Bowhead Coastal Observation Project

Post Date

July 15th 2010

Application Due Date

July 24th 2010

Funding Opportunity Number

H9911100022

CFDA Number(s)

Funding Instrument Type(s)

Cooperative Agreement

Funding Activity Categories

Environment

Number of Awards

1

Eligibility Categories

Other

This agreement will be awarded to the North Slope Borough, AK. It was competed independently of Grants.gov through the Federal Register.

Funding

• Estimated Total Funding:

  $115468

• Award Range:

  $29000 - $115468

Grant Description

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service (NPS), intention to fund the following project activities. ABSTRACT Funding Announcement:H9911100022 Project Title:Bowhead Coastal Observation Project Recipient:North Slope Borourgh, AK Principle Investigator:Cyd Hanns Total Anticipated Award Amount:$115,468.08 Cost Share:N/A New Award Or Continuation:New Anticipated Length of Agreement:4 Years Anticipated Period of Performance:July 26, 2010 – July 25, 2014 Award Instrument:Cooperative Agreement/CESU Statutory Authority:16 U.S.C. ¤1(g): The National Park Service may in fiscal year 1997 and thereafter enter into cooperative agreements that involve the transfer of National Park Service 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 pursuant to section 6305 of title 31 to carry out public purposes of National Park Service programs. CFDA# 0.00 Not Elsewhere Classified Single Source Justification Criteria Sited: BACKGROUND: •A brief history of this project. Is this part of an on-going program, agreement, etc? This project has previously been competed through the Shared Beringian Heritage Program of the NPS. A nationwide announcement is conducted yearly requesting proposals. Projects are subsequently selected through a 3-step competitive process. The selection process includes: internal NPS review; ranking by a FACA compliant panel of external stakeholders; and final selection by the NPS. Projects must be of mutual interest and benefit to the cooperator and the NPS, and must involve substantial involvement by both parties. 1) 505 DM 2 Single Source - Only one responsible source will satisfy agency requirements. •Identify the source and explain why specifically competition is not practical. The cooperator proposed the project for consideration. 2) Nature and description of the deliverable required to meet the agency’s needs: •Description of the deliverables and the required delivery schedule: Study the distribution and abundance of the Bering Chukchi Beaufort Seas bowhead whale population and document mammal sightings off the coast of Chukotka from 2010-2013 (3rd year extends into 2013 due to delay in processing agreement). •The minimum essential characteristics or unique features of the item(s). The project continues a citizen science observation program with local, native residents of Chukotka, that has been going on for 20 years (with other funding), during a critical gap in funding when the affects of climate change are causing rapid changes to habitat. The North Slope Borough has been the U.S. partner coordinating this effort from the beginning and are the only organization with the knowledge, skills and international relationships required to complete the project. •State the price of the requirement – base year and every additional anticipated agreement period thereafter. Funding in FY10 of $29,022.08, FY11 of $39,230, and FY12 or $47,216. 3) Criteria for justifying award without competition. In order for an assistance award to be made without competition, the award must satisfy one or more of the following criteria. Please explain which criterion specifically addresses the proposed agreement. This project has previously been competed (described above). The cooperator proposed the project for consideration and has the qualifications to complete the work. DOCUMENTATION FOR USE OF A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT Cooperative Agreement Number or PR Number: H9911100022 North Slope Borough, Bowhead Coastal Observation Project - Chukotka Type of funds to be used for this project: ONPS 1.What type of competition is appropriate? Nationwide announcement for Beringia proposals. 2.Why was this cooperator selected? Cooperator proposed the project through a 3-step competitive process, and had the necessary expertise to perform the selected project. 3.Who are the parties to the agreement? North Slope Borough and the Alaska Region, NPS. 4.What is the purpose of the agreement? Study the distribution and abundance of the Bering Chukchi Beaufort Seas bowhead whale population and document mammal sightings off the coast of Chukotka. 5.What are the deliverables expected? Annual field report and final report including photo documentation; popular article; posters suitable for use in schools and communities in Northern and Western Alaska and Chukotka; and public presentations. 6.Explain the nature of the anticipated substantial involvement. What will NPS specifically do to carry out the project? -Using the network of contacts established over the years, facilitate collaboration with other research efforts and related programs, including sister agency and non-governmental organizations working on related issues in the Beringia region. -Provide technical assistance and expertise to the project including logistical support. -The NPS is participating in many citizen science efforts around the country. Connect this project with this network of initiatives and share how this effort is structured and the final results, to inform other efforts especially those working internationally. -Assist with the dissemination of information working with local park units to post information, advertize presentations, and include in interpretive programs. -Provide basic production review and distribution support for project media pieces, outreach materials. Help facilitate review by interested Beringian partners, building community ownership in the project and increasing the value and use of the end product. 7.Why is the substantial involvement considered to be necessary? For successful outcome. Further: Substantial involvement on the part of the North Slope Borough is essential to complete the project because they provide the technical marine mammal expertise to provide the training and ensure the scientific viability of results, and because they have worked with the local native partners for 20 years and have the relationships necessary to complete the work in Chukotka. Substantial involvement from the NPS is necessary to ensure coordination with Russian governmental institutions with whom we have relations, to review and approve each stage of the project, to engage other Beringia partners, and ensure that the data collected is accessible and useful (as citizen science). 8.Explain why the project or activity entails a relationship of assistance rather than a contract. How will the NPS benefit from this collaboration? The NPS and NSB have mutual interest and benefit in the completion of this project. Further: The Shared Beringian Heritage Program of the NPS seeks to build partnerships with parties working on either side of the Bering Strait, increasing international cooperation and the conservation of the shared heritage of the region. Therefore, project supported through the program need to be of mutual benefit with substantial involvement from both parties. These partnerships further the NPS program goals of fostering collaboration across research and cultural studies in the region; leading to increased understanding and appreciation of the region; and furthering the goals of international cooperation. 9.What is the public purpose of support or stimulation? Resource stewardship and conservation. 10.Which law or laws authorize granting of assistance for performance of this project or activity? 104-208 Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997. National Park Service Point of Contact:Erica_Cordeiro@nps.gov

Contact Information

• Agency

  Department of the Interior

• Office:

  National Park Service

• Agency Contact:

  Erica Cordeiro
  Contract Specialist
  Phone 907-644-3303

• Agency Mailing Address:

  Work

• Agency Email Address:

  Erica_Cordeiro@nps.gov