The Department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) replaced the Burn-P3 model which is used to simulate wildfire for evaluating wildfire risk with BurnP3+ in late 2022. BurnP3+ was developed by the Canadian Forestry Service (CFS) as a package that runs on the SyncroSim modeling platform.
SyncroSim is a freeware program that is the property of Apex RMS, a Canadian company with staff in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. SyncroSim has been in use since 2013, and its user pool has grown steadily in both Canada and the USA. SyncroSim can be set up to “talk” to other models
using both scripts (e.g. in R or Python), and existing program executables, which allow outputs from one model to become inputs for the next model, which can be inputs for yet a third model and so on. SyncroSim includes both a Graphical User Interface, and a command-line API, running under both
Windows and Linux. As most scientists are proficient in R and/or Python for analytical work, but not literate in C++, this system of model interaction enables the CFS research science community to maintain the code base for these model interaction systems, and to develop and scale modelling workflows for a wide range of users across multiple platforms .
NRCan requires the creation of extensive training materials for BurnP3+. Additionally, we require ongoing support to the CFS for us to further develop the BurnP3+ system. This includes:
A. Develop training materials to be used for in-person (3-day long course), and online BurnP3+ training courses. This will include:
i. Lecture materials
ii. Training exercises
iii. SyncroSim data libraries for use in training
iv. Online course and all documentation will serve as User Manual
B. Deliver a dry-run of the in-person training course for up to 6 CFS employees
i. Incorporate feedback from dry-run and make improvements to the in-person and on-line materials.
ii. Proponent to cover own travel costs associated with course delivery
C. Set up online portal for registration for future BurnP3+ in person training courses, and offer courses at request of CFS
i. Course materials (as per 1 & 2 above) will be the property of CFS
ii. Provide people, as required, to a maximum of 2 to assist in course delivery and SyncroSim specific training
iii. Course venue will either be provided by CFS (with 2 free seats), or booked and paid for by Apex on a cost-recovery basis (ie. Adding to the cost of the course delivery).
iv. Students will get discounted rate of half-price for training.
v. CFS will provide instructors for the course
D. Provide technical support to the CFS in the use, application and customization of an open source CFS BurnP3+ Package for SyncroSim, as required to support the ongoing program requirements of the CFS.
i. Support CFS scientists as they work to incorporate an additional fire growth model(s) into the CFS BurnP3+ Package (e.g. Superduper, WISE)
The proposed contract is from contract award to March 31, 2024
The proposed contract period may be extended for two (2) optional years, if required
