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 Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS) will provide geologic database development and maintenance, geologic mapping studies and volcanic hazard assessments of select volcanoes, volcano monitoring, and outreach in support of the Alaska Volcano Observatory’s (AVO) efforts to monitor active volcanoes of the Cook Inlet, Alaska. ADGGS acts as the central coordination point for submission of all samples for geochemical analysis and is responsible for archiving and distributing these data. ADGGS also manages helicopter support for all AVO field activities. This work is in cooperation with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute (UAF-GI) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

Through this award, the ADGGS will develop and maintain an Alaska volcano database; generate volcano hazard assessments and geologic maps; conduct geophysical monitoring of Alaskan volcanoes; conduct geochemical characterization of erupted products (including ash) through major and trace element analyses and archive and distribute geochemical data to all AVO partners; and coordinate helicopter support for all AVO research efforts.

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 Scientist-In-Charge of the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) will be the official coordinator of the AVO. The Scientist-In-Charge will guide programmatic planning, budgeting and review and will maintain laiason between the AVO facilities and with other State and Federal agencies, civil defense personnel, the general public, industry, communications media, etc. In times of increased or precoursory activity or during a volcanic crisis, the Scientist-In-Charge will, in consultation with an ADDGS-designated Coordinating Scientist, act as the only official spokesperson for both parties of the AVO, and take the lead in recommending what additional monitoring and personnel are necessary.

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 Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS) is a long standing partner in the Alaska Volcano Observatory and has twenty-nine years of experience in monitoring Alaskan volcanoes. With staff expertise in physical volcanology, petrology, geophysics, geochemistry and a record of eruption response and specific familiarity with Alaskan volcanoes and state and local emergency responders, the ADGGS is uniquely qualified and ideally located (offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK) to monitor Alaskan volcanoes.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

USGS Unique Authority cited at 43 U.S.C. 36d (Federal, State, and academic partners) and PL 116-9, Section 5001(b)(3)(c)

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