Survey Regarding Customer Satisfaction with the Logistical Support Provided by the U.S. Antarctic Program's Antarctic Support Contractor

Welcome to the USAP Logistical Support Feedback Survey.

The purpose of this survey is to collect feedback from the US Antarctic Program grantees on the logistical and support 
services provided by the Antarctic Support Contractor and other contractors and service providers. The information you 
provide will be analyzed by NSF and used to identify areas in need of improvement. 

If you agree to participate by continuing with the survey, you will be asked a series of questions about your experiences 
and opinions via a web­based questionnaire. These questions will cover some basic background information, your level of 
satisfaction with the logistical and support services and equipment, and any significant issues you may have 
encountered. At the end of the survey, you will also be given the opportunity to provide positive feedback on your 
experiences, as well as any general comments you may have. 

We ask that one person from your research team, preferably the PI, fill out a survey for each event number. Answers may 
reflect the experiences of the research team, not just the individual. 

Your participation in this survey is completely voluntary. You may refuse to answer any particular question and you may 
stop answering questions at any time. Your responses will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by law.  Analysis 
will be conducted primarily on de­identified data and survey results will be reported in the aggregate only. There will be no 
immediate benefit to you from participation, nor are there any known risks.  

If you wish to withdraw your consent after completing the survey form, or if you have any questions or concerns about the 
survey, please contact the lead evaluation contractor Dr. Kristen Kulinowski at [email protected] or +1­202­419­3736. If 
you have questions you would prefer to direct to NSF, please contact Ms. Jessie Crain at [email protected] or +1­703­292­
7457. 

Project Characteristics and Background Information

This sections conatain questions regarding your project and your background.  Please answer the following questions as 
they pertain to your current or most recent field season only. 

*1. Please select your event number from the list below. If your team was associated with

multiple event numbers, please treat each event number as a separate project and
complete a separate survey response for each one.
6  

2. Which of the following best describes your role on this project during the most recent
field season?
j Principal Investigator
k
l
m
n
j Field team lead
k
l
m
n

j Field team member
k
l
m
n

j Other (please specify)
k
l
m
n

3. Which of the following base stations or vessels served as your primary base of
operations?
j McMurdo Station
k
l
m
n
j Palmer Station
k
l
m
n

j Amundsen­Scott South Pole Station
k
l
m
n
j ARSV Laurence M. Gould
k
l
m
n

j RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer
k
l
m
n
j Field camp
k
l
m
n

j More than one of the above (please specify)
k
l
m
n

4. Please select the NSF program(s) through which your project was funded.
c Astrophysics and Geospace Sciences
d
e
f
g
c Organisms and Ecosystems
d
e
f
g
c Earth Sciences
d
e
f
g
c Glaciology
d
e
f
g

c Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
d
e
f
g
c Integrated System Science
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

5. Does this project include a single or multiple field seasons?
j Single season
k
l
m
n

j Multiple season
k
l
m
n

6. If this is a multi­year project, in what year of the project is the current field season?

7. Please select the statement(s) that most closely describe the primary purpose of your
team’s deployment during the most recent field season:
c Actively collect new data, samples, or specimens during deployment
d
e
f
g
c Install new research equipment or facilities
d
e
f
g

c Repair, re­configure, upgrade, service, re­locate, and/or recover data from equipment or facilities installed during previous deployment(s)
d
e
f
g
c Recover or remove equipment or facilities from the field
d
e
f
g

c Continued operation of an existing station or support facility
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

8. Which of the following best describes your previous experience conducting USAP­
supported Antarctic research?
j This was my first field season conducting USAP­supported research
k
l
m
n
j I've participated in 1­3 previous field seasons
k
l
m
n
j I've participated in 4­6 previous field seasons
k
l
m
n

j I've participated in more than 7 previous field seasons
k
l
m
n

Time in the Field

9. How many days (please include a number) during the most recent field season was your
team able to spend in the field or otherwise productively conducting research?  

10. Was this less than planned in the RSP?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

11. If so, did any of the following factors significantly contribute to fewer than
expected research days?  (choose all that apply)
c Weather
d
e
f
g

c Mechanical issues with aircraft, boats, or ground vehicles
d
e
f
g
c Missing, inoperative, or inadequate research equipment
d
e
f
g
c Scheduling conflicts involving transportation
d
e
f
g

c Scheduling conflicts involving training or other requirements
d
e
f
g
c Project was ahead of schedule so less time was required
d
e
f
g
c Not applicable
d
e
f
g

c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

5
6  

Universal Support Functions

In this section we will ask you about some of the general logistical/support functions.  You will have more opportunities to 
expand on specific areas and more specialized support functions and equipment in later sections. 

12. Please rate your level of satisfaction with logistical/support services provided by the
logistical support contractor or other service providers in each of the following categories.
Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neutral

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

N/A

Logistics planning process

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Physical qualification

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Travel to and from 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Environmental training

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Safety training

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Safety support services 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Weather forecasting

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Housing

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Food

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Recreation

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

External communication 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Antarctica
Orientation and outfitting 
upon deployment

(including field safety)

(excluding data 
transmission)

13. Did you have any significant problems with any of these services?  If so, which ones?
 (select all that apply)
c Logistics planning process
d
e
f
g
c Physical qualification
d
e
f
g

c Travel to and from Antarctica
d
e
f
g

c Orientation and outfitting upon deployment
d
e
f
g
c Environmental training
d
e
f
g

c Field safety ­ training and support
d
e
f
g

c Other safety (non­field) ­ training and support
d
e
f
g
c Weather forcasting
d
e
f
g
c Housing
d
e
f
g
c Food
d
e
f
g

c Recreation
d
e
f
g

c External communication (excluding data transmission)
d
e
f
g

c I experienced no significant problems in this field season
d
e
f
g

14. If you did experience significant problems, do you feel that they were resolved to your
satisfaction?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

If no, please provide details.  Please include specifics on the category of the service.  If more than one issue was unresolved, please include 
information on each. 

5

6

15. If you did experience significant problems, regardless of resolution, did these
problems impact your ability to successfully complete your research objectives?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

If yes, please provide details. Please include specifics on the category of the support service. If there was more than one issue, please include 
information on each. 

5
6

16. Do you have any specific suggestions for how any of these services could be
improved?  If so, please provide details.  
5
6  

17. Do you have any positive feedback you would like to share regarding any of these
services?  If so, please provide details.
5
6  

Field Camps

18. During this deployment, did you overnight at a field camp or other remote work site?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

19. Did you experience any significant problems with any of the equipment or services at
any of your field camps or remote work sites?  If so, please provide details.
5
6  

20. If you did experience significant problems, do you feel that they were resolved to your
satisfaction?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

If no, please provide details.  Please include specifics on the category of the support service.  If more than one issue was unresolved, please 
include information on each. 

5

6

21. If you did experience significant problems, regardless of resolution, did these
problems impact your ability to successfully complete your research objectives?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

If yes, please provide details. Please include specifics on the category of the support service. If there was more than one issue, please include 
information on each. 

5
6

22. Do you have any specific suggestions for how any of these services could be
improved?  If so, please provide details.  
5
6  

23. Do you have any positive feedback you would like to share regarding any of these
services?  If so, please provide details.
5
6  

Research Vessels

24. During your current/most recent deployment, were you stationed on one of the
research vessels?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

25. Did you experience any significant problems with any of the equipment or services on
the research vessel?  If so, please provide details.
5
6  

26. If you did experience significant problems, do you feel that they were resolved to your
satisfaction?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

If no, please provide details.  Please include specifics on the category of the support service.  If more than one issue was unresolved, please 
include information on each. 

5

6

27. If you did experience significant problems, regardless of resolution, did these
problems impact your ability to successfully complete your research objectives?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

If yes, please provide details. Please include specifics on the category of the support service. If there was more than one issue, please include 
information on each. 

5
6

28. Do you have any specific suggestions for how any of these services could be
improved?  If so, please provide details.  
5
6  

29. Do you have any positive feedback you would like to share regarding any of these
services?  If so, please provide details.
5
6  

Additional Support Functions

These questions relate to your level of satisfaction with some additional support functions.  You will have the opportunity 
in the next section to expand on any significant issues you might have encountered or any additional logistical/support 
services that we do not cover in this section.   

30. Please rate your level of satisfaction with logistical/support functions provided by the
logistical support contractor or other service providers in each of the following categories.
Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neutral

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

Did Not Use

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Data transmission

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

IT services

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Temporary storage and 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Over­winter storage

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Air transport in Antarctica ­ 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Small boat transportation

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Ground transportation

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Lab facilities

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Field camps

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Health services

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Research assistants

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Field equipment

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Shipment of 
equipment and/or supplies 
to Antarctica
Receipt of supplies in 
Antarctica
Return shipment of 
equipment, samples and/or 
specimens
Use of on­site equipment 
and/or research supplies

staging

fixed wing
Air transport in Antarctica ­ 
helicopter
Research vessel 
transportation

31. Did you use any specialized research support or equipment on your current or most
recent deployment (including but not limited to ­ heavy equipment, explosives, GIS, diving,
seismological, ultraviolet, data, ice core drilling)?  If so, please describe the item/services
and provide your general level of satisfaction.
5
6  

32. Did you experience any significant issues with one or more of these services that
negatively impacted your ability to meet your research and/or outreach objectives?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

j Not applicable
k
l
m
n

Significant Issues

In this section, please think about any issues you had with logistical/support services that had an impact on your ability 
to complete your research and/or outreach objectives.  If you did experience multiple issues, please choose up to 3 of 
the most significant issues and provide as much detail as possible on the issue, how you think it was handled, and 
its impact on your research or ability to conduct your research.  If you do not wish to report any significant issues,
please scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'Next'.  You will have the opportunity to provide positive feedback in 
later sections.   

33. What was the most signficant issue you had with the logistical and support sevices
during your current/most recent field season that significantly impacted your research
and/or outreach objectives?
6  

34. Please provide details about this issue (how it was handled, impact on research, etc.)
5
6  

35. This issue related to a resource or service that was
j Specified in my RSP
k
l
m
n

j Originally requested in my SIP but not included in my RSP
k
l
m
n
j Unanticipated but important to my research objectives
k
l
m
n

36. Did you have another significant issue with logistical or support services during your
current/most recent field season?  If so, in which area?
6  

37. Please provide details about this issue.
5
6  

38. This issue related to a resource or service that was
j Specified in my RSP
k
l
m
n

j Originally requested in my SIP but not included in my RSP
k
l
m
n
j Unanticipated but important to my research objectives
k
l
m
n

39. Did you have another significant issue with logistical or support services during your
current/most recent field season?  If so, in which area?
6  

40. Please provide details about this issue.
5
6  

41. This issue related to a resource or service that was
j Specified in my RSP
k
l
m
n

j Originally requested in my SIP but not included in my RSP
k
l
m
n
j Unanticipated but important to my research objectives
k
l
m
n

Unanticipated Needs

42. Did any logistical support needs arise while you were deployed with USAP that were
not anticipated during the planning phase?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

If yes, please provide details including the nature of the need and how it arose, whether the contractors were able to accommodate those 
needs, and how well they accommodated those needs. 

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Future Resource Development

43. Are there any logistical support capabilities that the logistical support contractors and
service providers don’t offer currently that would have benefited your project?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

If yes, please provide details. 

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Overall Satisfaction

44. Please rate your overall satisfaction with the support provided to your project by the
logistical support contractors and other service providers during the most recent field
season.
Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neutral

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

45. How would you rate the quality of the logistical support you received during the most
recent season compared with past seasons?
Much better

Somewhat better

About the same

Somewhat worse

Much worse

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

N/A (This was my first 
field season with USAP)

j
k
l
m
n

46. If you would like to elaborate on how this season’s logistical support compared with
past seasons, please do so in the space below. Information about specific services or
processes that have either improved or declined in quality would be especially useful.
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Impact on Future Decisions

47. How likely is it that the quality of available logistical support will influence your
decision about whether to continue pursuing Antarctic research projects in the future?
Very likely

Likely

Neutral

Unlikely

Very unlikely

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

48. If you would like to elaborate on the factors relating to logistical support that might
influence your decision to conduct research in Antarctica, please do so in the space
below.
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Additional Comments and Suggestions

49. Do you have any positive comments you would like to share about the
logistical/support services you received during the most recent season?  If so, please feel
free to discuss specific contractors and/or individuals.
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6  

50. Are there any additional comments you would like to make about the logistical and
support services you received during the most recent season or the performance of the
logistical/support contractors and service providers?  Any positive or negative comments
would be greatly appreciated.
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51. Do you have any suggestions for NSF or the logistical contractors and service
providers that might improve logistical/ support services in the future?
5

6  
Thank you very much for your participation!