NOI_USGS-20-FA-0116.pdf

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD

This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the U.S. Geological Survey’s intention to fund the following project activities without full and open competition.

ABSTRACT

Funding Announcement USGS-20-FA-0116

Project Title Climate Change-Driven Transformations in Human and Natural Systems:

Case Studies to Accelerate Proactive Adaptation Responses

Recipient The Nature Conservancy Anticipated Federal Amount $40,294.75

Cost Share $0 Total Anticipated Award Amount Total: $40,294.75

New Award or Continuation? New

Anticipated Period of Performance 05/01/2020-4/30/2021

Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement CFDA # and Title 15.820 National Climate Adaptation Science Center USGS Point of Contact

Project Officer: Ryan Boyles, Deputy Director, Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, rboyles@usgs.gov

Grant Specialist: Maylily Son Le, Office of Acquisition and Grants, mle@usgs.gov

OVERVIEW

As the globe continues to warm, climate-sensitive ecosystems and the people that live in these environments are experiencing transformations in the conditions that support species and livelihoods. This project will synthesize lessons learned from responses in social-ecological systems that are already past transitions (Arctic), or are nearing thresholds (Great Plains), to better inform adaptation strategies under future climate conditions. The project will explore central themes such as: 1) novel conservation practices in transformed ecosystems, including the potential for new opportunities; 2) challenges of managing for species that may be shifting to new areas; 3) economic opportunities for industry/agriculture that also have consequences for conservation. The proposed project will complement literature synthesis with engagement of public agencies, rural communities (including indigenous), and industries to gain a range of mailto:mle@usgs.gov perspectives. Results will inform conservation planners and resource managers about opportunities, challenges, and novel strategies for responding to climate change in heavily impacted ecosystems.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

The recipient involvement includes collecting, managing, and analyzing data from case studies in both Alaska and US Great Plains. In addition, the recipient will conduct the synthesis assessment for lessons learned and potential applications from one location to another. Finally, recipient will produce a series of deliverables including case studies, management-focused publications and scientific peer-reviewed manuscripts.

USGS INVOLVEMENT

This project will include substantial USGS involvement, including by providing recipient with expert guidance in the selection and engagement of key stakeholders. This will be critical to ensuring that the case study analysis is as relevant as possible to resource management needs. In addition, USGS researchers will assist in the application of scientific synthesis results to Department of the Interior (DOI) stakeholders. Given our unique role as the scientific research agency of DOI, we are uniquely positioned to work with the recipient to apply their expertise in scientific synthesis to the research needs of DOI stakeholders. Finally, USGS will assist in the production of deliverables (e.g., scientific peer-reviewed publications, communications documents) that effectively communicate the results of this project.

SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

SINGLE SOURCE POLICY REQUIREMENTS

Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) requires a written justification which explains why competition is not practicable for each single-source award. The justification must address one or more of the following criteria as well as discussion of the program legislative history, unique capabilities of the proposed recipient, and cost-sharing contribution offered by the proposed recipient, as applicable.

In order for an assistance award to be made without competition, the award must satisfy one or more of the following criteria:

(1) Unsolicited Proposal – The proposed award is the result of an unsolicited assistance application which represents a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach which is not the subject of a current or planned contract or assistance award, but which is deemed advantageous to the program objectives;

(2) Continuation – The activity to be funded is necessary to the satisfactory completion of, or is a continuation of an activity presently being funded, and for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity;

(3) Legislative intent – The language in the applicable authorizing legislation or legislative history clearly indicates Congress’ intent to restrict the award to a particular recipient of purpose;

(4) Unique Qualifications – The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications;

(5) Emergencies – Program/award where there is insufficient time available (due to a compelling and unusual urgency, or substantial danger to health or safety) for adequate competitive procedures to be followed.

(6) Cooperative Agreements - USGS Unique Authority cited at 43 U.S.C. 36d (Federal, State, and academic partners) or DOI Authority cited at 43 U.S.C. 1457b (not-for-profit organizations).

USGS did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:

(4) UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS

Single Source Justification Description:

(4) UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS:

The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability, if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications. The Principal Investigators have a unique set of professional experiences and scientific expertise in the field of climate adaptation planning, in particular in conducting scientific synthesis to connect natural resource case studies and climate adaptation. These skills and experiences respond to the unique information needs of the

USGS NCASC.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Climate Cooperative Agreements to non-profits:

43 USC 1457b and Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, Div. F, Title I, P.L. 110-161