L17AS00048 BLM NV PTNA Multiple Projects SNPLMA Rnd 16 NOI.doc

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Financial Assistance

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD

This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the Bureau of Land Management’s intention to fund the following project activities without full and open competition.

ABSTRACT

OVERVIEW, RECIPIENT AND BLM SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

Southern Nevada Water Authority Las Vegas Wash Enhancement and Stabilization SNPLMA Round 16 WA09 $4,000,000.00 Background: The Las Vegas Wash (Wash), located in the southeastern area of the Las Vegas Valley, plays a critical role in Southern Nevada’s watershed, funneling more than 170 million gallons of shallow groundwater, storm water, urban runoff and highly treated wastewater into Lake Mead each day. It also provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and serves as a recreational area. Since 1997, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has worked collaboratively with the community and stakeholders to develop a plan for management of the Wash. To date, several major accomplishments have helped to protect the Wash, including:

· Construction of 19 erosion control structures

· Stabilization of more than 12 miles of Wash embankments

· Revegetation of more than 440 acres of wetlands, riparian and upland areas

· Removal of more than 1,400 acres of invasive species

· Implementation of comprehensive water quality monitoring programs in the Wash and its tributaries

This project will also benefit the ecosystem by reducing the velocity at which water flows in the Wash, enabling urban runoff, flood flows, treated effluent and shallow groundwater to irrigate adjacent areas. Completion of the project will facilitate the re-establishment of wetlands habitat, protect Southern Nevada’s water supply from sedimentation, provide critical habitat to sensitive species and directly support the Clark County Wetlands Park (Park) recreational amenities planned for the natural area.

Objectives: Funding will be used to construct the Sunrise Mountain Weir which will aide in efforts to stabilize a severe erosion headcut that has formed within the Wash.

Public Benefit: Proposed outdoor uses associated with the Park would not be viable without the habitat restoration erosion control efforts that are either planned or currently underway in the Wash. When complete, the Park will materially address the community’s unfilled demand for park, trail and natural areas, encompassing approximately 2,900 acres of restored wetland, riparian and upland vegetative natural areas, and containing nearly 55 miles of multi-use trails. This project will make a significant contribution toward increasing natural area acreage within in the Las Vegas Valley by directly supporting the creation of approximately 80 acres of Wetlands and upland habitat. In addition, this project will directly support the development of recreational amenities planned within the Park, which include facilities for hiking, nature walking, picnicking, biking, equestrian use, community events, wildlife viewing, bird watching, photography, education and a number of other activities.

White Pine County McGill Ball Park Upgrade Phase II SNPLMA Round 16 WP10 $996,199.00 Background: The goal of the proposed project is to provide all County residents with adequate, up-to-date facilities. A previous survey of the County’s recreation sites identified four facilities where there was a critical lack of basic amenities. This proposed project is designed to modernize this facility the McGill Ball Park so that it addresses ADA access, public health and safety issues, and basic service needs. The project will also complete the deliverables that were unable to be completed with the first award (WP02).

Objectives:

· To provide ADA access

· To provide up-to-date facilities which meet electrical and plumbing codes and public health standards.

· To provide adequate restroom facilities to meet public health and safety needs

· To ensure the facilities meet safety standards and help prevent injuries to participants and spectators

· To preserve historic features of existing recreational facilities

Public Benefit: The proposed project meets a current need for recreational facilities by renovating the County’s recreation facilities that serve its entire population ensuring that they are meeting basic health and safety standards and are in compliance with accessibility standards. The project is designed to help the County meet future demand for public community based recreation and open space. The continued growth the County is experiencing is reflected in the use of County recreational facilities. Any increase to the population includes new families coming to the area for jobs at the prison, mine, public agencies, and new businesses. White Pine County’s population of senior citizens is also growing due to an increase in retirees moving into the area from southern Nevada and California. White Pine County is currently working with the expansion of Bald Mountain Mine recently purchased by Kinross and the possible re-opening of the Mt. Hamilton mine. With growth, the County will experience increased demand for community based public recreation facilities.

White Pine County Northern Nevada Historic Railroad Museum Interpretive Trail Phase II SNPLMA Round 16 WP11 $1,287,999.00 Background: The 56 acre Nevada Northern Railroad Historic Rail Museum is located at the site of the historic East Ely Railroad yards on the Northern boundary of the City of Ely, White Pine County, Nevada. The railroad museum provides an opportunity for visitors to not only see an actual working railroad of the early 1900’s, but to understand the role the Nevada Northern and all western short line railroads played in the development of the West. The museum’s resources also include detailed records of the construction and operation of the railroad dating back to 1906 and provide an excellent basis for interpretive signage.

Rather than buildings displaying railroad equipment, visitors are invited to wander the 56 acre yards of a working railroad with 63 buildings and 60 pieces of rolling stock including 3 steam locomotives. Interpretive signs have been placed along the property, however more are needed. In the past, visitors have been injured as they walk through gravel, mud, and cinders, and across tracks. A portion of the parking area is dirt and after dark, has minimal light. There is a critical need for the walking trail around the yards to be completed in order to provide a safe parking lot and walkway, provide ADA access, restroom facility, and provide additional signage for historic interpretation.

Objectives: The overall objective of the proposed project is to improve safety and access to the entire historic railroad museum to enhance the historic experience of all visitors.

Public Benefit: Provide recreational opportunities and improve access to those opportunities on Federal, local, and regional government lands, increasing the availability and quality of public recreation. Promotion of projects that are representative of the environment by enhancing the continuation of the interpretive trail around the railroad grounds that will allow more opportunities to review years of railroad history. The trail will be family appropriate for many activities that include walking, photography, bird-watching, and wildlife viewing that includes predatory birds, deer, foxes, quail, a nesting pair of barn owls, and various bat species.

City of Carson City Carson River Trail System Phase II – Ranch Connection SNPLMA Round 16 CR03 $1,843,685.00 Background: The City of Carson City will design and construct multiple trail segments totaling more than three miles along and/or near the Carson River, Prison Hill Recreation Area and Silver Saddle Ranch to link existing trails; provide a physical connection between the urban/ residential areas to agricultural areas, open space, and parks; provide increased recreational opportunities for young families and those with mobility challenges; and improve visitor safety while minimizing disturbance to natural areas and wildlife habitats.

Objectives: Construct three trail segments to improve recreational access to the Carson River, the historic Silver Saddle Ranch, and other adjacent natural areas by providing important links in the City’s trail system. In an effort to provide increased recreational opportunities for young families and those with mobility challenges in a mountainous area, the trails will be designed and constructed following the guidelines identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Public Benefit: The trails offer unique opportunities to explore different environments; and therefore provide different opportunities to see different vegetation types, wildlife and ecosystems. As visitors continue along the River Trail and into Silver Saddle Ranch, existing interpretive signs provide information about the history, natural environment, and other topics. The project will increase the recreation opportunities for families within the City of Carson City and nearby communities.

Clark County Robert E. “Bob” Price Park Improvements SNPLMA Round 16 CC67 $2,348,173.00 Background: Clark County requests funding to design and build approximately five acres of improvements at Robert E. “Bob” Price Park, located at 5852 E. Lake Mead Boulevard, Las Vegas Nevada, 89156. Improvements will consist of a nature-play playground including nature-themed structures, boulder scramble or climbing area, shade, swings, benches, safety features, and non-splash pad water play feature, an open turf area/multi-purpose field, sport courts, interpretive and educational signage, two group pavilions, and landscaping.

Objectives: The proposed project will contribute toward moving Robert E. “Bob” Price Park to completion, provide education and health conscious opportunities, and further serve the outdoor recreational needs of a multi-generation population in the nearby service area - comprised of low to moderate income families with children under age 18 and seniors.

Public Benefit: The project will provide outdoor recreation opportunities that improve the quality of life for the public and encourage interaction with nature, by developing new park facilities, including: nature themed playgrounds, open turf/multi-purpose fields and other recreational amenities.

Clark County Southwest Ridge Park/Trailhead Phase I SNPLMA Round 16 CC68 $4,876,966.00 Background: Clark County will design and construct a 4–5 acre Nature-Play Park and Trailhead adjacent to an existing Elementary School and the Clark County Southwest Ridge Recreation Area. The original project concept was developed as part of the County’s 2012 Southwest Ridge Recreation Study & Master Plan. The proposed site is located adjacent to Forbuss Elementary, just northwest of Ford and Grand Canyon cross-streets.

The Park and Trailhead will include a Nature-Play Playground suitable for all ages, including features such as creative play, natural building materials, nature-themed structures/animals, boulder scramble or climbing area, shade, swings, accessible saucer swings, benches, and safety features. Interpretive/educational panels and signage will focus on the native flora, fauna and geological and mining history of the area because the site is adjacent to the southern end of the Southwest Ridge Recreation Area and Gypsum Ridge historical mining area. The project will incorporate durable and sustainable products and design and construction processes and practices.

Objectives: The main objectives of the project are to help children and adults experience the outdoor natural environment through nature-themed play activities, natural and historical interpretive displays and a future formalized trail connection to the Southwest Ridge Recreation Area. The Park and Trailhead will not only provide unique outdoor recreation and education opportunities but will also serve as the southern anchor/gateway to the Southwest Ridge Recreation Area, similar to the Gypsum Ridge Trail Phase I project on the northern end (SNPLMA Round 13).

Public Benefit: The Park and Trailhead will not only provide unique outdoor recreation and education opportunities but a future formalized trail connection will allow users of an urban nature park to venture out and experience the vast natural open spaces immediately adjacent to the project site. This project will serve as the southern anchor/gateway to the County’s Southwest Ridge Recreation Area, Gypsum Ridge historical mining area and surrounding Federal Lands. Together these areas comprise roughly 1,400 acres of County and Federal lands dominated by a dramatic ridgeline to the northwest.

Performance Goals: All six projects relate to the BLM SNPLMA Strategic Goal for Recreation: Sustain the quality of the outdoor environment by conserving, preserving, and restoring natural and cultural resources. In addition, all three projects have met the SNPLMA Parks, Trails and Natural Areas program specific requirements including:

Focus of projects that connect people with the outdoors, fostering an interaction with an increased understanding and appreciation of the natural environment.

Provide recreation opportunities for underserved communities.

The BLM's substantial involvement in this cooperative agreement may include, but not be limited to, the following:

· Joint collaboration between the BLM and recipient in carrying out management, development, implementation, and evaluation of the proposed work;

· Review and approval by the BLM of one stage of work prior to the start of the next stage;

· Review and approval by the BLM of modifications or subawards prior to their award when deemed necessary;

· Directing or redirecting of recipient work by the BLM because of relationships to other projects;

· The ability to immediately halt work because of failure to meet agreement objectives; and

· Close monitoring and/or operational involvement in the proposed work.

SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

SINGLE SOURCE POLICY REQUIREMENTS

Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) requires a written justification which explains why competition is not practicable for each single-source award. The justification must address one or more of the following criteria as well as discussion of the program legislative history, unique capabilities of the proposed recipient, and cost-sharing contribution offered by the proposed recipient, as applicable.

In order for an assistance award to be made without competition, the award must satisfy one or more of the following criteria:

(1) Unsolicited Proposal – The proposed award is the result of an unsolicited assistance application which represents a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach which is not the subject of a current or planned contract or assistance award, but which is deemed advantageous to the program objectives;

(2) Continuation – The activity to be funded is necessary to the satisfactory completion of, or is a continuation of an activity presently being funded, and for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity;

(3) Legislative intent – The language in the applicable authorizing legislation or legislative history clearly indicates Congress’ intent to restrict the award to a particular recipient of purpose;

(4) Unique Qualifications – The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications;

(5) Emergencies – Program/award where there is insufficient time available (due to a compelling and unusual urgency, or substantial danger to health or safety) for adequate competitive procedures to be followed.

BLM did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:

Unique Qualifications – The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications;

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Financial Assistance (Cooperative Agreements)

PROJECT PROPOSAL

(Suggested Format)

Instructions: A Project Proposal must be submitted with the Standard Form (SF) 424 Application for Federal Assistance for all BLM Assistance Agreements. Complete each section below. Use additional sheets as needed.

Person Submitting Proposal:

Date:

Organization Name:

Agreement or Announcement No.:

Agreement or Announcement Title:

Estimated Period of Performance:

Proposed Project Location:

This work will occur on: ☐ Public Lands ☐ Private Lands ☐ Both Public & Private Lands Demand:

(Describe how this project provides a new or improves an existing park, trail, or natural area to meet the demands and changing demographics of residents and visitors.)

Resources:

(Describe how this project protects or improves the integrity of resources (community, cultural, educational, environmental, historical, open space, and recreational) while addressing the quality of the human experience.)

Connectivity/Public Benefit:

(Describe how this project promotes connectivity that links people to nature and to recreational opportunities, and unites important places across the landscape.)

Cost and Value of Investment:

(Evaluates, describes and considers the costs and benefits of the project.)

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Grants & Cooperative Agreements

BUDGET DETAIL

(Suggested Format - Use Figures from SF-424A)

Instructions: Using the estimated amounts listed on your SF-424A Budget Information form, use this worksheet to provide details of those estimated costs. In the Narrative Boxes, explain the purpose of each cost and provide sufficient detail so costs may be analyzed for reasonableness.

Agreement or Funding Opportunity No.:

Date:

Organization Name:

Project Title:

A) PERSONNEL COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6a.)

Estimated costs of salaries/wages, not including fringe benefits, paid to Recipient employees working directly on this agreement. Indicate Key Personnel with an asterisk (*), provide more detail in the Narrative Box if needed.

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

A)

TOTAL PERSONNEL COSTS:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6a. Personnel)

Narrative:

B) FRINGE BENEFIT COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6b.)

Estimated costs of fringe benefits (e.g. health insurance, vacation, FICA, etc.) paid to Recipient employees working on this agreement. List employees/positions below, and their fringe benefit rates as a percentage (%) of their salaries. List what are considered fringe benefits in the Narrative Box.

(BLM Amounts budgeted in Section A above)

(if applicable)

BLM

B)

TOTAL FRINGE BENEFIT COSTS:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6b. Fringe Benefits)

Narrative:

C) TRAVEL COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6c.)

SUB-TOTAL, LODGING & PER DIEM - The cost of lodging & meals while traveling for agreement activities. Give details and purpose of the travel in the Narrative Box. Current Federal rates may be found online at: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287.

Proposed Travel

(Lodging & Per Diem)

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

To:

From:

To:

To:

To:

Example:

Portland, OR

Eugene, OR

Day

SUB-TOTAL, MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT - The cost of reimbursement for estimated mileage traveled in recipient vehicles for agreement activities. Give details and the purpose of the travel in the Narrative Box. Current Federal mileage reimbursement rates may be found online at: www.GSA.gov. NOTE: Mileage reimbursement rates include all vehicle costs, i.e. fuel, insurance, maintenance, etc.

Proposed Travel

(Mileage Reimbursement)

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

To:

To:

To:

To:

Example:

Portland, OR

Eugene, OR

Mile

SUB-TOTAL, OTHER TRAVEL COSTS - The costs of airfare, bus fare, car rental, etc., required for agreement activities. Explain the details and the purpose of the costs in the Narrative Box.

Proposed Other

(Travel Reimbursement)

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

To:

To:

To:

C)

TOTAL TRAVEL COSTS:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6c. Travel)

Narrative:

D) EQUIPMENT COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6d. Equipment)

The cost of equipment purchased for use on this agreement. Equipment is defined as items with a useful life of more than one (1) year and a cost of $5,000+ per unit. If your organization has a written policy for purchasing equipment, please submit a copy with your application. Explain the need and purpose of the equipment in the Narrative Box below.

(if applicable)

BLM

D)

TOTAL EQUIPMENT COSTS:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6d. Equipment)

Narrative:

E) SUPPLY COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6e. Supplies) Estimated costs of materials and supplies used directly on this agreement, e.g. safety glasses, work gloves, office supplies, etc. If your organization has a written policy for purchasing supplies, please submit a copy with your application. Explain the purpose of the costs in the Narrative Box below.

(if applicable)

BLM

E)

SUPPLY COST TOTAL:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6e. Supplies)

Narrative:

F) CONTRACTUAL COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6f. Contractual) Estimated costs of contracted/sub-contracted services and sub-grant/recipient awards. If your organization has a written contracting policy, please submit a copy with your application. Provide contractor names, if available, and explain the details and purposes of the costs in the Narrative Box below. NOTE: Calculation of your Indirect Costs may be affected by contracted and/or pass-through expenses. See Section J) INDIRECT COSTS, for more information.

(if applicable)

BLM

F)

CONTRACTUAL COST TOTAL:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6f. Contractual)

Narrative:

G) CONSTRUCTION COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6g. Construction) The estimated costs of construction. "Construction" is the intent to construct, alter, or repair (including dredging, excavating, and painting) buildings, structures, or other real property - FAR Part 2 Definitions. Explain the details and purpose of the costs in the Narrative Box below.

(if applicable)

BLM

G)

CONTRUCTION COST TOTAL:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6g. Construction)

Narrative:

H) OTHER COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6h. Other) Estimated costs which don't fit any other Object Class Category, e.g. duplicating and printing costs, postage and freight, rental of equipment, etc. Explain the details and purpose of the costs in the Narrative Box below.

(if applicable)

BLM

H)

OTHER COSTS TOTAL:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6h. Other)

Narrative:

I) TOTAL DIRECT COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6i. Sum of 6a.-6h.)

The total of all direct costs applicable to this project.

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

I)

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6i. Total, Sum of 6a.-6h.)

J) INDIRECT COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6j. Indirect Charges)

Indirect costs are expenses which cannot be readily identified and charged to a particular project or agreement, e.g. building rent, utilities, office supplies, etc. Such costs are charged to the project as a percentage of the Direct Costs (items A through H above) and this percentage is called the Indirect Cost Rate. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) please submit a copy of the agreement with your application. If your organization has no NICRA, the BLM may allow a "de minimis" indirect cost rate of up to 10% of your Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), which are your Direct Costs excluding sub-grant and sub-contract costs in excess of $25,000. See 2 CFR 200.68 Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) and 2 CFR 200.414(f) Indirect (F&A) Costs for more information.

If your organization is a Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) partner, your indirect cost rate will be 17.5% of your NICRA-determined indirect cost base.

Use the Narrative Box below to explain how you calculated your indirect cost base and resulting indirect costs.

Indirect Cost Rate to be used on this Grant (%):

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

J)

TOTAL INDIRECT COSTS:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6j. Indirect Charges)

Narrative:

K) TOTALS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6k. TOTALS) The sum total of all Direct and Indirect Costs (Sum of 6i. & 6j.) applicable to this agreement.

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

K)

TOTAL COSTS:

(SF-424A Object Class Category 6k. TOTALS)

I certify that to the best of my knowledge the costs detailed above are correct and complete and for the purposes set forth in the associated application for Federal Assistance.

Name & Title of Person Completing Budget

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Version May 2016