SW_NOI_Falk.pdf

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

Funding

Announcement

USGS-19-FA-0034

Project Title Understanding mechanisms of fire-caused vegetation type conversion in

Southwestern conifer forests under current and future climate

Recipient University of Arizona

Principal

Investigator /

Program Manager

Donald Falk

Anticipated Federal

Amount ($12,702.13 Budget Year 1)

Cost Share $0.00

Total Anticipated

Award Amount $44,995.46

New Award or

Continuation?

New Award

Anticipated Period of Performance March 1, 2019 to February 28, 2022 (3 years)

Award Instrument Grant

CFDA # and Title 15.820 NCCWSC CSCs

USGS Point of

Contact

Stephen T. Jackson, stjackson@usgs.gov and

Carolyn Enquist, cenquist@usgs.gov

OVERVIEW

The Department of the Interior Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (DOI SW CASC) request a three year cooperative agreement for a project titled: Understanding mechanisms of fire-caused vegetation type conversion in Southwestern conifer forests under current and future climate. The Department of the Interior Climate Science Centers (DOI CASCs) were established by the Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3289. The DOI SW CASC will synthesize and integrate climate change impact data and develop tools that the Department’s managers and partners can use when managing the Department’s land, water, fish and wildlife, and cultural heritage resources. Eight Regional DOI CASCs are co-located at cooperating organizations at non-USGS facilities in eight (8) regions; one of these regions is the Southwest.

mailto:stjackson@usgs.gov

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

This cooperative agreement (1) assesses the extent, magnitude, and nature of conversions of conifer forests to shrublands or woodlands following fire, (2) compiles case studies of fire-caused conversions (and non-conversions where forests successfully regenerated), and (3) identifiesd critical climatological factors (e.g., extremes) and ecological mechanisms underlying conversions and non-conversions. These findings will frovide a foundation for guidelines and tools to aid NPS, BLM, FWS, Forest Service, and state-agency managers in planning and decisions.

USGS INVOLVEMENT

There will be no substantial involvement by the USGS in the Recipient’s performance of this

Agreement. The project will be carried out by the recipient. Staff at the Southwest Climate

Adaptation Science Center will work closely with the recipient on all phases of the project. New knowledge and products produced from this new project will be shared with the SW CASC, and will be developed in partnership with SW CASC staff.

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: select those which apply- needs to match the sole source document

(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:

Single Source Justification Description:

(1) Unsolicited Proposal – The recipient possesses unique capabilities for assessing the extent and nature of conversions from conifer forest to shrublands and woodlands, which is deemed advantageous to reaching the program objectives of the SW CSC.

(2) Unique Qualifications – The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as technical expertise and analytical capabilities.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Administrative Provisions of P.L. 115-141 (FY 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act) and P.L. 116-5 (FY 2019 Consolidate Appropriations Act).

43 USC 36d

U.S. Code, Title 43, Chapter 2, 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.