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

This cooperative agreement pertains to the work of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute (UAF-GI) in volcano monitoring, and in performing geological and geophysical studies related to volcano monitoring and volcanic hazard assessment in Alaska and the Aleutians. This work is in cooperation with the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

Through this award, the UAF-GI will conduct volcano monitoring utilizing geological and geophysical field studies, analysis of seismic, geodetic and gas data, infrasound detection of volcanic activity, and installation and maintenance of volcano monitoring instruments.

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 a UAF-GI 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 University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute (UAF-GI) is a long standing partner in the Alaska Volcano Observatory and has 38 years of experience in monitoring Alaskan volcanoes. The UAF-GI staff has deep expertise in physical volcanology, petrology, geochemistry, geophysics and infrasound detection of eruptions. With a long record of eruption response and specific familiarity with Alaskan volcanoes and state and local emergency responders, the UAF-GI is uniquely qualified and ideally located (in Fairbanks, Alaska) to monitor and study Alaskan volcanoes.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The U.S. Geological Survey’s authority to fund Federal, State, and academic cooperators for research and data collection is contained in 43 U.S. Code Chapter 2 § 36d, which reads:

TITLE 43 - PUBLIC LANDS

CHAPTER 2 - UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

§ 36d. Cooperative agreements

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. 6301–6308), the United States Geological Survey is authorized to continue existing, and on and after November 10, 2003, to enter into new cooperative agreements directed towards a particular cooperator, in support of joint research and data collection activities with Federal, State, and academic partners funded by appropriations herein, including those that provide for space in cooperator facilities.

(Pub. L. 108–108, title I, Nov. 10, 2003, 117 Stat. 1254.)

PAGE