L24AS00325 15.243 YOUTH NOFO Master Crew.docx

Office: Utah State Office – Master Crew Cooperative Agreement Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: L24AS00325 Project Submission Dates and Times: April 04, 2024 - June 03, 2024

Project Title: Utah Master Crew Cooperative Agreement to Provide Conservation of Natural, Cultural, Recreation Resource Project(s), Fuels, and Restoration

This opportunity is to award 1-3 Master Agreements for youth crew opportunities in Utah. Once awarded program offices will place task agreements against the master agreement terms and conditions, requesting crews for projects administered by their offices. Additional forms will be required.

BLM encourages Indian tribes under 16 USC 1727b that qualify as a youth or conservation corps to apply.

The master agreement awards will have a period of performance of five-years. Utah has an estimate of $150,000.00 in FY24 to distribute between the master agreements via task agreements. Incremental funding for future years is subject to availability.

These master agreements will fund up to an estimate of 5-10 crews, ranging between crew sizes of 4 - 16 per project, annually. These crews will be assigned to various field offices throughout the nation. The crews will be focus on conservation projects in the areas described below. Projects could include, but are not limited to:

· Enhancement of recreation opportunities through trail building, maintenance and restoration, and other improvements to visitor and recreation facilities (e.g., kiosks, campgrounds, signage etc.).

· Monitoring vegetation and hydrological functions, collecting soil and stream data, timber stand improvement projects for wildlife habitat and overall forest health.

· Habitat restoration and wildlife protection, including reduction of invasive species, tree planting, fence removal/installation, riparian area restoration, seedling, and production, etc.

· Development and implementation of natural and cultural resource stewardship plans or educational and informational materials for visitors.

· Preservation of cultural resources, including historic structures.

· Seed collection for restoration of lands affected by natural disasters such as catastrophic wildfires and landslides; as well as protection, conservation, and restoration of threatened, endangered, and special status species with the goal of preventing or de-listing of species.

· Reduction of wildfire risk (Hazardous Fuels Reduction) to communities, watersheds, and other public land ecosystems. The BLM Fuels Management program uses a risk-based approach that supports the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy goals of restoring and maintaining Fire Resilient Landscapes, Creating Fire Adapted Communities and Responding to Wildfire.

· Production of materials and programs on natural, cultural, and/or paleontological resources, communication, education, and interpretation of natural and cultural resources.

· Engage underserved communities to advance restoration, monitoring of natural and cultural resources.

Award Objectives: BLM offices have multiple opportunities to introduce crews to careers in the BLM under the various natural and cultural resource programs. These opportunities provide work experience to youth for their careers and educational benefits. This will be accomplished by providing them opportunities to gain experience, learn about public lands, and further their understanding and appreciation of natural resources. They will gain an increased appreciation and understanding of our public lands and of the value of public service, likely to become life-long stewards for these values. The projects will be especially appropriate for students studying natural and cultural resources and will provide opportunities to enhance basic career skills such as leadership, organization, detail, and communication, and other field related skills.

BLM’s Involvement for both Master Agreement and Task Agreements: There will be substantive BLM programmatic involvement by BLM professional providing project orientation and hands-on training as well as daily contact with recipient. BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying project management plans if project is not staying on schedule and technical issues arise. Additionally, BLM and recipient will meet regularly to discuss progress and track project outcomes; review any training needs; and make decisions as to what direction to take to complete projects or move to the next phase.

Proposal Submission: Refer to Attachment A as a suggested format to this NOFO. Proposals should address a master agreement with clear outcomes over a five-year period.

Budget Detail and Narrative: Refer to Attachment B as a suggested format to this NOFO.

Submit an overall estimated five-year budget based on an estimate of $1,000,000.00 and the placement of an estimated 5 - 10 crews annually, but not guaranteed. The budget must include all direct and indirect Youth Corps costs, to operate over five years, with an estimate for annual inflation costs for such things as: pay scales (weekly rate) for wages or stipends per crew size (crew members and crew leaders), as well as standard project expenses based on type of crew (day crew, spike crew), as applicable.

This may be submitted on a separate form either in excel or word format.

Helpful Information when Submitting your Proposal and Budget.

· Housing: BLM will not provide housing but may be able to assist in locating appropriate housing/camping locations and facilities. A monthly housing allowance is not required but suggested due to the high housing costs in Utah.

· Food: BLM will not provide food.

· Vehicle Needs: A government vehicle may be available for field work and stored at the applicable Field Office. Vehicle for the crew(s) will need off-road capability (4x4) that is able to travel on remote, difficult, dirt routes.

NOTE: A personal vehicle is NOT required for the position. BLM will not reimburse for personal vehicle use.

· All Supplies: BLM may provide, if needed, tools and equipment required to complete projects such as computer, laptops, GPS units, hand tools, etc.

· Travel: Travel and overnight camping may be necessary to complete projects.

· Training Requirements: BLM may provide project-specific training.

Award Expected Outcomes:

· Place up to 5 – 10 crews throughout BLM annually, but not guaranteed.

· Plan and implement projects promptly.

· Recruit crew members located in an area economically, physically, or educationally disadvantaged.

· Recruit, when possible, crew members in the local area of the project, as well as crew members that are economically, physically, or educationally disadvantaged.

· Outreach to Indian Tribes to provide tribe members an opportunity to work on public lands.

· Provide non-competitive hiring status to crew members when completing 640 hours of which 120- hours must be on public lands.

BLM Program Officer Contact:

Program Officer: Robert Sweeten Phone Number: (801) 539-4075 Email: rsweeten@blm.gov

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the full program announcement number L24AS00325 posted on Grants.gov for all program requirements and applicable terms and conditions. Recipients selected for awards will be required to adhere to those requirements should an award be made.