p15as00317 noi.docx

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

This Task Agreement focuses on building capacity of and sustaining the National Trails System as we prepare for the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act in 2018.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

1. Work with federal and state agencies and non-profit partners to strengthen programs and processes for trail corridor protection.

2. Develop tools and training opportunities to bring trail administrators and managers and nonprofit partners up to date in the best practices of and variety of options for trail management, visitor use, diversity, and land protection.

3. Create opportunities to engage youth as Trail Apprentices, including, but not limited to, attending workshops, mentorships, internships, participation on boards and/or committees, and in social media networks, blogs and websites.

4. Lead a strategic planning effort to bring PNTS and partners in to the next era of national trail management. Identify specific goals and strategies to gain effective attention to and support of national trails by new partners.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

1. Coordinate with PNTS as appropriate to strengthen programs and processes for trail corridor protection.

2. Develop and present training opportunities to bring trail administrators and managers and nonprofit partners up to date in the best practices of and variety of options for trail management, visitor use, diversity, and land protection.

3. Work with PNTS and other federal agencies to increase the effectiveness and benefit of the Trail Apprentice program and identify opportunities for youth engagement within the NPS that align with the mutually chosen direction.

4. Participate as appropriate in the PNTS strategic planning process.

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:

(2) Continuation: NPS has an existing Cooperative Agreement with the recommended recipient. PNTS is the only national organization focused solely on National Scenic and Historic Trails with both sufficient technical and programmatic breadth and depth and operational nimbleness to respond to specific agency needs.

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