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

The proposed cooperative agreement to the State of Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADDGS) provides support in the development of a robust system of digital data collection monitoring instruments that will provide Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) scientists with advanced warning of volcanic activity in Alaska, allowing AVO to properly warn the public of impending volcanic hazards and dangerous drifting ash clouds. The AVO is a partnership between the ADDGS, the USGS Volcano Hazards Program and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute (UAF-GI).

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

Through this agreement, the ADDGS will work to modernize Alaskan volcano monitoring networks through conversion of monitoring instrumentation from analog to digital technology. Digital conversions will significantly improve the quality of monitoring data collected and will therefore improve the capability of the AVO to issue timely warnings of volcanic unrest in Alaska.

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:

The USGS AVO Scientist-In-Charge will guide programmatic planning, budgeting and progress review of the analog to digital conversion work among all AVO partners, including the ADDGS. In addition, USGS AVO field technicians will provide specialized training relevant to this project to ADDGS field technicians as well as work side-by-side with them during the digital conversion field work.

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

Single Source Justification Description:

The ADDGS has been a partner in the Alaska Volcano Observatory since 1988, and has gained deep expertise in conducting yearly field work and maritime and aviation logistics coordination unique to Alaska and the AVO’s needs during that time. The ADGGS field technicians are very familiar with monitoring network maintenance and the technical expertise necessary to successfully carry out the analog to digital station conversions that will ultimately result in improved monitoring networks and higher data quality. ADDGS staff have an knowledge of AVO operations and personnel that is unmatched by any entity outside of the AVO, which will greatly assist in the smooth execution of the objectives of this agreement.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

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).

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