Department of the Interior: Conservation Interns Grant for Education Projects in Fairbanks, Alaska Public Lands Information Center

ABSTRACT
Funding Announcement P16AC00284
Project Title Conservation Interns for Education Projects at Fairbanks APLIC
Recipient Student Conservation Association
Total Anticipated Award Amount $36,998.38
Cost Share $15,882
Anticipated Length of Agreement 20 weeks
Anticipated Period of Performance May 15, 2016 – October 1, 2016
Award Instrument Task Agreement
Statutory Authority 16 USC 1723 (c)(1)
CFDA # and Title 15.931
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited
Point of Contact James Cato

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement Number P15AC00031 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, (NPS), and Student Conservation Association (SCA) for the purpose of Conservation Projects. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and conditions as stated in the Cooperative Agreement will apply to this Task Agreement.

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Project Title, Project Description; The objective of this Task Agreement is to assist with conservation projects within the Interpretation and Education Program. Two or more weeks of training are provided at the beginning of the season with opportunities for further training throughout the season.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

The intern in this program will learn about public land stewardship and natural and cultural heritage of public lands in Alaska. They will receive training in interpretive practices and gain experience in delivering interpretive and educational programs, delivering park messages, and leading informal interpretive projects. The Intern will provide education to the public regarding the conservation efforts in protecting the cultural and natural resources of public lands. The National Park Service will have assistance with delivering interpretive services.

MAJOR DUTIES
• Presents limited and repetitive pre-established talks including introductions to films, map talks, and static exhibit interpretation.
• Orients visitors to conditions and equipment needs.
• Staffs information counter at the visitor center serving as initial contact for visitors.
• Provides information on a variety of subjects and interprets park values for visitors with varying interests and backgrounds.
• Provides visitors with information on park related activities, services and park themes.
• Operates equipment in the center theatre.
• Assists with visiting groups and education programs at the center.

A. SCA agrees to:

1. To assist with recruitment and selection of selected candidates as Conservation Associates to participate in the work described in the above Scope of Work.

2. To provide living allowance, insurance, and Americorps awards (when applicable)

3. To provide for transportation to and from residence and subsistence during the period of performance.

4. To provide for in-service commercial travel during the project period of performance.

5. Provide 24/7 staffed hotline assistance, site visit, and performance evaluations.

.

B. NPS agrees to:

1. To provide financial assistance in the amount of 36,998.38

2. To provide general orientation to park operations, NPS mission, and safety training.

3. To provide a NPS technical representative, Adia Cotter, to be on-site with the SCA
volunteer to assist with specifics of the project as needed.

4. To provide all necessary equipment and supplies applicable for performing required tasks.

5. To provide funds for housing for the SCA volunteer.

6. A written completion evaluation from Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center per project evaluating the outcome and performance of that project.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

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.

NPS did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria:

This is a task agreement that is being issued under an existing, previously competed cooperative agreement P15AC00031 to Student Conservation Association