Specifications include, but are not limited to: Phase 1: Tool Comparison and Recommended Valuation Criteria The Contractor will compare the results for specific outputs, on a field-by-field basis, for acreage enrolled in VESP pilot study between two USDA tools: Resource Stewardship Evaluation Tool (RSET) and Agricultural Policy/Environmental Extender Model (APEX) – or other environmental modeling tool. Both USDA tools model environmental stewardship based on site-specific characteristics (i.e. soils, slope, climate) and agronomic management of the field (i.e. nutrient applications, tillage, rotation, cover, buffers). The RSET model compares indexed results to national thresholds, whereas, the APEX model outputs modelled results (i.e. lb/ac). The goal is to compare the outputs from each tool for each output for each field. Technical staff have already entered the necessary information into RSET for fields in the VESP Pilot. The Contractor will be provided access to these fields in RSET to acquire the necessary agronomic and land use information necessary to complete an evaluation for the same fields through APEX – or other environmental modeling tool. The Contractor will work with the State to obtain any necessary permissions and access to the stewardship tools. If additional information is needed for the running of APEX or other modeling tool, the Contractor will contact the State to obtain the necessary information from the technical staff. Phase 2: Tool Modification Scope of Work The State will select a chosen tool based on the tool comparison results and recommendations from the Contractor. Modifications, as needed, to the chosen tool necessary to meet the evaluation parameters for VESP will be specified. This will require the development of a new, separate but linked, interface to the chosen tool, as both existing tools are owned by USDA. The new interface will make data entry more simplified and userfriendly, ultimately saving time in generating the desired outputs, as specified by the State, from the running of the chosen background tool. The Contractor will work with VAAFM to provide a scope of work and budget for required tool modifications to meet the needs of VESP.