Opportunity Information: Apply for P15AS00389
This notice is a public announcement from the National Park Service (NPS) that it intends to make a single, non-competitive award for a project called "New Geologic Mapping in Little River Canyon National Preserve, Phase 1." It is not a call for proposals and it is not asking other organizations to apply. Instead, it documents the NPS plan to fund Auburn University through an existing cooperative relationship to carry out a defined set of mapping tasks in Little River Canyon National Preserve (often abbreviated as LIRI). The opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number P15AS00389, CFDA 15.945 (Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of NPS CESUs), and is authorized under 54 USC 101702(a) and (b) and 54 USC 100703.
The planned award is a Cooperative Agreement, with an anticipated total of $82,500 and no cost share required. The expected period of performance runs from the date the agreement is fully signed through August 31, 2016. The notice lists one expected award and identifies Auburn University as the intended recipient. The NPS point of contact for the action is June Zastrow (junezastrow@nps.gov, 303-987-6718). Although the original posting shows a closing date of September 15, 2015, that date functions more like an administrative posting endpoint because the announcement is explicitly not competitive.
The work is structured as a task agreement under a larger, pre-existing cooperative framework: Cooperative Agreement P12AC51051 between the Department of the Interior (NPS) and Auburn University. That overarching agreement is designed to support research, technical assistance, and education that help federal land managers and partners address resource issues using interdisciplinary science. It also emphasizes collaboration between federal agencies and universities, which aligns with the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) model. This specific task agreement (referenced as P15AC01759) continues that relationship and funds Phase 1 of a multi-phase geologic mapping effort.
Technically, the project will produce updated, detailed geologic mapping for Little River Canyon National Preserve using five USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles. The mapping will be completed by Auburn University faculty and students in coordination with the Geologic Survey of Alabama (GSA). All mapping is expected to meet USGS STATEMAP and EDMAP standards and be delivered digitally in a GIS format suitable for the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD) and park staff. Phase 1 focuses on establishing the overall geologic framework for the park and completing two key quadrangles: Auburn University (through the principal investigator and a graduate student) will complete the Little River Quadrangle, while the GSA will finalize the Fort Payne Quadrangle. A Phase 2 task agreement, anticipated in FY16 if funding is available, would complete the remaining three quadrangles that cover the park area: Jamestown, Valley Head, and Dugout Valley.
The public purpose is framed as both scientific and practical. The notice highlights that detailed published geologic mapping along the Little River does not currently exist, and that creating this foundational dataset supports science-based resource management and broader public benefits. The mapping is intended to help identify areas prone to slope failure, landslides, mass movement, and rockfall that could threaten public safety along roads that parallel the river. It is also expected to help interpret the river's flood history by analyzing related deposits, improving understanding of groundwater aquifers and recharge pathways, and clarifying regional watershed relationships. Beyond hazards and hydrology, the mapping is positioned as a tool for understanding the broader regional geologic framework, including potential implications for energy development or other commercially valuable geologic resources. It also supports visitor education by providing a clearer story of the area’s geologic history and notable resources such as fossils, caves, and karst features.
Deliverables from the recipient are described in concrete GIS and documentation terms. Auburn University and the GSA are to provide preliminary geologic maps for the Little River and Fort Payne quadrangles in GIS form, specifically as an ESRI ArcGIS 10.x geodatabase that follows the NCGMP09 data standard. The dataset must include the full set of geologic features (lines, polygons, and points) and the symbology needed to produce a map, along with feature-level metadata that is compliant with FGDC standards. In addition to the geodatabase, the deliverables include supporting written and graphical materials such as unit descriptions and other explanatory text, and where applicable, a correlation diagram showing age relationships between map units and a formal explanation of map symbols. The recipient is also expected to coordinate closely with park staff: meeting before fieldwork to identify sensitive natural or cultural resources and plan to avoid impacts, providing progress updates, flagging newly identified or unusual geologic resources that could be used for interpretation or education, and keeping the NPS Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program manager informed. The project also explicitly includes a workforce development component, requiring selection of graduate students to carry out mapping so they gain practical field and analytical experience. Finally, Auburn will provide the information the GSA needs to publish the quadrangles through Alabama’s geologic mapping program.
NPS responsibilities are presented as substantial involvement, consistent with the cooperative agreement model. The NPS will work with Auburn University and the GSA to shape project goals and will provide orientation on significant park resources and any relevant safety training through LIRI staff. The NPS will also supply data needed for high-quality mapping and interpretation, including park GIS layers (such as boundaries and infrastructure) and available LiDAR and aerial imagery held by the park or the NPS Cumberland/Piedmont Inventory and Monitoring Network. Technical support is to come from the NPS Geologic Resources Division in Denver and the park unit, including consultation on study design, development of map legends and unit categories, and review of draft and final products. Where available, the NPS may also provide logistical support such as facilitating access to remote areas, helping with permits, and assisting with field data collection. The GRD also indicates it may help with GIS map production support and with evaluating qualifications and selecting graduate-level mapping candidates.
The notice explains why the award is being made without competition using the Department of the Interior single-source policy (505 DM 2). The cited justification is "Continuation," meaning the funded activity is necessary to complete or continue work already underway, and competing it would disrupt continuity or successful completion. The notice also notes that the project is processed through the Gulf Coast CESU at a negotiated indirect cost (overhead) rate of 17.5 percent, and argues it meets CESU requirements such as clear public purpose, substantial NPS involvement, and consistency with the CESU network mission.Apply for P15AS00389
- The National Park Service in the community development, disaster prevention and relief, education, employment, labor and training, environment, information and statistics, natural resources, regional development, science and technolo sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD New Geologic Mapping in Little River Canyon National Preserve ��� Phase 1" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2015-09-05.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2015-09-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $82,500.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a competitive funding opportunity where organizations can apply?
No. This notice is a public announcement of the National Park Service (NPS) intent to make a single, non-competitive award. It is explicitly not a call for proposals and it is not requesting applications from other organizations.
Who is the intended recipient of the award?
Auburn University is the identified intended recipient for this single, non-competitive award.
What is the project called?
The project is titled "New Geologic Mapping in Little River Canyon National Preserve, Phase 1."
What park or location does the work cover?
The work focuses on Little River Canyon National Preserve, often abbreviated as LIRI.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed in the notice is P15AS00389.
What CFDA program is this associated with?
The notice lists CFDA 15.945, described as Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of NPS CESUs.
What is the legal authority cited for this action?
The notice cites 54 USC 101702(a) and (b) and 54 USC 100703 as the authority.
What type of award will be used?
The planned award instrument is a Cooperative Agreement.
How much funding is anticipated?
The anticipated total federal funding amount is $82,500.
Is cost share or matching funds required?
No cost share is required according to the notice.
How many awards does NPS expect to make under this notice?
The notice indicates one expected award.
Why is the award being made without competition?
The notice cites the Department of the Interior single-source policy (505 DM 2) and uses the justification category "Continuation," stating that the funded activity is needed to continue or complete work already underway and that competing it would disrupt continuity or successful completion.
The posting shows a closing date. Does that mean there is an application deadline?
The notice lists a closing date of September 15, 2015, but also states the announcement is not competitive and not requesting applications. Based on the notice language, the date functions as an administrative posting endpoint rather than a proposal deadline.
What is the period of performance?
The expected period of performance runs from the date the cooperative agreement is fully signed through August 31, 2016.
Who is the NPS point of contact?
The NPS point of contact listed is June Zastrow. Email: junezastrow@nps.gov. Phone: 303-987-6718.
Is this award connected to an existing agreement between NPS and Auburn University?
Yes. The work is structured as a task agreement under a larger, pre-existing cooperative framework: Cooperative Agreement P12AC51051 between the Department of the Interior (NPS) and Auburn University.
What is the specific task agreement reference mentioned?
The notice references this specific task agreement as P15AC01759.
How does the CESU model relate to this project?
The notice describes the overarching cooperative agreement as aligned with the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) model, emphasizing collaboration between federal agencies and universities to provide research, technical assistance, and education supporting resource management needs.
What is the main technical work being funded in Phase 1?
Phase 1 funds updated, detailed geologic mapping for Little River Canyon National Preserve using USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles, delivered digitally in GIS format and meeting USGS STATEMAP and EDMAP standards.
How many quadrangles are involved overall?
The notice describes five USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles as the mapping basis for the park area.
Which quadrangles are addressed in Phase 1?
Phase 1 focuses on establishing the overall geologic framework and completing two key quadrangles: the Little River Quadrangle and the Fort Payne Quadrangle.
Who completes the Little River Quadrangle work?
Auburn University, through the principal investigator and a graduate student, is expected to complete the Little River Quadrangle.
Who is responsible for finalizing the Fort Payne Quadrangle?
The Geologic Survey of Alabama (GSA) is expected to finalize the Fort Payne Quadrangle.
Is there a planned Phase 2?
Yes. The notice states that a Phase 2 task agreement is anticipated in FY16 if funding is available.
Which quadrangles would be completed in Phase 2 (if funded)?
The notice states Phase 2 would complete the remaining three quadrangles covering the park area: Jamestown, Valley Head, and Dugout Valley.
Why is this geologic mapping needed?
The notice states that detailed published geologic mapping along the Little River does not currently exist, and that creating this dataset supports science-based resource management and broader public benefits.
How is the mapping expected to support public safety?
The mapping is intended to help identify areas prone to slope failure, landslides, mass movement, and rockfall that could threaten public safety along roads paralleling the river.
How is the mapping expected to help with flood and hydrology understanding?
The notice states the mapping may help interpret the river's flood history by analyzing deposits, improve understanding of groundwater aquifers and recharge pathways, and clarify regional watershed relationships.
Does the notice mention any potential relevance to energy or commercially valuable resources?
Yes. The notice positions the mapping as part of understanding the regional geologic framework, including potential implications for energy development or other commercially valuable geologic resources.
How does the project support education and interpretation for visitors?
The notice states the mapping supports visitor education by helping tell the area’s geologic story and highlighting resources such as fossils, caves, and karst features.
What are the primary mapping deliverables?
The deliverables include preliminary geologic maps for the Little River and Fort Payne quadrangles delivered digitally in GIS form as an ESRI ArcGIS 10.x geodatabase that follows the NCGMP09 data standard.
What geologic data elements must be included in the GIS deliverable?
The geodatabase must include the full set of geologic features (lines, polygons, and points) and the symbology needed to produce a map.
What metadata standard is required?
The notice requires feature-level metadata compliant with FGDC standards.
Are written materials required in addition to GIS data?
Yes. The deliverables include supporting written and graphical materials such as unit descriptions and other explanatory text.
Are correlation diagrams and symbol explanations included?
Where applicable, the notice includes a correlation diagram showing age relationships between map units and a formal explanation of map symbols as part of the supporting materials.
What coordination is expected with park staff before and during fieldwork?
The recipient is expected to meet with park staff before fieldwork to identify sensitive natural or cultural resources and plan to avoid impacts, provide progress updates, and flag newly identified or unusual geologic resources that could be used for interpretation or education.
Who should be kept informed within NPS as the work progresses?
The notice states that the NPS Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program manager should be kept informed.
Is there a workforce development or student training component?
Yes. The notice explicitly includes workforce development by requiring selection of graduate students to carry out mapping so they gain practical field and analytical experience.
How does the Geologic Survey of Alabama (GSA) fit into the deliverables?
The notice describes coordination with the GSA, including that Auburn will provide the information the GSA needs to publish the quadrangles through Alabama’s geologic mapping program.
What role does NPS play during the project (why a cooperative agreement)?
The notice describes substantial NPS involvement: shaping goals with Auburn and the GSA, providing orientation on park resources and relevant safety training, supplying data (GIS layers, LiDAR, aerial imagery where available), consulting on study design and map legends/unit categories, reviewing draft and final products, and potentially assisting with logistics, access, permits, and field data collection.
What NPS offices are mentioned as providing technical support?
The notice mentions technical support from the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD) in Denver and the park unit staff.
What kinds of data might NPS provide to support mapping quality?
The notice lists park GIS layers (such as boundaries and infrastructure) and available LiDAR and aerial imagery held by the park or the NPS Cumberland/Piedmont Inventory and Monitoring Network.
Can NPS provide help with access, permits, or field logistics?
Yes. The notice states that, where available, NPS may facilitate access to remote areas, help with permits, and assist with field data collection.
Does the notice mention GIS production support from NPS?
Yes. The GRD indicates it may help with GIS map production support and with evaluating qualifications and selecting graduate-level mapping candidates.
Is there an indirect cost (overhead) rate specified?
Yes. The notice states the project is processed through the Gulf Coast CESU at a negotiated indirect cost rate of 17.5 percent.
What broader purpose does the overarching cooperative agreement support?
The notice describes the overarching agreement as supporting research, technical assistance, and education that help federal land managers and partners address resource issues using interdisciplinary science.
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