National Park Service Grant for Conservation Intern Assistance with Invasive Plant Management at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

ABSTRACT
Funding Announcement P17AS00002
Project Title Conservation Intern Assistance with Invasive Plant Management at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Recipient Student Conservation Association
Total Anticipated Award Amount $30,194.39
Cost Share $0.00
Anticipated Length of Agreement 1 year
Anticipated Period of Performance 6 months
Award Instrument Youth Task Agreement
Statutory Authority 54 USC § 101702(a): Transfer of Service Appropriated Funds
CFDA # and Title 15.931, Conservation Activities by Youth Service Organizations
Single Source Justification Criteria Cited Previously Competed. This agreement is under Master Agreement P15AC00031.
Point of Contact Erica Cordeiro, Erica_Cordeiro@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

The overview of the NPS Youth Program is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land through service opportunities, outdoor skills, and leadership training.

This task agreement specifically involves placement of two youth associates at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Exotic Plant Management Team (EPMT).

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
The project to be carried out is:
The Conservation Intern will gain knowledge and experience in all aspects of invasive plant management including surveying, monitoring, and control of such plants. The primary project to be accomplished by the SCA intern is to assist with the invasive plant management goals of the EPMT and the host park. The SCA intern will learn about NPS resource management land stewardship and natural and cultural heritage of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve; they will provide assistance in all aspects of invasive plant management, including surveying, monitoring and control of such plants. The intern will also assist in the collection and cultivation of native plant seeds and participate in educational or research efforts pertaining to invasive plants.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT
SCA agrees:
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 for transportation to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, and subsistence during the tour of duty.

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

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.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT
NPS agrees:
1. To provide financial assistance in the amount of $30,194.39.

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

3. To provide a NPS technical representative on-site with the Conservation Associate 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 Conservation Associates.

6. A written completion evaluation from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve per project evaluating the outcome and SCA’s performance of that project.

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: Youth Agreements are under Master Agreement P15AC00031 which was competed prior to this agreement.