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-0038

Project Title Supporting Workforce Development by Engaging Early-Career Researchers in the South Central U.S. (Workshop IV)

Recipient University of Oklahoma Anticipated Federal Amount $49,591 Total

Cost Share $0 Total Anticipated Award Amount $49,591

New Award or Continuation? NEW

Anticipated Period of Performance 12 months from date of signature

Award Instrument Grant CFDA # and Title 15.820 National Climate Adaptation Science Center/Climate Adaptation

Science Centers USGS Point of Contact

Mike Langton, Deputy Director, South Central CASC, mlangston@usgs.gov Rachel Miller, Grant Specialist, rachelmiller@usgs.gov

OVERVIEW

This project builds on the successes of three prior workshops to bring together a cohort of early-career environmental professionals in the south central U.S. This project will develop a group of better-prepared researchers at the SC CASC’s partner institutions. The South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (SC CASC) funds actionable research projects, typically conducted through a process known as co-production (researchers and stakeholders working together).

These approaches to science are rarely taught in universities; therefore, this workshop is intended to prepare researchers who can properly perform this type of research.

The objectives of this project include to: introduce participants to the goals, structure, and unique research-related challenges (actionable, co-produced science) of the South Central CASC, its place within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and the larger CASC network; guide participants to discuss their research outside their disciplinary niche; and facilitate the development of co-produced science projects.

Providing these early-career researchers with the skills needed to conduct stakeholder-initiated research and effectively communicate their work to those who will use it will help build a diverse workforce that can produce relevant, actionable science.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

The University of Oklahoma will:

• Prepare the schedule, solicit speakers, recruit participants, and select example projects.

• Secure a venue, provide transportation, prepare discussion topics, provide for facilitated discussions.

• Prepare written materials.

• Develop and submit a summary report of the workshop including an evaluation of the effectiveness of facilitation techniques used in the workshop.

USGS INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part of USGS is not anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. It is anticipated that USGS’ involvement will consist of standard federal stewardship responsibilities such as monitoring project performance, technical assistance at the request of the recipient, etc. These activities include:

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

• The federal staff of the SC CASC will work with the project team to confirm that the materials and facilitation techniques guide the participants in uncovering their unique approach to co-production.

• The federal staff will ensure that all activities prepare the researchers to co-produce research.

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

Single Source Justification Description:

(4) Unique Qualifications – The University of Oklahoma, as the host of the South Central CASC, is uniquely qualified to host this workshop. They have successfully held three previous versions. They are leaders in the coproduction of science in the south central U.S. They have lead numerous coproduced projects, including several with the numerous tribal nations in the region.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, Div. F, Title I, P.L. 110-161, and 43 USC §31 and the Administrative Provisions of Public Law 116-94 (12/20/2019), FY2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act.