funding opportunity.doc

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU parnter for research that advances the development of radar and optical remote sensing techniques and their integration for mapping and monitoring vegetated ecosystems, particularly in response to mapping flood inundation, toxic spills, and canopy-structure changes. Although this research will focus on the northern coastal resources, the expected technology advances will have direct implications to global remote sensing of all terrestrial ecosystems.

Timely and relevant map information for responding to man-made and natural disasters that threaten lives and properties and critical natural coastal habitats and resources is needed. The NWRC is pursuing the direct detection of oil occurrences in coastal wetlands with polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) and interferometric SAR (InSAR) remote sensing; however, subcanopy flooding and canopy structure spatial variability are hindering those efforts. Preliminary research at NWRC has shown that remote sensing mapping technologies based on the fusion of radar and optical image could provide subcanopy flooding and canopy structure mapping.

The goal of this project is to promote cooperation between the USGS-NWRC and CESU partner to carry-out high-quality scientific research and development of single and dual polarimetric radar (SAR), full polarimetric radar (PolSAR), and interferometric SAR (InSAR) and PolInSAR remote sensing technologies that independently determine the presence or absence of subcanopy flood inundation, high concentrations of oil, and changes in coastal canopy structure. In addition to promoting PolSAR and InSAR mapping performance, this research will test the fusion optical and radar mapping in order to advance holistic mapping of biophysical changes in the vegetated resource. Any accomplishment in the advance of these technologies could dramatically improve the monitoring of abnormal changes in the coastal and upland resources and provide managers and researchers fundamental information on the coupling of external influences and vegetation dynamics.

Research Objectives:

The CESU recipient will conduct research that builds on and complements ongoing NWRC efforts to develop a timely and regional remote sensing system that integrates the relevant aspects of optical and radar based imaging systems to address current limitations in strategic mapping and monitoring of coastal and adjacent upland resources.

(1) Extend the development in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and PolSAR with inclusion of InSAR and PolInSAR of coastal canopy density and orientation.

(2) Advance empirical relationships between changes in vegetated canopy live and dead biomass and reflectance based on optical, field and InSAR data.

(3) Investigate the fusion of optical and radar remote sensing data in detecting and monitoring changes in terrestrial resources. Use available satellite broadband optical and radar and aircraft hyperspectral image data sources.

(4) Estimate the sensitivity of PolSAR and InSAR mapping on subcanopy flood inundation and canopy structure variability.

Co-locating research staff within the USGS National Wetland Research Center’s Remote Sensing Applied Research team would offer the best opportunity for a university’s research to have the most immediate impact on advancing remote sensing of coastal resources.

Target award date: May 15, 2015. Duration: through May 15, 2018.

Award Information

It is anticipated that one award will be made with one base year and one renewal year. Funding in the amount of $65,009 is available for FY 2015. Additional funding will be based upon satisfactory progress and the availability of funding Eligibility Information

This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. CESU’s are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.

Application and Submission Information Apply electronically through grants.gov. Questions are to be directed to Faith Graves:

fgraves@usgs.gov

Content and Form of Application:

1. Recipient’s Name

2. Principal Investigator (individual who will oversee the cooperative agreement) including address, phone number, fax number, and email address

3. Technical contact (Staff member(s) who will administer the cooperative agreement) including address, phone number, fax number, and email address

4. List laboratories, field equipment, and facilities available for project work.

5. Experience of staff to conduct the stated work objectives of the project.

Proposal Text - Please include the following:

a. Introduction and Statement of Problem. Give a brief introduction to the research problem. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work that has been completed or is ongoing in this area b.

Objectives. Clearly define goals of project. State how the proposal addresses USGS goals and its relevance and impact. Explain why the work is important.

c.

Methods. This section should include a fairly detailed discussion of the work plan and technical approach to both field and laboratory techniques.

d.

Planned Products and Dissemination of Research Results List product(s) (reports, analyses, digital data, etc.) that will be delivered at the end of the performance period. The USGS considers dissemination of research data and results to potential users of those results to be an integral and crucial aspect of projects funded by this program. Beyond the requirements for a final report, describe your plan for dissemination of project data and results that will result in the greatest possible benefit to customers as defined by your proposal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to disseminate research results to the scientific community and appropriate professional organizations; local, State, regional and Federal agencies; and the general public. The USGS encourages the Recipient to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals.

e.

References Cited. List all references to which you refer in text and references from your past work in the field that the research problem addresses. Be sure to identify references as journal articles, chapters in books, abstracts, maps, digital data, etc.

Budget Sheets - This information will provide more details than what is required under the SF 424A form. Please include the following:

a.

Salaries and Wages. List names, positions, and rate of compensation. include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles.

b.

Fringe benefits/labor overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations.

c.

Field Expenses. Briefly itemize the estimated travel costs (i.e., number of people, number of travel days, lodging and transportation costs, and other travel costs).

d.

Lab Analyses. Include geochemical analyses, radiocarbon age dating, etc. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work (if applicable) e.

Supplies. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item, which represents a significant portion of the proposed amount.

f.

Equipment. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. "Special-purpose equipment" means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available. General-purpose equipment must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Recipient. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient.

g.

Services or consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-recipients by name (including consultants), the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour.

h.

Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip. Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown.

i.

Publication costs. Show the estimated cost of publishing the results of the research, including the final report. Include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

j.

Other direct costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere; such as, shipping, computing, equipment-use charges, or other services.

k.

Total Direct Charges. Totals for items a - j.

l.

Indirect Charges (Overhead). Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant's organization. If the Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown. NOTE: CESU NEGOTIATED IDC IS 17.5% m.

Amount proposed. Total items k and l.

n. Provide copy of recipient’s rate agreement

Application Review Information

Review and Selection Process: Applications are considered based on the completeness of documentation, meeting of stated basic eligibility, and other category requirements. Specific evaluation factors are identified in the proposal narrative. Budget information is evaluated for reasonableness and appropriateness to applicant project goals.

Proposals are reviewed by the U.S. Geological Survey technical personnel. Individual proposals are evaluated and scored. The evaluations and scores will be submitted to the contracting officer for final award

1. Scientific quality and impact: (20 points)

(a) How well does the proposed research address the above-mentioned research endeavors and does it stay in line with USGS science strategies?

(b) How closely does the proposed work respond to societal or customer needs?

(c) How well will this work aid in making fundamental advances in natural resource agencies ability to better interact with predictive models?

2. Methods: (10 points)

(a) How clear is the research and development strategy designed?

(b) How appropriate are the objectives for the proposed time frame?

3.

Budget Justification and Clarity: (10 points)

(a) Is staff sufficient to accomplish the proposed goals?

(b) How adequately itemized are expenses?

4.

Experience/Competence of Research Personnel: (60 points)

(a) To what extent does the applicant have familiarity with modeling concepts and challenges?

(b) To what extent does the applicant have experience investigating hardware/software bottlenecks?

(c) What level of experience does the applicant have demonstrating the ability to solve complex technology challenges?

(d) How well has the applicant demonstrated their expertise with computational challenges in their applications?

(e) Does the applicant have the necessary computer and lab facilities that will complement and contribute to the accomplishment of the tasks?

Award Administration Information

Award recipients are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the grant/cooperative agreements and sub-award supported activities to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements, and that performance goals are being achieved. Recipient monitoring must cover each program, function or activity.

Progress Reports

a. The Recipient shall submit two copies of each Progress Report to the USGS Project Officer and one copy of the transmittal letter to the USGS Contracting Officer. Unless otherwise specified in the grant, annual progress reports should be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the current budget period to allow adequate time for the designated office to review the report. In the case of multi-year awards, failure to submit timely reports may delay processing of funding increments. For awards with a total anticipated performance period of twelve months (12) months or less, only a Final Technical Report will be required.

b. The progress reports shall include the following information:

(i) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives of the Federal award established for the budget period and overall progress in response to the performance metrics.

(ii) The reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.

(iii) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.

(iv) An outline of anticipated activities and adjustments to the program during the next budget period.

c. Between the required reporting dates, events may occur which have significant impact upon the project or program. In such cases, the Recipient shall inform the USGS as soon as the following types of conditions become known:

(i) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of the action taken, or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.

(ii) Favorable developments which enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

Final Technical Report a.

The Recipient shall submit two copies of the final technical report to the USGS Project Officer and one copy of the transmittal letter to the USGS Contracting Officer. The final performance report will be due 90 calendar days after the period of performance end date.

b.

The final technical report shall document and summarize the results of Recipient’s work. The report shall include a quantitative description of activities and overall progress in response to the performance metrics which documents and summarizes the results of the entire Agreement. The final report shall include tables, graphs, diagrams, sketches, etc., as required to explain the results achieved under the Agreement. The report shall also include recommendations and conclusions based upon both the experience and the results obtained.

Annual Financial Reports a.

The Recipient will submit an annual SF 425, Federal Financial Report, for each individual USGS award. The SF 425 is available at - http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_forms. The SF 425 will be due ninety (90) calendar days after the grant year (i.e., 12 months after the approved effective date of the Agreement and every 12 months thereafter until the expiration date of the Agreement). USGS acknowledges that this annual reporting schedule may not always correspond with a specific budget period.

b.

The SF 425 must be submitted electronically through the FedConnect Message Center (www.fedconnect.net) or by e-mail to SF425@usgs.gov. Recipient must include the USGS award number in the subject line of all correspondence. If, after 90 days, Recipient has not submitted a report, the Recipient’s account in ASAP will be placed in a manual review status until the report is submitted.

Final Financial Report a.

The Recipient will liquidate all obligations incurred under the award and submit a final SF 425, Federal Financial Report, through FedConnect (www.fedconnect.net) no later than 90 calendar days after the Agreement completion date.

b.

Recipient will promptly return any unexpended federal cash advances or will complete a final draw from ASAP to obtain any remaining amounts due. Once 120 days has passed since the Agreement completion date, the ASAP subaccount for this award may be closed by USGS at any time.

c.

Subsequent revision to the final SF 425 will be considered only as follows:

(i) When the revision results in a balance due to the Government, the Recipient must submit a revised final SF 425, Federal Financial Report, and refund the excess payment whenever the overcharge is discovered, no matter how long the lapse of time since the original due date of the report.

(ii) When the revision represents additional reimbursable costs claimed by the Recipient, a revised final SF 425 may be submitted to the USGS Contracting Officer with an explanation. If approved, the USGS will either request and pay a final invoice or reestablish the ASAP subaccount to permit the Recipient to make a revised final draw. Any revised final report representing additional reimbursable amounts must be submitted no later than 1 year from the due date of the original report, i.e., 15 months following the Agreement completion date. USGS will not accept any revised SF 425 covering additional expenditures after that date and will return any late request for additional payment to the Recipient.

Payment Payments under financial assistance awards must be made using the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system (www.asap.gov).

The Recipient agrees that it has established or will establish an account with ASAP. USGS will initiate enrollment in ASAP. If the Recipient does not currently have an ASAP account, they must designate an individual (name, title, address, phone and e-mail) who will serve as the Point of Contact (POC).

a. With the award of each grant/cooperative agreement, a sub-account will be set up from which the Recipient can draw down funds. After Recipients complete enrollment in ASAP and link their banking information to the USGS ALC (14080001), it may take up to 10 days for sub-accounts to be activated and for funds to be authorized for drawdown in ASAP.

b. Inquiries regarding payment should be directed to ASAP at 855-868-0151.

c. Payments may be drawn in advance only as needed to meet immediate cash disbursement needs.

Agency Contacts Contractual Point of Contact:

Faith D. Graves

CESU Contract Specialist

U.S. Geological Survey

Mail Stop 205G

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, VA 20192

Phone: (703) 648-7356

Fax: (703) 648-7901

Email: fgraves@usgs.gov