p15as00262-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 (NPS), intention to fund the following project activities without competition.

ABSTRACT

OVERVIEW

The purpose of this agreement is to document the cooperation between the River Management Society and the NPS through which they will complete several projects that advance the tools and resources available for river and water trails managers to improve river recreation management and natural and cultural resource protection.

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Activities supported under this agreement include the planning, development and production of informational and educational resources; planning and organizational support for the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council, the NPS Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, National Water Trails, Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers, and the National River Recreation Database project.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

1. Develop a long term training strategy and coordinate workshops and training and, including but not limited to:

a. Strategy development for the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act with agencies and non-governmental organizations

b. Boise, ID training in May 2016, conjunction with the Society of Outdoor Recreation Planners

2. Provide organizational support and promote the NPS WSR website and PWSR outreach and toolkit projects - newsletter, media

3. Provide organizational support for Interagency WSR website, rivers.gov

4. Support development and dissemination of informational and education tools, including but not limited to:

a. WSR Sec. 7 Transportation Project

b. National River Recreation Database – outreach and technical assistance to expand participation including, but not limited to state protected rivers programs, national water trails, and state water trail programs

c. Other topics, as mutually agreed.

5. Prepare a detailed work plan within one month of the final signature for this agreement.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part of the National Park Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, the National Park Service will:

1. Participate in and support development of a long term training strategy, workshops and training events and strategy development for the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

2. Lead design and development of NPS WSR website and PWSR outreach materials and coordinate on outreach through RMS.

3. Coordinate with IWSRCC to develop materials for rivers.gov

4. Assist in collecting resources and technical guidance and dissemination for the tools and training materials for river managers, including soliciting staff input and review.

5. Provide mentoring opportunities for river conservation professional development interns and exposure to NPS river management efforts.

6. Assist in the development of a work plan for all tasks.

SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

SINGLE SOURCE POLICY REQUIREMENTS

Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) 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, and for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity;

(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:

(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 as described below.

RMS is the only national river organization with both sufficient technical and programmatic breadth and depth and operational nimbleness to respond to specific agency needs.

NPS knowledge of national river organizations and an internet search confirm that there is no other organization that works on the professional development aspects of the combination of river management activities anticipated under this agreement.

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