Diagnostic, field, and training assistance for avian health and disease monitoring

AwardAnticipated Length of Agreement 2 yearsAnticipated Period of Performance April 1, 2011 – March 31, 2013 Award Instrument Cooperative AgreementStatutory Authority Fish and Wildlife Service Act of 1956 16 U.S.C. 742 (f)(a)CFDA Number 15.655Single Source Justification Criteria Cited (4) Unique QualificationsAvian Health and Disease Program Point of Contact Samantha Gibbs, Avian Disease Coordinator, Division of Migratory Bird Management, US Fish and Wildlife ServiceOVERVIEWIncreasing expansion of human populations has lead to habitat fragmentation, changes in land-use patterns, and increased pressure on wild bird populations. Globalization of marketing and distribution has increased zoonotic and emerging disease risks. Many of these emerging diseases involve avian reservoirs or susceptible hosts. Increasing the complexity of this picture are changes in climate. Avian populations may need to alter site fidelity in response to weather patterns; this will introduce new opportunities for transmission of avian diseases and place pressure on populations already stressed by anthropogenic factors. To address these issues, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has established the Avian Health and Disease Program (AHPD) to conduct work in avian health and disease surveillance, response, and management. This work supports the avian conservation, surveillance, and management goals of the FWS by encompassing disease and health issues, including all migratory bird species.The objectives of this program are to conduct health and disease surveillance of wild bird populations in order to: 1. Establish avian health baselines; 2. Identify existing and emerging avian health and disease risks; 3. Ensure disease preparedness and prevention; 4. Develop, guide, and implement appropriate and effective management actions.In order to be successful in accomplishing our objectives, the FWS Avian Health and Disease Program must work in cooperation with other agencies capable of providing diagnostic, field, and training assistance.RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENTThe Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) will provide assistance to the FWS Avian Health and Disease Program in the following areas:1. Disease diagnostics – Performed on an as needed basis in response to mortality events or project needs; to include gross and microscopic pathology, microbiology, parasitology, and toxicology2. Field investigations – Cooperative investigation of diseases impacting avian populations, assistance in collection and processing of biological specimens for FWS Avian Health and Disease Program regional research projects, assistance to Refuges, FWS field stations, and Avian Health and Disease Program Regional Coordinators during mortality events. 3. Training – Assistance in providing avian health and disease outreach activities to Refuges, FWS field stations, assistance in organizing and presenting regional and national training courses, provision of educational materials for courses, fact sheets, and web communicationsThe geographic scope of this assistance will extend to the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and international locations if needed. Investigations and research conducted under this agreement will be limited to avian species. Reports documenting the work conducted under this agreement will be provided on an annual basis. AVIAN HEALTH AND DISEASE PROGRAM INVOLVEMENTThe Avian Health and Disease Program will coordinate with SCWDS to submit cases, develop field investigations, and make requests for training assistance. The AHDP will provide guidance to SCWDS on program priorities and goals. The AHDP will provide funds not to exceed $300,000.00 for the completion of tasks outlined in the proposed cooperative agreement.SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATIONDEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORSINGLE SOURCE POLICY REQUIREMENTSDepartment of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) requires a written justification which explains why competition is not practicable for each single-source award. The justification must address one or more of the following criteria as well as discussion of the program legislative history, unique capabilities of the proposed recipient, and cost-sharing contribution offered by the proposed recipient, as applicable.In order for an assistance award to be made without competition, the award must satisfy one or more of the following criteria:(1) 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;(2) Continuation – The activity to be funded is necessary to the satisfactory completion of, or is a continuation of an activity presently being funded, and for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity;(3) Legislative intent – The language in the applicable authorizing legislation or legislative history clearly indicates Congress’ intent to restrict the award to a particular recipient of purpose;(4) Unique Qualifications – The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications;(5) Emergencies – Program/award where there is insufficient time available (due to a compelling and unusual urgency, or substantial danger to health or safety) for adequate competitive procedures to be followed.The Division of Migratory Bird Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:(4) Unique QualificationsThe Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study is a versatile, multipurpose wildlife disease research and service organization which has provided wildlife health and research services to both state and federal agencies for over 50 years. SCWDS is the only laboratory of its kind located in the southeastern United States, and its program is not duplicated by any existing State or Federal Laboratory or Agency.STATUTORY AUTHORITYThe Fish and Wildlife Service Act of 1956 16 U.S.C. 742 (f)(a)