Create Model of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve's Late Pleistocene Coastline

Post Date

September 12th 2011

Application Due Date

September 26th 2011

Funding Opportunity Number

P11AT36145

CFDA Number(s)

15.945

Funding Instrument Type(s)

Cooperative Agreement

Funding Activity Categories

Natural Resources

Number of Awards

1

Eligibility Categories

Other

This is a notice of intent to award to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) this CESU agreement. No applications other than from UAF will be accepted.

Funding

• Estimated Total Funding:

  $80000

• Award Range:

  $31000 - $80000

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: P11AT36145 Project Title: Create Model of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve•À_s Late Pleistocene Coastline Recipient: University of Alaska Fairbanks Principle Investigator: Daniel Mann Total Anticipated Award Amount: $80,000 Cost Share: N/A New Award Or Continuation: New Anticipated Length of Agreement: 5 Years Anticipated Period of Performance: September 16, 2011-June 30, 2016 Award Instrument: Cooperative Agreement Statutory Authority: Agreements Concerning Cooperative Research and Training on NPS Resources (16 U.S.C. •À_ 1a-2(j)): The Secretary may enter into 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, and pursuant to such agreements, to accept from and make available to the cooperator such 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. CFDA#: 15.945, Cooperative Research and Training Programs •À_ Resources of the National Park System DOCUMENTATION FOR USE OF A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT Cooperative Agreement Number or PR Number: J9815110521 Early Pleistocene Coastline Type of funds to be used for this project (bold the type of funds) ONPS, NRC, Fee Demo, Fire, Donation, other (be specific _Concessions Franchise Fee____). l. What type of competition is appropriate? There is no form of competition that would be appropriate. Research aimed at understanding the peopling of the New World has made great leaps in recent years. Discoveries in archaeology, human genetics and linguistics has led many researchers to hypothesize that the South American Continent was peopled by small groups of migrants moving rapidly down Pacific Coast of North, Central and South America following the shoreline and exploiting the kelp forest environment along the way. Yet there are huge gaps in the archaeological record, and our understanding of those environments is very limited. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, with over a century of scientific research, has sufficient data now available to help illuminate that vague picture. Dan Mann and Greg Streveler, two geological researchers, have worked in the Glacier Bay region for decades in attempting to understand these questions, through studies and publications ranging from the evaluation of post glacial sea level histories, isostasy, glacial history, and refugium, to the neoglacial landscape and human history. Together they are an incredibly valuable intellectual resource, possessing knowledge compiled over lifetimes, and it would likely require younger researchers comparable time to acquire such knowledge. This project will provide an opportunity to capture this acquired knowledge. Likewise, both have extensive knowledge and experience in navigating their way along Glacier Bay•À_s coasts and spending extensive time in this backcountry. Greg Streveler moved to Gustavus/Glacier Bay in 1967 and worked for the National Park Service until 1980. He has remained a resident of Gustavus since that time, working in the private sector. He has his own consulting firm, Icy Straits Environmental Services. Dan Mann, UAF Institute of Arctic Biology, spent years researching the quaternary history of the Lituya glacial refugium in Glacier Bay. This research culminated in his dissertation, completed in 1983. Combined, these two researchers have approximately 80 years of research focusing on Glacier Bay. 2. Why was this cooperator selected? This work is being done through the CESU program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. They have the expertise to accomplish this work (Dan Mann). 3. Who are the parties to the agreement? University of Alaska Fairbanks and the National Park Service, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve 4. What is the purpose of the agreement? The purpose of the agreement is to create a model of Glacier Bay•À_s Late Pleistocene coastline. This project will bring together seasoned field researchers to search existing literature, compile scattered data, and conduct field tests to validate the premises of the analysis. A final synopsis paper will model the approximate location of the park•À_s gulf coast shoreline for the past 20,000 years, describe the location and extent of glaciers, identify where non-glaciated areas existed, and describe what resources might have been available for human exploitation. Based on this analysis, the study will model places most likely to contain remnants of the ancient landscape, highlighting those most likely to contain and preserve the potential for archaeological sites. The study will also identify data gaps and recommend future studies to address those gaps. 5. What are the deliverables expected? Deliverables are 1) a report for NPS presenting a synthesis of our understanding of coastline evolution over the past 20,000 years, present a model of where evidence of those coastlines exist today, and outline a plan for future geologic and archaeological studies to further refine our understanding; and 2) a paper to be published in a professional journal, presenting these findings to the professional community. NPS will utilize these two products to generate interpretive materials for park visitors and the general public. 6. Explain the nature of the anticipated substantial involvement. What will NPS specifically do to carry out the project? The successful completion of this project involves a substantial degree of cooperation between the National Park Service and the proposed researchers. The NPS archeologist will assist in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 field efforts and will provide housing for the UAF researchers (PI and graduate student) while in Gustavus. The NPS will also conduct any necessary government-to-government consultations with tribal organizations and will interface between the cooperator and regional NPS Programs that will be tied into the research project: Archeological Sites Management Information System (ASMIS), and coordinating with GLBA Wilderness and NEPA reviews. Modifications to research methodologies, testing localities and other areas will be made collaboratively between the NPS and the researchers throughout the project as necessary. 7. Why is the substantial involvement considered to be necessary? Substantial involvement is necessary to enable the project to run smoothly and successfully. NPS staff completes tasks that are innately governmental and are required prior, during and after the project. This enables the researchers to solely concentrate on the field aspects of their research. Also, because travel is so expensive in the Alaskan backcountry, especially on the outer coast of Glacier Bay, by assisting the researchers with their survey work, the NPS staff, imultaneously are compiling with Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act. 8. Explain why the project or activity entails a relationship of assistance rather than a contract. How will the NPS benefit from this collaboration? Same as above. Also the exchange of information is invaluable in understanding dynamics of these landforms and how they relate to the ancient human habitation of the New World. 9. What is the public purpose of support or stimulation? The public will benefit from this project in several ways. For one, public support will greatly aid the NPS in properly inventorying and managing its National Register eligible sites of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The public will also benefit from NPS•À_ generation of interpretive materials for park visitors and the general public as a result of this study•À_s findings. 10. Which law or laws authorize granting of assistance for performance of this project or activity? 16 U.S.C. •À_1a-2(j) authorizes the National Park Service 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 National Park Service 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. 16 U.S.C. •À_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. 16 U.S.C. •À_5933 authorizes and directs the Secretary to inter 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 to develop integrated information National Historic Preservation Act (Amended 1992, PL-515) 11. How was the determination made that the costs proposed are accurate and proper? Provide a breakdown of costs and rationale for determining they are acceptable.* As noted in the budget in the SOW, personnel costs were determined by the equivalency of GS grades based on education and skills. Transportation costs resulted from calls to air charter and boat charter companies to get general rates. JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (or SINGLE SOURCE) FOR DISCRETIONARY COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS __________________________________________________________ CESU Task Agreement J9815110521 BACKGROUND: Create Model of Glacier Bay•À_s Late Pleistocene Coastline This is a new project building on decades study by geological researchers in Glacier Bay NP & P. This project will bring together seasoned field researchers to search existing literature, compile scattered data, and conduct field tests to validate the premises of this analysis. A final synopsis paper will model the approximate location of the park•À_s gulf coast shoreline for the past 20,000 years, describe the location and extent of glaciers, identify where non-glaciated areas existed, and describe what resources might have been available for human exploitation. Based on this analysis, the study will model places most likely to contain remnants of the ancient landscape, highlighting those most likely to contain and preserve the potential for archaeological sites. The study will also identify data gaps and recommend future studies to address those gaps. A professional paper will be published in an academic journal, presenting these findings to the professional community. NPS will utilize these two products to generate interpretive materials for park visitors and the general public. 1) 505 DM 2 Single Source - Only one responsible source will satisfy agency requirements. Research aimed at understanding the peopling of the New World has made great leaps in recent years. Discoveries in archaeology, human genetics and linguistics has led many researchers to hypothesize that the South American Continent was peopled by small groups of migrants moving rapidly down Pacific Coast of North, Central and South America following the shoreline and exploiting the kelp forest environment along the way. Yet there are huge gaps in the archaeological record, and our understanding of those environments is very limited. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, with over a century of scientific research, has sufficient data now available to help illuminate that vague picture. Dan Mann and Greg Streveler, two geological researchers, have worked in the Glacier Bay region for decades in attempting to understand these questions, through studies and publications ranging from the evaluation of post glacial sea level histories, isostasy, glacial history, and refugium, to the neoglacial landscape and human history. Together they are an incredibly valuable intellectual resource, possessing knowledge compiled over lifetimes, and it would likely require younger researchers comparable time to acquire such knowledge. This project will provide an opportunity to capture this acquired knowledge. Likewise, both have extensive knowledge and experience in navigating their way along Glacier Bay•À_s coasts and spending extensive time in this backcountry. Greg Streveler moved to Gustavus/Glacier Bay in 1967 and worked for the National Park Service until 1980. He has remained a resident of Gustavus since that time, working in the private sector. He has his own consulting firm, Icy Straits Environmental Services. Dan Mann, UAF Institute of Arctic Biology, spent years researching the quaternary history of the Lituya glacial refugium in Glacier Bay. This research culminated in his dissertation, completed in 1983. Combined, these two researchers have approximately 80 years of research focusing on Glacier Bay. 2) Nature and description of the deliverable required to meet the agency•À_s needs: by December 30, 2011 •À_ gather and synthesize existing data •À_ conduct literature review •À_ prepare sampling strategy for Glacier Bay NP & P•À_s coastlines by December 30, 2012 •À_ In accordance with the sampling strategy, researchers will travel to Glacier Bay•À_s upper and outer coasts for one month of survey, testing and sampling. •À_ Report will be submitted addressing results of areas surveyed, methodologies employed, results of 14C dates and any other lab analyses, any refinements to the sampling strategy, and projections for the next field season•À_s work. by December 30, 2013 •À_ Researchers will travel to Glacier Bay•À_s coasts for one month of survey, testing and sampling. •À_ Report will be submitted addressing results of areas surveyed, methodologies employed, results of 14C dates and any other lab analyses, any refinements to the sampling strategy, and projections for the next field season•À_s work. by December 30, 2014 •À_ Researchers will travel to Glacier Bay•À_s coasts for one month of survey, testing and sampling. •À_ Report will be submitted addressing results of areas surveyed, methodologies employed, results of 14C dates and any other lab analyses, any refinements to the sampling strategy, and projections for the next field season•À_s work. by June 30, 2015 •À_ Draft report synthesizing current understanding of coastline evolution over the past 20,000 years. Present a model of evidence of where these coastlines exist today, and outline a plan for future geologic and archeological studies. by October 30, 2015 •À_ Submit final report. by December 30, 2015 •À_ Submit final copy of professional paper 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. •À_ 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; Research aimed at understanding the peopling of the New World has made great leaps in recent years. Discoveries in archaeology, human genetics and linguistics has led many researchers to hypothesize that the South American Continent was peopled by small groups of migrants moving rapidly down Pacific Coast of North, Central and South America following the shoreline and exploiting the kelp forest environment along the way. Yet there are huge gaps in the archaeological record, and our understanding of those environments is very limited. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, with over a century of scientific research, has sufficient data now available to help illuminate that vague picture. Dan Mann and Greg Streveler, two geological researchers, have worked in the Glacier Bay region for decades in attempting to understand these questions, through studies on sea level histories and refugia. Together they are an incredibly valuable intellectual resource, who possess knowledge compiled over lifetimes, and it would likely require younger researchers comparable time to acquire such knowledge. This project will provide an opportunity to capture this acquired knowledge. By creating a likely scenario of the environments available to migrating peoples, this project can provide a baseline that other studies can build on. It can also serve to help GLBA focus its search for early archaeological sites, and fulfill the NPS mandate to inventory parklands for archaeological sites. It will also identify data gaps and design future studies to clarify our understanding of past environments and climate change. The data compiled by this study will identify a highly significant ecological and cultural park resource, and make it available for scientific analysis in understanding global climate change, as well as for sharing the story of climate change with the public at large. Through compiling existing data sets and field te

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