Contracting for the SIA
Recommendations
In scopes of work (SOWs) for NEPA analyses, contractors should be explicitly
tasked with completing an SIA if scoping has indicated that such analysis
is needed. If a contract is let before scoping is done, the contractor
should be tasked (among other things) with helping GSA determine the need
for the SIA during the scoping process, and with helping design its form
and content.
SOWs should cite specific quality standards and guidelines, such as
the Guidelines and Principles, this fact sheet, or one of the references
cited at the end of this fact sheet.
SOWs should provide for continuing feedback between GSA and the contractor.
SOWs should require supervision of the SIA by qualified practitioners.
Model SOW Element
The following model assumes a project on which GSA is contracting for assistance
in preparing an EA, and in which there is some indication that an SIA may
be needed. Language along the following lines might be adapted for use
in the SOW for such work.
Scope of Services
The contractor shall provide all professional services necessary to
perform the work specified below:
-
Assist GSA in determining whether the social impacts of the proposed action,
including alternatives, may be such as to require either completion of
an EIS or inclusion of mitigation measures in a FONSI. Anticipated work
needs include:
-
Background research into the history, demographics, economics, and sociology/
ethnography of the areas subject to direct, indirect, and/or cumulative
impacts.
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Consultation with representatives of the City and County planning departments
and with experts identified through consultation with the planning departments
and GSA.
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Organizing public participation in the work.
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Developing a detailed scope for subsequent analysis, subject to GSA approval.
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Defining baseline social conditions with respect to each alternative.
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Projecting the probable social impacts of implementing each alternative,
including indirect and cumulative impacts.
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Predicting the responses of affected groups and communities to such impacts.
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Recommending new alternatives if any possible such alternatives emerge
from the study.
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If it appears that an EA and FONSI will be appropriate, but that mitigation
is needed in order to keep social impacts at non-significant levels (with
reference to the significance measures at 40 CFR 1508.14), providing recommendations
for mitigation and monitoring.
The contractor shall:
-
Meet every other week with the Contracting Officer's Representative and
project planners, and more often if necessary, to review progress and provide
recommendations to one another about both the study and project planning,
including consideration of new alternatives and potential problems with
and responses to social impacts.
-
Ensure that the social impact assessment aspect of the work is fully coordinated
with consideration of impacts on other sociocultural aspects of the environment,
including (but not limited to) historic preservation and economics.
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Ensure that all social impact assessment work is supervised by a qualified
sociologist or sociocultural anthropologist with demonstrated experience
in the analysis of social impacts.
-
Ensure that all social impact assessment work is consistent with accepted
professional standards, including (but not limited to) the Guidelines and
Principles for Social Impact Assessment (c.f. NOAA 1994).
Social
Impact Assessment
To contact support, please email nepa.callin@gsa.gov
