Experienced Services Program

The ESP program provides funding that allows agencies to enter into agreements with non-profit organizations to provide opportunities to qualified individuals 55 years of age and older who have specific technical skills and abilities not available or

The Experienced Services Program is designed to support and augment the capacity of Reclamation to meet its' mission goals and objectives in areas where it lacks sufficient expertise, technical skills and/or capacity. Through the engagement of highly qualified workers in a temporary capacity, Reclamation can in a cost effective and efficient manner meet its strategic and mission goals in managing, developing, and protecting water and related resources and provide necessary administrative support. This program will allow Reclamation to quickly add temporary workers to support to our Federal workforce. This program will in no way displace current employees or substitute future Federal workers.

Private nonprofit organizations designated by the Secretary of Labor under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 to utilize the talents of older Americans in programs authorized by other provisions of law administered by the Secretary and consistent with such provisions of law.

Private non-profit organizations that support career advancement and placement for individuals 55 years of age and older. Individuals 55 years of age and older.

This program will provide opportunities to qualified individuals 55 years of ag and older who have specific technical skills and abilities not available or underrepresented at current Reclamation staff levels. The ESP participants will not replace or displace current Reclamation employees. Recipients can use the assistance to support employment opportunities for individuals 55 years and older on projects that support Reclamation's mission. Documentation demonstrating the organization's proof of establishment under the Secretary of Labor Title V of the Older American Act of 1965.

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.

Proposals received in response to announcements on grants.gov are reviewed on the basis of a competitive, merit based review process, and are rated in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in the announcement. Awards may be made to the highest rated proposals based on the amount of funding available each year.

Further information will be available for each specific project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the Program Manager listed as the point of contact.

Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project.

Projects may be renewed on an annual basis, not to exceed a total of 5 years. If renewals or extensions are applicable to the project, this information will be included in the funding opportunity announcement. When renewals or extensions are applicable, continuation of funding for these activities are at the discretion of Congress and will be subject to availability of appropriated funds.

None. Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, at the request of the applicant, Reclamation will provide the applicant with information on why their proposals were not selected for award.