Experienced Services Program

ESP participants provide technical assistance and support to BLM in the development and execution of activities that benefit the general public and provide support to BLM employees. The program will provide opportunities to qualified individuals 55 y

The Experienced Service Program (ESP) is a federal initiative designed to bring the valuable knowledge, skills, and experience of older Americans into the work of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). As the BLM oversees millions of acres of public lands across the United States, it relies on a workforce with deep understanding of natural resources, cultural heritage, recreation management, environmental protection, and more. Over time, many of the people who have shaped this work retire, and with them goes critical institutional knowledge. ESP helps bridge that gap. ESP serves two main groups: 1. Older Americans looking to continue contributing their skills. Under the authority provided to the Department of the Interior, the BLM partners with nonprofit organizations designated by the Secretary of Labor under Title V of the Older Americans Act. These organizations specialize in creating pathways for older adults to remain active in the workforce, share their expertise, and take part in meaningful work that benefits their communities and the nation. 2. BLM programs and offices that need experienced talent. Many BLM programs-such as energy development, cultural and natural resources, recreation, grazing, forestry, and environmental compliance-can benefit from specialized experience. ESP placements help bolster capacity in these offices, especially in areas where retirements have created significant losses in institutional knowledge. Several features set ESP apart from other federal service or workforce programs: 1. A focus on older, highly experienced professionals Unlike many workforce or volunteer programs that target students or early-career individuals, ESP is specifically intended to leverage the talents of older Americans. These participants bring decades of practical knowledge and professional expertise that can be otherwise difficult to replace. 2. Flexible project-based support Assignments through ESP are tailored to match both BLM needs and participant strengths. This flexibility makes ESP highly responsive-projects can receive precisely the level and type of expertise needed without lengthy hiring processes or permanent staffing changes. 3. Partnership-driven model ESP uses a cooperative agreement structure, working through nonprofit organizations that specialize in serving and placing older adults. This model supports efficient recruitment, onboarding, and participant support. 4. Benefits to local communities Many ESP participants live in or near the communities where they serve. Their work supports local economies, strengthens public-land partnerships, and provides opportunities for older adults to remain active and engaged.

This program will provide opportunities to qualified individuals 55 years of age and older who have specific technical skills and abilities not available or underrepresented at current BLM staffing levels. The ESP participants will not replace or displace current BLM employees. Recipients can use the assistance to support employment opportunities for individuals 55 years and older on projects that support the BLM mission.

Agreements with successful applicants will be entered into between 90-120 from notification of potential award. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: After award, funds are distributed to the recipient through ASAP. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Frequency of recipient payments will be determined for each awarded assistance agreement at time of award.

This will be based on individual awarded projects.

First Level Screening -Basic Eligibility. Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Must meet the requirements of the Notice of Funding Opportunity posted on www.grants.gov, screening may include, but is not limited to: Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met; Submission is timely; and complete and properly executed SF-424 application package documents. B. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review. Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation is stated in each Notice of Funding Opportunity noticed post on www.grants.gov Third Level Review Pre-Award Clearance and Approvals. BLM will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations, the Grants Management Officer will evaluate variables such as: Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, financial stability, quality of management systems, past performance meeting prior award terms and conditions, reports and findings of audits performed, and applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory or other requirements.

All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. Final award selection review is made by BLM Leadership.

Award time varies depending on the type and complexity of the project, but should not be more than five years. Further information will be available for each program at the time the Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the point of contact listed in the funding opportunity announcement. Most awards are anticipated within 90 days or less after the announcement closes.

Final award decisions are not subject to appeal. The Bureau of Land Management will provide all applicants with information on why their proposal was not selected for award.