P19AS00514 P19AC00757 NOI.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.

Joshua Tree National Park 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 darren_battles@nps.gov Goals: A. Project Goals –

The purpose of this agreement is to complete project planning and compliance associated with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) at Death Valley National Park (DEVA). The Park’s Resources Management Division; which includes Planning and Compliance, is responsible for coordinating NEPA and Section 106 compliance. The park manages a large volume of historic preservation, routine and deferred maintenance, new construction, and research activities all of which require compliance with NEPA and Section 106. There is a critical need to provide additional support for this work to protect both natural and cultural resources and park management needs. Expediting completion of resource conservation and stewardship projects increases access to popular sites in the park and therefore improves visitor experience.

B. Project Objectives –

This project promotes collaborative conservation activities to complete NEPA and NHPA Section 106 compliance activities. Personnel from GBI and NPS will collaborate together with the Research Associate (RA) on creating meaningful mentoring and training experience. The experience will be in the project planning and compliance tasks associated with requirements of NEPA and NHPA. DEVA has well over 50 projects that require NEPA and Section 106.

This work will directly improve the understanding and management of the parks wide variety of cultural and natural resources and improve visitor experience. This level of work is ideal for an RA to gain Park Service planning and project management experience and directly contribute to the management of Death Valley National Park. Personnel from GBI and NPS will collaborate to:

• Possess an understanding of Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as well as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Native American Graves Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

• Enhance visitor experience at Death Valley National Park by better meeting our infrastructure and maintenance needs including for historic properties.

• Contribute to DOI priorities by:

o Build a meaningful conservation stewardship legacy by expanding public access for sport and recreation opportunities on public lands.

o Support implementation of the John D. Dingle, Jr Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act.

o Collaboratively develop environmental and cultural compliance documentation to complete projects in a timely and efficient manner while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.

• Conduct fieldwork in adverse conditions including working long days in temperatures above 100°F

• Maintain safe working practice in the presence of heavy machinery

• Take detailed notes and author reports upon the completion of projects and prepare documents analyzing environmental impacts

• Take field samples and record species and field conditions to support environmental analyses

• Operate both Garmin and Trimble GPS units

• Download GPS data, maintain your personal data in the park’s geodatabase , and produce maps and figures using ESRI ArcGIS 10.4.1

• Record archeological finds to SHPO specified standards (familiarity with CA DPR forms are a plus)

• Survey over the landscape up to 10 miles each day with equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Photograph natural and cultural resources

• Work with Park staff to develop interpretive programs related to conservation and stewardship of natural and cultural resources.

PP: This project engages GBI and youth participants in shared environmental stewardship. The principle purpose of the project is to provide opportunities for participants to learn about environmental and cultural stewardship and compliance by spending time working on projects in National Parks.

GBI’s Research Associate program recruits qualified professionals – college graduates, graduate students, and experienced professionals – to design and implement field-based environmental management programs and projects. Research Associates (RA) provide technical assistance, research, analysis and data to support the conservation and management of natural and cultural resources in the West. The RA program presents undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, and emgering professionals, with opportunities to begin or enhance their careers in resource management, conservation stewardship, and related fields. Our participants receive significant support for professional development, facilitating experience in field-based conservation, project management, reporting and administration.

This project motivates youth participants to become involved in the discovery and preservation of natural and cultural resources related but not limited to the extensive mining history within Death Valley National Park. Participants will gain “real-world” or hands-on experience outside of a classroom setting. Research associates will have the opportunity to engage with scientists, park administrators, and learn the importance of public outreach and engagement.

Overview: Documenting and protecting prehistoric and historic resources assists the public in a variety of ways to include: assisting with the four step process to comply with the National Historic Preservation act (NHPA) by defining the area of potential effect, analyzing potential impacts to cultural resources, proposing mitigations to avoid impacts, and documenting a path forward which is compliant with the law.

Documenting and protecting natural resources assists the public in a variety of ways to include: analyzing potential impacts to park resources, proposing mitigations to avoid impacts, engaging with the public so that their interested can be incorporated into the project, and documenting a path forward which is compliant with the law.

These tasks would support projects that improve visitor experience by improving access to important historic resources such as mines located throughout the park. This agreement will also help to expedite completion of requirements in the John D. Dingle, Jr Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, as well as addressing compliance for critical infrastructure needs.

• Orient the RA to the park and its resources

• Provide the NPS Mission Statement

• Provide appropriate work space

• Provide training on park safety procedures

• Provide training / access into the NPS Planning Environment Public Comment (PEPC) system

• Mentor and train RA on the implementation of NEPA and Section 106 requirements

2. Appoint Jerry Kier, Executive Director, Terry Christopher, Associate Director, Chris Warner, Director of Development as Key Officials

3. Adhere to park service protocols, regulations, SOP and park specific safety rules.

4. Comply with HSPD-12 requirements, such as submitting information for background investigation.

5. Comply with NPS personal identity verification procedures identified in the award that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24 and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

6. Account for all forms of Government-provided identification issued to the Recipient employees in connection with performance under this award. The Recipient shall return such identification to the issuing agency at the earliest of any of the following, unless otherwise determined by the Government: (a.) When no longer needed for award performance; (b.) Upon completion of the Recipient employee’s employment (c.) Upon award completion or termination

7. The Recipient shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (#), in all subawards/subcontracts when the subawardee/subcontractor’s employees are required to have routine physical access to a Federally-controlled facility and/or routine access to a Federally-controlled information system. It shall be the responsibility of the prime Recipient to return such identification to the issuing agency in accordance with the terms set forth in paragraph (#) of this section, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Awarding Officer.

8. Ensure that any vehicles provided by NPS for use by recipient under this Task Agreement are used only for the performance of work authorized under this Agreement. Measures taken by recipient shall include, without limitation: 1) that any such recipient employee or intern is in possession of a valid State driver’s license; and 2) the establishment and enforcement of suitable penalties for recipient employees or intern that willfully user authorize the use of NPS vehicles for other than official purposes. In addition, recipient agrees to assume any cost or expense incident to any use of such vehicles not related to the performance of this Task Agreement.

9. Under this task agreement, the recipient shall work directly on NEPA and Section 106 compliance for projects in the Abandoned Mining Lands (AML) program and lands added to the park under the John D. Dingle, Jr Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act.