Opportunity Information: Apply for P16AS00548
Apply for P16AS00548
- The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Development, Processing, and Distribution of Satellite Data Products for Monitoring Landscape Processes in Alaska National Parks (FY2016)" 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 Aug 24, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 02, 2016 This is a notice of intent to award a modification to the existing CESU task agreement.. (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 $175,000.00 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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Opportunity Summary:
The grant opportunity titled "Development, Processing, and Distribution of Satellite Data Products for Monitoring Landscape Processes in Alaska National Parks (FY2016)" (Funding Announcement Number P16AS00548) is a National Park Service (NPS) notice of intent to award, not an open call for applications. In other words, the agency is publicly announcing that it plans to fund specific work without full and open competition. The planned action is a continuation award under a Cooperative Agreement through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) framework (CFDA 15.945), authorized under 16 U.S.C. Sec. 5933. The anticipated funding amount is $167,005 (with an award ceiling of $175,000), there is no cost share requirement, and the expected number of awards is one. The recipient is the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), specifically the Geographic Information Network of Alaska (GINA), with Tom Heinrichs listed as the principal investigator/program manager. The period of performance for the overall effort is August 1, 2013 through August 1, 2018, and this FY2016 action is described as a modification/continuation to an existing task agreement.
At its core, the project supports NPS Alaska Region Inventory and Monitoring (AKR IM) by ensuring that key satellite-derived environmental data products are kept current, accessible, and consistent over time for long-term monitoring across Alaska national parks. The work focuses on satellite products derived largely from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and related archives, with emphasis on two major ecological indicators: vegetation greenness and snow/ice dynamics. Vegetation greenness is represented using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), a common remote-sensing metric used to infer plant productivity and seasonal vegetation patterns. Snow products track timing and extent of snow cover and can be used alongside imagery to interpret lake ice development and melt patterns. The practical monitoring applications called out in the announcement include measuring freeze-up and break-up timing on large freshwater bodies, tracking snowpack establishment and melt timing, and identifying trends in the start, end, duration, and intensity of the growing season.
The announcement lays out six primary objectives that structure the continuation work. First, GINA will update existing MODIS NDVI metric products with the most recent years of data, specifically adding 2016 and 2017 NDVI years using eMODIS 7-day composite NDVI inputs. Second, GINA will update existing MODIS Version 5 snow metrics to include the 2016-2017 snow year (defined as August 1 through July 31). For both NDVI and snow metrics, the expectation is not just to process the data, but to publish it in ways that are easy for NPS staff and others to use, including web services (WMS/WCS) and a publicly accessible FTP site, plus ongoing maintenance of associated project web pages.
Third, the project continues support for lake ice monitoring by providing RapidFire imagery as a Web Mapping Service (WMS). RapidFire is a well-known near-real-time MODIS imagery source often used for quick visual assessments, and here it is being integrated and served in a way that supports both operational monitoring and retrospective trend analysis. Fourth, the project includes creation of a MODIS Snow Cover Summary Report. The announcement describes this as a collaborative analysis and writing effort to synthesize snow metrics (such as onset of snow, end of season, and variability) into an NPS Natural Resource Report Series-style report. The planned scope includes one statewide report covering NPS parks using MODIS snow metrics data for the 2001-2015 snow years, plus four shorter park network briefs (roughly 3 to 4 pages each) intended to distill results for different park groupings or networks.
Fifth, the project addresses a known historical data gap in RapidFire coverage. While RapidFire imagery is available from about February 2007 onward, the underlying MODIS record extends back to 2001, and GINA maintains a complete Alaska MODIS archive as a receiving ground station. However, GINA's archived imagery is not automatically interchangeable with the official RapidFire series because of differences in processing methods, enhancements, and geolocation characteristics. To make the earlier record useful for consistent lake ice studies, GINA will reprocess portions of its 2001-2007 MODIS archive "from scratch" to better match RapidFire-style imagery, including correcting geolocation offsets and modifying image generation techniques. Deliverables include a RapidFire-compatible archive for snow years spanning approximately 2001-2008, a summary report documenting measurable differences between the reprocessed archive and official RapidFire products (for example, color rendering or geolocation alignment), and integration of the newly processed imagery into the WMS distribution platform so users can access a more complete 2001-to-present RapidFire-equivalent time series.
Sixth, the project anticipates technology and product changes that could disrupt long-term monitoring if not addressed proactively. The snow metrics workflow used by NPS and GINA relies on the NSIDC MODIS/Terra Snow Cover product, Version 5, but NSIDC announced that Version 5 production would end on January 1, 2018, with Version 6 becoming the replacement. This creates a continuity risk: changing the upstream input product can alter derived metrics and introduce artificial "breaks" in time series if differences are not quantified and handled carefully. The continuity plan task therefore requires GINA and NPS to compare Version 5 and Version 6 snow products, quantify differences, and estimate the effort needed to adapt algorithms and potentially reprocess the historical record to maintain consistent long-term datasets. Beyond MODIS, the plan also calls for evaluating alternative satellite platforms and sensors as MODIS ages out, including Suomi-NPP and the JPSS satellite series, which carry VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite), a MODIS follow-on instrument that may support operational continuity for snow and lake ice monitoring. The final output is a Snow Season Monitoring Continuity Plan that documents findings and proposes a forward strategy if MODIS streams are interrupted or become obsolete.
Although UAF-GINA is responsible for major technical tasks (data acquisition, processing, archiving, publishing services, website maintenance, and reporting deliverables), the NPS is not a passive funder in this structure. The announcement explicitly states that substantial NPS involvement is expected. NPS Inventory and Monitoring staff will work directly with GINA to automate workflows that historically required manual steps, especially for analyses of lake ice phenology, snow season timing, and NDVI-derived growing season measures. NPS will also collaborate on improving query-based web delivery of products (notably via WCS for coverage-type data requests), conduct QA/QC on deliverables, and host product delivery and training meetings in Fairbanks and Anchorage so staff can review outputs and learn how to use vegetation and snow extent web services. The agreement also notes that NPS will acknowledge the cooperation with GINA in publications that rely on these datasets.
Finally, the notice explains why this is being handled as a single-source continuation rather than a competed opportunity. The justification cites two Department of the Interior single-source criteria: continuation and unique qualifications. The continuation argument is that competing a follow-on would disrupt or adversely affect the continuity of an ongoing multi-year effort and its integrated workflows. The unique qualifications argument is that GINA is not just another vendor; it is a specialized Alaska-based satellite downlink, processing, archiving, and distribution facility at UAF's Geophysical Institute with established infrastructure, a long-term MODIS/AVHRR archive, and existing systems for user access and distribution. Because the work builds directly on prior NPS-GINA collaboration, existing product stacks, and GINA-controlled archives and processing approaches, the NPS concludes that switching providers would be impractical and could compromise data consistency and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this an open grant opportunity where organizations can apply?
No. This is a National Park Service (NPS) notice of intent to award, not an open call for applications. The announcement states the agency plans to fund specific work without full and open competition.
What is the official title and funding announcement number?
The title is "Development, Processing, and Distribution of Satellite Data Products for Monitoring Landscape Processes in Alaska National Parks (FY2016)" and the Funding Announcement Number is P16AS00548.
Which agency is issuing this notice?
The issuing agency is the National Park Service (NPS).
What type of award is being made?
The planned action is a continuation award under a Cooperative Agreement through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) framework (CFDA 15.945). This FY2016 action is described as a modification/continuation to an existing task agreement.
What is the legal authority cited for the award?
The notice cites authorization under 16 U.S.C. Sec. 5933.
Who is the intended recipient?
The intended recipient is the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), specifically the Geographic Information Network of Alaska (GINA).
Who is listed as the principal investigator/program manager?
Tom Heinrichs is listed as the principal investigator/program manager.
How many awards does NPS expect to make?
The expected number of awards is one.
How much funding is anticipated, and what is the maximum (ceiling)?
The anticipated funding amount is $167,005, with an award ceiling of $175,000.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The notice states there is no cost share requirement.
What is the overall period of performance for the effort?
The period of performance for the overall effort is August 1, 2013 through August 1, 2018.
What does this FY2016 action cover within the larger project?
This FY2016 action is a continuation/modification to an existing task agreement, supporting ongoing product updates, distribution, reporting, archive enhancements, and continuity planning described in the objectives.
What is the purpose of the project?
The project supports NPS Alaska Region Inventory and Monitoring (AKR IM) by keeping key satellite-derived environmental data products current, accessible, and consistent over time for long-term monitoring across Alaska national parks.
What satellite data sources and themes are emphasized?
The work focuses largely on MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and related archives, emphasizing two major ecological indicators: vegetation greenness and snow/ice dynamics.
What is NDVI and how is it used here?
NDVI stands for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. In this project, NDVI is used as a remote-sensing metric to infer plant productivity and seasonal vegetation patterns (for example, trends in growing season timing and intensity).
What snow and ice monitoring applications are mentioned?
Applications mentioned include measuring freeze-up and break-up timing on large freshwater bodies, tracking snowpack establishment and melt timing, interpreting lake ice development and melt patterns, and identifying trends in the start, end, duration, and intensity of the growing season.
What are the main objectives of the continuation work?
The announcement describes six primary objectives: (1) update MODIS NDVI metric products with 2016 and 2017 data; (2) update MODIS Version 5 snow metrics to include the 2016-2017 snow year; (3) provide RapidFire imagery as a Web Mapping Service (WMS) for lake ice monitoring; (4) produce a MODIS Snow Cover Summary Report and network briefs; (5) reprocess older (2001-2007) MODIS imagery to be RapidFire-compatible and integrate it into distribution; and (6) develop a Snow Season Monitoring Continuity Plan addressing product and platform transitions (for example, NSIDC V5 to V6 and potential MODIS successors like VIIRS).
What NDVI updates are planned?
GINA will update existing MODIS NDVI metric products by adding 2016 and 2017 NDVI years, using eMODIS 7-day composite NDVI inputs.
What snow metrics updates are planned, and what time period defines a snow year?
GINA will update existing MODIS Version 5 snow metrics to include the 2016-2017 snow year. The announcement defines a snow year as August 1 through July 31.
How will the updated NDVI and snow metrics be delivered to users?
The notice indicates the products will be published for ease of use through web services (WMS/WCS) and a publicly accessible FTP site, along with ongoing maintenance of associated project web pages.
What is RapidFire and how is it used in this project?
RapidFire is described as a near-real-time MODIS imagery source used for quick visual assessments. The project will support lake ice monitoring by providing RapidFire imagery as a Web Mapping Service (WMS) and integrating it for operational monitoring and retrospective trend analysis.
What report deliverables are included for snow cover analysis?
The project includes a MODIS Snow Cover Summary Report, described as a collaborative analysis and writing effort in an NPS Natural Resource Report Series-style format. The scope includes one statewide report covering NPS parks using MODIS snow metrics for the 2001-2015 snow years, plus four shorter park network briefs (about 3 to 4 pages each).
Why is older RapidFire-like imagery being reprocessed?
The notice describes a historical data gap: official RapidFire imagery is available from about February 2007 onward, while the MODIS record extends back to 2001. GINA maintains a complete Alaska MODIS archive, but differences in processing, enhancements, and geolocation mean the archive is not automatically interchangeable with the official RapidFire series. Reprocessing aims to create a consistent RapidFire-compatible record for earlier years to support long-term lake ice studies.
What will be produced from the RapidFire compatibility reprocessing work?
Deliverables include a RapidFire-compatible archive for snow years spanning approximately 2001-2008, a summary report documenting measurable differences between the reprocessed archive and official RapidFire products (such as color rendering or geolocation alignment), and integration of the new imagery into the WMS distribution platform to support a more complete 2001-to-present RapidFire-equivalent time series.
What continuity risk is identified for snow products, and what change is driving it?
The workflow relies on the NSIDC MODIS/Terra Snow Cover product, Version 5. The notice states NSIDC announced Version 5 production would end on January 1, 2018, with Version 6 becoming the replacement. Changing upstream inputs can alter derived metrics and create artificial breaks in time series if differences are not assessed and managed.
What is the Snow Season Monitoring Continuity Plan expected to cover?
The plan is expected to compare Version 5 and Version 6 snow products, quantify differences, estimate the effort needed to adapt algorithms and potentially reprocess historical records, and evaluate alternative satellite platforms as MODIS ages out, including Suomi-NPP and the JPSS series carrying VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite). The output is a documented forward strategy if MODIS streams are interrupted or become obsolete.
What role does NPS play beyond providing funding?
The notice states substantial NPS involvement is expected. NPS Inventory and Monitoring staff will collaborate with GINA to automate workflows (especially for lake ice phenology, snow season timing, and NDVI-derived growing season measures), improve query-based web delivery (including via WCS), conduct QA/QC on deliverables, and host product delivery and training meetings in Fairbanks and Anchorage. NPS will also acknowledge cooperation with GINA in publications that use the datasets.
Why is this being awarded as a single-source continuation rather than competed?
The justification cites two Department of the Interior single-source criteria: continuation and unique qualifications. The continuation rationale is that competing the follow-on would disrupt continuity of an ongoing multi-year effort and integrated workflows. The unique qualifications rationale is that GINA is a specialized Alaska-based satellite downlink, processing, archiving, and distribution facility with established infrastructure, a long-term MODIS/AVHRR archive, and existing access systems; switching providers could be impractical and could compromise data consistency and delivery.
Which program framework and identifier are referenced for this work?
The work is referenced as being through the CESU framework with CFDA 15.945.
What user access methods are explicitly mentioned for data distribution?
Web Mapping Service (WMS), Web Coverage Service (WCS), a publicly accessible FTP site, and maintenance of project web pages are explicitly mentioned.
What years are mentioned for the snow metrics analysis in the summary report?
The statewide snow cover summary report is planned to use MODIS snow metrics data for the 2001-2015 snow years.
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