Satellite-Based Mapping and Modeling of Glacier Dynamics for Alaska; National Park Glacier Status and Trends 2.0 | P20AS00066

Opportunity Information: Apply for P20AS00066

The National Park Service (NPS), under the U.S. Department of the Interior, issued a discretionary cooperative agreement opportunity titled "Satellite-Based Mapping and Modeling of Glacier Dynamics for Alaska; National Park Glacier Status and Trends 2.0" (Funding Opportunity Number P20AS00066). The project centers on the idea that glacier-covered landscapes in Alaska's national parks are not just visually and culturally important, but also have direct practical impacts on local climate patterns, water availability, infrastructure planning, and public safety. Because glaciers are changing over time, NPS needs consistent, up-to-date information showing where glaciers are located, how large they currently are, and how their boundaries are shifting.

The overall goal of the effort is to deliver a decadal update to the regional glacier inventory used by the NPS for Alaska parks, referred to as Glacier Status and Trends (GST). In practical terms, this means revisiting and refreshing glacier mapping products on roughly a ten-year cycle so park managers and researchers can track long-term change with comparable, park-wide datasets. The opportunity specifically describes Phase 1 of the work, which focuses on mapping current glacier perimeters across all glaciated national park units in Alaska. A key emphasis is improving on earlier glacier boundary delineations by increasing the temporal frequency (how often glaciers are mapped) and expanding spatial coverage (ensuring all relevant park areas are captured as completely as possible). By producing refined and more current glacier outlines, the project is intended to improve understanding of present-day glacier status and set a stronger foundation for monitoring trends.

The results are positioned as critical to multiple NPS needs. For resource management, updated glacier perimeter data supports decisions related to watersheds, habitat conditions, visitor access, and infrastructure risk in areas affected by glacier retreat or associated hazards. For scientific research, the updated inventory provides a consistent baseline dataset for studying glacier dynamics and climate-driven change across Alaska. For interpretation and education, the products help NPS communicate glacier change to the public using credible, current maps and trend information that reflect what visitors and communities are seeing on the ground.

Administratively, this opportunity is a notice of intent to award and is not an open competition. Applications were explicitly not accepted from any other entity besides Oregon State University. The expected number of awards was one, with an award ceiling of $350,000. The assistance listing (CFDA) number provided is 15.945, and eligible applicants are described as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, although the notice makes clear that this specific action was directed to a single recipient. The funding activity categories include environment, information and statistics, and natural resources, reflecting the mix of remote sensing-based mapping, environmental monitoring, and applied management relevance. The notice was created on April 27, 2020, with an original closing date of May 3, 2020, consistent with a short window typical of intent-to-award announcements rather than an open call.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the environment, information and statistics, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Satellite-Based Mapping and Modeling of Glacier Dynamics for Alaska; National Park Glacier Status and Trends 2.0" 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 Apr 27, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 03, 2020 This is a notice of intent to award to Oregon State University. Applications will not be accepted from any other entity.. (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 $350,000.00 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.

Apply for P20AS00066

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