Department of the Interior Grant for Teacher Professional Development Workshop

ABSTRACT
Funding Announcement P16AS00036
Project Title Teacher Professional Development Workshop
Recipient Seward Assoc. for the Advancement of Marine Sciences (ASLC)
Total Anticipated Award Amount
Cost Share
Anticipated Length of Agreement 4.5 Years
Anticipated Period of Performance 4/1/2015-12/1/2020
Award Instrument CESU Task Agreement
Statutory Authority 54 USC 100703
CFDA # and Title 15.945, Cooperative Research and Training Programs â¿¿ Resources of the National Park System
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited Continuation â¿¿ 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;

Point of Contact Erica Cordeiro 907-644-3315

OVERVIEW

Alaskan teachers of all grade levels are constantly seeking enriching opportunities to expand their own understanding of science while exploring ways to bring that knowledge into their classrooms. The Alaska SeaLife Center has a unique ability to bring science to life for both teachers and students by sharing our laboratories, researchers, data, and ISE expertise.
In partnership with the OASLC, the Alaska SeaLife Center has conducted annual Fall Teacher Workshops which allow us to facilitate the sharing of information from research conducted both at the ASLC, as well as the research projects being conducted at or in conjunction with the National Park Service. The workshops are a conduit for relaying cutting-edge science from our facilities to classrooms around the state.
The workshop will be conducted in October or November 2016 and will focus on creating emotional connections to park resources through educational experiences with marine fauna. The workshop will draw on expertise with relevant marine mammals and birds, sending educators back to the classroom with a toolkit of activities and resources.

Objectives and methods:
â¿¢ Engage 20-30 teachers in a three-day workshop that includes the sharing of scientific data, exposure to scientific processes, curriculum development, and field trips that explore Kenai Fjords National Park resources. Three of these teachers will be selected by park staff for stipends to attend from their rural areas.
â¿¢ Continue contact after the workshop to share developed curriculum, provide a network opportunity, and expose teachers to education technology.
â¿¢ Measure the impact the workshop content had on teachers and their students, specifically related to curriculum development addressing science and stewardship.
â¿¢ Offer 1-credit of professional develop from UAA.
â¿¢ Create an online community of learners through January 2017 via basecamp.com

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The public purpose of this project is to provide 20-30 K-12 teachers with a work shop to facilitate the sharing of information from marine research conducted both at the Alaska SeaLife Center, as well as pertinent marine research projects being conducted on marine resources around the state.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

ASLC agrees to:

1. Collaboratively undertake a project entitled ⿿Teacher Professional Development Workshop⿝ as described in scope of work.

2. Designate the President and CEO or designee to provide overall program oversight.

3. Coordinate and pay for meals and lodging of teachers locally during the workshop.

4. Collaboratively work with NPS staff to plan times, dates and target grade levels of the workshop.

5. Collaboratively work with NPS staff to determine topics and content of the teacher workshop.

6. Deliver lectures, lead field trips and other lessons on several topics chosen for the workshop.

7. Network with teachers attending the workshop and facilitate an online learning community of learners through the use of basecamp.com.

8. Ensure that target schools with teachers that may be interested in the workshop are informed of the event with sufficient notice.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

B. NPS agrees to:

1. Collaboratively work with ASLC staff to plan times, dates and target grade levels of the workshop.

2. Collaboratively work with NPS staff to determine topics and content of the teacher workshop.

3. Deliver lectures, lead field trips and other lessons on several topics chosen for the workshop.

4. Network with teachers attending the workshop and participate in an online learning community of learners through the use of basecamp.com.

5. Ensure that target schools with teachers that may be interested in the workshop are informed of the event with sufficient notice.

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 â¿¿ 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 â¿¿ 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 â¿¿ The language in the applicable authorizing legislation or legislative history clearly indicates Congressâ¿¿ intent to restrict the award to a particular recipient of purpose;

(4) Unique Qualifications â¿¿ 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 â¿¿ 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:
Continuation â¿¿ This agreement was awarded in 2015 for $12,000. This year the park has opted to add funds and extend the period of performance to 2020 in anticipation of funding the project annually.