NOI.docx

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD

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

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The Musconetcong River was designated into the National Wild and Scenic River System by Public Law 109-452, signed December 26, 2006. The NPS is responsible for managing the 24.2 mile river corridor in partnership with state and local entities. The Musconetcong Watershed Association is a 501(C)(3) organization that is uniquely qualified to educate the public to protect the environment, history and culture of the Musconetcong watershed. The subject activity is being funded as a modification to an existing cooperative agreement.

STATEMENT OF WORK

RECIPIENT AGREES TO:

Update municipal plans to protect and enhance river resources and also provide technical assistance to riverside municipalities and counties. Participate in municipal zoning and planning meetings when issues arise affecting the Musconetcong River and its resources. Plan and implement the enumerated goals in the Musconetcong River Management Plan (MRMP) in cooperation with the riverside municipalities, counties, the Highlands Council, the State of New Jersey and other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with river-conservation interests. Develop and produce educational products, interpretive exhibits, publications, other media and programs that interpret the resources of the Musconetcong River and watershed. Promote the long-term protection of the Musconetcong River and its outstandingly remarkable resources. Provide technical assistance and recommendations to the NPS, municipalities, other Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), and the State of New Jersey concerning the management of river resources. Support the needs and goals of the Musconetcong River Management Council (MRMC).

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AGREES TO:

The NPS has been a key partner with MWA in the execution of the Musconetcong River Management Plan (MRMP). This partnership continues to exist because the success both parties have had in executing the MRMP jointly. Consistent with the MRMP, the NPS manages, oversees and participates in Musconetcong River conservation projects conducted by MWA. These projects that involve NPS staff with MWA include the preparation of interpretive media, educational programs, improving river signage, water quality testing, stream characterization studies, GIS data, public tours, river enhancement and restoration projects, terrestrian biology classes for public and school populations, and the rendering of technical assistance from MWA on matters involving municipal zoning changes, interactive interpretive projects, state-planned land use changes, coordinating environmental policy among State and federal agencies and the scenic impacts of cell towers and other land uses within the river’s established river conservation zones. In addition, MWA has continued to coordinate with NPS on water quality and quantity issues, enforcement issues, scenic impacts, special research projects, and other special projects such as signage and exhibits, just to name a few.

Since the NPS does not own any land or maintain an office in the river corridor, MWA provides staff (much of it voluntary) to track issues and opportunities and keeps NPS informed of local issues. Without MWA, it would not be possible for the NPS to accomplish the goals of the CMP, or meet its statutory requirements in protecting the Musconetcong River. Assisting MWA is consistent with the Musconetcong National Scenic and Recreational River RMP, and is in the interest of the NPS.

SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

SINGLE SOURCE POLICY REQUIREMENTS

Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) and National Park Service Policy FAP&P 1443-2015-06 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, for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity. A single source on the basis of continuation must demonstrate that competition would result in a substantial duplicate cost to the government that cannot be recovered through competition.;

(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.

NPS did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria: This is a Notice of Intent to award a Task Agreement under an existing Cooperative Agreement P14AC01503.

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