mini announcement for geospatial map project.doc

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

(BLM)

BLM-UT, Youth Opportunities to Work on Conservation Projects throughout Utah Public Lands

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 project is a specific project for the BLM Utah State Office under the

MASTER

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. L15AS00034 CFDA Numbers

15.225 Recreation Resource 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: May 31, 2015 Contact Information

Maria Gochis, Grants Management Officer (GMO) Phone: 801-539-4178 Email: mgochis@blm.gov

SECTION I. YOUTH OPPORTUNITY FOR BLM-UTAH GEOSPATIAL MAPPING PROJECT

Project Background Information: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah State Office, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is providing an opportunity for three upper-level college students or recent college graduates – with education and training in cartography, computer science, geography or a related discipline – to provide support for a web-enabled geospatial mapping project. The assigned work will be in support of the BLM’s vision to create and disseminate accurate, user friendly information about, and market, BLM-Utah’s outdoor recreation opportunities.

Providing accurate and useful information about BLM-Utah’s outdoor recreation opportunities is not only helpful, but expected by people of all ages and demographics. As the BLM continues to implement land-use plan and implementation-level planning decisions, it is essential for the BLM to utilize digital tools to distribute maps and other information that fosters a safe, enjoyable, and responsible outdoor experience.

Project Objective: The BLM Utah State Office has an opportunity to introduce three youth from 16-25 years of age to career opportunities in the growing field of geographic information systems (GIS). The selected candidates will provide geospatial support to State and Field office staff, for the development and implementation of spatially referenced map products (e.g., GeoPDFs). The youth interns will utilize GIS software to design and create attractive, user friendly maps under the guidance of BLM staff. Completed products will be made available for public consumption using a wide variety of digital platforms that will allow the public to easily search for and browse [BLM] spatially referenced maps; download maps; and track real-time movements on maps using a mobile device’s built-in GPS. Printed maps will be made available as an alternative to digital maps, for distribution at BLM public contact points across the state. This project will provide an opportunity for the selected interns to learn about BLM land management challenges and responsibilities, and walk through each step of the map production process. Through these experiences, the selected candidates will gain experience in public land management, further their understanding and appreciation of the Bureau’s GIS and geospatial services program, and pique their interest in careers with public land management agencies.

Program/Project Performance Goals:

a) Expose young men and women to public service early in their career decision-making process, and involve them in real, intellectually-challenging assignments that allow them to work side-by-side with BLM staff on projects that provide hands-on, meaningful work experience.

b) Stimulate interest among the youth and young adults in conservation careers by exposing them to conservation professionals in land managing agencies, and by providing conservation projects that qualify for the noncompetitive hiring status for a 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 resources.

d) Assist qualified Youth Conservation Corps with 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.

Duties: The successful candidates will assist BLM staff with the development and implementation of spatially referenced map products. Duties will include using GIS software to design and create attractive, user friendly maps for public consumption; coordinating the review of draft maps with Resource Specialists and External Affairs staff to ensure that program objectives are met; and publishing final maps to agency approved digital platforms. The work is performed primarily in an office setting using a variety of geospatial technologies, although some field travel may be required.

BLM’s Involvement: There will be substantive involvement by BLM professionals who will work side-by-side with the recipients on all projects and will provide project orientation and training, as necessary. The BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying the project management plan, if the project is not staying on schedule, technical issues arise, etc. In addition, the BLM and recipient will meet weekly to discuss progress and track project outcomes; review any training needs; and make decisions that foster the advancement and completion of project goals.

Period of Performance: This project is an ongoing opportunity for up to five years.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexible start/end dates. Weekends might be required, but would be a rare occurrence.

Qualification Requirements: This opportunity is suitable for upper-level college students or recent college graduates – with education and training in cartography, computer science, geography or a related discipline – who possess strong skills using GIS software to produce maps. The selected candidates will demonstrate a keen understanding of spatial data; the ability to enter data quickly, correctly and efficiently; understand how to create data documentation; and demonstrate a basic knowledge of cartography and graphic design. Applicants must also pass a DOI security background check.

Housing: Agency cannot provide housing, but may be able to assist in locating appropriate clean housing. A personal vehicle is NOT required for the position but is strongly encouraged as it makes the applicant's days off more enjoyable. The closest regional airport is the Salt Lake City International Airport, located approximately five miles northwest of downtown Salt Lake City.

Expected Field Travel: The work is performed primarily in an office setting using a variety of geospatial technologies, although some field travel may be required.

Award Ceiling Amount for FY15 is NTE: $125,000 Estimated life of the project NTE: $500,000 Section II – Reporting Requirements: (Refer to Full Announcement for details) A. SF425 – Federal Financial Report’s

B. Performance Report due yearly or at the end of the project

C. Youth Reporting due quarterly 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 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)

Attachment A

SECTION IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Utah 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.

Agreement or Funding Opportunity No.:

Date:

Organization Name:

Project Title:

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 discuss 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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