L24AS00325 15.243 YOUTH NOFO Master Intern.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 Intern Cooperative Agreement to Provide Conservation of Natural Cultural, and Recreation Resource Project(s)

This opportunity is to award 1-3 Master Agreement for intern opportunities nationwide. Once awarded program offices will create task agreements, against the master agreement terms and conditions, requesting interns for their office.

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 possibility 1-100 youth over a five-year period with interns to be assigned to various field offices throughout the Nation. The interns will be of varying disciplines, depending upon field office individual needs. Disciplines and projects could include, but are not limited to, such things as:

· 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 riparian area 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 seedling 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.

· Performance of studies such as resource inventories, historic or archival research, archaeological excavation or stabilization, oral histories, historic preservation, habitat surveys, etc

· Performance of in-house projects, such as science, policy, or program internships, with a clear benefit for natural or cultural resources. In-house projects to include a field component of at least 120 hours.

· Promote responsible development of renewable and nonrenewable resources through the sharing of public land data and information with internal and external parties. Communicate and disseminate information with internal and external parties.

· Monitor environmental and public safety issues from resource extraction and use activities. Inspect operations for compliance and proper reclamation both on- and off-lease. Review public land use proposals for compliance with laws and regulations.

· Assist BLM with proper records management including databases. Increase business efficiency by collecting data, creating educational materials, and public outreach.

· Conduct engineering, geological, and biological studies, including perform analyses of coal, potash, oil, gas, geothermal resources, and other mineral resources and deliver written reports and maps.

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

Award Objectives: BLM offices have multiple opportunities to introduce interns 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 youth with opportunities to gain experience, learn about public lands, and further their understanding and appreciation of natural resources. From this they will gain an increased appreciation and understanding of our public lands and of the value of public service and are likely to become life-long advocates for those 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 organization, writing, detail, and communication, well as field skills.

BLM’s Involvement for both Master Agreement and Task Agreements: There will be substantive BLM programmatic involvement by BLM professionals that will work daily, side by side, with interns on all projects and also provide project orientation and hands-on training. BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying project management plans, if project is not staying on schedule, technical issues arise, etc. In addition, BLM and interns 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 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 suggested format to this NOFO.

Submit an overall estimated five-year budget based on an estimate of $150,000.00 and placement of an estimate of but not guaranteed 20 interns annually. The budget must include all direct and indirect Youth Corps costs to operate over five years with an estimate of inflation each year to include: pay scales for interns, either wage or stipend (weekly rate), as well as including standard project expenses, based on location, as applicable.

Helpful Information when Submitting your Proposal and Budget.

· Work Schedule: Most interns will work Monday – Friday, generally 8 AM to 5PM, unless specified differently during internship(s) of between 4 – 18 months with flexible start/end dates. Weekends might be required, but would be offset by extended time off, as appropriate.

· 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.

· Vehicle: A government vehicle may be available for field work and stored at the applicable Field Office.

NOTE: A personal vehicle is NOT required for the position but is strongly encouraged as it makes the applicant's days off much more enjoyable. BLM will not reimburse for personal vehicle use.

· Supplies: BLM will provide most of the tools and equipment required to complete projects such as computer, laptops, GPS units, cell phones, hand tools, and tents and camping supplies, as applicable.

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

Award Expected Outcomes:

· Possible placement of up to 20 interns throughout BLM annually, but not guaranteed.

· Plan and implement projects promptly.

· Recruit economically, physically, or educationally disadvantaged Interns as much as is practicable.

· Outreach to Indian Tribes to provide tribe members Internship opportunities.

· Provide non-competitive hiring status to Interns 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.