Notice of Intent to Sole Source Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study (GLCRS) Expert Panelists

Notice of Intent to Sole Source Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study (GLCRS) Expert Panelists. To publicly present the results of the Great Lakes modeling framework and utilize them in the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study (GLRCS), USACE must subject the model development and findings to technical peer review for the following expert Panelists.

**********W912P626QA011 - GLCRS Expert Panelist - Scott Steinschneider

Dr. Scott Steinschneider is uniquely qualified to this requirement. As an Associate Professor at Cornell University with a specialization in statistical hydro-climatology, he was a lead developer of the modeling framework under review. Over a two-year period, he constructed the weather generator component and led integration efforts across partner institutions. His extensive published research on hydrometeorological variability in the Great Lakes Basin directly informed the modeling framework scenario-based design.  In addition, Dr. Steinschneider familiarity with the Great Lakes regulation and lumped hydraulic models enables him to assess the framework validity and applicability in the context of USACE. water-level modeling needs. His specific technical contributions, institutional knowledge, and familiarity with both the modeling inputs and outputs render him the only individual reasonably available with the expertise to conduct the required peer review. Competitive sources would lack the specialized experience and contextual knowledge, thereby jeopardizing the scientific integrity and intended purpose of the review.

**********W912P626QA014 - GLCRS Expert Panelist - David Watkins

Dr. David Watkins, PE, a Distinguished Professor of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering at Michigan Technological University, is uniquely qualified to fulfill this role. He has extensive experience in hydrologic modeling, water resources planning, and climate adaptation in the Great Lakes region. Dr. Watkins has previously worked on modeling tools directly applicable to this framework and possesses deep familiarity with the lake level regulation models used in Great Lakes forecasting. Additionally, his academic and applied research in regional weather impacts and water level dynamics ensures he brings a high level of expertise to the peer review process.  Given his domain knowledge, prior experience with similar modeling efforts, and familiarity with both the region and methodology, Dr. Watkins is the only known expert capable of conducting the level of review required. Competitive alternatives were not identified that possess equivalent technical understanding, regional expertise, and credibility.