The Oka’ Institute is excited to announce a significant opportunity for qualified vendors to participate in a groundbreaking water project that will benefit our community. In partnership with the Ada Jobs Foundation (AJF) and the Chickasaw Nation, we are seeking submissions for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the development of a geospatial portal. This digital platform will be used to visualize data and assist in the education efforts tied to this project. Interested vendors can access the RFQ through the following link: /https://growada.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Request-for-Qualifications-EPA-G2G_1.pdf A detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) will follow after the selection process, outlining the full scope of this innovative project.
This initiative is funded by an Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Government to Government (G2G) grant, which aims to support government activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental issues. The Chickasaw Nation was among the 88 recipients of this prestigious grant, securing $1,000,000 to launch a project in partnership with the Oka’ Institute and the Ada Jobs Foundation. Together, we are committed to advancing water sustainability and monitoring efforts in the region, focusing on innovative solutions that will benefit our communities for generations to come.
Duane Smith, Executive Director of the Oka’ Institute, emphasizes the collaborative nature of this effort, stating, "The G2G grant is a testament to what can be achieved when partnerships like ours come together with a shared vision. Alongside the Chickasaw Nation and the Ada Jobs Foundation, we are leveraging the blue economy to strengthen both our water resources and local economy. This grant allows us to drive innovative solutions in water sustainability that will leave a lasting impact."
The Chickasaw Nation’s Office of Natural Resources, led by Kris Patton, will spearhead water monitoring efforts across 13 counties, selecting specific stream sites for long-term monitoring. Citizen scientists will be trained to collect water samples, enhancing the effectiveness of this program while educating the public on water management and sustainability. This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive, treaty-wide water monitoring network, providing crucial data on water quality throughout the region.
The Oka’ Institute, as the primary scientific entity involved, will ensure quality control for the scientific and citizen science data collected. Through the Center for Undergraduate Researching and Learning (CURL) Lab at East Central University, led by Dr. Andrew Whitaker, research protocols will be established, and data analysis will be conducted. The Oka’ Institute will also oversee the training of citizen scientists, collaborating with ECU, Cameron University, and Murray State College to build a team of students and faculty who are proficient in water quality monitoring.
This project stands out because of its collaborative nature. The Chickasaw Nation represents tribal interests, the Oka’ Institute brings scientific expertise, and the Ada Jobs Foundation serves as the community-based nonprofit partner, tasked with selecting and managing the vendor responsible for the geospatial data platform. This partnership exemplifies the power of cross-sector collaboration in addressing critical water issues.
Amy Hays, Assistant Director of Development and Outreach for the Oka’ Institute, highlights the value of this approach, noting, “This project showcases the strength of the water cluster, bringing together individuals and organizations focused on regional water challenges. It’s a prime example of how collective efforts can lead to real solutions that address our most pressing water issues.”
Caleb Biles, GIS Analyst for the Oka’ Institute, adds, "Our goal with this water quality monitoring program is to gain a deeper understanding of our water resources and find sustainable solutions for both our communities and the ecosystems that thrive in the Chickasaw Nation. Enhanced water quality directly supports the blue economy, promoting a higher quality of life for both people and wildlife."
To learn more about the technical side of this project or to submit qualifications to build the geospatial portal, review the RFQ linked here:/https://growada.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Request-for-Qualifications-EPA-G2G_1.pdf
The deadline for submissions is November 1st.
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