Notice of Intent.doc

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

OVERVIEW

To continue and further the Earthquake Hazards Program’s collaborative research project to test and develop the ability of seismic and geodetic networks in high-risk areas of the U.S. to provide warnings of earthquakes when strong shaking has begun, so that property damage, injury, and loss of life can be reduced in affected areas. This phase will support incorporation of real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations into ShakeAlert and transitioning ShakeAlert into a Production Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system for the West Coast.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

UNAVCO, Inc. operates the EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) as directed and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The PBO precisely measures Earth deformation resulting from the constant motion of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates in the western United States. This award will support UNAVCO’s effort to integrate PBO real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations into the USGS Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) ShakeAlert production EEW system for high-risk metropolitan regions of Washington, Oregon, and California. UNAVCO will provide robust and reliable high rate GNSS data transmission before, during, and immediately after a large (greater than Magnitude 7.0) seismic event.

USGS INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part 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:

Earthquake Hazards Program project chiefs and staff within the program’s research and seismic and geodetic monitoring projects will provide awardee with overall collaboration to convey USGS policy and the design and integration of software to mesh with USGS systems that will provide warnings. USGS personnel will be primarily responsible for initiating and continuing communications with the cooperators and for leading the effort to streamline an EEW framework with input from the cooperators.

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 the following criteria:

(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; and

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

Single Source Justification Description:

UNAVCO operates the Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO), which is the geodetic component of the NSF funded EarthScope network. The PBO is to be included in the EEW prototype system on the West Coast. UNVACO has demonstrated ability to contribute geodetic data for the prototype system and carry out and apply related geodetic research and development for early warning development.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The U.S. Geological Survey’s authority to fund non-profit organizations is contained in 43 USC 1457b which reads:

For fiscal year 2010, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secreatary of the Interior may enter into cooperative agreements with a state or political subdivision or any not-for-profit organization if the agreement will: (1) serve a mutual interest of the parties to the agreement in carrying out the programs administered by the Department of the Interior; and (2) all parties will contribute resources to the accomplishment of these objectives. At the discretion of the Secretary, such agreements shall not be subject to a competitive process.

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