P18AS00018_EBLA_NOTICE OF INTENT.docx

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

Olympic National Park Major Acquisition Buying Office Telephone: 360-565-31114 Email: susan_velie@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

The National Parks and Recreation Act, Public Law 95-625, Section 508 (a) (92 Stat. 3507), November 10, 1978, established the Reserve. The enabling legislation mandated the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), in cooperation with appropriate state and local units of government, to develop a comprehensive plan for the protection, preservation, and interpretation of the Reserve.

In May 1980, a Comprehensive Plan for Ebey’s Landing National Historical reserve was completed through the combined efforts of the NPS, Washington State Parks, Island County, and the Town of Coupeville. This plan was approved by the Secretary and submitted to Congress in accordance with the enabling legislation.

This Agreement reflects the mutual commitment of the NPS and the Recipient to cooperate and collaborate in the management of the Reserve. This cooperation and collaboration extends to planning, land protection, and programs that promote the protection, preservation and appropriate enjoyment of the Reserve’s resources, while recognizing the interests, values and aspirations of the local community.

The public purpose of this Agreement is to assist in the creation, promotion, facilitation, and improvement of the public’s understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreational, and other aspects of areas such as ecological conservation areas, and state and local parks.

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Trust Board for Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve and the National Park Service agrees to share in the administration of resource management, human resources, land protection, partnerships and community planning, maintenance, interpretation, education, and outreach as follows:

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

ADMINISTRATION

1. Carry out management and administrative functions relating to the daily operation of the NPS lands, interests in lands and facilities thereon, as specified in this Agreement.

2. Establish business practices and procedures related to the governance of the Trust Board and staff including payroll, purchasing, contracting, personnel actions, and evaluations, and other general office operations.

3. Maintain Trust Board administrative records, files, reference materials, and the library in keeping with pertinent federal and state requirements.

4. Comply with all DOI Information Technology requirements, including cybersecurity requirements for NPS-owned equipment.

5. Seek other funds or relevant “in-kind” services to match or exceed annual funds provided by the NPS. Appropriate “in-kind” match can include supplies, equipment, or services that further the operation of the Reserve, are consistent with the Reserve’s enabling legislation, and have direct benefit to the Reserve operation. Such “in-kind” support should not be an activity or action that would be considered normal and customary operating expenses incurred by other signatories (Partners) to the Inter-local Agreement. Federal funds cannot be used to match NPS funds.

6. Collaborate with NPS staffs in annual NPS funding requests and related opportunities to facilitate management and operation of the Reserve.

7. Pursue public and private sector grants to accomplish projects and further the Trust Board’s partnership work for the Reserve, including the Ebey’s Forever Fund program.

8. Manage NPS funds transferred to the Reserve for identified operations and management, as well as other non-NPS funds and in-kind services the Trust Board has been provided from the partners to the Interlocal Agreement, and other granting agencies and organizations, in accordance with and subject to the limitations established by the granting authority.

9. Conform to accepted audit standards and policies in the administration of personnel, budget and expenditures, and other management functions.

10. Provide a narrative report highlighting the past year’s efforts and achievements to the NPS no later than October 31 of each calendar year. Submit a final annual budget and work plan by August 31 of each calendar year.

11. Comply with the terms of the Inter-local Agreement.

HUMAN RESOURCES

1. Subject to available funds, hire professional staff to coordinate Reserve and Trust Board activities, and carry out the delegated authorities under this Agreement. The Trust Board will establish appropriate personnel policies including compensation and benefits, work schedules, and performance expectations for Trust Board staff.

2. Provide orientation and training to Trust Board members and Partners on such topics as resource management, interpretation, historic preservation and other subjects relevant to the Reserve.

3. Implement the volunteer program for the Reserve, including the recruitment, training, and placement of volunteers to carry out a variety of reserve programs and functions. Complete the Volunteers In Parks (VIP) annual report to the NPS, with the technical assistance of the NPS staff and retain all VIP forms and records in the Trust Board office.

4. Expend and track VIP funds received from the NPS.

LAND PROTECTION

1. Update and implement the Reserve’s Land Protection Plan and Strategies in collaboration with the NPS. Identify annual land acquisition priorities. Develop related budget requests and funding justifications.

2. Assist NPS in the preparation of conservation easement language in those instances where easement acquisition is the preferred land protection strategy for interests to be acquired with Federal funds.

3. Provide on-site support for appraisers, hazmat contractors, and surveyors involved with federal land acquisition activities.

4. Meet with county planning officials and others to develop partners as deemed necessary in the course of developing the Reserve’s land protection strategy and completing particular acquisitions of land or interests in land.

5. Facilitate land protection measures including purchase of development rights by other individuals and organizations.

6. Manage and administer the scenic easement program on behalf of the NPS in accordance with an approved Easement Administration Management Plan. The Trust Board will report easement violations to the NPS in a timely manner. The Trust Board may request assistance from NPS in interpreting easement violations. Enforcement of easement violations is the responsibility of the NPS.

7. Maintain records of all NPS easements within the Reserve in accordance with NPS Records Management requirements and those recommended by NPS Lands Resource Division.

8. Assist NPS in the preparation of lease and special use permit language, terms and conditions for federal lands administered by the NPS. Assist NPS in the evaluation and selection of proposals submitted in response to lease solicitations and proposed special use permits.

PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMUNITY PLANNING

1. Serve as an advocate for the Reserve, including the protection, preservation and interpretation of its resources. Develop and maintain good community and public relations with partners, agencies, organizations, individuals, and members of the U.S. Congress to further the Reserve purpose.

2. Engage on local land use issues that impact the Reserve both directly and indirectly, and participate in local land use planning processes to ensure the resources of the Reserve are taken into consideration, particularly with regard to Town of Coupeville, Island County, and Washington State Parks activities and planning, and other potential partners. The Trust Board will continuously advocate for appropriate zoning, ordinances, and development regulations, such as Design Review, to accomplish preservation and protection of the Reserve’s resources, as called for in the enabling legislation.

3. Develop partnerships with other organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private landowners for the preservation of open space and the creation of a sustainable agricultural economy in central Whidbey Island.

MAINTENANCE

1. Provide for the routine custodial maintenance and all applicable utility costs for administrative and office space provided to the Trust Board by the NPS.

2. Convey any issues or problems observed with Federal lands administered by the NPS and facilities to the NPS Operations Manager in a timely manner so appropriate steps may be taken to correct deficiencies.

INTERPRETATION/EDUCATION/OUTREACH

1. Develop and implement the Reserve’s Interpretation/Education and Outreach program with NPS providing technical assistance as requested, and subject to availability of funds.

2. Implement the approved Long Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP) for the Reserve with technical support provided by NPS, as requested.

3. Develop interpretive themes and messages consistent with the LRIP and NPS General Management Plan, and identify and produce interpretive and educational materials, brochures, and publications as appropriate, consulting with NPS staff and other partners for technical support as requested. This includes NPS-owned waysides, kiosks, and other NPS interpretive sites.

4. Develop and implement Reserve interpretive and educational programming as funding permits using staff, contractors, interns, or volunteers as deemed appropriate, with technical support provided by NPS as requested.

5. Operate the Jacob Ebey House as a visitor contact station and venue for other educational programming and events.

6. Develop Jacob Ebey House operating policies and procedures in collaboration with NPS.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

ADMINISTRATION

1. Provide annual funding, under task agreements and modifications to this Agreement subject to Congressional appropriations and through customary budgetary procedures, to defray a portion—not to exceed 50%—of the Trust Board’s annual operational costs as determined by the Secretary. Such funding shall be based on the approval in writing of an annual work plan and budget request from the Trust Board.

2. Coordinate the submission of project funding requests under the NPS Service-wide Comprehensive Budget call and other budget exercises used to allocate project funds available to units of the National Park System. NPS will retain the responsibility for programming, accounting, and reporting requirements (unless otherwise noted in this agreement) for funds not transferred to the Trust Board.

3. Establish project scopes of work, priorities, and supporting justification materials in collaboration with the Trust Board for applicable NPS funding sources.

4. Provide connectivity to the NPS information management network, including e-mail communications subject to any limitations set forth by the Department of Interior Information Technology department for compliance with security requirements and general or internal rules for disclosure of confidential material.

5. Distribute NPS and region-wide correspondence, newsletters and news releases, internal program-related publications, reports, and meeting and training announcements to the Reserve Manager.

6. Provide the Trust Board with administrative space and basic office equipment subject to the availability of appropriated funds. NPS provided space and equipment will be calculated as an in-kind contribution toward the 50% share of the Trust Board’s operating costs as authorized under Public Law 95-625.

7. Account for all property purchased with federal funds through the NPS property management system.

8. Participate as a member of the Trust Board. The NPS representative serves at the request of the Pacific West Regional Director or the Regional Director’s assignee, and represents the perspective, policy, and interests of the NPS, providing input to the Trust Board on issues and activities that may impact policy and protection of resources.

9. Represent the Reserve as a member of the NPS North Coast and Cascade Network (NCCN), participate on the network Board of Directors, participate in the administration and functional operation of the NCCN and contribute NPS-owned resources and facilities as appropriate to network projects.

10. Subject to available appropriations, transfer all VIP funding to the Trust Board to support its role in the recruitment, training, and placement of volunteers. Any such transfers shall be calculated as part of the 50% share of the Trust Board’s operating costs as authorized under Public Law 95-625.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

1. Work collaboratively with the Trust Board to carry out an integrated natural and cultural resource management program on federal lands administered by the NPS.

2. Work collaboratively with the Trust Board, adjacent landowners, and other agencies to enhance resource protection and management in the Reserve.

3. Serve as a member of the NPS’s NCCN Inventory and Monitoring Board of Directors. Seek technical assistance from local experts, interest groups, and other interagency professionals regarding resource management concerns in the Reserve, including natural resource inventories, monitoring of natural resource conditions, and informing the public of its findings.

4. Consult with Native American groups and organizations on tribal issues within the Reserve.

5. Manage all NPS-owned collections using staff from the North Cascades NPS Complex curator as the curator of record.

6. Provide technical assistance to the Trust Board as mutually agreed upon in the management, protection, and interpretation of the Reserve, as called for in the enabling legislation.

7. Complete all necessary environmental compliance and permitting for projects and programs for NPS activities in the Reserve, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act, Executive Order 11988 and associated guidelines (Floodplains), Executive Order 11990 and associated guidelines (Wetlands), Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, as amended, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended, and other applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

LAND PROTECTION

1. Acquire land and interests in land funded through the Federal appropriations, donations, or exchange to which the NPS will hold title consistent with the plans for the Reserve. Carry out all related land acquisition program activities, including appraisals, negotiations with landowners, surveys, easement preparation, and mapping. Through exchange or sale, dispose of lands that do not need to be owned in fee for continued protection.

2. Provide technical support to the Trust Board to update and implement the Reserve’s Land Protection Strategy. This plan defines those land interests which need to be protected, and identifies resource protection reasons, the type of protection necessary, and the priority of the acquisition.

3. Execute leases on NPS-owned property pursuant to 36 C.F.R. Part 18.

4. Take appropriate actions in response to violations of easement conditions, upon notification by Trust Board.

MAINTENANCE AND FACILITIES

1. Provide for the general maintenance, preservation, major repairs, and capital improvements of all NPS-owned buildings, structures, sites, and facilities including signing, lighting, and fencing as necessary and deemed appropriate.

2. Provide project management and oversight for all maintenance and construction projects funded and managed by NPS.

3. Collaborate with the Trust Board to establish project priorities for the NPS budget submission on an annual basis.

HUMAN RESOURCES

1. Subject to the availability of appropriated funds, provide technical assistance to the Trust Board as authorized by Public Law 95-625.

2. Provide information to the Trust Board and Reserve staff on relevant and appropriate trainings sponsored by the NPS.

3. Conduct an annual review of the management and operation of NPS acquired lands and facilities administered by the Trust Board, and provide guidance, advice, information, and other technical assistance to the Trust Board as mutually agreed upon.

4. Secure professional staffs and volunteers as needed to facilitate NPS operations.

INTERPRETATION/EDUCATION/OUTREACH

1. Communicate NPS interests, policies and values, and the national significance of the Reserve as a unit of the National Park System to partners, interest groups and the general public.

2. Provide technical assistance and funding, subject to the availability of funds, for the design and installation of wayside exhibits, kiosks, and other related interpretive facilities in the Reserve.

3. Provide technical assistance to implement an annual Interpretation and Education Partner training program.

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:

(3) Legislative Intent - Public Law 95-625 established the Reserve and authorized the Secretary, through the NPS, to:

· Cooperate with appropriate state and local units of government in formulating a Comprehensive Plan for the Reserve;

· Transfer management and administration over acquired lands and interests to the State or appropriate units of local government through an Agreement;

· Provide technical assistance in the management, protection, and interpretation of the Reserve to the State or appropriate units of local government;

· Make periodic grants of up to 50% of the estimated annual coast of operation and maintenance of the Reserve to the State or appropriate units of local government;

· With owner consent, acquire lands and interests necessary to achieve the purpose of Public Law 95-625; and

· Withdraw transferred management and administration of acquired lands and interests from a transferee.