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-0068

Project Title Synthesizing and organizing data to inform management and adaptation of the Ogallala Aquifer in the Great Plains

Recipient University of Oklahoma

Anticipated Federal

Amount $271,536

Cost Share $0

Total Anticipated

Award Amount $271,536

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

USGS Point of

Contact

Mike Langston, Deputy Director, South Central Climate

Adaptation Science Center (SC CASC), Email:

mlangston@usgs.gov

Rachel Miller, USGS Grant Specialist, Email:

rachelmiller@usgs.gov

OVERVIEW

The Ogallala Aquifer has been instrumental in the development of the robust agricultural economy in the Great Plains. However, the past several decades have seen declines in the aquifer’s water levels that have already rendered it useless in some areas and that threaten to do so throughout the rest of its eight-state expanse. Regional water managers have requested scientific information to assist in the planning process for future use and management of the

Ogallala Aquifer. Much of this information is currently available but is unorganized and difficult to access. This project will gather and organize the requested information into a single location where it can be easily visualized and analyzed by managers. The research team will work closely with these managers throughout the project to ensure their planning needs for future use of the

Ogallala Aquifer are met.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

The University of Oklahoma will:

• Lead the gathering and synthesis of the data to be organized.

• Collaborate with water resource managers.

• Develop a webpage interface for data/data directory.

• Refine data based on stakeholder input.

• Disseminate information about the data directory.

USGS INVOLVEMENT

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

• The Director of the SC CASC will regularly review progress on this project and provide guidance as appropriate.

• The staff of the SC CSC will work closely with the researchers to provide guidance for communications with stakeholders on this project. This includes guidance regarding points of contact and designing appropriate communication methods with Tribal, Federal, and state agencies.

• The staff will work with the PIs to develop appropriate newsletters and other forms of media to make potential users aware of the data directory once completed.

• The staff will also provide guidance in ensuring that the communication activities follow the SC CASC Strategic Communications Plan.

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 project team is uniquely qualified to do this work. They have been working with the stakeholder committee on an associated project for years. This project is an extension of that project. In addition, they have a unique working relationship with the

Southern Plains Climate Hub which will serve as an advisory group for this project. The research team has access to significant knowledge of the data sources to be included in this project and how that information will be used to manage the Ogallala Aquifer, which is unique.

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.