Department of the Interior Grant for Project & Program Development in New Orleans

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 P14AS00071
Project Title Project & Program Development New Orleans, LA
Recipient Groundworks New Orleans
Principle Investigator / Program Manager Alicia Neal
Total Anticipated Award Amount $34,998.19
Cost Share none
New Award or Continuation? Continuation of Cooperative Agreement P12PA30189
Anticipated Length of Agreement From Date of award until 3/30/2015
Anticipated Period of Performance From Date of award until 3/30/2015
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 16 USC 1(g)
CFDA # and Title 15.921 Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited (2) Continuation
NPS Point of Contact June Zastrow june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement P12PA30189 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, (NPS), and Groundwork New Orleans (GW NOLA) to support the reuse of Brownfields and other derelict sites for conservation, recreation, economic development, and other community benefits through development of GW NOLA as part of the Groundwork USA Initiative and to engage communities impacted by those issues in improving their environment. Brownfields are defined as derelict sites that have been contaminated or perceived to have been contaminated through previous uses of the site. 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 expand and develop GW NOLA projects focused on the reuse of vacant and derelict sites into green spaces for community benefit and improvement.
¿ To expand and develop GWNOLA projects focused on conservation and restoration of the Mississippi River and tributaries in the New Orleans area.
¿ To expand the GW NOLA Green Team by developing a more structured curriculum.
¿ To build capacity of GW NOLA to manage diverse projects and programs and prepare materials for the Groundwork USA Operational Review.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

A. Groundwork New Orleans agrees:

1. That the funds made available through this Task Agreement will be used to support the development of GW NOLA and its projects and programs, including organizational development, community engagement, youth engagement, reuse of vacant and derelict sites for community green space, and expansion of water quality and storm water management activities. Groundwork will work in partnership with the City of New Orleans and other public, private and non- profit partners in accordance with the Groundwork model.

2. That GW NOLA will work to improve the quality-of-life through the transformation and reuse of brownfields and other derelict sites for conservation, recreation, economic development and other environmental improvements and community benefits in New Orleans.

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

4. To undertake the planning and development activities to engage GW NOLA in the clean-up and reuse of brownfields, underutilized sites and derelict lands for community benefit, including conservation, recreation and economic development, by accomplishing the following tasks:

a) Research and explore partnering with New Orleans Redevelopment Authority to create more brownfield to green space projects through the city¿s Alternative Land Use Program for more neighborhoods in the city, by utilizing vacant and derelict sites, based on GW NOLAs work in the Lower 9th Ward at its Earth Lab site.

b) Research and expansion of green technologies, soil remediation and alternate land uses for derelict sites by piloting low impact development strategies at the GW NOLA Earth Lab. Develop materials documenting these strategies to inform the city and community members on alternative clean up and reuse strategies.

c) Involve the community and youth in planning and redevelopment of selected derelict lands, underutilized sites and brownfields for community benefit.

5. To undertake the planning and development activities to engage GW NOLA in the conservation and restoration of the Mississippi River and tributaries in the New Orleans area, by accomplishing the following tasks:

a) Continue improvements at the Green Slice green infrastructure pilot project in the Lower 9th Ward community and research the impact it is having on the watershed and the surrounding community. Identify opportunities to enhance and expand the Green Slice program to other sites and areas in the city.
b) Develop a watershed education program in order to engage youth and residents in watershed improvements and storm water management best practices.
c) Engage youth and community members in the planning, development, and stewardship of the Green Slice pilot project in the Lower 9th Ward and develop materials to educate the community about the conservation and stewardship of the urban watersheds in New Orleans.

6. To implement expansion of the Groundwork New Orleans Green Team into a structured, curriculum based environmental service learning and job training program which engages and educates youth from diverse backgrounds in environmental stewardship, by accomplishing the following tasks:

a) Develop educational program materials such as workbooks, handouts, and lesson plans, in order to reinforce the skills learned while implementing participating in community service projects.
b) Implement developed curriculum at service learning sites to further engage students in learning opportunities around the topics of social and environmental education, job skills training and neighborhood outreach.
c) Train Green Team participants in project planning, implementation and maintenance of existing rain gardens in conjunction with the Oretha Castle Haley Streetscape program.
d) Explore development of a partnership with National Parks in the New Orleans area to engage the Green Teams with the National Park Service in preservation and conservation service learning activities at a National Park.

7. To identify and provide training opportunities for GW NOLA staff and Board of Directors in non-profit management and administration.

8. To build the capacity of GW NOLA to develop and manage diverse projects and programs, by accomplishing the following tasks:

a. Compile project highlights and accomplishments, operational materials and program materials in preparation for the operational review with Groundwork USA.
b. Develop program evaluation methods in order to effectively analyze program outcomes, determine if goals are being met and identify possible programmatic enhancements

9. To leverage additional resources to support the work of GW NOLA to support this effort.

10. To document all funding, in-kind services, volunteer hours, materials and equipment leveraged by GW NOLA for its projects, programs and operations.

11. To maintain a photographic record and list of accomplishments for all projects undertaken by GW NOLA.

12. 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:

B. NPS agrees:

1. That the funding under this Agreement may be used to support the development of GW NOLA and its projects and programs, including organizational development, community engagement, youth engagement, reuse of vacant and derelict sites for community green space, and expansion of water quality and storm water management activities.

2. To participate in the development of GW NOLA and their work to develop projects and programs that meet the needs of the communities they serve in New Orleans, LA.

3. To provide ongoing technical assistance and direction to support and guide the development of GS NOLA and its projects and programs, especially those related to conservation of natural resources and developing and caring for new or improved parks, recreation areas, nature reserves, trail systems and other green space amenities and engaging communities in the reuse of brownfields and derelict lands for these purposes.

4. To link GW NOLA with NPS sites and programs, EPA, the Groundwork USA network to benefit from their expertise as GW NOLA undertakes the work of this task agreement.

5. To provide staff support and direction through the Rivers & Trails Program to assist with the development of GW NOLA and its projects and programs and its Green Team youth service learning program in partnership with National Parks.

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 (P14AC00334) under Cooperative Agreement (P12PA30189) in the amount of $34,998.19 with a period of performance from date of award until 03/30/2015.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

A. 16 U.S.C. § 1g. 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.

B. 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 P14AS00071
Project Title Project & Program Development New Orleans, LA
Recipient Groundworks New Orleans
Principle Investigator / Program Manager Alicia Neal
Total Anticipated Award Amount $34,998.19
Cost Share none
New Award or Continuation? Continuation of Cooperative Agreement P12PA30189
Anticipated Length of Agreement From Date of award until 3/30/2015
Anticipated Period of Performance From Date of award until 3/30/2015
Award Instrument Cooperative Agreement
Statutory Authority 16 USC 1(g)
CFDA # and Title 15.921 Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited (2) Continuation
NPS Point of Contact June Zastrow june_zastrow@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement P12PA30189 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, (NPS), and Groundwork New Orleans (GW NOLA) to support the reuse of Brownfields and other derelict sites for conservation, recreation, economic development, and other community benefits through development of GW NOLA as part of the Groundwork USA Initiative and to engage communities impacted by those issues in improving their environment. Brownfields are defined as derelict sites that have been contaminated or perceived to have been contaminated through previous uses of the site. 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 expand and develop GW NOLA projects focused on the reuse of vacant and derelict sites into green spaces for community benefit and improvement.
¿ To expand and develop GWNOLA projects focused on conservation and restoration of the Mississippi River and tributaries in the New Orleans area.
¿ To expand the GW NOLA Green Team by developing a more structured curriculum.
¿ To build capacity of GW NOLA to manage diverse projects and programs and prepare materials for the Groundwork USA Operational Review.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

A. Groundwork New Orleans agrees:

1. That the funds made available through this Task Agreement will be used to support the development of GW NOLA and its projects and programs, including organizational development, community engagement, youth engagement, reuse of vacant and derelict sites for community green space, and expansion of water quality and storm water management activities. Groundwork will work in partnership with the City of New Orleans and other public, private and non- profit partners in accordance with the Groundwork model.

2. That GW NOLA will work to improve the quality-of-life through the transformation and reuse of brownfields and other derelict sites for conservation, recreation, economic development and other environmental improvements and community benefits in New Orleans.

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

4. To undertake the planning and development activities to engage GW NOLA in the clean-up and reuse of brownfields, underutilized sites and derelict lands for community benefit, including conservation, recreation and economic development, by accomplishing the following tasks:

a) Research and explore partnering with New Orleans Redevelopment Authority to create more brownfield to green space projects through the city¿s Alternative Land Use Program for more neighborhoods in the city, by utilizing vacant and derelict sites, based on GW NOLAs work in the Lower 9th Ward at its Earth Lab site.

b) Research and expansion of green technologies, soil remediation and alternate land uses for derelict sites by piloting low impact development strategies at the GW NOLA Earth Lab. Develop materials documenting these strategies to inform the city and community members on alternative clean up and reuse strategies.

c) Involve the community and youth in planning and redevelopment of selected derelict lands, underutilized sites and brownfields for community benefit.

5. To undertake the planning and development activities to engage GW NOLA in the conservation and restoration of the Mississippi River and tributaries in the New Orleans area, by accomplishing the following tasks:

a) Continue improvements at the Green Slice green infrastructure pilot project in the Lower 9th Ward community and research the impact it is having on the watershed and the surrounding community. Identify opportunities to enhance and expand the Green Slice program to other sites and areas in the city.
b) Develop a watershed education program in order to engage youth and residents in watershed improvements and storm water management best practices.
c) Engage youth and community members in the planning, development, and stewardship of the Green Slice pilot project in the Lower 9th Ward and develop materials to educate the community about the conservation and stewardship of the urban watersheds in New Orleans.

6. To implement expansion of the Groundwork New Orleans Green Team into a structured, curriculum based environmental service learning and job training program which engages and educates youth from diverse backgrounds in environmental stewardship, by accomplishing the following tasks:

a) Develop educational program materials such as workbooks, handouts, and lesson plans, in order to reinforce the skills learned while implementing participating in community service projects.
b) Implement developed curriculum at service learning sites to further engage students in learning opportunities around the topics of social and environmental education, job skills training and neighborhood outreach.
c) Train Green Team participants in project planning, implementation and maintenance of existing rain gardens in conjunction with the Oretha Castle Haley Streetscape program.
d) Explore development of a partnership with National Parks in the New Orleans area to engage the Green Teams with the National Park Service in preservation and conservation service learning activities at a National Park.

7. To identify and provide training opportunities for GW NOLA staff and Board of Directors in non-profit management and administration.

8. To build the capacity of GW NOLA to develop and manage diverse projects and programs, by accomplishing the following tasks:

a. Compile project highlights and accomplishments, operational materials and program materials in preparation for the operational review with Groundwork USA.
b. Develop program evaluation methods in order to effectively analyze program outcomes, determine if goals are being met and identify possible programmatic enhancements

9. To leverage additional resources to support the work of GW NOLA to support this effort.

10. To document all funding, in-kind services, volunteer hours, materials and equipment leveraged by GW NOLA for its projects, programs and operations.

11. To maintain a photographic record and list of accomplishments for all projects undertaken by GW NOLA.

12. 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:

B. NPS agrees:

1. That the funding under this Agreement may be used to support the development of GW NOLA and its projects and programs, including organizational development, community engagement, youth engagement, reuse of vacant and derelict sites for community green space, and expansion of water quality and storm water management activities.

2. To participate in the development of GW NOLA and their work to develop projects and programs that meet the needs of the communities they serve in New Orleans, LA.

3. To provide ongoing technical assistance and direction to support and guide the development of GS NOLA and its projects and programs, especially those related to conservation of natural resources and developing and caring for new or improved parks, recreation areas, nature reserves, trail systems and other green space amenities and engaging communities in the reuse of brownfields and derelict lands for these purposes.

4. To link GW NOLA with NPS sites and programs, EPA, the Groundwork USA network to benefit from their expertise as GW NOLA undertakes the work of this task agreement.

5. To provide staff support and direction through the Rivers & Trails Program to assist with the development of GW NOLA and its projects and programs and its Green Team youth service learning program in partnership with National Parks.

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 (P14AC00334) under Cooperative Agreement (P12PA30189) in the amount of $34,998.19 with a period of performance from date of award until 03/30/2015.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

A. 16 U.S.C. § 1g. 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.

B. 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.