NOI_FINAL.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-0071

Project Title Sedimentary Controls on Tidal Marsh Integrity and Resilience

Recipient University of Massachusetts Amherst

Anticipated Federal

Amount Total: $238,036

Cost Share $0

Total Anticipated

Award Amount $238,036

New Award or

Continuation?

NEW

Anticipated Period of Performance 24 months from date of signature

Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement

CFDA # and Title 15.820 - National Climate Adaptation Science Center/Climate

Adaptation Science Centers (CASC)

USGS Point of

Contact

Acting Director, Climate Adaptation Science Center, David Reidmiller, Email: dreidmiller@usgs.gov

Rachel Miller, Grant Specialist, Email: rachelmiller@usgs.gov

OVERVIEW

The supply of sediment to marshes is a critical factor controlling marsh survival and adaptability to rising sea level. However, the availability of this sediment varies from site-to-site and the factors that control its delivery to marshes are poorly constrained. This is particularly true for the

Northeast where the geology and predominant sediment sources, as well as oceanographic characteristics including tides and waves, are especially variable. Consequently, the goals of this project include: (1) compile existing data on sediment availability and variability for a highly diverse stretch of the Northeast coast into a publicly accessible resource; (2) develop a method to integrate data on sediment availability into assessments of marsh health; (3) develop a framework for predicting marsh resiliency based on remotely sensed observations and readily available oceanographic and geologic datasets. The outcomes of this work will help coastal managers identify marshes most vulnerable to climate change and evaluate the potential success of restoration efforts.

mailto:oledee@usgs.gov

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

This work leverages existing stakeholder partnerships and ongoing research efforts related to coastal resilience in the Northeast region. The project will build on the project team’s ongoing coastal resilience research to develop a framework for predicting marsh resiliency. The

University of Massachusetts will:

• Compile existing data on sediment availability and variability for a highly diverse stretch of the Northeast coast into a publicly accessible resource;

• Develop a method to integrate data on sediment availability into assessments of marsh health;

• Develop a framework for predicting marsh resiliency based on remotely sensed observations and readily available oceanographic and geologic datasets.

The outcomes of this work will help coastal managers identify marshes most vulnerable to climate change and evaluate the potential success of restoration efforts.

USGS INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part USGS is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. USGS, in particular the Northeast CASC, will be responsible for the following:

• Assuring that climate research projects are conducted in proper locations in the Northeast Region;

• Identifying collaborators to contribute to project efforts;

• Providing guidance on outreach and engagement activities;

• Reviewing and approving proposed modifications and review award balances;

• Directing and/or redirecting the work because of interrelationships with other related northeastern region climate research projects.

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 on the following criteria:

(4)UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS

(6)COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS - USGS Unique Authority cited at 43 U.S.C. 36d

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 recipient possesses a unique approach to gather data and examine marsh health, a habitat of interest to ecologists and natural resource managers in the Northeast CASC domain. The key to this is working with stakeholders to develop a framework for predicting marsh resiliency to sea-level rise. The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such pre-existing relationships with key stakeholders in the ecological research and natural resource management communities, support capacity, location, and technical expertise.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

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

USGS Unique Authority cited at 43 U.S.C. 36d (Federal, State, and academic partners)

§36d. Cooperative agreements: Notwithstanding the provisions of the Federal Grant and Cooperative

Agreement Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. 6301–6308), the United States Geological Survey is authorized to continue existing, and on and after November 10, 2003, to enter into new cooperative agreements directed towards a particular cooperator, in support of joint research and data collection activities with Federal, State, and academic partners funded by appropriations herein, including those that provide for space in cooperator facilities.