P14AS00283 NOI Vegetation Inventorying and Climate Change Monitoring.doc

This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service (NPS), intention to fund the following project activities without competition.

ABSTRACT

Cost Share

OVERVIEW

Joshua Tree National Park has partnered with a university to develop climate monitoring protocols for use by Citizen Scientists (also known as park volunteers). This agreement will task a Resource Assistant to implement the on-the-ground climate monitoring protocols. The Resource Assistant will work with university researchers, lead volunteers, collect data, and enter data into various databases. The Citizen Science activities will focus on conditions and trends of park resources in order to improve scientific understanding of how the flora and fauna of JOTR respond to the effects of climate change. Joshua Tree National Park has established a series of long term monitoring plots and needs assistance in gathering data for analysis to guide management and policy. The project will help create, promote, facilitate, and/or improve the public’s understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreational, and other aspects of JOTR. The project will provide an opportunity for a youth to learn about the environment by spending time working on projects in JOTR.

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

A. GBI agrees to:

1. Develop project proposals, budgets, and work plans for work described in Article I.

2. Provide a resource assistant to assist the park with their vegetation and climate change monitoring programs. (Dependent upon funding, NPS may request additional resource assistants to further the project.) The resource assistant should:

· Have or be working toward a degree in Biological Sciences (or similar field of study);

· Have experience of working in the Mojave and/or Sonoran Desert;

· Be knowledgeable ecological processes, flora and fauna;

· Be able to withstand extreme heat;

· Be able to demonstrate competency using GPS and topographic maps to navigate to remote sites; and

· Be able to hike long distances carrying 40-50 pounds and be comfortable with camping and traveling in the backcountry for multiple days.

3. Execute projects in a timely manner, communicating with NPS when projected completion dates will not be met. Include written report(s) outlining delays and projected new completion dates. Develop new completion dates with NPS.

B. NPS agrees to:

1. Provide financial assistance in accordance with Article VI.

2. Provide the Resource Assistant(s) with general orientation to park operations and NPS mission.

3. Provide on-the-job and/or other training in agency protocols, processes, and mandates.

4. Correspond with the recipient regularly by email or telephone. Schedule in person Ad Hoc meetings when necessary.

5. Provide the Research Associate(s) with a variety of training opportunities (e.g. first/CPR, desert survival, hazardous plants and animals of the desert, GIS, and GPS) throughout the year. The Research Associate(s) may attend at their discretion.

6. Appoint an NPS technical representative to provide technical assistance and on-the-ground support.

C. The NPS and GBI will:

1. Collaborate on any proposed changes to agreed upon work plans.

2. Cooperate in the design and implementation of work plans and schedules to maximize benefits to interpretative resources.

3. Undertake pre-project and closeout briefing.

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.

NPS did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:

The recipient is authorized to enter into agreements with the Federal government. The recipient is uniquely qualified to provide information that will enhance knowledge and expertise through research and experimental programs related to resource management. The recipient is well versed in the flora and fauna of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts and monitoring of these key resources.

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

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