RAP RFI PPT 11152019 - final2.pdf

Informational Session November 15, 2019

U.S. Forest Service Resource Assistants Program National and Regional Level Cooperator Organizations Request for Information (RFI)

Agenda

RAP Overview Purpose of RFI Eligibility requirements Evaluation criteria Using Grants.gov Contacts Discussion

“To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.”

Forest Service Resource Assistants Program

The USDA Forest Service Resource Assistants Program (FSM 1820) A rigorous and immersive, paid experience for participants interested to launch natural and cultural resource careers U.S. citizens or permanent residents at least 17 years of age Accomplish mission-critical work and improve leadership, critical thinking and strategic communication skills 960 hours, minimum Associate degree, and successful completion required to earn RAP hiring eligibility certificate Preferences for outreach to and engagement of emerging professionals, students and/or graduates, underrepresented populations

The USDA Forest Service Resource Assistants Program (FSM 1820) Engage highly motivated candidates through workforce development experiences under the mentorship and coaching of Forest Service staff Instill stewardship values in the next generation of natural and cultural resource management professionals through career exploration and professional development

Expand and enhance the capacity of the Forest Service to accomplish critical work and high-priority projects

Attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce to support the Forest Service mission to “sustain the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.”

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CHATTAHOOCHEE NF

Purpose

What is the purpose of the Request for Information (RFI)?

Public, transparent announcement with increased awareness of the opportunity to partner

Ensure a wide range of potential applicants to submit application of interest

Gather comparable information for programmatic review and assessment

Identify cooperator candidates to establish an official Forest Service Master Partnership Agreement for national and regional level Cooperators

U. S. Forest Service Resource Assistants Program National and Regional Level

Cooperator Organizations Information (RFI)

USDA-FS-2020-FSRAP

CFDA Number: 10.699

Due Date: December 6, 2019

Eligibility Requirements

Who should respond to the RFI?

Nonprofits, educational institutions, government, tribal organizations/entities, and other entities

Expertise working with diverse populations and networks to support workforce development initiatives

Ability to competitively recruit and outreach to diverse, high-quality candidates for positions

Demonstrated capacity to provide recruitment support and to be accountable for administrative and program support, performance reporting, and record keeping

Budget Item Description Estimated Cost

Living Allowance/Stipend (Minimum 26 weeks) $13,000

Training and Travel Allowance (Minimum) Minimum 5,000 for travel, orientation, and training.

$5,000

Housing Allowance (Maximum) housing allowance from $300 up to $1,500 per month based on the location of their assignment, cost of living, unique situation and need.

$9,000

Daily Commuting Allowance (Maximum) Up to $100.00 per month for documented daily commuting costs

$600

Uniforms/Special Gear (Maximum) Costs incurred for uniforms and other special gear will be covered up to $250 for the full term of service for Cooperator uniforms.

$250

Recruitment (Maximum) Reimburse recruitment costs up to $450 per resource assistant for newly recruited resource assistants.

$450

Health Insurance (Flexible) Must provide health insurance unless the resource assistant opts out in writing.

(Cooperator determined)

Program Support (Flexible) Indirect support costs incurred by the cooperator to effectively deliver agreement goals and objectives.

(Cooperator determined)

Administrative Support (Flexible) Support costs to administer day-to-day activities and manage payments

(Cooperator determined)

Other Benefits and Costs (Flexible) (Cooperator determined)

Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) (Cooperator determined)

RAP Cooperator Agreement

What are cooperator agreement requirements?

Requires a minimum 25 percent match which can be met in full with cash, non-cash, and in-kind contributions

Selection as a RAP cooperator does not guarantee funding and is limited to a period of up to five years

Evaluation Criteria

What are the process and criteria for proposal review?

First Level Screening for Basic Eligibility

• Completed proposal includes required documents and as per formatting guidelines

• Proposals demonstrates prior experience with workforce development, engagement, and diversity outreach

• Must identify national and/or regional interest

Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation (Appendix B)

• Compliance/alignment with evaluation criteria in proposal narrative of application

Evaluation Criteria

What are the process and criteria for proposal review?

Proposal Components

What are the required proposal components?

Organizational mission, culture, values Diverse recruitment and outreach model and outcomes Programmatic and administrative oversight Prior experience and accomplishments in workforce development Experience working with collaborative teams Budget narrative and template with estimated cooperator program and administrative support costs, and indirect cost rate budget template

Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

Using Grants.gov

How do interested organizations submit a proposal through Grants.gov?

Obtain a DUNS Number Register with SAM Create a Grants.gov Account Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles Electronic Signature More information and tips described in

Appendix A

Grants.gov applicants are required to use Workspace to apply online. Package forms must be completed in or downloaded from Workspace.

Contact information Submit your questions to SM.FS.WOVolServ@usda.gov Subject: U. S. Forest Service Resource Assistants Program National and Regional Level Cooperator Organizations Request for Information (RFI) mailto:SM.FS.WOVolServ@usda.gov

Discussion