MRCOG LiDAR Survey Project | BOR UC 17 N011

Opportunity Information: Apply for BOR UC 17 N011

The MRCOG LiDAR Survey Project is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (CFDA 15.517), created to support aerial mapping work in central New Mexico. The Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG), working with partner entities, routinely collects high-resolution orthophotography for roughly 2,500 square miles on a two-year cycle, typically flown in the spring. After completing a flight in spring 2016, the next planned orthophoto flight window is spring 2018. MRCOG has already moved forward on procurement by issuing a Request for Proposals and developing a contract for the survey flights, with Sanborn (Colorado Springs, CO) identified as the proposed contractor selected under MRCOG procurement policies.

Beyond standard orthophotography, the project emphasizes acquiring aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and potentially building footprint data. LiDAR is an airborne remote sensing method used to measure the earths surface elevations, producing detailed elevation datasets that can be processed into ground surface elevation maps. These elevation products are widely used across government and private industry, but in this context they are especially important for engineering and scientific work tied to river management. The grant frames the LiDAR-derived elevation information as foundational for analyzing and maintaining river conditions, supporting endangered species protection, and improving how water is delivered to a wide range of users.

The Bureau of Reclamation is specifically interested in facilitating and funding MRCOGs 2018 LiDAR effort because the elevation data directly supports Reclamation planning and design work. The opportunity highlights habitat-oriented projects, including improving instream habitat and enabling fish passage around diversion structures. These actions are connected to the needs of endangered species in the Rio Grande system, with the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow cited as a key example of a species that benefits from better habitat conditions and connectivity.

MRCOG is coordinating a larger regional LiDAR survey covering about 1,319 square miles. Within that broader effort, Reclamations area of interest is approximately 146 square miles concentrated along the Rio Grande river corridor from Bernalillo, New Mexico to San Antonio, New Mexico. MRCOG is responsible for soliciting and procuring the survey contractor and will also coordinate and supervise the work. In practical terms, MRCOG is the entity managing the data collection process and ensuring survey deliverables are produced, while also being financially responsible for those deliverables as part of the larger regional acquisition.

From an administrative standpoint, this opportunity is offered as a grant with an expected single award. The published award ceiling is $44,000. Eligibility is limited to county governments. The opportunity was posted June 22, 2017, with an original closing date of July 6, 2017, under Funding Opportunity Number BOR UC 17 N011.

• The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MRCOG LiDAR Survey Project" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.517.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 22, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 06, 2017. (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 $44,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: County governments.

Apply for BOR UC 17 N011

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