Department of the Interior Grant: Develop and Build Capacity for Groundwork USA Network

This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service���s intention to fund the following project activities without full and open competition.

ABSTRACT
Funding Announcement P15AC00208
Project Title Develop and Build Capacity for Groundwork USA Network
Recipient Groundwork USA
Principle Investigator / Program Manager Anjali Chen
Total Anticipated Award Amount $99,992.03
Cost Share $508.00
New Award or Continuation? Continuation of Cooperative Agreement P15AC10704
Anticipated Length of Agreement From date of final signature until December 30, 2016
Anticipated Period of Performance From date of final signature until December 30, 2016
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 54 USC 101702(a)
CFDA # and Title 15.921 Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited (2) Continuation
NPS Point of Contact June Zastrow 303-987-6718 june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement P15AC10704 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), and Groundwork USA (GW USA) for the purpose of supporting the reuse of Brownfields and other derelict sites for conservation, recreation, economic development, and other community benefit through development of Groundwork Trust Organizations as part of the Groundwork USA Initiative. Brownfields are defined as derelict sites that have been contaminated or perceived to have been contaminated through previous uses of the site. Groundwork USA, the national office of the Groundwork USA network, is a critical component of the Groundwork model. Its mission is to support the development of the existing and new Groundwork Trusts, promote and coordinate the work of the network, access national resources and partnerships to support local projects and programs, and establish and maintain best practices across the network of Groundwork Trusts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and conditions as stated in the Cooperative Agreement will apply to this Task Agreement.

The objectives of this task agreement are:

��� To build the capacity of Groundwork USA to support the development of the Groundwork USA Network, document the work accomplished, and support the reuse of brownfields for parks, recreation and other community benefits.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

GW USA agrees to:

1. That the funds made available through this Agreement will be used to support development of the Groundwork Trusts and provide needed technical assistance, to facilitate networking and sharing of expertise amongst the Trusts, to assess performance of new and existing GW Trusts, to support the outreach to communities interested in applying for the Groundwork Program, to document and report on the accomplishments of the Groundwork USA Network in 2015, and to review and update as needed the existing two-year strategic plan for building the capacity of GW USA.

2. That the funds provided under this Agreement cannot be used for construction documents or construction of specific projects.

3. To assess the potential for developing ���Communities of Practice��� within the Groundwork USA Network that are led by the participating GW Trust organizations, by accomplishing the following tasks:
��� Develop the model for the ���Communities of Practice��� within the Groundwork Network and provide a description of the model and how it would work for the GW Network. Identify potential project and program areas that the ���Communities of Practice��� would focus on including, but not limited to, Brownfields, Green Infrastructure, Climate Change and Healthy Communities;
��� Work with interested GW Trusts to assess the feasibility of implementing one or more ���Communities of Practice���;
��� If feasible, initiate development of a Brownfields ���Community of Practice��� and support GW Trust led efforts to plan activities for the ���Community of Practice���, share expertise, and develop projects involving multiple GW Trusts.

4. To assess performance of new Groundwork Trusts and GW Trusts undergoing significant transition by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Plan and organize a GW Trust Operations First Year Review with GW Jacksonville and GW Indianapolis , which were established in 2015, based on the previously developed One-Year Operations Review process;
��� Plan and organize GW Trust Operations Transition Reviews with Groundwork Milwaukee and Groundwork Elizabeth, based on the previously developed One-Year Operations Review process;
��� Document the findings and recommendations from the Operations Reviews. Provide the report to the Groundwork Trusts, with copies to NPS;
��� Engage the Groundwork Trust Board and Executive Director in discussion about the findings and recommendations and follow up those discussions within six (6) months to assess progress toward addressing any issues raised through the review process.

5. To undertake Peer Planning and Review (PAR) at two (2) GW Trusts ��� Groundwork San Diego and Groundwork Richmond CA ��� based on the process and format previously developed by NPS and Groundwork USA by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Initiate PAR planning with each Groundwork Trust;
��� Convene the PAR team and organize the PAR for the selected GW Trusts;
��� Complete the PAR site visit and document findings in a PAR Report for each of the GW Trusts;
��� Complete follow-up as needed to assess how the PAR recommendations are being implemented by each of the GW Trusts.

6. To support development of new Groundwork Trusts and provide them guidance by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Monitor and provide assistance to the recently established Groundwork Trusts as they work to achieve the development benchmarks established by GW USA for the Network;
��� Participate in Board Development and Executive Director hiring;
��� Provide templates for incorporation, by-laws and 501c3 documentation, websites and outreach materials and assist new GW Trusts with using these materials as needed;
��� Provide new Groundwork Trusts with orientation and training materials on establishing their GW Trusts and developing the national programs of the GW USA network, such as the Green Team Youth Environmental Service Learning Program.

7. To identify and select four (4) to six (6) Groundwork Trusts which are working to build their capacity and/or overcome challenges to their development that could benefit from ongoing technical assistance from GW USA. Develop a plan with each of the selected Trusts on the type of assistance and duration. Assistance could include, but is not limited to, staff and Board coaching, quarterly check-in calls, project and program technical assistance and other types of support.

8. To provide networking and training opportunities for the Groundwork network and improve information sharing across the network, by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Organize and host monthly networking and information sharing conference calls for Trust Executive Directors;
��� Organize and provide webinars to the Groundwork network on organizational development, and project and program development and implementation;
��� Update the Groundwork USA website and intranet to be more effective communications and information-sharing tools for the Groundwork Network and to provide interested communities and partners information on the Groundwork USA Network and its projects and programs as they consider applying for Groundwork USA Pilot Funding and Technical Assistance.

9. To participate in NPS led evaluation process of new communities applying for Groundwork USA Pilot Funding and Technical Assistance by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Provide information about the Groundwork USA Network to up to ten (10) interested communities in electronic format;
��� Participate in a conference call with each of them to answer their questions about the GW USA Network and gather information from them as part of the NPS evaluation process;
��� Participate in site visits to up to six (6) of the final communities selected by NPS to submit final proposals for Groundwork USA Pilot Funding and Technical Assistance, as part of the NPS led evaluation process;
��� Participate in the NPS led Proposal Review Committee and provide NPS with an evaluation of each proposal in accordance with NPS guidelines.

10. To document and report on the accomplishments of the Groundwork USA Network in 2015 by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Compile the 2015 Groundwork USA Network Performance Measures;
��� Develop a template to provide an annual overview of GW Network accomplishments for each of the network���s primary program areas ��� Brownfields, Urban Waters, Youth and Healthy Communities. Each program overview would be 2 ��� 4 pages and would include, but is not limited to, a description of the program, representative GW Trust projects, pictures and quotes from project participants, and excerpts from the Performance Measures of the numbers that are relevant to the particular program area;
��� Produce the program overviews in print and electronic formats for distribution to NPS, EPA and other key partners as part of Groundwork USA���s annual report on the work of the Groundwork Network.

11. To plan and organize a Groundwork USA staff and Board retreat to assess progress toward the goals and objectives of the 2015 ��� 2017 GW USA Strategic Plan and develop recommendations for refining the Strategic Plan based on current conditions.

12. To document all funding, in-kind services, volunteer hours and materials leveraged by Groundwork USA to complete the above tasks.

13. To submit quarterly narrative reports to the National Park Service documenting the work completed on the tasks outlined above and required financial reports, in accordance with NPS requirements.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part the National Park Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, the National Park Service will be responsible for the following:

1. That the funds made available through this Agreement will be used to support development of the Groundwork Trusts and provide needed technical assistance, to facilitate networking and sharing of expertise amongst the GW Trusts, to assess performance of new and existing GW Trusts, to support the outreach to communities interested in applying for the Groundwork Program, to document and report on the accomplishments of the Groundwork USA Network in 2015, and to review and update as needed the existing two-year strategic plan for building the capacity of GW USA.
2. To support GW USA with the funding from this Agreement.
3. To participate in the work of Groundwork USA to assess and respond to the needs of Groundwork Trusts facing significant organizational issues, assess performance of new and existing GW Trusts, to lead the outreach to new communities interested in applying for the Groundwork Programs, and to review progress on achieving the goals of the GW USA 2015 ��� 2017 Strategic Plan.
4. To provide staff support and technical assistance through the Rivers & Trails Program to complete the work of this agreement.

SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
SINGLE SOURCE POLICY REQUIREMENTS
Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) requires a written justification which explains why competition is not practicable for each single-source award. The justification must address one or more of the following criteria as well as discussion of the program legislative history, unique capabilities of the proposed recipient, and cost-sharing contribution offered by the proposed recipient, as applicable.

In order for an assistance award to be made without competition, the award must satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
(1) Unsolicited Proposal ��� The proposed award is the result of an unsolicited assistance application which represents a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach which is not the subject of a current or planned contract or assistance award, but which is deemed advantageous to the program objectives;
(2) Continuation ��� The activity to be funded is necessary to the satisfactory completion of, or is a continuation of an activity presently being funded, and for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity;
(3) Legislative intent ��� The language in the applicable authorizing legislation or legislative history clearly indicates Congress��� intent to restrict the award to a particular recipient of purpose;
(4) Unique Qualifications ��� The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications;
(5) Emergencies ��� Program/award where there is insufficient time available (due to a compelling and unusual urgency, or substantial danger to health or safety) for adequate competitive procedures to be followed.

The National Park Service did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:

(2) CONTINUATION

SINGLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION DESCRIPTION:

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD
This is a Task Agreement (P15AC01234) under Cooperative Agreement (P15AC10704) in the amount of $99,992.03 with a period of performance from date of award until 12/30/2016.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

54 USC �� 101702(a) authorizes the NPS to enter into cooperative agreements that involve the transfer of NPS appropriated funds to state, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations for the public purpose of carrying out National Park Service programs.

16 U.S.C. 460.1-1(d) of the Outdoor Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical assistance and advice, and to cooperate with States, political subdivisions, and private interests, including nonprofit organizations, with respect to outdoor recreation.

This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service���s intention to fund the following project activities without full and open competition.

ABSTRACT
Funding Announcement P15AC00208
Project Title Develop and Build Capacity for Groundwork USA Network
Recipient Groundwork USA
Principle Investigator / Program Manager Anjali Chen
Total Anticipated Award Amount $99,992.03
Cost Share $508.00
New Award or Continuation? Continuation of Cooperative Agreement P15AC10704
Anticipated Length of Agreement From date of final signature until December 30, 2016
Anticipated Period of Performance From date of final signature until December 30, 2016
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 54 USC 101702(a)
CFDA # and Title 15.921 Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited (2) Continuation
NPS Point of Contact June Zastrow 303-987-6718 june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement P15AC10704 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), and Groundwork USA (GW USA) for the purpose of supporting the reuse of Brownfields and other derelict sites for conservation, recreation, economic development, and other community benefit through development of Groundwork Trust Organizations as part of the Groundwork USA Initiative. Brownfields are defined as derelict sites that have been contaminated or perceived to have been contaminated through previous uses of the site. Groundwork USA, the national office of the Groundwork USA network, is a critical component of the Groundwork model. Its mission is to support the development of the existing and new Groundwork Trusts, promote and coordinate the work of the network, access national resources and partnerships to support local projects and programs, and establish and maintain best practices across the network of Groundwork Trusts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and conditions as stated in the Cooperative Agreement will apply to this Task Agreement.

The objectives of this task agreement are:

��� To build the capacity of Groundwork USA to support the development of the Groundwork USA Network, document the work accomplished, and support the reuse of brownfields for parks, recreation and other community benefits.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

GW USA agrees to:

1. That the funds made available through this Agreement will be used to support development of the Groundwork Trusts and provide needed technical assistance, to facilitate networking and sharing of expertise amongst the Trusts, to assess performance of new and existing GW Trusts, to support the outreach to communities interested in applying for the Groundwork Program, to document and report on the accomplishments of the Groundwork USA Network in 2015, and to review and update as needed the existing two-year strategic plan for building the capacity of GW USA.

2. That the funds provided under this Agreement cannot be used for construction documents or construction of specific projects.

3. To assess the potential for developing ���Communities of Practice��� within the Groundwork USA Network that are led by the participating GW Trust organizations, by accomplishing the following tasks:
��� Develop the model for the ���Communities of Practice��� within the Groundwork Network and provide a description of the model and how it would work for the GW Network. Identify potential project and program areas that the ���Communities of Practice��� would focus on including, but not limited to, Brownfields, Green Infrastructure, Climate Change and Healthy Communities;
��� Work with interested GW Trusts to assess the feasibility of implementing one or more ���Communities of Practice���;
��� If feasible, initiate development of a Brownfields ���Community of Practice��� and support GW Trust led efforts to plan activities for the ���Community of Practice���, share expertise, and develop projects involving multiple GW Trusts.

4. To assess performance of new Groundwork Trusts and GW Trusts undergoing significant transition by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Plan and organize a GW Trust Operations First Year Review with GW Jacksonville and GW Indianapolis , which were established in 2015, based on the previously developed One-Year Operations Review process;
��� Plan and organize GW Trust Operations Transition Reviews with Groundwork Milwaukee and Groundwork Elizabeth, based on the previously developed One-Year Operations Review process;
��� Document the findings and recommendations from the Operations Reviews. Provide the report to the Groundwork Trusts, with copies to NPS;
��� Engage the Groundwork Trust Board and Executive Director in discussion about the findings and recommendations and follow up those discussions within six (6) months to assess progress toward addressing any issues raised through the review process.

5. To undertake Peer Planning and Review (PAR) at two (2) GW Trusts ��� Groundwork San Diego and Groundwork Richmond CA ��� based on the process and format previously developed by NPS and Groundwork USA by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Initiate PAR planning with each Groundwork Trust;
��� Convene the PAR team and organize the PAR for the selected GW Trusts;
��� Complete the PAR site visit and document findings in a PAR Report for each of the GW Trusts;
��� Complete follow-up as needed to assess how the PAR recommendations are being implemented by each of the GW Trusts.

6. To support development of new Groundwork Trusts and provide them guidance by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Monitor and provide assistance to the recently established Groundwork Trusts as they work to achieve the development benchmarks established by GW USA for the Network;
��� Participate in Board Development and Executive Director hiring;
��� Provide templates for incorporation, by-laws and 501c3 documentation, websites and outreach materials and assist new GW Trusts with using these materials as needed;
��� Provide new Groundwork Trusts with orientation and training materials on establishing their GW Trusts and developing the national programs of the GW USA network, such as the Green Team Youth Environmental Service Learning Program.

7. To identify and select four (4) to six (6) Groundwork Trusts which are working to build their capacity and/or overcome challenges to their development that could benefit from ongoing technical assistance from GW USA. Develop a plan with each of the selected Trusts on the type of assistance and duration. Assistance could include, but is not limited to, staff and Board coaching, quarterly check-in calls, project and program technical assistance and other types of support.

8. To provide networking and training opportunities for the Groundwork network and improve information sharing across the network, by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Organize and host monthly networking and information sharing conference calls for Trust Executive Directors;
��� Organize and provide webinars to the Groundwork network on organizational development, and project and program development and implementation;
��� Update the Groundwork USA website and intranet to be more effective communications and information-sharing tools for the Groundwork Network and to provide interested communities and partners information on the Groundwork USA Network and its projects and programs as they consider applying for Groundwork USA Pilot Funding and Technical Assistance.

9. To participate in NPS led evaluation process of new communities applying for Groundwork USA Pilot Funding and Technical Assistance by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Provide information about the Groundwork USA Network to up to ten (10) interested communities in electronic format;
��� Participate in a conference call with each of them to answer their questions about the GW USA Network and gather information from them as part of the NPS evaluation process;
��� Participate in site visits to up to six (6) of the final communities selected by NPS to submit final proposals for Groundwork USA Pilot Funding and Technical Assistance, as part of the NPS led evaluation process;
��� Participate in the NPS led Proposal Review Committee and provide NPS with an evaluation of each proposal in accordance with NPS guidelines.

10. To document and report on the accomplishments of the Groundwork USA Network in 2015 by accomplishing the following tasks:

��� Compile the 2015 Groundwork USA Network Performance Measures;
��� Develop a template to provide an annual overview of GW Network accomplishments for each of the network���s primary program areas ��� Brownfields, Urban Waters, Youth and Healthy Communities. Each program overview would be 2 ��� 4 pages and would include, but is not limited to, a description of the program, representative GW Trust projects, pictures and quotes from project participants, and excerpts from the Performance Measures of the numbers that are relevant to the particular program area;
��� Produce the program overviews in print and electronic formats for distribution to NPS, EPA and other key partners as part of Groundwork USA���s annual report on the work of the Groundwork Network.

11. To plan and organize a Groundwork USA staff and Board retreat to assess progress toward the goals and objectives of the 2015 ��� 2017 GW USA Strategic Plan and develop recommendations for refining the Strategic Plan based on current conditions.

12. To document all funding, in-kind services, volunteer hours and materials leveraged by Groundwork USA to complete the above tasks.

13. To submit quarterly narrative reports to the National Park Service documenting the work completed on the tasks outlined above and required financial reports, in accordance with NPS requirements.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part the National Park Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, the National Park Service will be responsible for the following:

1. That the funds made available through this Agreement will be used to support development of the Groundwork Trusts and provide needed technical assistance, to facilitate networking and sharing of expertise amongst the GW Trusts, to assess performance of new and existing GW Trusts, to support the outreach to communities interested in applying for the Groundwork Program, to document and report on the accomplishments of the Groundwork USA Network in 2015, and to review and update as needed the existing two-year strategic plan for building the capacity of GW USA.
2. To support GW USA with the funding from this Agreement.
3. To participate in the work of Groundwork USA to assess and respond to the needs of Groundwork Trusts facing significant organizational issues, assess performance of new and existing GW Trusts, to lead the outreach to new communities interested in applying for the Groundwork Programs, and to review progress on achieving the goals of the GW USA 2015 ��� 2017 Strategic Plan.
4. To provide staff support and technical assistance through the Rivers & Trails Program to complete the work of this agreement.

SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
SINGLE SOURCE POLICY REQUIREMENTS
Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) requires a written justification which explains why competition is not practicable for each single-source award. The justification must address one or more of the following criteria as well as discussion of the program legislative history, unique capabilities of the proposed recipient, and cost-sharing contribution offered by the proposed recipient, as applicable.

In order for an assistance award to be made without competition, the award must satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
(1) Unsolicited Proposal ��� The proposed award is the result of an unsolicited assistance application which represents a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach which is not the subject of a current or planned contract or assistance award, but which is deemed advantageous to the program objectives;
(2) Continuation ��� The activity to be funded is necessary to the satisfactory completion of, or is a continuation of an activity presently being funded, and for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity;
(3) Legislative intent ��� The language in the applicable authorizing legislation or legislative history clearly indicates Congress��� intent to restrict the award to a particular recipient of purpose;
(4) Unique Qualifications ��� The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications;
(5) Emergencies ��� Program/award where there is insufficient time available (due to a compelling and unusual urgency, or substantial danger to health or safety) for adequate competitive procedures to be followed.

The National Park Service did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:

(2) CONTINUATION

SINGLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION DESCRIPTION:

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD
This is a Task Agreement (P15AC01234) under Cooperative Agreement (P15AC10704) in the amount of $99,992.03 with a period of performance from date of award until 12/30/2016.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

54 USC �� 101702(a) authorizes the NPS to enter into cooperative agreements that involve the transfer of NPS appropriated funds to state, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations for the public purpose of carrying out National Park Service programs.

16 U.S.C. 460.1-1(d) of the Outdoor Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical assistance and advice, and to cooperate with States, political subdivisions, and private interests, including nonprofit organizations, with respect to outdoor recreation.