NOI_Sandoval_6JUL18_new.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-19-FA-0038

Project Title Assessing Climate Variability and Adaptation Strategies for the Rio

Grande Basin

Recipient University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Anticipated Federal

Amount $149,687.00 for year one of award

Cost Share $0

Total Anticipated

Award Amount $299,374.00

New Award or

Continuation?

New Award

Anticipated Period of Performance 4/1/2019 through 3/31/2021

Award Instrument Grant

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

Science Centers

USGS Point of

Contact

Stephen Jackson, Director, Southwest Climate Adaptation Science

Center, Phone: 520-670-5591, Email: Stjackson@usgs.gov

OVERVIEW

The project will use the natural streamflow variability of the Rio Grande as a proxy for climate variability, and in particular for extreme drought and flood events. Specifically, it proposes to estimate the daily natural water availability for the Rio Grande along the border and compare the long-term water availability with that during drought periods. The research will help to understand extreme climatic events and support the formulation of adaptation strategies relevant for agriculture, urban and rural communities, water management agencies, flood protection, and environmental restoration activities.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

The University of Arizona will administer this award and a subaward will be sent to The

University of California, Davis. The University of California, Davis will oversee and conduct all aspects of this project.

mailto:Stjackson@usgs.gov

USGS INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part USGS is not anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award.

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).

(4) UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS

Single Source Justification Description:

(4) UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS - The research conducted under this project is related to the

DOI SC CASC supported under an existing Cooperative Agreement with UA and research conducted by its consortium members. The University of California, Davis has personnel who are uniquely qualified to conduct this project. The research by this scientist in this region has established the importance of estimating the climate variability of the southern branch of the Rio

Grande basin (from Presidio Texas to the outlet of the river in the Gulf of Mexico) using the natural streamflow variability as a proxy for climate variability. This work will build upon his previous research on the Rio Grande basin with the SW CASC. This project will expand that important work.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

43 USC 31 and the Administrative Provisions of P.L., 116-6 and Consolidated Appropriations

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