NOI P16AC01593 Mod 2.pdf

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD

This announcement is not a request for applications.

This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service’s intention to award a task agreement under a previously competed or single source justified master cooperative agreement.

ABSTRACT

Funding Announcement Number NPS-17-NERO-0158

Project Title Appalachian Trail: FY16 ATC Rec Fee Trail

Maintenance

Recipient Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Anticipated Federal Funding $29,600

Non-federal Cost Share No

Anticipated Period of Performance Through December 30, 2019

Award Instrument Task Agreement

Statutory Authority 54 U.S.C. Section §101702(a); National Trails

System Act: 82 Stat. 919; 16 USC 1241 et seq.;

National Trails System Act: 16 U.S.C. Section

1250 Volunteer Trails Assistance

CFDA # and Title 15.935 – National Trails System Projects

Point of Contact Patrick Reidy, Grants Management Specialist 215-597-5949

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cooperative Agreement Number P14AC00659 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, (NPS), and Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) for the purpose of collaborative management and protection of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and associated resources through the support of the NPS’ and the ATC’s Cooperative Management

System, including delegated responsibilities to partnering trail managing organizations. The activities to be funded will be awarded through a task agreement under this Cooperative Agreement with ATC.

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Project Title: FY16 ATC Rec Fee Trail Maintenance

The purpose of this Task Agreement is to perform differed trail maintenance activities with seasonal trail crews and volunteer trail clubs on identified locations along the Appalachian Trail. Differed trail maintenance activities will include repairing trail features such as steps, retaining walls, treadway, waterbars, checks, signs, boardwalks, and bridges. Work will improve trail facility conditions, reduce impacts on natural and cultural resources, and enhance visitor experience and safety through seasonal volunteer trail crew and volunteer trail club projects.

STATEMENT OF WORK

RECIPIENT AGREES TO:

1. Work cooperatively with Appalachian National Scenic Trail (APPA), Great Smoky Mountains

National Park (GRSM), and Green Mountain Club (GMC to identify and prioritize facility differed maintenance projects for inclusion on the A.T. Capital Plan.

2. Prior to beginning work, ATC shall submit annual itemized work plans in a mutually agreed upon format. Work plans are to include: site locations, dates, and work to be performed.

3. Directly provide oversight of differed maintenance work performed by crews as needed, and as described on the A.T. Capital Plan and PMIS statement. This includes: project planning, coordination, implementation, logistics, administration support, supervision, staff and volunteer recruitment, training, performing quality control, solving unforeseen on-site problems, ensuring adherence to safety regulations, and reporting accomplishments.

4. Ensure staff and volunteers participating on trail crew projects are provided with safety skills training appropriate for the nature of the project work. Projects are to be conducted in a manner consistent with Leave-No-Trace principles.

5. Prior to beginning work, coordinate with the appropriate land-management agency to ensure that all applicable environmental and cultural resource compliance requirements are met. Assist agencies with the collection and documentation of resource information as required.

6. Procure materials, supplies, tools, and equipment necessary to complete project in accordance with NPS procurement policies.

7. Participate in and provide monthly updates as part of a larger facility management meeting.

8. Submit itemized completion report per PMIS project for project work performed. Each report shall include: site locations, dates, quantitative accomplishments, and costs.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AGREES TO:

1. Work directly with the ATC to coordinate with other federal, state, and local agency partners to identify, plan, prioritize, select and implement repair rehabilitation facility projects.

2. Work with ATC to develop project cost estimates utilizing approved NPS methods. Track project status and accomplishments for backlog maintenance projects.

3. Maintain and manage required NPS Facility Management Software System in accordance with the Asset Management Program.

4. Provide technical trail and trail facility design, construction, and maintenance support to ATC and partners.

5. Provide worker’s compensation and tort protection as appropriate for volunteers per the

Volunteer-in-Parks Act and coordinate directly with US Forest Service with Volunteer-in-Forest

Act for activities on National Forest lands.

6. Review and approve annual workplans submitted by ATC.

7. Provide Global Positioning System (GPS) and related software technical support to adequately collect the necessary field data to develop project proposals.

8. Plan and schedule monthly meetings with ATC staff and others as needed to facilitate project updates.