Opportunity Information: Apply for P15AS00243
Apply for P15AS00243
- The National Park Service in the community development disaster prevention and relief education environment natural resources regional development science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Geologic Mapping in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.944 Natural Resource Stewardship.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 27, 2015 and posted on Jul 27, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 6, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $227,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $227,000.00 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:
This notice describes a National Park Service (NPS) intent to make a single, non-competitive cooperative agreement award for a project titled "Geologic Mapping in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River" (funding opportunity number P15AS00243). It is explicitly not a request for applications; instead, it serves as a public notice that NPS plans to fund the New York State Department of Education, through the New York Geological Survey (NYGS). The total anticipated funding is $227,000, with no cost share required, and the anticipated period of performance is five years from the date of award. The award is issued under CFDA 15.944 (Natural Resource Stewardship) and statutory authorities cited include 54 USC 101702(a) and 16 USC 1281(e). The designated NPS point of contact is June Zastrow (303-987-6718, junezastrow@nps.gov).
The purpose of the project is to fill a key data gap for Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River (UPDE) as part of the NPS Geologic Resource Inventory (GRI) effort. Within NPS natural resource inventories, a digital geologic map is treated as one of the essential baseline datasets needed to support park management. NPS has been working to complete geologic resource inventories across a large set of natural area parks, and UPDE is included in that portfolio. The NPS Geologic Resources Division, which administers the GRI program, aims to provide parks with (1) evaluations of geologic resources and related management issues, (2) assessments of existing geologic map coverage along with production of standardized digital mapping products, and (3) a compiled geologic report describing basic geology, hazards, issues, and relevant prior research. During a geologic scoping meeting for UPDE, participants identified a specific need: additional geologic mapping on the New York side of the Upper Delaware River to complete a coherent, park-wide geologic map.
The work plan is organized around two mapping phases. Task 1 focuses on producing 1:24,000-scale geologic mapping for the Hancock, Fishs Eddy, Long Eddy, Callicoon, Damascus, and Narrowsburg USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles. While the mapping footprint is described as covering mostly partial quadrangles, the combined area amounts to slightly more than three full 7.5-minute quadrangles overall. Task 2 is contingent on available funding and would extend the same mapping approach into the Eldred, Shohola, Pond Eddy, and Port Jervis North quadrangles. Beyond park management needs, the mapping is presented as an opportunity for NYGS and the New York State Museum to apply modern mapping methods in a region where the state has had limited mapping activity for roughly a century. The announcement also highlights a scientific gap the project can address: the area lies near the Late Glacial Maximum limit of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Wisconsin glaciation, yet the local chronology of ice retreat is described as lacking published data, leaving regional deglaciation history poorly constrained.
The announcement emphasizes broad public benefits from detailed geologic mapping along the Upper Delaware River corridor, where such mapping is currently limited. The expected outcomes include improved identification of areas susceptible to slope failure, landslides, mass movement, and rockfall that could threaten public safety on roads paralleling the river; a better understanding of the regional geologic framework relevant to energy development or other extractable resources; enhanced knowledge of groundwater aquifers, recharge pathways, and watershed relationships; improved interpretation of flood history from river deposits to inform expectations about future flooding; and greater awareness and documentation of geologic resources such as fossils, caves or karst features (where present), and other unique geologic features that may support education and interpretation.
Deliverables are heavily focused on standardized digital GIS products. NYGS is expected to produce geologic maps for all or portions of the listed quadrangles and ensure that features shown on published maps are captured as GIS data with fully attributed shapefiles consistent with standards referenced from the USGS NCGMP/STATEMAP guidance (as cited in the notice). The digital deliverables are to be provided in ESRI ArcGIS format (ArcGIS 9.x or the latest version), including an ESRI geodatabase (.mdb) for each map with key tables such as a Geologic Unit Information table and a Source Map Information table where applicable. Supporting documentation must include explanatory text and graphics, descriptions of map units, a stratigraphic column for layered units, correlation diagrams where relevant to show age relationships, explanations of map symbols, and FGDC-compliant metadata for all developed files. The project also includes coordination requirements: NYGS must consult with UPDE staff before fieldwork to identify sensitive natural or cultural resources and plan to avoid impacts, provide progress updates and share discoveries of notable geologic resources that could support interpretation or education, and keep the GRI program manager informed of mapping progress.
NPS responsibilities are framed as active collaboration rather than passive funding, consistent with a cooperative agreement structure. NPS will work with NYGS to define project goals, provide orientation and any relevant safety training through UPDE staff, and share existing NPS GIS layers and contextual datasets such as boundaries, infrastructure, and facilities information. NPS will also provide LiDAR and aerial imagery available through UPDE or the Eastern River and Mountains Network, and it will involve geologic and natural resource management staff from the NPS Geologic Resources Division (including Denver-based staff) and participating park units to help with study design. In addition, NPS will routinely consult on legend development and map categories and will review preliminary, interim, and final products. Where possible, NPS may provide logistical support for fieldwork, including access to remote areas, help with permitting, and assistance with field data collection, and it will provide GIS-related assistance to support map production in modern ESRI ArcGIS environments.
The award is justified as a single-source action under the Department of the Interior policy framework (505 DM 2) using the "Unique Qualifications" criterion. The notice argues that NYGS, housed within the New York State Education Department and associated with the New York State Museum, has a statutory mission under New York Education Law to cooperate with scientific agencies and to discover, analyze, and disseminate scientific information. It further states that NYGS is the only agency in New York with a specific statewide mission to produce geologic maps, maintain a comprehensive inventory of geologic resources, assess mineral resources and hazards, and make geologic knowledge available to government, education, and the public. On that basis, NPS concludes that competition is not practicable because NYGS is uniquely positioned, by mission and expertise, to complete this state-side mapping needed to finish the park’s geologic dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this notice about?
This notice is a National Park Service (NPS) public announcement of its intent to make a single, non-competitive cooperative agreement award for a project titled "Geologic Mapping in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River."
Is this a request for applications (RFA) or an open grant competition?
No. The notice explicitly states it is not a request for applications. It is a public notice that NPS plans to fund a specific recipient through a single, non-competitive (single-source) action.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number listed in the notice is P15AS00243.
Who is the intended recipient of the award?
NPS intends to fund the New York State Department of Education, through the New York Geological Survey (NYGS).
How much funding is anticipated?
The total anticipated funding amount is $227,000.
Is any cost share or match required?
No. The notice states that no cost share is required.
What is the anticipated period of performance?
The anticipated period of performance is five years from the date of award.
What type of award is NPS planning to issue?
NPS is planning to issue a cooperative agreement, which is structured around active collaboration between NPS and the recipient rather than simple pass-through funding.
What is the CFDA program associated with this award?
The award is issued under CFDA 15.944 (Natural Resource Stewardship).
What statutory authorities are cited for this award?
The notice cites 54 USC 101702(a) and 16 USC 1281(e) as statutory authorities.
Who is the NPS point of contact for this notice?
The designated NPS point of contact is June Zastrow. Phone: 303-987-6718. Email: junezastrow@nps.gov.
What park unit is the focus of the project?
The project focuses on the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River (UPDE).
What is the main purpose of the project?
The purpose is to fill a key data gap for UPDE by completing additional geologic mapping needed to support a coherent, park-wide geologic map as part of the NPS Geologic Resource Inventory (GRI) effort.
Why does NPS consider a digital geologic map important?
Within NPS natural resource inventories, a digital geologic map is described as an essential baseline dataset needed to support park management.
What is the NPS Geologic Resource Inventory (GRI) trying to provide to parks?
According to the notice, the GRI program aims to provide parks with: (1) evaluations of geologic resources and related management issues, (2) assessments of existing geologic map coverage along with production of standardized digital mapping products, and (3) a compiled geologic report describing basic geology, hazards, issues, and relevant prior research.
What gap did the UPDE geologic scoping meeting identify?
Participants identified a need for additional geologic mapping on the New York side of the Upper Delaware River to complete a coherent, park-wide geologic map.
How is the work plan organized?
The work plan is organized into two mapping phases (Task 1 and Task 2). Task 2 is contingent on available funding.
What areas are included in Task 1 mapping?
Task 1 focuses on producing 1:24,000-scale geologic mapping for the Hancock, Fishs Eddy, Long Eddy, Callicoon, Damascus, and Narrowsburg USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles.
Does Task 1 cover full quadrangles?
The mapping footprint is described as covering mostly partial quadrangles, but the combined area is stated to be slightly more than three full 7.5-minute quadrangles overall.
What areas would be included in Task 2 if funding is available?
If funding is available, Task 2 would extend the same mapping approach into the Eldred, Shohola, Pond Eddy, and Port Jervis North quadrangles.
What map scale is specified for the geologic mapping?
The notice specifies 1:24,000-scale geologic mapping.
Why is this mapping described as timely or scientifically important?
The notice highlights that the area lies near the Late Glacial Maximum limit of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Wisconsin glaciation, but the local chronology of ice retreat is described as lacking published data, leaving regional deglaciation history poorly constrained.
What public benefits does the notice associate with detailed geologic mapping in the UPDE corridor?
The notice describes benefits including improved identification of areas susceptible to slope failure, landslides, mass movement, and rockfall; better understanding of the regional geologic framework relevant to energy development or other extractable resources; enhanced knowledge of groundwater aquifers, recharge pathways, and watershed relationships; improved interpretation of flood history from river deposits to inform expectations about future flooding; and increased awareness/documentation of geologic resources such as fossils, caves or karst features (where present), and other unique geologic features that may support education and interpretation.
What are the key expected deliverables?
Deliverables are primarily standardized digital GIS products. NYGS is expected to produce geologic maps for all or portions of the listed quadrangles and capture mapped features as GIS data with fully attributed shapefiles consistent with standards referenced from USGS NCGMP/STATEMAP guidance (as cited in the notice).
What file formats and GIS environment are required for the digital deliverables?
The notice states deliverables are to be provided in ESRI ArcGIS format (ArcGIS 9.x or the latest version), including an ESRI geodatabase (.mdb) for each map.
What tables are specifically mentioned for inclusion in each geodatabase?
The notice specifically mentions a Geologic Unit Information table and a Source Map Information table (where applicable).
What supporting documentation is required with the maps?
Supporting documentation must include explanatory text and graphics, descriptions of map units, a stratigraphic column for layered units, correlation diagrams where relevant to show age relationships, explanations of map symbols, and FGDC-compliant metadata for all developed files.
Are there coordination requirements with the park before fieldwork begins?
Yes. NYGS must consult with UPDE staff before fieldwork to identify sensitive natural or cultural resources and plan to avoid impacts.
Are progress updates and communications expected during the project?
Yes. The notice states NYGS must provide progress updates, share discoveries of notable geologic resources that could support interpretation or education, and keep the GRI program manager informed of mapping progress.
What role will NPS play during the project?
NPS responsibilities are described as active collaboration. NPS will work with NYGS to define project goals, provide orientation and any relevant safety training through UPDE staff, share existing NPS GIS layers and contextual datasets (such as boundaries, infrastructure, and facilities information), and provide available LiDAR and aerial imagery through UPDE or the Eastern River and Mountains Network.
Will NPS review the mapping products?
Yes. NPS will consult on legend development and map categories and will review preliminary, interim, and final products.
Will NPS provide field or logistical support?
Where possible, NPS may provide logistical support for fieldwork, including access to remote areas, help with permitting, and assistance with field data collection.
Will NPS provide GIS technical support?
Yes. The notice states NPS will provide GIS-related assistance to support map production in modern ESRI ArcGIS environments.
Why is this award being made as a single-source, non-competitive action?
The notice justifies the approach under Department of the Interior policy framework (505 DM 2) using the "Unique Qualifications" criterion, stating that NYGS is the only agency in New York with a specific statewide mission to produce geologic maps, maintain a comprehensive inventory of geologic resources, assess mineral resources and hazards, and disseminate geologic knowledge for government, education, and the public.
How does the notice describe NYGS's statutory mission?
The notice states NYGS (within the New York State Education Department and associated with the New York State Museum) has a mission under New York Education Law to cooperate with scientific agencies and to discover, analyze, and disseminate scientific information.
What is the overall reason NPS says competition is not practicable?
NPS concludes competition is not practicable because NYGS is uniquely positioned by mission and expertise to complete the state-side mapping needed to finish the park's geologic dataset.
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