National Park Service Grant for New Geologic Mapping in Little River Canyon National Preserve – Phase 1

ABSTRACT
Funding Announcement P15AS00389
Project Title New Geologic Mapping in Little River Canyon National Preserve ��� Phase 1
Recipient Auburn University
Total Anticipated Award Amount $82500.00
Cost Share none
Anticipated Length of Agreement From date of final signature until 8/31/2016
Anticipated Period of Performance From date of final signature until 8/31/2016
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 54 USC 101702(a) & (b) 54 USC 100703
CFDA # and Title 15.945 Cooperative Research & Training Programs-Resources of NPS CESUs
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited (2) Continuation
Point of Contact June Zastrow 303-987-6718 june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement Number P12AC51051 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), and Auburn University for the purpose of: 1. Providing research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies and their potential partners; 2. Developing a program of research, technical assistance and education that involves the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences needed to address resources issues and interdisciplinary problem solving at multiple scales and in an ecosystem context at the local, regional, and national level; and 3. Placing special emphasis on the working collaboration among federal agencies and universities and their related partner institutions. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and conditions as stated in the Cooperative Agreement will apply to this Task Agreement

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Project Description: This project will complete a new geologic map of Little River Canyon National Preserve. New or revised mapping will be conducted in five 7.5 minute quadrangles by faculty and students of Auburn University and the Geologic Survey of Alabama (GSA). Mapping will meet U.S. Geological Survey STATEMAP and EDMAP standards and delivered in a GIS to the NPS Geologic Resources Division and ultimately to LIRI staff. Phase 1 of this project, which this Task funds, will focus on establishing the geologic framework of the park and completion of the Little River Quadrangle by the Auburn Principal Investigator and a graduate student and the finalization of the Fort Payne Quadrangle by the Geologic Survey of Alabama (GSA). Phase 2 of the project, scheduled to be funded in a new Task Agreement in FY16 depending on availability of funds, will complete the remaining three quadrangles that cover the park: Jamestown, Valley Head, and Dugout Valley.

The public purpose of this project is stimulating scientific research and generating knowledge. Geologic maps provide important details on the underlying ecological framework for science based resource management and offer public university faculty and student���s new knowledge and additional research opportunities in the earth sciences. Geologic mapping is the foundation of the geosciences and as such provides directs benefits to the public. Published detailed mapping along the Little River does not yet exist. This project will provide that fundamental piece of geologic understanding and will 1) identify areas susceptible to slope failure, mass movement, landslides and rock fall that pose potential threats to the health and human safety of travelers on the numerous roads paralleling the river; 2) unravel the river���s flood history through their deposits to shed light on possible future flooding events; 3) expand the knowledge of groundwater aquifers, their replenishment pathways, as well as regional surface watersheds , 4) provide a greater understanding of the regional geologic framework and its potential for energy development or other commercially viable products; 5) provide a basis for visitors to better understand the geologic history and scope and significance of the area���s geologic resources such as fossils, caves, kart features, or other unique geologic features

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

Deliver to the NPS and GSA preliminary maps of the Little River and Fort Payne 7.5 minute quadrangles in a GIS that includes:
��� A digital geologic map in the form of an ESRI ArcGIS 10.x geodatabase adhering to the NCGMP09 standard. The geodatabase will contain all lines, polygons, point data and symbology necessary to generate a geologic map, as well as feature-level, FGDC compliant metadata. The geodatabase will also contain a table of geologic unit descriptions, Accompanying text and graphics containing map explanatory information, descriptions of map units. Where applicable, a correlation diagram showing age relationships of map units, and an explanation of map symbols.
��� Meet with LIRI staff prior to any field activities to identify areas of significant natural or cultural resources within the park and develop a plan to avoid any adverse impact of these resources
��� Meet with LIRI staff to update them on the progress of mapping and identify new or unique geologic resources found during the mapping process which can be utilized for park interpretive or educational purposes
��� Update GRI Program manager on mapping progress
��� Select graduate students to perform the mapping that will provide them with practical experience in geologic mapping and critical thinking for future careers in geologic or natural resource related fields
��� Provide all necessary information to GSA to allow them to publish the Little River and Fort Payne Quadrangles as part of that state’s geologic mapping program

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

��� Work with Auburn University and GSA staff to develop the goals for the project
��� LIRI staff will provide Auburn staff with orientation to significant park resources and any relevant safety training
��� Provide the recipient with all relevant NPS LIRI GIS data sets and other associated data that may be important to geologic mapping and data interpretation. Such data sets may include, but not be limited to, park boundaries, park infrastructure/facilities, etc.
��� Provide the recipient all relevant LIDAR imagery and aerial imagery that is in the possession of LIRI or the NPS Cumberland/Piedmont I&M Network.
��� Provide expert technical assistance from natural resource management staff from the NPS-Geologic Resources Division-Denver and from the participating park unit to collaborate with the recipient on project study design, to frequently consult with the recipient on creation of the map legends/map categories, and to review all preliminary, interim, and final documents associated with the project.
��� When available, provide logistical support to facilitate the conduct of mapping activities in LIRI, such as, but not limited to, access to remote park areas, assistance with the NPS permitting process, and assistance with field data collection.
��� Provide, through the Geologic Resources Division, any assistance required by the Principal Investigator and his associates to: create the geologic maps in a Geographic Information System (GIS) using state-or-the-art ESRI ARCGIS software, evaluate the qualifications and select graduate level candidates to conduct the proposed mapping

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:
(2) Continuation

This is a Task Agreement (P15AC01759) under Cooperative Agreement (P12AC51051) in the amount of 82,500.00 with a period of performance from date of award until 8/31/2016.

“This proposed project between Auburn University and the NPS is authorized to go through the Gulf Coast 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”.

ABSTRACT
Funding Announcement P15AS00389
Project Title New Geologic Mapping in Little River Canyon National Preserve ��� Phase 1
Recipient Auburn University
Total Anticipated Award Amount $82500.00
Cost Share none
Anticipated Length of Agreement From date of final signature until 8/31/2016
Anticipated Period of Performance From date of final signature until 8/31/2016
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 54 USC 101702(a) & (b) 54 USC 100703
CFDA # and Title 15.945 Cooperative Research & Training Programs-Resources of NPS CESUs
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited (2) Continuation
Point of Contact June Zastrow 303-987-6718 june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement Number P12AC51051 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), and Auburn University for the purpose of: 1. Providing research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies and their potential partners; 2. Developing a program of research, technical assistance and education that involves the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences needed to address resources issues and interdisciplinary problem solving at multiple scales and in an ecosystem context at the local, regional, and national level; and 3. Placing special emphasis on the working collaboration among federal agencies and universities and their related partner institutions. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and conditions as stated in the Cooperative Agreement will apply to this Task Agreement

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Project Description: This project will complete a new geologic map of Little River Canyon National Preserve. New or revised mapping will be conducted in five 7.5 minute quadrangles by faculty and students of Auburn University and the Geologic Survey of Alabama (GSA). Mapping will meet U.S. Geological Survey STATEMAP and EDMAP standards and delivered in a GIS to the NPS Geologic Resources Division and ultimately to LIRI staff. Phase 1 of this project, which this Task funds, will focus on establishing the geologic framework of the park and completion of the Little River Quadrangle by the Auburn Principal Investigator and a graduate student and the finalization of the Fort Payne Quadrangle by the Geologic Survey of Alabama (GSA). Phase 2 of the project, scheduled to be funded in a new Task Agreement in FY16 depending on availability of funds, will complete the remaining three quadrangles that cover the park: Jamestown, Valley Head, and Dugout Valley.

The public purpose of this project is stimulating scientific research and generating knowledge. Geologic maps provide important details on the underlying ecological framework for science based resource management and offer public university faculty and student���s new knowledge and additional research opportunities in the earth sciences. Geologic mapping is the foundation of the geosciences and as such provides directs benefits to the public. Published detailed mapping along the Little River does not yet exist. This project will provide that fundamental piece of geologic understanding and will 1) identify areas susceptible to slope failure, mass movement, landslides and rock fall that pose potential threats to the health and human safety of travelers on the numerous roads paralleling the river; 2) unravel the river���s flood history through their deposits to shed light on possible future flooding events; 3) expand the knowledge of groundwater aquifers, their replenishment pathways, as well as regional surface watersheds , 4) provide a greater understanding of the regional geologic framework and its potential for energy development or other commercially viable products; 5) provide a basis for visitors to better understand the geologic history and scope and significance of the area���s geologic resources such as fossils, caves, kart features, or other unique geologic features

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

Deliver to the NPS and GSA preliminary maps of the Little River and Fort Payne 7.5 minute quadrangles in a GIS that includes:
��� A digital geologic map in the form of an ESRI ArcGIS 10.x geodatabase adhering to the NCGMP09 standard. The geodatabase will contain all lines, polygons, point data and symbology necessary to generate a geologic map, as well as feature-level, FGDC compliant metadata. The geodatabase will also contain a table of geologic unit descriptions, Accompanying text and graphics containing map explanatory information, descriptions of map units. Where applicable, a correlation diagram showing age relationships of map units, and an explanation of map symbols.
��� Meet with LIRI staff prior to any field activities to identify areas of significant natural or cultural resources within the park and develop a plan to avoid any adverse impact of these resources
��� Meet with LIRI staff to update them on the progress of mapping and identify new or unique geologic resources found during the mapping process which can be utilized for park interpretive or educational purposes
��� Update GRI Program manager on mapping progress
��� Select graduate students to perform the mapping that will provide them with practical experience in geologic mapping and critical thinking for future careers in geologic or natural resource related fields
��� Provide all necessary information to GSA to allow them to publish the Little River and Fort Payne Quadrangles as part of that state’s geologic mapping program

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

��� Work with Auburn University and GSA staff to develop the goals for the project
��� LIRI staff will provide Auburn staff with orientation to significant park resources and any relevant safety training
��� Provide the recipient with all relevant NPS LIRI GIS data sets and other associated data that may be important to geologic mapping and data interpretation. Such data sets may include, but not be limited to, park boundaries, park infrastructure/facilities, etc.
��� Provide the recipient all relevant LIDAR imagery and aerial imagery that is in the possession of LIRI or the NPS Cumberland/Piedmont I&M Network.
��� Provide expert technical assistance from natural resource management staff from the NPS-Geologic Resources Division-Denver and from the participating park unit to collaborate with the recipient on project study design, to frequently consult with the recipient on creation of the map legends/map categories, and to review all preliminary, interim, and final documents associated with the project.
��� When available, provide logistical support to facilitate the conduct of mapping activities in LIRI, such as, but not limited to, access to remote park areas, assistance with the NPS permitting process, and assistance with field data collection.
��� Provide, through the Geologic Resources Division, any assistance required by the Principal Investigator and his associates to: create the geologic maps in a Geographic Information System (GIS) using state-or-the-art ESRI ARCGIS software, evaluate the qualifications and select graduate level candidates to conduct the proposed mapping

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:
(2) Continuation

This is a Task Agreement (P15AC01759) under Cooperative Agreement (P12AC51051) in the amount of 82,500.00 with a period of performance from date of award until 8/31/2016.

“This proposed project between Auburn University and the NPS is authorized to go through the Gulf Coast 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”.