THERE IS NO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS NOTICE, AS This is a Notice of Intent to award in accordance with 505 DM2, 2.14 B (4) a Cooperative Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the American Bird Conservancy for the purpose of continuing the work of the Appalachian Mountain Joint Venture (AMJV), a self-directed partnership responsible for planning, delivering and evaluating bird habitat conservation within the Appalachian Mountains (encompassing portions of 11 states including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and New Jersey). Joint Ventures operate under guidance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which provides Federal funding for Joint Venture partnerships. The over-arching objective of the AMJV is to ensure the sustainability of priority bird populations through strategic conservation of habitats and overall ecosystem functionality upon which priority birds rely. The AMJV partnership is lead by a Management Board and Joint Venture Coordinator and relies upon technical advice provided by the Science Coordinator working with a technical committee. The American Bird Conservancy is the immediate employer of the JV Coordinator, and the JV Science Coordinator. The AMJV has an operational plan and in June of 2012 developed strategic priorities to guide work for the next 3 to 5 years. The AMJV is working with a contractor to develop a Communications Plan which will be completed by December 31, 2012. The American Bird Conservancy is highly qualified to be the employer of Joint Venture personnel. This Single Source Award is being made in accordance with Department of the Interior Policy 505 DM 2.14B(4), which allows for award without competition to an applicant who is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based on, technical expertise. Substantial involvement on the part of the USFWS is anticipated for successful completion of stated objectives. The USFWS sits on the Management Board and Technical Committee of the Joint Venture, and is involved in the strategic planning process and decisions about annual work plans for the Joint Venture partnership. The USFWS also ensures that the Joint Venture is operating per guidance issued by the Washington Office of the USFWS for Joint Venture partnerships.