Volcano Disaster Assistance Program - training

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), operating under the Department of the Interior's Office of Acquisitions and Grants, has issued a Special Notice of Intent to award a sole-source purchase order to the University of Hawaii's Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes (CSAV) for training and logistical services. This notice is being published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements to provide transparency regarding the USGS's intention to conduct a non-competitive award. The USGS has determined that CSAV is the only institution capable of meeting the specified requirements. All interested parties may submit a quotation by the February 4, 2026 deadline at 1500 PST, though no formal solicitation will be issued. The determination to proceed with this sole-source award or reconsider based on submitted responses remains at the sole discretion of the Government.

The Special Notice supports the Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP), which aims to reduce volcanic disaster risks in developing countries through specialized training and capacity building. CSAV will deliver an eight-week formal training program from June 6 through August 1, 2026, for fourteen mid-level government scientists from international partner nations including Indonesia, Chile, Guatemala, Argentina, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru, the Philippines, and Rwanda. The training will cover active volcanic process monitoring and volcanic crisis management, utilizing Hawaii's volcanic landscape and Mount St. Helens in Washington State as training venues. CSAV's responsibilities encompass comprehensive logistical support including visa acquisition, international travel arrangements, medical insurance, housing, meals, and ground transportation for all participants. While no specific eligibility criteria are set for other contractors to compete, the USGS contends that only CSAV possesses the requisite expertise in formal volcano monitoring and crisis management training combined with the operational capacity to execute this complex logistical endeavor.