FOA W9127N262R003 - Lane County.pdf

W9127N-26-2-R003

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Natural Resource Management (NRM) Education and Training of Eugene Area Youth Service of Conservation Corps Students

Funding Agency:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District 333 SW First Ave

Portland, OR 97204

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number: W9127N-26-2-R003 CFDA Number: 12.010 Program Title: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District Environmental Stewardship Prog

Issue Date: 2 April 2026 Application Due Date: 2 May 2026

Overview:

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District (NWP) intends to enter into a cooperative agreement with a non-Federal public entity, non-profit entities, youth service or conservation cops organization for land stewardship and restoration services on USACE land in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. This cooperative agreement will assist NWP in fulfilling environmental stewardship responsibilities consisting of restoration and management of native prairie landscapes and wildlife habitat at Willamette Valley Projects in Lane County, Oregon. The recipient’s participants will gain experience with project planning, development, and implementation. Projects will mainly focus on land stewardship, habitat restoration, campground maintenance, and vegetation management for dam safety at Fern Ridge, Lookout Point, Dexter, or Fall creek Lakes with occasional work at Dorena and Cottage Grove Lakes.

The cooperative agreement will be awarded pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 2339 Conservation and Recreation Management.

The recipient for this cooperative agreement must be a non-Federal public, non-profit entity, youth service or conservation corps organization that serves youth with an active case with the Lane County Department of Juvenile Justice where students may earn restitution, work required community service hours, high school credit, work towards a GED, receive vocational training, and learn job readiness skills. The recipient will employ experienced crew leaders so that ecological concepts can be accurately conveyed to crew and leaders.

Estimated Total Funding: $155,000.00 Estimated Number of Awards: 1

Contents of Full Text Announcement

A. Program Description E. Application Review Information

B. Award Information F. Award Administration Information

C. Eligibility Information G. Agency Contacts

D. Application and Submission Information H. Other Information

Contact Information: Questions relating to Grants.gov including the registration process and system requirements should be directed to the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726. For assistance with the requirements of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, please contact the grants and agreements administrator Melanie Barrett, at Melanie.A.Barrett@usace.army.mil.

Instructions to Applicants:

The complete funding opportunity announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov.

Applications in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement shall be submitted by the application due date. Applications may be submitted by via the internet through Grants.gov.

Applicants shall have a Unique Entity Identifier, register with the System of Award Management (SAM.gov), and register with Grants.gov.

mailto:Melanie.A.Barrett@usace.army.mil

See Section D of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for complete application submission information.

Section A: Program Description

USACE NWP develops and operates water resources and public lands within the Willamette Valley Project's jurisdiction. NWP’s goal is to implement creative stewardship techniques and effect accomplishments within its recreation, environmental, and dam safety missions, and provide a specific opportunity to further the USACE’s national organization interest for developing knowledge and skills related to natural resource management at water resource development projects.

The purpose of this agreement is to provide natural resource training and education opportunities for participants who are adjudicated youth within the Lane County, OR correctional system to perform duties at natural resource activities on lands under USACE jurisdiction of the Willamette Valley Project.

Work projects may consist of the following: education and task assignments in land stewardship and restoration, wildlife habitat improvement, riparian enhancement, wetlands restoration and enhancement, native grassland restoration and management, plant propagation, fisheries habitat management, park and recreation site improvement, and development of visitor features for public education and interpretive services.

1. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES – Natural Resource Management Education and Environmental

Stewardship:

This cooperative agreement will assist NWP in fulfilling environmental stewardship responsibilities consisting of restoration and management of native landscapes and wildlife habitat at NWP Projects while providing education and training to adjudicated youth within the Lane County, OR correctional system. The recipient’s participants will gain experience with project planning, development, and implementation at water resources projects under USACE jurisdiction at the Willamette Valley Project. The program will mainly focus on land stewardship, habitat, and maintenance at Fern Ridge, Fall Creek, Dexter, Lookout Point, and Hills Creek Lakes.

The goal is to place selected participants in appropriate work situations to perform tasks for public benefit while providing opportunities to learn job skills and develop appropriate work habits. It also represents an opportunity to further the USACE’s national objectives for interpretive service, community outreach, and partnerships.

USACE is engaged in diverse opportunities enabling work in a resource-oriented environment and acquisition of strong ethics regarding proper management and use of public land resources. By utilizing these opportunities, participants will receive technical, applied, and practical job training/skills and education on USACE projects.

Each specific project proposed under this Agreement will be individually evaluated by both parties to make certain it meets the education and stewardship objectives set forth herein, and it will not displace any government workers nor impair contracts for service.

2. BENEFITS:

This cooperative agreement will mutually benefit USACE and the recipient in providing opportunities to benefit environmental stewardship and recreation efforts while developing a working relationship and assisting job training and education opportunities for adjudicated youth within the Lane County, OR correctional system.

By supporting a continuous job training and natural resource education program, USACE will expand its recruitment base and elevate the public consciousness of stewardship issues.

The recipient will contribute to the well-being of publicly owned natural resources, and provide tangible improvements for the public to enjoy.

or aid in improving public recreation areas.

Participants will benefit by learning outdoor work skills, ethics, and by gaining exposure to tasks that benefit the environment or aid in bettering public recreation areas. These training activities will aid participants in becoming successful members of society with practical skills and improved work ethic.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES:

The work will include the following:

a. Prairie and Wildlife Habitat Restoration

1) Perform selective removal of invasive vegetation from wetland, upland prairie, and other habitat types by pulling and/or cutting;

2) Plant native seed and nursery stock in habitat restoration sites;

3) Perform irrigation, weeding, and mulching to insure the establishment of restoration plantings;

4) Perform other services in support of prairie and wildlife habitat restoration as determined by the NWP point of contact at the Willamette Valley Project.

b. Perform native plant seed collection, native plant propagation and other duties in support of environmental restoration and native plant nursery operations.

c. Natural Resources Education. Participate in discussion of proper tool use, USACE land management practices and philosophy, biology, native plant communities and ecological relations among local species, and natural history of native ecosystems.

4. SCHEDULE

The term of this cooperative agreement is a one year base period with four one year option periods.

The base period will be in effect for one year from date signed followed by two one-year option periods. At any time prior to the completion of a performance period, the parties may agree to bilaterally exercise a one-year option period, extending the cooperative agreement performance period by one year, so long as funds remain available for continued performance.

The base period and four optional periods consist of the following tentative schedule. The final schedule will be coordinated after award of the cooperative agreement.

The specific dates the work crew will be on site will be determined through coordination between the recipient and the Government representatives. It is expected the dates will fall within the 20 May 2026 – 30 April 2027 time frame.

a. Work will occur on 36 mutually agreeable days over the course of the agreement’s first year.

b. The number of crew days for optional periods will be determined by funding availability and mutual agreement.

c. Work may occur at Fern Ridge, Fall Creek, Dexter, Lookout Point, or Hills Creek Lakes with no more than five (5) days at Dorena or Cottage Grove Lakes.

5. OBLIGATION OF THE PARTIES:

The Recipient will:

a. Recruit, select, and enroll eligible participants in accordance with available funds, Federal regulations, Equal Employment Opportunity Laws, needs of participants, and the terms developed under this cooperative agreement. Participants shall be juveniles with active cases with the Department of Juvenile Justice.

b. Provide one (1) work crew consisting of four (4) to ten (10) participants plus one or more supervisors, to perform during the days and times mutually agreed, and to be further defined in the cooperative agreement.

c. Provide a supervisor to direct the work of the crew and be responsible for ensuring the work performance of participants assigned under this cooperative agreement meets applicable laws and policies.

d. Provide workers’ compensation insurance (State Accident Insurance Fund (SAIF) or comparable coverage) for participants and those responsible for Tort Claims resulting from their actions within the scope of this cooperative agreement. Participants must be covered by their home school district’s insurance should the school participants commence prior to the expiration of this cooperative agreement.

e. Reserve the right to terminate or reassign participants to other activities in accordance with the participant’s program objectives. Reasonable notice of reassignments will be provided to

USACE.

f. Provide program orientation including safety training sessions to all participants.

g. Ensure all training accomplished is documented for each participant under this agreement. These records shall be available at any time for USACE to review.

h. Ensure each participant is properly equipped and dressed for the work to be accomplished. This will include a work jacket, work shirt, work trousers, hard hat, gloves, and a pair of 8- inch laced safety work boots, if required.

i. Arrange for transportation of participants to and from work sites.

j. Ensure participants bring food and water as required for rest breaks.

k. Provide first aid and other customary supervisory care of the participants at the work sites.

l. Ensure all tools and equipment provided by USACE are returned to USACE in a like- condition as when loaned, except for normal wear and tear. Unused materials provided by USACE shall be returned to USACE upon completion of the scope under this cooperative agreement. All tools and equipment provided by USACE remain the property of USACE.

m. Act in conformance with State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to Wage and Hours, Equal Employment Opportunity, Civil Rights, and Child Labor.

USACE will:

a. Submit project information in support of the scope of this cooperative agreement, including objectives and locations, diagrams, specifications, location maps, schedules and other required details.

b. Supply sufficient materials, tools and equipment as applicable.

c. Ensure there is sufficient work to productively occupy the participants during scheduled work hours.

d. Provide thorough orientation and education to participants covering:

1) general overview of USACE and its missions,

2) how the scope of work furthers those missions,

3) how the scope of work is specifically related to the Willamette Valley Project and the surrounding community.

e. Assign a USACE staff member to serve as a point of contact (POC) and resource advisor for the duration of the cooperative agreement, provide technical assistance to the crew supervisor, provide specific task instruction, provide instructions on the proper use of tools and materials, demonstrate task completion, and engage and encourage the participants.

f. Coordinate work schedules to accommodate participant’s involvement in education, vocational training, counseling, or related activities.

Representatives from both parties will meet on a regular basis to ensure progress of scope of work, troubleshoot problems, discuss how training or education expectations are being met and otherwise effect the provisions of this agreement.

6. OPTIONS

This cooperative agreement contains options. At any time prior to the completion of a performance period, the parties may agree to bilaterally exercise a one-year option period, extending the cooperative agreement performance period by one year, so long as funds remain available for continued performance. The parties have no obligation to continue and may elect to cease performance. Options will be exercised through a modification to the agreement.

7. MODIFICATIONS

a. Modifications to the awarded cooperative agreement may be proposed by either party, but neither party shall implement a change until the change has been negotiated and approved by the USACE Grants Officer. Change proposals shall be submitted in writing and shall detail the technical, schedule, and financial impacts of the proposed modification. Only the Grants Officer has the authority to act on behalf of the USACE to change this agreement.

b. Revision of budget/program plans: Recipients shall request prior approval for plan changes in accordance with 2 CFR 200.308.

c. The Grants Officer may unilaterally issue modifications for minor or administrative matters, such as changes in paying office, etc.

8. SUBAWARD

a. The Recipient shall apply to each subaward the administrative requirements of 2 CFR 200 applicable to the particular type of subrecipient.

b. Recipients awarding contracts under this agreement shall assure that contracts awarded contain, at a minimum, the provisions in Appendix B to DoDGARS Part 22.

c. The Recipient’s acquisition of goods and services needed to carry out the program is not considered a subaward and shall comply with 2 CFR 200 as applicable.

9. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The use of a cooperative agreement for services relating to the management of undesirable plants on federal lands is authorized pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 2339 Conservation and Recreation Management.

Through this cooperative agreement, USACE NWP will coordinate with a qualified non-Federal public entity or non-profit entity that serves the local community on federal lands of the Willamette Valley Project in Lane County, Oregon.

Section B: Award Information

1. Type of Award Instrument –USACE intends to award one (1) cooperative agreement to an applicant determined to best demonstrate the ability to meet the goals and objectives of the Program.

2. Substantial Involvement – USACE manages public land and through this cooperative agreement will provide job training and education in natural resource management to adjudicated youth of Lane County. USACE will provide a work site for the recipient’s participants to practice stewardship and restoration as well as ecological education and study; daily interactions with leaders and crew regarding work purposes and methods; guidance in the form of educational presentations and advice and final approval for restoration activities.

3. ESTIMATED FUNDING: Not-to-exceed (NTE) amounts are provided for:

• Base year: $ 30,000.00

• Option Year 1: $ 30,000.00

• Option Year 2: $ 30,000.00

• Option Year 3: $ 30,000.00

• Option Year 4: $ 30,000.00

The total NTE cost for a base year and four one-year option periods is $150,000.00.

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The term of this cooperative agreement is a one (1) year base period, with four (4) optional, one-year optional periods:

• Base year: Date of Award through 31 May 2027.

• Option Year 1: 1 June 2027 through 31 May 2028.

• Option Year 2: 1 June 2028 through 31 May 2029.

• Option Year 3: 1 June 2029 through 31 May 2030.

• Option Year 4: 1 June 2030 through 31 May 2031.

If all funds are expended prior to the end of an active performance period, the parties have no obligation to continue and may elect to cease performance for that active period.

Section C: Eligibility Information

1. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Non-Federal public entity or non-profit entity that serves the local community on federal lands of the Willamette Valley Project in Lane County, Oregon.

2. COST SHARING

All work under this cooperative agreement is 100% USACE funded.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. SUBMISSION LIMITATION

One (1) completed application package per applicant or organization.

2. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

The complete funding opportunity announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov. USACE is not responsible for any loss of internet connectivity or for an applicant’s inability to access documents posted at the referenced website.

The administrative point of contact is Melanie Barrett at Melanie.a.barrett@usace.army.mil.

3. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Forms: All mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below.

a. SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance;

b. SF 424 A - Budget Information for work described in Section A.3, Description of Services for the location listed in Section A.4, Schedule;

c. Submit a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), or a statement stating the applicant is eligible and electing to use the de minimis rate (in accordance 2 CFR 200.414(f)) with the SF 424A when indirect costs are included in the applicant’s budget;

d. Program Narrative – Submit a Program Narrative to addresses the following:

1) Program Goals and Objectives – In no more than 12 pages single sided or 6-pages double sided, provide a program description, illustrating how the applicant plans to achieve the goals and objectives included in Section A of this announcement. Include the applicant’s relevant past experience meeting similar goals and objectives through the performance of similar natural resource services.

2) Program Management Plan – In no more than ten (10) pages single sided or five (5) -pages double sided, explain how the applicant plans to effectively manage the program in terms of manpower, administration, and quality control. Include the following:

a) The applicant’s plans for obtaining the necessary work crews, meeting participant age limitations with an active case with the Department of Juvenile Justice, and work crew numbers and schedule;

b) The applicant’s plans for transporting work crews to and from the work sites;

c) How the applicant will supervisor the work crew, manage, and perform quality control over the program;

d) The supplies and equipment to be used to perform the services;

e) The technical resources (staffing) to be used to execute the program.

3) Past Performance (Attachment 5) Using Attachment 5 to provide past performance records for relevant federal assistance agreements in similar size and scope performed within the last five (5) years. A separate attachment is used for each past performant record. Up to three (3) past performance records are required. Provide a summary of accomplishments for each provided record.

Applicants with no prior federal assistance agreement experience shall provide a statement in their proposal to that affect.

NOTE: All three sections of the program narrative shall be submitted on 8.5 x 11-inch paper with no less than 10-point font and 1-inch margins.

4) Appropriation Certification Requirements (Attachment 6) – Complete the certification, provide signature, and submit a copy with the application package.

mailto:Melanie.a.barrett@usace.army.mil

4. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM.gov)

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to:

a. Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

b. Be registered with Grants.gov in order to submit their package through that site.

c. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and,

d. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. USACE may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, USACE may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

5. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

a. The preferred method for submission of proposals is through Grants.gov. If the applicant is unable to submit their proposal package via Grants.gov, as a backup option submission can be submitted by e-mail.

b. Preferred Method - Internet via Grants.gov:

All applicants using Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have an account with Grants.gov. For more information on registration, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html

c. E-mail:

Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper to Melanie.A.Barrett@usace.army.mil.

d. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is received in its entirety. The Government will bear no responsibility for delays in submissions due to technical difficulties at or with the Grants.gov website.

e. Reimbursement of pre-award costs are not allowable.

Section E: Application Review Information

1. Government Review

a. Initial Review

The Government will perform an initial review to determine that the applicant is (1) eligible in accordance with Section C of the announcement; (2) all information required by Section D has been submitted; and (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied.

b. Merit Review

Only proposals meeting ALL criteria in the initial review will be forwarded for merit review.

Proposals in the merit review will be evaluated on whether applicants demonstrate ability to meet goals and objectives, effectively manage program, and has satisfactory past performance. These factors will be rated individually and are of equal importance. Each https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html proposal will also be given an overall rating based on the individual ratings of each factor and the effect one may have on another.

1) Program Goals and Objectives – The proposal illustrates that the applicant’s goals are in alignment with those described in Section A of the announcement. Proposal also details measurable objectives for achievement of goals.

2) Program Management – The applicant shows the ability to effectively manage program in terms of manpower and administration. Proposal should illustrate applicant’s ability to:

a) Complete the work described in the SOW as specified through the scope of this cooperative agreement.

b) Provide all necessary supplies and equipment to perform work described in Section A of this announcement.

c) Work in Oregon

d) Successfully execute management of work crews.

The application should also demonstrate the applicant’s ability to:

a) Management capability, financial resources and technical resources to execute the program.

b) A satisfactory record of executing Government programs (if a prior recipient).

c) A satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

d) Comply with all financial requirements and financial reporting.

3) Past Performance (Attachment 5) - Applicants will be evaluated based on their past performance in:

a) Successfully completing and managing federally funded assistance agreements similar in size, scope, and relevance to the program;

b) History of meeting reporting requirements under Federal grants and cooperative agreements, and,

c) Extent and quality to which they adequately documented and/or reported on their progress towards achieving the expected results. (In evaluating applicants under this criterion, the Government will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources including agency files and prior/current grantors).

c. Budget Review

This agreement will be 100% USACE funded, and applicant’s budgets will be reviewed to ensure proposed costs and cost allocation are allowable and reasonable. Applicants are required to submit an SF 424A providing a breakdown of the budget proposal. Budget proposals will be evaluated on reasonableness of costs and allowability. Costs associated with the program must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles.

2. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

a. The Grants Specialist will perform an initial review to determine that the applicant is (1) eligible in accordance with the announcement; (2) all information required by the announcement has been submitted; and (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied.

b. The Program Official is responsible for evaluation of applications against the merit criteria.

c. The Grants Officer is responsible for making the final selection of the cooperative agreement awardee based on the Program Official’s validation and recommendation. The selection for cooperative agreement award will be made to the applicant whose package conforms with the FOA and able to demonstrate the applicant’s best effort to deliver the program goals and objectives at fair and reasonable price. In accordance with 7 U.S.C. § 2814 - Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, awards are limited to a state department of agriculture, or other state agency or political subdivision thereof, responsible for the administration or implementation of undesirable plants laws of the state.

3. ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE:

Announcement Issue Date: 21 April 2026 Announcement Due Date: 21 May 2026 Estimated Award Date: 21 May 2026

Section F: Award Administration Information

1. AWARD NOTICES

Electronic notice of award will be given in conjunction with issuance of a cooperative agreement signed by a Grants Officer. The cooperative agreement will contain the effective date of the agreement, the period of performance, funding information, and all terms and conditions. The recipient is required to sign and return the document before work under the agreement commences.

Work described in this announcement shall not begin without prior authorization from a Grants Officer.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

The cooperative agreement issued as a result of this announcement will be subject to the National Policy requirements of 2 CFR Part 1122, Appendices A - D, as applicable. Applicable provisions will be specified in the cooperative agreement terms and conditions. The cooperative agreement will also be subject to the administrative requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 and 32 CFR Part 22, as applicable.

Applicable administrative requirements will be specified in the cooperative agreement terms and conditions.

3. REPORTING

a. Upon completion of each period of performance and of the cooperative agreement, the recipient will be required to submit one performance progress report as stipulated in the terms and conditions of the final (award) cooperative agreement.

b. Recipient will be required to submit an SF 425 – Federal Financial Report quarterly as stipulated in the terms and conditions of the final cooperative agreement.

c. All reporting shall be in accordance with 2 CFR Part 1122, Appendix C.

Section G: Agency Contacts

Melanie Barrett Grants and Agreements Officer, Contracting Division E-mail: Melanie.A.Barrett@usace.army.mil Telephone: 503-808-4617

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District Attn: CECT-NWP, Grants and Agreements Specialist 333 SW 1st Avenue Portland, OR 97204 mailto:Melanie.A.Barrett@usace.army.mil

Section H: Other Information

1. Only Grants Officers are legally authorized to bind the Government to a cooperative agreement.

2. A pre-award notice identifying a proposal was successful neither obligates the Government to make an award nor commits the Government to reimburse any pre-award costs incurred in anticipation of an award.

3. Responses should reference Program Announcement W9127N-26-2-R003.

4. Questions regarding the proposal submission should be submitted no later than 8 May 2026.

Questions received after this date may not be answered.

Attachments:

Attachment 1 – 2026 NRM – Lane County Statement of Work (SOW);

Attachment 2 – Annual Progress Performance Report;

Attachment 3 – SF425 v 3.0 – Request for Federal Assistance;

Attachment 4 – Program Budget Proposal Worksheet;

Attachment 5 – Past Performance Template;

Attachment 6 – Certifications.