National Park Service Assistance Grant for Visibility Data Analysis and Image Display Techniques

This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service¿s intention to fund the following project activities without full and open competition.

ABSTRACT
Funding Announcement P14AS00145
Project Title Assistance for Visibility Data Analysis and Image Display Techniques
Recipient Colorado State University Fort Collins
Principle Investigator / Program Manager Jenny Hand
Total Anticipated Award Amount 903,269.00
Cost Share none
New Award or Continuation? Continuation
Anticipated Length of Agreement From Date of award until 6/30/2015
Anticipated Period of Performance From Date of award until 6/30/2015
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 16 USC 1(g) 16 USC 1a-2(j); 16 USC 5933
CFDA # and Title 15.945 Cooperative Research and Training Programs Resources of NPS CESUs
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited Continuation
NPS Point of Contact June Zastrow 303-987-6718 june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

This project serves the public by developing sound scientific data that informs air quality management at the local, state, and federal level. The visibility data and analyses produced by this project are directly used by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state and local air quality management agencies in informing their implementation of regulations under the Clean Air Act. Similarly, data and analyses produced under this task agreement on atmospheric deposition are informing these agencies about the role of regulated and non-regulated pollutants in atmospheric deposition and their effect on ecosystems. Non-government organizations, representing a wide variety of public interests, as well as industry groups, utilize the information developed under this project.

A key element of the project is to interpret and display this scientific information for the general public, enhancing their understanding of issues that can affect their enjoyment of the natural world. CIRA and NPS scientists participate in outreach efforts in elementary and secondary schools, encouraging young students to pursue science projects.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

Conduct aerosol research, investigate nitrogen deposition, evaluate the impacts of oil and gas development in the Bakken shale region, data analysis and dissemination, regional air quality modeling, and the development of public outreach products. (See attached full scope of work for details.)
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part the National Park Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, the National Park Service will be responsible for the following:

1. Substantially participate in all phases of the work identified in Article II A; such as participate in data analysis and/or modeling, report writing, and will coauthor peer-reviewed publications. (See attached full scope of work for details.)
2. Provide access to air quality monitoring locations, equipment shelters, and specialized monitoring equipment; where applicable.

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.

The National Park Service did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:

(2) CONTINUATION

SINGLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION DESCRIPTION:

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD
This is a Task Agreement (P14AC00982) under Cooperative Agreement (P14AC00728) in the amount of $903,269.00 with a period of performance from date of award until 06/30/2015.

“This proposed project between Colorado State University and the NPS is authorized to go through the Rocky Mountains CESU at the negotiated overhead rate of 17.5% because it passes the test of substantial involvement by the NPS, public purpose and consistency with the mission of the CESU Network”.
Also, on the SF 424 forms that the partner sponsored programs office fills out for each project, requires a CFDA number – 15.945, which is the number associated with the CFDA Title: COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND TRAINING PROGRAMS – RESOURCES OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (CESU).

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

A. 16 U.S.C. §1g authorizes the NPS to enter into cooperative agreements that involve the transfer of NPS appropriated funds to state, local and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations for the public purpose of carrying out National Park Service programs.

B. 16 U.S.C. §1a-2(j) Cooperative research and training programs. Authorizes the NPS to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private educational institutions, states, and their political subdivisions, for the purpose of developing adequate, coordinated, cooperative research and training programs concerning the resources of the national park system. Pursuant to such agreements, the cooperator may accept from or make available to the NPS technical and support staff, financial assistance for mutually agreed upon research projects, supplies and equipment, facilities, and administrative services relating to cooperative research units as the Secretary deems appropriate (research projects subject to Federal Acquisition Regulation excluded).
Modified 5/31/05 ¿ Agreement Handbook Memorandum Number 2

C. 16 U.S.C. §5933 Cooperative agreements. The Secretary is authorized and directed to enter into cooperative agreements with colleges and universities, including but not limited to land grant schools, in partnership with other Federal and State agencies, to establish cooperative study units to conduct multi-disciplinary research and develop integrated information products on the resources of the National Park System, or the larger region of which parks are a part.

This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service¿s intention to fund the following project activities without full and open competition.

ABSTRACT
Funding Announcement P14AS00145
Project Title Assistance for Visibility Data Analysis and Image Display Techniques
Recipient Colorado State University Fort Collins
Principle Investigator / Program Manager Jenny Hand
Total Anticipated Award Amount 903,269.00
Cost Share none
New Award or Continuation? Continuation
Anticipated Length of Agreement From Date of award until 6/30/2015
Anticipated Period of Performance From Date of award until 6/30/2015
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 16 USC 1(g) 16 USC 1a-2(j); 16 USC 5933
CFDA # and Title 15.945 Cooperative Research and Training Programs Resources of NPS CESUs
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited Continuation
NPS Point of Contact June Zastrow 303-987-6718 june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

This project serves the public by developing sound scientific data that informs air quality management at the local, state, and federal level. The visibility data and analyses produced by this project are directly used by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state and local air quality management agencies in informing their implementation of regulations under the Clean Air Act. Similarly, data and analyses produced under this task agreement on atmospheric deposition are informing these agencies about the role of regulated and non-regulated pollutants in atmospheric deposition and their effect on ecosystems. Non-government organizations, representing a wide variety of public interests, as well as industry groups, utilize the information developed under this project.

A key element of the project is to interpret and display this scientific information for the general public, enhancing their understanding of issues that can affect their enjoyment of the natural world. CIRA and NPS scientists participate in outreach efforts in elementary and secondary schools, encouraging young students to pursue science projects.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

Conduct aerosol research, investigate nitrogen deposition, evaluate the impacts of oil and gas development in the Bakken shale region, data analysis and dissemination, regional air quality modeling, and the development of public outreach products. (See attached full scope of work for details.)
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part the National Park Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, the National Park Service will be responsible for the following:

1. Substantially participate in all phases of the work identified in Article II A; such as participate in data analysis and/or modeling, report writing, and will coauthor peer-reviewed publications. (See attached full scope of work for details.)
2. Provide access to air quality monitoring locations, equipment shelters, and specialized monitoring equipment; where applicable.

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.

The National Park Service did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:

(2) CONTINUATION

SINGLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION DESCRIPTION:

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD
This is a Task Agreement (P14AC00982) under Cooperative Agreement (P14AC00728) in the amount of $903,269.00 with a period of performance from date of award until 06/30/2015.

“This proposed project between Colorado State University and the NPS is authorized to go through the Rocky Mountains CESU at the negotiated overhead rate of 17.5% because it passes the test of substantial involvement by the NPS, public purpose and consistency with the mission of the CESU Network”.
Also, on the SF 424 forms that the partner sponsored programs office fills out for each project, requires a CFDA number – 15.945, which is the number associated with the CFDA Title: COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND TRAINING PROGRAMS – RESOURCES OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (CESU).

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

A. 16 U.S.C. §1g authorizes the NPS to enter into cooperative agreements that involve the transfer of NPS appropriated funds to state, local and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations for the public purpose of carrying out National Park Service programs.

B. 16 U.S.C. §1a-2(j) Cooperative research and training programs. Authorizes the NPS to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private educational institutions, states, and their political subdivisions, for the purpose of developing adequate, coordinated, cooperative research and training programs concerning the resources of the national park system. Pursuant to such agreements, the cooperator may accept from or make available to the NPS technical and support staff, financial assistance for mutually agreed upon research projects, supplies and equipment, facilities, and administrative services relating to cooperative research units as the Secretary deems appropriate (research projects subject to Federal Acquisition Regulation excluded).
Modified 5/31/05 ¿ Agreement Handbook Memorandum Number 2

C. 16 U.S.C. §5933 Cooperative agreements. The Secretary is authorized and directed to enter into cooperative agreements with colleges and universities, including but not limited to land grant schools, in partnership with other Federal and State agencies, to establish cooperative study units to conduct multi-disciplinary research and develop integrated information products on the resources of the National Park System, or the larger region of which parks are a part.