations for future use and integration of BU strategies. ERDC will review a draft and offer comments or revisions for consideration. Report will be developed using the standard ERDC format. The following items shall be included in the report: - Project workplan - Opportunity Statement - Expert Model - Stakeholder Identification and Engagement Plan - Interview protocol(s), community survey - Implementation of Stakeholder Engagement Plan - Partner and Community Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report and Recommendations - Project Team Training/Coaching materials Period of Performance: 12 months after award OPTION 3.5 Implementation of the Community Engagement Framework at a Small Site -- Demonstration D The contractor shall implement the Community Engagement Framework for a small USACE dredging LTMS that includes BU alternatives. Existing community perceptions will be acquired through a standardized behavioral science-based stakeholder interview protocol developed specifically for this effort. Perceptions of dredge material and potential BU shall be considered when developing and refining questions for the protocol. Based on insight into influences on community stakeholders’ understanding of and backing for the project, recommendations will be made for broader engagement of and communication with the community about the project. The contractor shall prepare and implement the engagement plan, then assess its success. Deliverable: Quarterly progress reports will capture progress made, obstacles encountered, lessons learned and problem resolution. A Partner and Community Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report and Recommendations (20-40 pages) outlining the implementation of the Framework – the process, methods and tools applied and results of demonstration that illustrate the community stakeholder and partner engagement and response, including lessons learned and considerations for future use and integration of BU strategies. ERDC will review a draft and offer comments or revisions for consideration. Report shall be developed using the standard ERDC format. The following items shall be included in the report: - Project workplan - Opportunity Statement - Expert Model - Stakeholder Identification and Engagement Plan - Interview protocol(s), community survey - Implementation of Stakeholder Engagement Plan - Partner and Community Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report and Recommendations - Project Team Training/Coaching materials Period of Performance: 12 months after award The contractor shall perform work as specified. North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code applicable to this sources sought is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). The Small Business Size Standard for this sources sought is 1000 employees. Interested organizations having access to demonstrated research and capabilities in this area are invited to submit literature, which describes the general approach, previous related work, and a response per the submission instructions below. After review of the response submissions, the Government may contact select respondents to further clarify the candidate materials. If you have an interest in participating in this type of contract, please provide the following information: 1. Cage code or DUNS number 2. Company information: (type of small business: 8(a), SDB, SDVOSB, etc) Please indicate contact information and email address. 3. Capability Statement: Please include a capability statement not to exceed ten pages. Interested parties should register on-line and subscribe to receiving procurement announcements related to this sources sought notice at beta.SAM.gov. Any questions related to this notice shall be submitted in writing to the point of contact listed below. All information marked as proprietary information will be safeguarded to prevent disclosures to non-government personnel and entities. Your interest in this response is appreciated. Interested vendors should provide information regarding this announcement no later than 19 May 2020 at 1:00 pm Central Time to: E-mail amanda.andrews@usace.army.mil
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