NOI P19AC00261 PR 8-13.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 financial assistance for the following project activities. Refer to Section 2. Grants.gov Posting Determination.

ABSTRACT

Grants.gov Opportunity Number Project Title Recipient Anticipated Federal Funding Non-Federal Cost Share Total Anticipated Award Amount

Award Instrument

Anticipated Period of Performance

Legal Authority

CFDA # and Title

Single Source Justification Criteria

National Park Service Point of Contact

PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

STATEMENT OF PUBLIC PURPOSE

Section 1. Project Summary

Task Agreement Cooperative Agreement

Grant Agreement

STATEMENT OF WORK SUMMARY

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES

A. The recipient shall be responsible for the following items under this agreement:

B. The NPS Responsibilities:

A task agreement is proposed;

A cooperative agreement is proposed;

therefore substantial involvement by NPS is anticipated during the period of performance of this agreement. In support of this agreement NPS will:

A grant agreement is proposed, therefore no substantial involvement on the part of the NPS is anticipated for the successful completion of the statement of work. It is anticipated that involvement will be limited to actions related to monitoring project performance and technical assistance at the request of the recipient.

Section 3. Single Source Justification

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

SINGLE SOURCE POLICY REQUIREMENTS

National Park Service Policy FAP&P 1443-2015-06 requires a written justification which explains why competition is not practicable. The justification must address one of the following criteria.

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, 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:

Task Agreement issued under previously competed or single source master cooperative agreement per Section 2 above. Single Source Justification not applicable.

Continuation

Unique Qualifications

Unsolicited Proposal

Legislative Intent

Explanation of the proposed recipient’s qualifications or the criteria of the proposed project which requires use of the single source criteria cited.

Section 2. Grants.gov Posting Determination

Emergency

The National Park Service intends to award a task agreement under a previously competed or single source justified award.

The National Park Service intends to award a single source justified cooperative agreement. Refer to Section 3 Single Source Justification.

The National Park Service intends to award a single source justified grant agreement. Refer to Section 3 Single Source Justification.

Section 4. Department of the Interior Secretary’s Priorities

This award will support the following DOI Secretary priority(ies):

Other Key Initiatives:

Employment of veterans.

Supporting DOI Infrastructure needs.

Creating jobs in the American economy.

Access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Priority 1: Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt Utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment.

Examine land use planning process and land use designations that govern public use and access.

Revise and streamline the environmental and regulatory review process while maintaining environmental standards.

Review DOI water storage, transportation, and distribution systems to identify opportunities to resolve conflicts and expand capacity.

Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.

Identify and implement initiatives to expand access to DOI lands for hunting and fishing.

Shift the balance towards providing greater public access to public lands over restrictions to access.

Priority 2: Utilizing our natural resources Ensure American energy is available to meet our security and economic needs.

Ensure access to mineral resources, especially the critical and rare earth minerals.

Refocus timber programs to embrace the entire 'healthy forests' lifecycle.

Manage competition for grazing resources.

Priority 3: Restoring trust with local communities Be a better neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands.

Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

Priority 4: Ensuring sovereignty means something Support tribal self-determination, self-governance, and sovereignty.

Solidify mutual interests between the U.S. and the freely associated states and territories.

Priority 5: Generating additional revenues to support DOI & National interests Ensure that the public receives the full market value for the natural resources produced on Federal lands.

Ensure that fees or costs levied for DOI services are reasonable and targeted to achieve cost recovery.

Consider the impact of DOI decisions on economic development and job creation.

Priority 6: Protecting our people and the border Actively support efforts to secure our southern border.

Ensure DOI law enforcement staffing addresses public safety risks anticipated on DOI land.

Promote a "public service" demeanor within our law enforcement community.

Priority 7: Striking a regulatory balance

Reduce the administrative and regulatory burden imposed on U.S.

industry and the public.

Ensure that Endangered Species Act decisions are based on strong science and thorough analysis.

Priority 8: Modernizing our infrastructure Support the White House Public/Private Partnership Initiative to modernize U.S. infrastructure.

Remove impediments to infrastructure development and facilitate private sector efforts to construct infrastructure projects serving American needs.

Prioritize DOI infrastructure needs to highlight:

1. Construction of infrastructure;

2. Cyclical maintenance;

3. Deferred maintenance.

Senior executives are expected to provide leadership in achieving goals of the President and the Secretary.

The Management Team is expected to:

1. Ensure cost-effective operations and quality service to the public;

2. Facilitate organizational cooperation and conflict resolution;

3. Ensure the workplace environment is conducive to employee productivity and safety;

4. Hold individuals accountable for actions that violate DOI policies and requirements.

Priority 10: Achieving our goals and leading our team forward

The proposed project does not support any of the DOI Secretary priorities, but the project is being funded for the following reasons:

Priority 9: Reorganizing for the next 100 years

Improve alignment and integration of the DOI organizational structure. Redistribute organizational resources (people and funding) to enhance mission achievement and improved public service.

Improve organizational alignment with Executive Branch counterparts with major land management assets or influence.

215-597-5949 Goals: The goals of the project are to build on the success of the first Cooperative Agreement which established the partnership with the New York City Department of Education at Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School. The goals of the new agreement are to enhance and expand work, learning and recreational opportunities at NPS sites; seek to involve Veterans in deferred maintenance projects as youth crew leaders; provide professional development for NPS staff to lead projects; and expand employment opportunities for graduates of the Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School.

The expected objectives for this project are for the NPS, Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School, and New York City Department Of Education to: collaborate on the implementation of the Career Technical Education trade curriculum toward the goal of supporting successful transitions to postsecondary education and employment; identify work projects and define and implement a sequence of progressive work-based learning experiences; coordinate student involvement in the preservation work; introduce teachers and students to the resources of the NPS and other preservation organizations; engage other preservation organizations in partnership activities; support the Secretary of the Interior’s Priorities and Key Initiatives focusing on infrastructure, youth employment, and access to parks and New York City’s Mayor’s goal to expand Career Technical Education opportunities; and foster appreciation of historic sites and special places in the community.

1. Staff and manage the Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School.

Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School is a New York City Department of Education public school, and as such, must follow all policies and procedures outlined in the Chancellor's Regulations. In particular, the principal of the school is responsible for day-to-day decisions regarding the operation and management of the school. The principal is the instructional leader of the school and, as such, is mindful of the overall goals and principles of the school's model.

2. Provide adequate space for Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School in a New York City Department of Education building shared by other school(s) or as a standalone facility. Space shall be allocated according to New York City Department of Education policy. All decisions and responsibilities regarding the physical plant of the school and general operations are administered by the New York City Department of Education. New York City Department of Education and Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School will work with NPS to address specific needs (e.g. labs, workshops, equipment, etc.) in order for the school to have a successful Career Technical Education program as outlined and supported by NPS.

3. Provide basic operations for the school using New York City Department of Education's Fair Student Funding formula and other funding dollars that may be available to Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School.

4. Support opportunities for students to learn workplace skills in authentic workplace settings. Students will have the opportunity to participate in internships, job shadows and other work experiences in New York City's five boroughs. These will be identified by NPS, the school's Advisory Board members and other industry partners who will also help to secure them and/or provide the opportunities directly.

5. Meet regularly with the NPS liaison to support the development of student activities and projects, professional development, student and teacher recruitment, mentorship program, job shadowing, internship programs, guest speaker programs and other programs to be developed

The Recipient and NPS, jointly, agree to:

1. Work together to identify funding for costs that are in excess of the New York City typical high school, and collaborate to secure sources for potential funding in accordance with NPS and New York City Department of Education policy. NPS, as a federal agency, is prohibited from engaging in fundraising. Some of these costs may be related to such programs (and related staffing needs) as mentoring, Summer Bridge, and industry-related experiences and activities.

2. Work jointly on the development and implementation of the school curriculum in collaboration with other partners.

3. Establish an Advisory Board. The parties agree that the obligations of the members of the Advisory Board should include advising the parties concerning the development of the career and technical education curriculum and work based projects to ensure that they reflect the current and projected industry expectations and certifications, so that students graduate ready to enter the job market or related postsecondary studies.

4. Marketing material will go through a joint approval process. Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School, New York City Department of Education and NPS will have approval rights on all branding and publicity for the school that the Advisory Board and other industry partners develop and/or implement externally.

Sub Involv: 1. Provide a liaison to Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School who will coordinate planning, communication, and fulfillment of the NPS activities.

2. Help determine the resources needed to support a top-notch Career Technical Education scope and sequence that reflects best practices within the field, and develop and implement strategies to secure these resources.

3. Work closely with the Principal of Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School and the school staff to provide guidance and support to develop and improve the in-classroom and out-of-classroom experiences of students, as they relate to the building trades and landscaping fields within an historic preservation and conservation lens.

4. Support the creation, and subsequent execution, of out-of-classroom work-based learning experiences such as (but not limited to): mentorship program, job shadowing, internship programs, guest speaker programs and other programs to be developed. NPS and other partner organizations would host these programs which would provide students with extraordinary access to park and partner sites.

5. Provide NPS staff to serve as guest lecturers, visiting artisans, workshop facilitators, and prospective school faculty.

6. Provide guidance and expert advice to the principal on the hiring of teaching staff from the preservation industry as well as staff to further establish partnerships, internships, mentoring, and other CTE-related activities.

7. Support school leadership in student recruitment and press outreach.

8. Meet regularly with the school design and development team to help ensure that curriculum and technology are aligned to industry standards.

9. Facilitate the school Advisory Board in collaboration with school leadership, Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School, and New York City Department of Education staff. Identify key preservation industry person(s) who will play a consistent role at Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School, ensuring that course programming, internships and other activities are well aligned to industry standards and meaningful postsecondary pathways.

10. Work with Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School and New York City Department of Education staff to identify gaps in the school's facilities capabilities and provide guidance on specific needs (e.g. labs, workshops, equipment, etc.) in order for the school to have a successful Career Technical Education program.

11. Support a summer bridge induction event for incoming freshmen each year (e.g. providing space/locale, working jointly with the principal to identify necessary resources).

12. Help organize and/or sponsor activities that enrich students' educational experiences, such as field trips or competitions.

13. Expose students to possible career paths related to the Career Technical Education trades and the field of historic preservation.

14. Support educators' professional development by hosting teachers in summer externships, facilitating professional development sessions during the school year, and responding to instructors' specific questions in formal and informal settings.

17. Provide curricular support for core subject teachers for implementing the trade areas and historic preservation onto their content areas, and to support the curriculum development of the Career Technical Education courses.

19. Along with the Advisory Board, NPS will provide input on the school's branding and will provide logos and press materials as needed and within the regulations of NPS and New York City Department of Education.

20. Provide space for program support, when possible, and in conformance with NPS policy.

21. Allow its employees, volunteers or agents who have direct contact with New York City Department of Education students or work in or visit a location during times that New York City Department of Education students are served there, to be subject to New York City Department of Education’s administered security clearance procedures, including but not limited to New York City Department of Education’s administered fingerprinting.

Justification: With a lack of trades based education in the USA this program provides critical training to prepare a new generation with the skills to preserve the diverse resources of the national park service and within their communities. The Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School is the first accredited Career Technical Education program in Historic Preservation Trades in the nation. The NPS partnership with the New York City Department of Education at Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School leverages and amplifies the efforts of the NPS by utilizing the expertise of New York City educators to make content relevant to New York City youth while integrating NPS sites, themes, stories and ethos into all course work. As the only high school with 8 licensed Career Technical Education teachers providing preservation trades based instruction students gain skills and knowledge that can be applied to park deferred maintenance and resource stewardship projects.

The New York City Department of Education at Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School provides the necessary support for school facility, funding, faculty, administration, curriculum, exchange with other Career Technical Education programs and partners, and parental involvement. The New York City Department of Education is the largest system of public schools in the United States, serving about 1.1 million students in over 1,700 schools. The public school network provides NPS with the greatest ability to impact the most students and to maintain continuity throughout the course of the partnership. The combination of all these factors makes the New York City Department of Education at Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School uniquely qualified to enter into this agreement.