The Resource Evaluation Division (RED Homepage) provides oversight, policy guidance, and direction to the regional offices with regard to offshore oil and gas geological and geophysical evaluations.  The division also oversees an interdisciplinary staff of technical experts in the development and use of the technical methodologies and computer based models employed in the geologic and engineering assessments of mineral resource potential of the Outer Continental Shelf.  See below for more detail about the division’s various responsibilities and the kind of work performed by the staff.

The primary responsibility of the RED - provides oversight, policy guidance, and direction to the regional offices, with regard to Offshore oil and gas geological and geophysical evaluations – is fulfilled under the requirements of the OCS Lands Act.

RED consists of two teams, which have different responsibilities.  The Program Team initiates and conducts special analyses, independently or with the regional offices (Alaska, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific), designed to produce data and information to support Bureau decision makers in resolving offshore issues requiring geotechnical expertise.  Specific topics which the program team may be involved with include resource and reserves estimates and assessments; geological studies and exploration activities; geophysical data, information and technology; geotechnical mapping issues; and OCS outreach information dissemination.  This team also develops and provides technical input and expertise to Bureau decision makers for a variety of subjects including the OCS 5-year Program; sale-specific decision documents; bid and field determination appeals; legislative proposals and hearings; and government and industry research proposals.  Another area where the Program Team has input is determining, identifying, and analyzing the Bureau-wide needs regarding geological and geophysical (G&G) data, thereby promulgating and implementing all pre-lease G&G data regulations (Code of Federal Regulations) and other regulatory documents related to oil, gas, sulphur and other minerals.  Included in these responsibilities are the implementation of the Bureau-wide G&G data acquisition priority list and the development of analyses with regard to new types of data and developing data acquisition technology to address future Bureau data needs.

The Modeling Team develops updates and modifies technical analytical approaches, methodologies, and computer models to ensure consistency in applications by regional and headquarters personnel in performing all aspects of the RED activities.  Specific topics, which this team may be involved with, include tract evaluation procedures (MONTCAR) for assuring fair market value; resource evaluation procedures (GRASP/PRESTO); and reserve inventory and appreciation.  The Modeling Team also designs and conducts analyses, independently or with regional participation, of geologic issues, evaluation/assessment techniques, methodologies, computer models, public or private databases, or similar topics which impact the RED functions, efficiencies, or results.  Another task for the Modeling Team is to develop and conduct on-going training for regional and headquarters applications of new or modified analytical approaches, methodologies, and models associated with RED, as well as providing direct support to international program activities which focus on division functions.

Academic Backgrounds That May Be Sought By the Resource Evaluation Division for Future Employees

The work of the Resource Evaluation (RED) is interdisciplinary and requires a staff composed of individuals with a variety of academic and experiential backgrounds.  In general, a successful candidate for a position as a Career Development Intern in the Herndon, Virginia office should have strong analytical, writing, and oral communication skills.  In addition, the candidate should have one of the following academic degrees: geology, geophysics, petroleum engineering, mathematics, computer programming or modeling.  Any special training a candidate may have received in one of these mentioned or if she or he held a job related to one of the division’s responsibilities, would be considered a plus to ones candidacy.

More Information on the Responsibilities of the Resource Evaluation Division

The RED staff has numerous other responsibilities.  They determine and initiate Bureau action and cooperative efforts with other government agencies (i.e., USGS, DOE/EIA, NOAA, etc.), industry associations i.e., AAPG, AASG, (State geological surveys) SEG with regard to geo-science information exchange as related to the Bureau policies.  The RED is involved in Law of The Sea Issues, works with committees of the National Academy of Science, and also collects data and information on OCS industry practices, costs, operating efficiencies, etc. which may impact evaluation or other activities.  Other duties include performing cooperative analyses and modeling in support of other organizational entities such as other departmental Bureaus, Federal agencies, State agencies, and industry organizations.  RED employees have served on Offshore Minerals Management – wide teams dealing with such issues as sustainable development, low oil prices, and international training.

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Last Updated: 10/22/2007, 01:38:58 PM