Software Application Development

STATEMENT OF WORK Project Title: Data Transfer Application for the Gulf of Mexico Reef fish Bottom Longline Monitoring Observer Program Database Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop an electronic reporting system for at-sea observer data, providing real-time quota monitoring for the bottom longline portion of the Gulf of Mexico grouper/snapper/tilefish fishery. 1. Development of a computer application (IOS and Android platforms) integrating GPS and photographs using a tablet to enter data at-sea 2. Development of data transfer protocol between at-sea observer data application and central MS Access/Oracle database using VMS or satellite email 3. Generation of daily data summary for real-time quota monitoring capabilities 4. Ensure application and data summary file secured as 128 bit AES used for encryption with integrated quality control mechanism at the data entry and data output level 5. Synchronization of primary and foreign keys between systems Introduction: The NMFS-Southeast Fisheries Science Center-Panama City Laboratory Observer Program monitors catch and bycatch on bottom longline vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. South Atlantic. An established methodology has been developed but modifications to the current means of data acquisition and entry are in development. Part of this program development includes converting the current observer database from an Access database to an Oracle database with a web based graphic user interface (GUI), which would be housed at the Southeast Fisheries Science. The impetus for the database conversion is for more integrated data entry and data access by parties including the observer program, quota monitors, and managers. To reduce the time and resources needed between data collection and data entry, developments of applications that facilitate the exchange of observer data between a remote version of the database contained on a computer and the central database are needed. This would allow an observer to enter and transmit data while at-sea from a vessel with email capability, using either an existing vessel monitoring system (VMS) or satellite transmission. Real-time quota monitoring especially under a catch share program is the end goal, but currently not available due to the lack of electronic reporting capabilities in the observer program. Proposed work: To reduce the time and resources needed between data collection and data entry, developments of applications that facilitate the exchange of observer data between a remote version of a database contained on a computer and the central database are needed. This would allow an observer to enter and transmit data while at-sea from a vessel with email capability, using either an existing vessel monitoring system (VMS) or satellite transmission. An individual contract would be provided to a software developer to design an at-sea data entry based application for IOS and Android platforms with integrated photographs and GPS coordinates. The applications must be able to produce a daily data summary that is sent via satellite email and easily imported into MS Access or Oracle databases. The application and data summary file should be secured as 128 bit AES used for encryption with integrated quality control mechanism at the data entry and data output level. The contracted individual may be required to work with existing architecture and staff such as ones already existing (e.g. Office of Science and Technology, Fisheries Scientific Computing System). The application would consist of three primary components: computer initialization and application design, VMS or satellite encrypted data transmission, and synchronization of primary and foreign keys between systems. Project Requirements: The contractor will have experience with the following skills: 1) Designing applications for IOS and Android platforms including full integration of camera and GPS data 2) Experience with peripheral satellite uplink communication 3) Experience back-engineering windows modem software for satellite phones 4) Experience designing and implementing MS Access and Oracle databases Deliverables: The contractor will provide: 1) Working data-entry application for the IOS and Android platforms including GPS and photograph integration, security encryption, and synchronization of primary and foreign keys between remote data application and Access/Oracle database 2) Working connectivity between data-entry application, hardware, and satellite email uplink 3) Testing of data-entry application with observer program and any needed support over long-term Schedule of Work The contractor(s) will provide these services and products as follows: 1) Development of data-entry application (with all requirements listed above) over 6-12 month period including testing and implementation 2) Support over 12 month period after initial application development