Q&A - 4-1-2021.pdf

Submitted questions and answers for the Notice of Funding Opportunity

Effects of Outdoor Lighting on Natural Resources and Visitor Enjoyment in National Parks -

P21AS00324

Question Answer 1 If we have acquired a letter of support from a park(s), should we include this letter in the application?

Simply stating that you have a letter of support is adequate.

2 Is there a requirement to provide a certain length CV/resume?

The length of the CV is at the discretion of the applicant.

3 Will NPS consider a proposal that is subdivided differently than in the RFP, or does NPS require strict adherence to the two phases that are described in the

RFP?

The Notice suggest two planning phases: 1) partnering and laboratory development and 2) Implementation of experiments.

We will consider applications that subdivide the phases differently. However, it is important that applications cover the entire scope of the project, regardless of phasing.

The NPS understands the uncertainty associated with developing an outdoor lighting lab of this nature in locations that may or may not be fully determined. Once an applicant is selected the NPS will work closely and flexibly with the partner(s) to ensure project goals are achieved.

4 “Mandatory_SF-424B-V1.1.PDF” and “SF424A- V1.0.PDF” are explicitly labeled as being for Non- Construction Programs. Yet, any build-out of a lighting laboratory will include construction. How are applicants expected to budget for construction using the forms provided?

As far as the SF424 forms, "construction" is related to major construction projects at an NPS site (buildings, roads, etc.). In this case, any laboratory related construction would be considered minor and will not require any additional construction assurances/forms.

5 Based on the merit review criteria, we understand that as long as we focus on the four merit-review criteria listed, our proposal will be given full consideration.

The merit-review criteria is what will be used. The NPS is open to

However, based on some of the responses to the Q&A, it seems that other criteria will also come into play. Can you please clarify?

any type of proposal that covers the scope of the project.

6 Section D.2 of the RFP states that the 12-page limit of the proposal text “includes all text, figures, references, and resumes (Forms SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-LLL, and the statement of indirect charges are not counted as part of the 12 page limit)”.

Can you clarify whether other components listed in section D.2 (e.g., the budget narrative, audit reporting statement, and certification regarding lobbying) are excluded from the 12-page limit?

Yes. Those additional forms do not count against the page limit and are excluded.

7 Is the Proposal file format a single PDF submission inclusive of all required submission components including the Technical and Budget? Or is the Technical Proposal a separate file and the Administrative/Budget Proposal another file?

Additionally, for the detailed budget narrative do you require a separate excel attachment?

For efficiency the proposal should be a separate document.

We do not require the budget narrative to be a specific file, but an Excel sheet will suffice.

8 As the RFP indicates the potential for performing the laboratory activity in an existing National Park Location. Does equipment and lighting fixture costs need to be incorporated into the budget for this project or can funds for park improvements be expected from the National Park Service?

Does the budget include the cost of procuring lighting equipment including but not limited to lamps, fixtures, controllers, wiring and the cost of installation of the outdoor lighting lab?

Yes. The equipment and lighting fixtures costs should be included in the budget for this project.

9 Do we have to identify a park unit prior to submitting the proposal? And can you assist with identifying and initiating a discussion with a park unit from our short list as we put our proposal together?

Locations for the lab can be finalized before or after submitting the application.

However, the proposed location(s) should be listed in the proposal, as the site selection is important. Further, we strongly encourage any applicant to at least check-in with any park they hope to partner with.

The NPS may be able to facilitate park contacts once the agreement is in place, but there is no guarantee. The burden of securing a location is incumbent upon the applicant.

It is not necessary that the lab be based in a NPS unit. The preference is for a “natural resource based setting” with “relative natural night with minimal effects of light pollution to allow for full control of the photic environment.”

10 Does NPS have a fixed list of electrical contractors we would be selecting from and working with to install the outdoor lighting lab for our study or would we have to select/suggest one to work with if awarded the grant?

The NPS does not have a list of electrical contractors. This task or a similar task would be the responsibility of the partner.

11 Are there certain areas of the park which would be off-limits for trying/testing our outdoor lab design or our overall study?

This depends on the location of the lab and the partner. For example, on federal lands, lighting would not be allowed in Wilderness areas.

12 Are there any other lighting design-related guidelines or restrictions besides those outlined here:

https://www.nps.gov/dscw/ds-lighting.htm?

We would expect that the existing knowledge/best practices be used in the original outdoor lighting lab design, including but not limited to the identified guidance.

13 Is there a preference for one species over the other (birds, bats, insects etc.) when studying the impacts of outdoor lighting on natural resources?

There are no specific preferences.