PROJECT TASKS

To realize the project goals and objectives, the Contractor shall complete the baseline tasks as described below and the other tasks (Tasks 5, 6 and 10) described below to the extent authorized.

Task 1. Develop Plans for the Project Advisory Group
The Project Advisory Group (PAG) will be asked to review and provide input on a specific work plan (SWP) for the specific scope, methods, schedule and budget for each task listed below. The SWP's are anticipated to include requests for voluntary assistance by member organizations in the PAG in complementing the Contractor's project work. The PAG will also be asked to review and comment on work completed by the Contractor to identify priorities for future efforts.

It will be important to include key organizations with strong capabilities for performing the work of the PAG. The Contractor shall invite at least the following organizations to participate: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Natural Resources Conservation Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York Farm Bureau, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and the Northeast Dairy Producers.

For review and approval by the NYSERDA Project Manager, the Contractor shall develop the Task 2 SWP (including scope, methods, schedule and budget) for (a) forming and maintaining the Project Advisory Group (including individuals and organizations to be invited), (b) exchanging information and requesting assistance from PAG members, and (c) implementing the initial workshop of the PAG identified in Task 2 below.

Task 2. Host Initial Workshop Exchange with Advisors/Partners
The Contractor shall invite participation and host an initial workshop in accordance with the Task 2 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager under Task 1. Prior to the initial meeting, the Contractor shall prepare proposed SWP's for Tasks 3, 4, 5, and 6. The initial workshop activities shall include:

2.1 Review of project objectives and tasks
2.2 Identification of priority tasks and deliverables
2.3 Review of the Task 4 SWP for data to be collected
2.4 Review of the Task 5 SWP for analyses to be performed
2.5 Review of the Task 6 SWP for the establishment of the Quick Response Team
2.6 Review of other specific work plans prepared
2.7 Making recommendations on proposed plans and roles
2.8 Review of Task 3 SWP and making plans for the next two quarterly meetings

Following the initial workshop, updated proposed SWP's for Tasks 3, 4, 5 & 6 shall be provided to NYSERDA for approval.

Task 3. Host Quarterly Meetings of Project Advisory Group
The Contractor shall organize and make arrangements for quarterly meetings of the PAG in accordance with the Task 3 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager. Meetings shall be held at different locations around the State to facilitate input from different regions and partners and to afford opportunities to visit project sites around the State.

Unless changes in agenda are made through the Task 3 SWP, each meeting shall include the following:

3.1 Review of work done on this project on each Task since last meeting
3.2 Exchange of project results and resource information among PAG representatives
3.3 Review of specific work plans and recommendations
3.4 Determining actions partners will perform, including scheduling of partner use of deliverables
3.5 Providing input, feedback and guidance for project work and specific work plans
3.6 Developing a strategic long term plan for the program

Task 4: Collect and Compile NYSERDA Project Results
The Contractor shall collect and compile data developed through NYSERDA projects relating to manure management in accordance with the Task 4 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 4 SWP shall include identification of data to be collected, similar projects to seek data from, any further measurements or tests that might be warranted, and methods of data compilation.

Unless changes are made through the Task 4 SWP work shall include the following:

4.1 Meet and follow up with project representatives
4.2 Develop spreadsheets for organizing comparable data
4.3 Prepare data suitable for web posting
4.4

Collecting data from similar manure projects

4.5 Document problems and solutions of various manure systems

Task 5: Analyze NYSERDA Project Results
Based on the results of PAG review and project development to date, the Contractor shall update the proposed Task 5 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for the analysis of NYSERDA project results to develop information to assist farmers that are attempting to implement improved manure management technologies that have been developed, demonstrated, and/or evaluated in NYSERDA supported projects. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 5 SWP shall include identification of the specific data to be analyzed, statistical methods to be used, comparisons to be made, and methods documentation. The Contractor shall provide copies of the proposed Task 5 SWP to the PAG for review and comment.

The Contractor shall analyze data in accordance with the Task 5 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager, only to the extent authorized by the NYSERDA Project Manager in writing. As initial data analyses are completed, additional analyses and supplemental measurements and testing found to be desirable may be authorized through modifications to this written authorization, after review of modifications to the Task 5 SWP.

Unless changes are made through the Task 5 SWP or the written authorization, the Task 5 work shall include for the data approved for analysis:

5.1 Analysis of data with basic statistics
5.2 Analysis of correlations
5.3 Identification of challenges and opportunities
5.4

Comparison of data among different projects

5.5 Preparation of documentation of results of significant analyses

Task 6: Set Up and Operate Quick Response Team
Based on the results of PAG review and project development to date, the Contractor shall update the proposed Task 6 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for the establishment and operation of a Quick Response Team (QRT) that would be capable of rapidly providing information to assist farmers that are attempting to implement improved manure management technologies that have been developed, demonstrated, and/or evaluated in NYSERDA supported projects. The Task 6 SWP shall include identification of resource personnel to participate in the QRT, methods of selecting farmers and situations qualifying for a QRT effort, and procedures for implementing the QRT services.

The Contractor shall provide copies of the proposed Task 6 SWP to the PAG for review and comment. The Contractor shall establish QRT in accordance with the Task 6 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager, only to the extent authorized by the NYSERDA Contract Administrator in a Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall implement the QRT in accordance with the Task 6 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project manager, and as experience is gained with the QRT, additional work found to be desirable may be authorized through modifications to the Task 6 SWP.

Unless changes are made through the Task 6 SWP or the written authorization, the Task 6 work shall include for the QRT work approved:

6.1 Informing candidate farmers of the QRT services available
6.2 Maintaining procedures to mobilize and deploy the appropriate QRT personnel
6.3 Evaluation of the issues and alternatives
6.4

Providing the farmer with information to assist in implementing desirable alternatives

6.5 Documenting the assistance provided and the results of the QRT effort
6.6 Compiling and summarizing the overall results of the QRT Task

Task 7: Prepare and Update Posters and Fact Sheets
Based on the results of PAG input and project development to date, the Contractor shall prepare the proposed Task 7 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for this task. The Contractor shall collect, compile, prepare, and update posters and fact sheets developed through NYSERDA projects relating to manure management in accordance with the Task 7 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor Principal Investigator and the NYSERDA Project Manager. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 7 SWP shall include identification of posters and fact sheets currently available, the projects for which new posters and fact sheets are to be prepared, and the format and content to be used for the posters and fact sheets to be updated and developed, and the method of disseminating these posters and fact sheets to the target audience of farmers and their advisors. The SWP shall include preparation of a complete set of updated posters and fact sheets for the relevant projects in time for presentation at NYSERDA's annual agriculture conferences near the end of 2003 and 2004.

Task 8: Prepare Resource Lists
Based on the results of PAG input and project development to date, the Contractor shall prepare the proposed Task 8 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for this task. The Contractor shall collect, compile, prepare, and update lists of resources that can assist farmers that are attempting to implement improved manure management technologies that have been developed, demonstrated, and/or evaluated in NYSERDA supported projects. This task shall be implemented in accordance with the Task 8 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 8 SWP shall include identification of the types of resources to be included in the list, sources of currently available lists, the methods of developing, verifying, and maintaining the lists, the methods of making the lists available to farmers and their advisors, and the methods of informing them of the availability of the lists.

Unless changes are made through the Task 8 SWP, resource lists shall be prepared covering:

8.1 Private sector services
8.2 Public sector technical assistance
8.3 Funding sources
8.4 Farmers interested in contacts for digester development (use some type of survey by regional partners)
8.5 Significant Web links
8.6 Upcoming conferences, workshops, training
8.7 QRT expertise and availability

Task 9: Establish, Maintain and Monitor Website
Based on the results of PAG input and project development to date, the Contractor shall develop the proposed Task 9 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for this task. The Contractor shall establish and maintain a website as a method to provide and receive project information, in accordance with the Task 9 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager Investigator and the NYSERDA Project Manager. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 9 SWP shall include identification of the types of resources to be included in the website, availability of any similar websites, the methods of developing, verifying, and maintaining the website, the methods of informing potential users of website availability, the methods receiving and handling any project information received from the website, the methods for tracking website use to identify areas of greater interest, and plans for reporting on the effectiveness of the website.

Unless changes are made through the Task 9 SWP, the website shall include the following:

9.1 Resource lists
9.2 Fact sheets and posters
9.3 Newsletter contents
9.4 Summaries of analyses of results

Task 10: Prepare Topical Resource Guides
Based on the results of PAG input and project development to date, the Contractor shall develop a proposed Task 10 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for preparation of topical resource guides which provide information to assist farmers that are attempting to implement improved manure management technologies that have been developed, demonstrated, and/or evaluated in NYSERDA supported projects. It is anticipated that the reports will be prepared in a form suitable for the Dairy Practices Council/NRAES to edit, peer review, layout, print and distribute.

As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the proposed Task 10 SWP shall include an explanation of the need and potential market for each proposed guide, an outline of the guide contents, identification of the sources of information and authors for the guide contents, the plan for having the report published and advertised to the users, and the plan for distribution of the report and tracking of its use. The Contractor shall provide copies of the proposed Task 10 SWP to the PAG for review and comment. The Contractor shall prepare resource guides in accordance with the Task 10 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager, only to the extent authorized by the NYSERDA Contract Administrator in a Notice to Proceed. As the project is implemented, additional guidelines may be found to be desirable and may be authorized through modifications to the Notice to Proceed, after review of modifications to the Task 10 SWP.

Unless changes are made through the Task 10 SWP or the written authorization, one or more of the following reports shall be prepared in a form suitable for the Dairy Practices Council/NRAES to edit, peer review, layout, print and distribute:

10.1 Guidelines for Anaerobic Digestion
10.2 Dairy Manure Composting
10.3 Poultry Manure Composting
10.4 Economic Evaluation of Various Systems
10.5 Phosphorous and Nitrogen Removal Processes
10.6 Heat Use for on or Near Farm Enterprises

Task 11: Implement Long Term Strategic Plan to Continue This Effort
Based on the results of PAG input and project development to date, the Contractor shall prepare the proposed Task 11 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for this task. The Contractor shall develop and implement a long term strategic plan to seek support for establishing this project's technology transfer work as a continuing program beyond the initial two years being supported with NYSERDA funding. Development and Implementation of this plan shall be done in accordance with the Task 11 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 11 SWP shall include identification of potential sources of funding and support, identification of similar technology transfer programs, and a schedule for making contacts and presentations seeking support for continuation of the program

Task 12: Utilize Existing Workshops and Other Events
Based on the results of PAG input and project development to date, the Contractor shall prepare the proposed Task 12 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for this task. The Contractor shall make use of existing workshops being held by NYSERDA and others to transfer information to assist farmers that are attempting to implement improved manure management technologies that have been developed, demonstrated, and/or evaluated in NYSERDA supported projects. This Task shall be implemented in accordance with the Task 12 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 12 SWP shall include identification of organizations on the PAG and beyond that hold workshops, conferences, and other events attended by the representatives of the target audience, identification of key events during the project period and beyond which could be utilized for information transfer, plans for making use of these events, information to be conveyed, and plans for tracking the degree of information transfer accomplished through these events.

Unless changes are made through the Task 12 SWP, Task 12 work shall include delivery of information through presentations by project participants and by making available copies of topical resource guides, resource lists, posters and fact sheets.

Task 13: Hold Project Conferences
Based on the results of PAG input and project development to date, the Contractor shall prepare the proposed Task 13 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for this task. The Contractor shall plan, organize, and hold project conferences to transfer information to assist farmers that are attempting to implement improved manure management technologies that have been developed, demonstrated, and/or evaluated in NYSERDA supported projects.These conferences shall be held in accordance with the Task 13 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 13 SWP shall include topics to be covered, planned conference cosponsors, proposed presenters, methods of advertising the conferences, and methods of evaluating the effectiveness of the conferences in transferring the desired information.

Unless changes are made through the Task 13 SWP, Task 13 work shall include delivery of information through three one-day conferences in different regions of the State (eastern, northern and western New York) and one three-day northeast regional conference with proceedings to document results of NYSERDA projects and those developed by others.

Task 14: Provide Newsletter/Publication Materials
Based on the results of PAG input and project development to date, the Contractor shall prepare the proposed Task 14 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for this task. The Contractor shall make use of existing newsletters, trade magazines and other publications to transfer information to assist farmers that are attempting to implement improved manure management technologies that have been developed, demonstrated, and/or evaluated in NYSERDA supported projects. This task shall be implemented in accordance with the Task 14 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor's Project Manager and the NYSERDA Project Manager. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 14 SWP shall include identification of organizations on the PAG and beyond that have publications read by the representatives of the target audience, identification of key publications which could be utilized for information transfer, plans for making use of these publications, information to be conveyed, and plans for tracking the degree of information transfer accomplished through these publications.

Task 15: Monitor and Evaluate
Based on the results of PAG input and project development to date, the Contractor shall prepare the proposed Task 15 SWP covering the scope, method, schedule and budget for this task. The Contractor shall collect, compile, and analyze data to evaluate the success of this project in delivering information that assists farmers that are attempting to implement improved manure management technologies that have been developed, demonstrated, and/or evaluated in NYSERDA supported projects. This task shall be carried out in accordance with the Task 15 SWP found acceptable to the Contractor Principal Investigator and the NYSERDA Project Manager. As part of its description of the scope, methods, schedule and budget, the Task 15 SWP shall include identification of data to be collected, anticipated levels of success, analyses to be performed, and planned documentation of the results.

Unless changes are made through the Task 15 SWP, Task 15 work shall include documentation of the following:

15.1 Referrals to NYSERDA funding programs and numbers receiving funding
15.2 Persons receiving information from the QRT
15.3 Persons hitting the website pages and downloading its constituents
15.4 Persons attending the conferences
15.5 Circulation of publications containing information developed through the project
15.6 Persons receiving copies of the Technical Resource Guides
15.7 Farms successfully implementing subject technologies after receiving information

Task 16: Monthly and Final Summary Reports

A. Monthly Progress Reports
The Contractor shall provide the NYSERDA Project Manager with brief monthly reports describing progress on each task of the project, any problems encountered and plans for addressing them, and plans for major project activities the next month. The progress reports shall also keep a running total of the metrics of technology transfer to be monitored and documented in accordance with the Task 15 SWP.

B. First Year Summary Report
Within 30 days after the completion of the first year's activities, a draft first year report shall be submitted for review by the NYSERDA and the Program Advisory Group. The draft first year summary report shall describe the results of the project Monitoring and Evaluation Task for the first year in accordance with the Task 15 SWP, make general recommendations for completion of the project and for implementation of the Long Term Strategic Plan, and make any specific recommendations warranted for improvements in the different SWP's. The report shall include a stand-alone summary section of not more than 5 pages, which can be published separately, and appendices and attachments to include all other documentation. NYSERDA's Project Manager shall provide comments on the draft first year report within 30 days after receipt. Within 30 days after NYSERDA comments are received, the Contractor shall provide NYSERDA's Project Manager with a final first year report, which takes into account such comments and is formatted ready for publication by NYSERDA in accordance with NYSERDA's Exhibit C - "Report Format and Style Guide" and/or posting on the Cornell composting website.

C. Final Summary Report
A draft final report shall be submitted at least 60 days before the completion of the second year of the projects. The draft first year summary report shall describe the results of the project Monitoring and Evaluation Task for to date in accordance with the Task 15 SWP, make general recommendations for completion of the project, and for implementation of the Long Term Strategic Plan. The final report shall include a stand-alone summary section of not more than 30 pages, which can be published separately, and appendices and attachments to include data and all other documentation. NYSERDA's Project Manager shall provide comments on the draft first year report within 30 days after receipt. Within 30 days after NYSERDA comments are received, the Contractor shall provide NYSERDA's Project Manager with a final report in accordance with NYSERDA's Exhibit C - "Report Format and Style Guide," which takes into account such comments and is formatted ready for publication by NYSERDA.

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