Questions_Answers_Round 1.docx

Q1. Can you confirm that a budget narrative of the estimated costs should show details such as volunteer stipends, FICA, etc.?

A1. Applicants must provide an estimated cumulative budget for the total project in the proposal for this Cooperative Agreement. The estimated budget must align with the projected scope of work presented in this application.

This estimated budget should include baseline estimates of intern costs, executive salary costs, indirect cost rates and other relevant budget factors. FICA is not required. This is solely an estimated budget for example purposes only and will not be considered a formal budget proposal.

Q2. Can you clarify if all 501(c)(3) organizations, including institutions of higher education, are eligible to apply?

A2. Yes, if the institution of higher education meet the criteria for eligible applicants below:

Eligible Applicants Non-Profit Organizations Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code exempts payment of federal income taxes for charitable, religious, scientific, literary and educational organizations. It is the most commonly used section in the IRS code granting tax exemption. Unless a non- profit corporation files a 501(c)(3) application with the IRS, it will not be exempt from paying federal income taxes..

Q3. For application eligibility, are exceptions made for individuals without a 501(c)(3) status?

A3. No

Q4. See Section E, Criterion 2 (3) - Is it mandatory that the applicant partner with AmeriCorps?

A4. Yes.

Q5. Are National Parks/sites the only parks eligible for participants?

A5. Yes. All projects will be with or at National Park Service sites.

Q6. By “Young Adults” what age group does that mean?

A6. The 52 week-long internship is designed to inspire young adults and veterans (18-35 years old).

Q7. Does the participant have to travel to the national park or site location?

A7. Yes. All travel will be coordinated by and through the recipient.

Q8. Will the recipient be directly involved with NPS staff and the youths?

A8. Yes. NPS anticipates awarding a Master Cooperative Agreement (defined below) under this program announcement. The NPS will be substantially involved in directing the work performed under the resulting award. The level of involvement will be negotiated with the Awardee prior to award of individual task agreement(s). Substantial involvement (described below) consists of collaboration on the project. As part of its standard project management responsibilities, NPS will also conduct periodic reviews and ongoing evaluation of key performance parameters.

Master Cooperative Agreement – A master cooperative agreement is an agreement with a recipient in which more than one project is anticipated. This type of cooperative agreement includes a detailed description of all types of work that can be done under the agreement. The master cooperative agreement will also establish the overarching terms and conditions agreed to by the National Park Service and the recipient and are not funded. Specific projects and funding under a master agreement are identified through task agreements, which are issued under the applicable legal authority documented in the master cooperative agreement. A specific task agreement will always reference, and be subject to, the terms and conditions of the master cooperative agreement.

Substantial involvement may include:

NPS is involved with the recipient in describing the goals, jointly developing the scope and the activities to be accomplished. This must be combined with other substantial involvement, such as providing technical assistance or any of the statements listed below, that goes beyond Federal stewardship responsibilities.

· NPS staff will assist the recipient in selecting projects, providing orientation to park resources, overseeing assignments, teaching new skills, distributing tools and equipment and providing technical assistance and safety training.

· NPS will provide cultural/environmental programs to the team members including park tours, educational programs, talks on the history of the park, and other similar programs in a variety of media and will coordinate among other NPS units in the area to provide joint educational programs and field trips to NPS and other related sites.

· NPS will provide the programmatic structure of the project, provide special interpretive programs, and provide educational elements of the project such as trade skill development and leadership development.

· NPS staff will work together with the recipient to jointly organize and deliver seminars, workshops, and types of training programs for the purpose of promoting historic preservation to non-Government entities, States, Tribes, and local governments and the general public.

Q9. Will all training transpire at the National Park/site?

A9. No. The awardee will work with the NPS to design, plan, implement, lead, deliver and administer expenses for the national CVA program orientation training for CVAs and their site supervisors, which shall be considered a part of the CVAs’ overall service/learning experience. The awardee will also provide continued service-learning/career developmental training opportunities.

Also, awardee shall provide CVAs with a web-based tool kit with initial training, including a national program introduction, CVA roles, responsibilities, and NPS expectations.

Additionally, each NPS site will be responsible for conducting their own site orientation training.

Q10. May I apply for this opportunity for my non-profit organization?

A10. Yes, if the non-profit meets the criteria for an eligible applicant.

Eligible Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax exempt.

Non-Profit Organizations Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code exempts payment of federal income taxes for charitable, religious, scientific, literary and educational organizations. It is the most commonly used section in the IRS code granting tax exemption. Unless a non- profit corporation files a 501(c)(3) application with the IRS, it will not be exempt from paying federal income taxes.

YOU MAY SUBMIT ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS EMAILED TO JANET_KECK@NPS.GOV . THE DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS IS NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 3, 2017.

PROJECTED DATE FOR THE PARK SERVICE TO PROVIDE ANSWERS IS FEBRUARY 8, 2017.