botany redding fo youth internship.doc

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

California BLM CA Youth Opportunities to Work on Conservation Projects throughout California Public Lands – Redding FO Youth Internship in Botany Public Lands Corps Act, 1993 (Amended 2005); PL 109-154; Title 16 U.S.C. Chapter 37, Subchapter II Sec 1721-1729, excluding Sec 1725 – Resource Assistant

This is a specific project for BLM CA - Redding Field Office under

MASTER

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. L15AS00154 CFDA Number:

15.230 - Invasive & Noxious Plant Management

Applicants are required to apply under the above Funding Opportunity Announcement through Grants.gov. All terms and conditions will remain the same. The only thing different will be the proposal format and evaluation criteria, see below:

Applications due by: August 10, 2015 at 8:00am California Time Contact Information: Leona B. Parker, California Grants Management Officer (GMO)

Phone: 530-252-5338, Email: Lparker@blm.gov Program Officer/Technical Contact: Jeffrey Bellaire Redding FO - Forester, Phone: 530-224-2150, Email: jbellaire@blm.gov

SECTION I.

Project Title: Youth Internship in Botany - Redding Field Office Project Background Information:

Each year the Bureau of Land Management, identifies several projects that are available to provide youth with hands on learning opportunities in the field of natural resources management, conservation, preservation, and protection. These projects vary in length from sixteen to 104 week programs or longer. Providing and supporting the education of young people in natural resources conservation and management practices will promote increased knowledge and greater cooperative efforts between individuals, private and non-profit organizations, and federal and state agencies in improving and preserving natural resources and eco-systems. The goal of this program is to expose youth to the principles of natural resources management in order to instill a strong conservation ethic and to create the next generation of stewards for our public lands.

The Redding Field Office has a need for a Botany Intern (s) who will assist the resource specialists with on-the-ground field studies, inventory of vegetation, planting, invasive species removal, plant propagation, public outreach, and monitoring. The Intern (s) will also be working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) within Botany work, and in support of other resoures. Work may involve but is not limited to: designing and conducting inventories, compiling and interpreting collected data, researching reference materials, writing reports on inventory activities, , development of maps, and data manipulation within the ArcGIS software.

The Intern will be mentored by a professional resource specialist. Work will be done under the close guidance of the resource specialist, with some work carried out independently with little assistance. The intern will work mostly from specific instruction, with work reviewed for accuracy and completeness upon completion of assignments.

Some work is performed in an outdoor environment that ranges from very cold and wet to very hot and dry. This work may require physical exertion over very steep, wet, muddy, slippery, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces; and also may include bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and similar activities.

Project Objective:

To provide projects for young people to learn a variety of land management topics including, but not limited to: natural resources management, restoration programs, wildlife management, endangered species, NEPA, conservation of sensitive species, cultural resources management, forestry, and geographic information systems. These interns will be given opportunities for work experience with the Redding Field Office and be involved in hands-on conservation land management. The interns will gain knowledge and experience within the land base managed by the Redding Field Office and will provide on-the-ground assistance in land management projects. Redding Field Office staff will mentor the interns. The organization selected will coordinate the mentoring program, select and pay the salaries, travel and other miscellaneous expenses for interns selected for placement with Redding Field Office.

Another objective of this internship is to provide young adults a safe, educational job experience to better prepare them for entering the workforce and by exposing them to a variety of work experiences, basic skills training and a structured work environment about public land natural resources management. This will provide long-term benefits by providing academic and environmental education opportunities for young adults.

Duties:

BLM-California responsibilities to the Intern working in the field will include the following roles but not limited:

BLM Property and Equipment - The Intern (s) may be assigned or use BLM property (e.g., telephones, radios, tools, equipment, etc.) as specified by the appropriate BLM Project Leader. BLM will provide the Intern with detailed maps of the project areas. BLM will provide all the materials and supplies including any specialized tools needed to complete projects. If necessary, BLM staff will be present at the start of each project to provide guidance and technical expertise on completion of projects. The Intern will have access and use of BLM computers if they have completed a background check and completed all the required IT training for computer access.

Program Officer – The BLM will assign an employee to serve as the Program Officer. This employee will represent the Grants Management Officer (GMO) for all technical matters that arise under the agreement. The Program Officer will also coordinate to develop the schedule, work site locations and projects.

Safety – The BLM Project Leader shall advise the Intern on anticipated hazards or potential dangerous activities and develop a strategy for avoiding or mitigating them. The BLM Project Leader will provide the Intern with the telephone numbers of the nearest hospital, sheriff’s department or other law enforcement agency, Interagency Dispatch Center, and the cell phone numbers of BLM-staff for emergency calls when the BLM offices are closed.

Project Management - A designated BLM employee will serve as a Project Leader and liaison at the Redding Field Office. This employee will provide direction, guidance, and technical support to the team and ensure that projects will be completed in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner. The BLM Project Leader shall discuss and recommend desirable camping areas and locations of locked gates or other impediments to access project locations. The BLM Project Leader shall also provide locations of auto repair services, grocery stores, gas stations and other facilities that may be utilized by the intern.

BLM Field Presence - The BLM Project Leader shall spend time with the Intern in the field during each project. This will facilitate communication with the Intern and allow for oversight and technical assistance with projects. This will help ensure that the Intern fully understands the project specifications and receives feedback.

Environmental Coordination – The BLM, with assistance of the intern, will complete NEPA documentation, related permitting, or interagency reviews as necessary before projects implemented.

Continuing Education and Mentoring – The BLM will provide continuing education to the Intern during their service. The BLM will mentor the Intern concerning resource management and will inform the Intern about the BLM mission and career opportunities that may be available in resource management with the BLM or other federal land management agencies. BLM professional staff may visit and work alongside the Intern in the field [e.g., visits by, and work with BLM archeologist, forester, geologist, biologist, botanist, NEPA planner, GIS specialist, ecologist, and outdoor recreation planner]. This time will provide the Intern with a better understanding of the mission of BLM and the important conservation work being performed in the field.

Estimated Total Funding: FY 15 $25,000.00, additional funding will be added on modifications (only when funds are available and funds are not guaranteed every year).

Program Elements/Project Performance Goals MQ: Assist with Monitoring Terristrial Habitat (Acres)

JA: Apply Shrub/Grass Vegetation Treatments (Acres)

JZ: Native Plant Materials Collection

CB: Inventory Wildlife and Plant Habitat (Acres)

MX: Monitor Shrub/Grass Vegetation Treatment (Acres)

JD: Apply Weed Treatments (Acres)

MK: Evaluate Weed Treatments (Acres)

BS: Inventory for Presence of Invasive Plants and/or Noxious Weeds (Acres)

JB: Construct Shrub/Grass/PJ/Forest Projects (Number) a.

Expose young men and women to public service while furthering their understanding and appreciation of the Nation’s natural and cultural resources, and gain experience.

b.

Stimulate interest among the youth and young adults in conservation careers by exposing them to conservation professionals in land managing agencies, by providing conservation project that qualify for the noncompetitive hiring status for period of not more than 120 days.

c.

Promote and stimulate public purposes such as enhance classroom learning by providing education, job training, and development of responsible citizenship, productive community involvement of youth and young adults in care and enhancement of natural and cultural

d. Assist qualified Youth Conservation Corps an experience in conserving or developing natural and cultural resources and enhancing and maintaining environmentally important lands and waters through the use of the Nation’s young men and women.

BLM’s Involvement: There will be substantive BLM programmatic involvement by BLM professional that will work daily side by side with recipient on all projects and also be providing project orientation and hands-on training. BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying the project management plan, if project is not staying on schedule, technical issues arise, etc. In addition, BLM and recipient will meet weekly to discuss progress and track project outcomes; review any training needs; and then make a decision what direction to take in finalizing project or move to the next phase.

Period of Performance: Scheduled project will start on/around end of September 2015 and end on September 30, 2019. However, this time schedule is flexible and may be changed based on the needs of the BLM program leader and/or recipient’s project leader due to: weather, equipment, supplies, etc. The PO will send an e-mail to the GMO when firm dates are scheduled.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, generally 7 AM to 4PM, though a flexible schedule can be allowed (0600-1800) if recipient authorizes such a schedule.

Qualification Requirements: As stated in the duties this opportunity will require time outdoors and field work that is often under somewhat rigorous physical conditions. Applicants must also meet the following criteria: 1). Pass a DOI security background check 2) valide drivers license 3) ATV training.

Housing: Agency cannot provide housing but may be able to assist in locating appropriate housing. BLM may upon their discretion provide a housing stipend. A personal vehicle is NOT required for the position but is strongly encouraged as it makes the applicant's days off much more enjoyable.

Section II

Reporting Requirements: (Refer to Full Announcement for details) A. SF425 – Federal Financial Report’s- semi-annual

B. Performance Report due semi-annual or at the end of the project

C. Youth Reporting due semi-annual to Program Officer

SECTION III.

The Application Package – Also refer to Funding Opportunity Announcement Section D. Application and Submission Information for further detailed information.

Applications must include all required Standard Forms (SF) shown below, a Proposal (Attachment A), a Budget Detail with narrative (mandatory) (Attachment B), and a copy the applicant's approved federal agency Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable. Non-governmental organizations that have not previously received award funds or have not had an active award within 3 (three) years must complete a Financial Assistance Evaluation Questionnaire. A copy of the questionnaire may be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed on the application coversheet.

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

SF-424A Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

SF-424B Assurances - Non-Construction Programs

Grants.gov Lobbying Form

Project Proposal (Attachment A)

Budget Detail and Narrative Mandatory (Attachment B)

Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA, if applicable)

Financial Assistance Evaluation Questionnaire (if applicable)

SECTION III. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Along with the above requirements listed: What to Submit- above through Grants.gov.

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

California State Office

Grants & Cooperative Agreements

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Instructions: A Project Proposal must be submitted with the Standard Form (SF) 424 Application for Financial Assistance for all Financial Assistance Agreements. A new proposal must be included with any request for modification which involves a revision to funding, project scope, period of performance, or key personnel.

Organization Name:

Name & Title of Person Submitting Proposal:

*If a specific start work date is needed with pre-award costs for specific BLM Project, contact BLM Program Officer (PO) to dicuss details, so PO can discuss with Grants Management Officer. Do not start work without prior approval from the Grants Management Officer, unless project is a specific project to your organization is already working on and you are requesting for further financial assistance.

1.

Purpose, Objectives, and Relevance:

(Describe why the project is needed, the applicant's objectives, how the applicant's objectives support their mission, and how this project benefits the general public.)

2.

Technical Approach:

(Describe how the project will be conducted. The project design must contain enough detail to show the development of the project, including the relationship between the partners, and objectives. Clearly describe the techniques, procedures, and methodologies to be used; the data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation; the expected program/project goals and/or outcomes; and the procedures for evaluating project effectiveness, including appropriate performance goals and the probabilities of obtaining them.)

The proposal must include the detailed project plan/schedule. The project plan must be supported by a narrative description of each of the activities to be undertaken. The schedule should include proposed work, reporting, major tasks, and project milestones including the identification of the anticipated start and ending dates of all major stages/tasks of the project proposal. The following table may be used to summarize the project schedule.

Start Date Planned Completion Date

3.

Qualifications, Experience, and Past Performance:

(Describe who will carry out the project activities. List all project personnel, including consultants, contractors, sub-recipients, etc., and their contact information. Describe your recruiting techniques in recruiting a diverse pool of candidates. Describe their responsibilities and the amount of time each will dedicate to the project. Briefly describe how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to successfully achieve the stated objectives and performance goals. Describe past completed natural and cultural youth conservation projects on public lands with accomplishments. Describe successful of your program placing qualified youth interns in conservation careers.)

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