National Park Service Grant for Web Mapping and EGIS Support

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 P14AS00354
Project Title Web Mapping and EGIS Support
Recipient Colorado State University
Principle Investigator / Program Manager Melanie Laituri
Total Anticipated Award Amount $663,459.20
Cost Share none
New Award or Continuation? Continuation of Cooperative Agreement P14AC00728
Anticipated Length of Agreement From date of award until September 29, 2015
Anticipated Period of Performance From date of award until September 29, 2015
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 16 USC 1(g) 16 USC 5933, 16 USC 1a-2(j)
CFDA # and Title 15.945 Cooperative Research & Training Programs ¿ Resources of NPS CESU¿s
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited (2) Continuation
NPS Point of Contact June Zastrow 303-987-6718 june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement Number P14AC00728 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), and the Colorado State University (CSU) to provide research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies and their potential partners; 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 place 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.

The primary objective is to leverage both public and internal interest and support for the upcoming centennial to modernize the NPS¿s digital outreach strategy. Maps are a key component of this modernization effort. To support this modernization, the NPS¿ mapping platforms and efforts need to be updated so the agency¿s mapping products can be disseminated more widely and used more effectively on all platforms – including the NPS.gov website and mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets.

This work will require nearly constant research and development to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape.

To meet this objective, the NPS must maintain consistent engagement with the public and other federal, state, and local agencies. Related to mapping, this increased engagement will include accepting ¿crowd-sourced¿ data from members of the public and integrating it into park maps. It will also include working hand-in-hand with other government agencies and non-profit organizations to improve collaboration and communication.

In fact, most of the products built and maintained under this task agreement will be released under an open source license so other organizations can take advantage of the work. In this way, the NPS and CSU will continue to lead the way in web mapping through openness and transparency.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

● Provide research associates under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
● CSU researchers will participate in cooperative teams with the NPS that may be led by either party. Close working relationships with outside partners and affiliates and substantial involvement of multiple programs will be required to successfully complete this task.
● Work collaboratively with NPS staff, affiliates, academia, and the public (as appropriate) to complete research reports and recommendations, user and stakeholder requirements, and engagement, project plans, computer code, mapping products, and user and technical documentation.
● Ensure products comply with Section 508 (36 CFR Part 1194 Subpart C Section 31 and 41) to the fullest extent possible.

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:

● RISD staff members and affiliates will collaborate on this project with the CSU research associates under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
● Provide office space and other necessary material support (equipment and travel) to allow the researchers to perform their work and publish the products to university affiliates, partners, and the public.
● NPS staff and CSU researchers will participate in cooperative teams. Close working relationships with outside partners and affiliates and substantial involvement of multiple programs will be required for success.

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 (P14AC01681) under Cooperative Agreement (P14AC00728) in the amount of $633,459.20 with a period of performance from date of award until 09/29/2015.

“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 P14AS00354
Project Title Web Mapping and EGIS Support
Recipient Colorado State University
Principle Investigator / Program Manager Melanie Laituri
Total Anticipated Award Amount $663,459.20
Cost Share none
New Award or Continuation? Continuation of Cooperative Agreement P14AC00728
Anticipated Length of Agreement From date of award until September 29, 2015
Anticipated Period of Performance From date of award until September 29, 2015
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 16 USC 1(g) 16 USC 5933, 16 USC 1a-2(j)
CFDA # and Title 15.945 Cooperative Research & Training Programs ¿ Resources of NPS CESU¿s
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited (2) Continuation
NPS Point of Contact June Zastrow 303-987-6718 june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement Number P14AC00728 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), and the Colorado State University (CSU) to provide research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies and their potential partners; 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 place 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.

The primary objective is to leverage both public and internal interest and support for the upcoming centennial to modernize the NPS¿s digital outreach strategy. Maps are a key component of this modernization effort. To support this modernization, the NPS¿ mapping platforms and efforts need to be updated so the agency¿s mapping products can be disseminated more widely and used more effectively on all platforms – including the NPS.gov website and mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets.

This work will require nearly constant research and development to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape.

To meet this objective, the NPS must maintain consistent engagement with the public and other federal, state, and local agencies. Related to mapping, this increased engagement will include accepting ¿crowd-sourced¿ data from members of the public and integrating it into park maps. It will also include working hand-in-hand with other government agencies and non-profit organizations to improve collaboration and communication.

In fact, most of the products built and maintained under this task agreement will be released under an open source license so other organizations can take advantage of the work. In this way, the NPS and CSU will continue to lead the way in web mapping through openness and transparency.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

● Provide research associates under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
● CSU researchers will participate in cooperative teams with the NPS that may be led by either party. Close working relationships with outside partners and affiliates and substantial involvement of multiple programs will be required to successfully complete this task.
● Work collaboratively with NPS staff, affiliates, academia, and the public (as appropriate) to complete research reports and recommendations, user and stakeholder requirements, and engagement, project plans, computer code, mapping products, and user and technical documentation.
● Ensure products comply with Section 508 (36 CFR Part 1194 Subpart C Section 31 and 41) to the fullest extent possible.

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:

● RISD staff members and affiliates will collaborate on this project with the CSU research associates under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
● Provide office space and other necessary material support (equipment and travel) to allow the researchers to perform their work and publish the products to university affiliates, partners, and the public.
● NPS staff and CSU researchers will participate in cooperative teams. Close working relationships with outside partners and affiliates and substantial involvement of multiple programs will be required for success.

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 (P14AC01681) under Cooperative Agreement (P14AC00728) in the amount of $633,459.20 with a period of performance from date of award until 09/29/2015.

“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.