Groundwork Feasibility Study for Atalanta, GA and Jacksonville.FL | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

This opportunity is a National Park Service (NPS) Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (CFDA 15.921) cooperative agreement action that was posted as a Notice of Intent to Award, meaning it is not open for competition and not requesting new applications. The NPS is publicly stating its intent to fund specific project activities through a continuation award without full and open competition. The listed recipient is Groundwork USA, with Rick Madger named as the principal investigator/program manager. The NPS point of contact is June Zastrow (303-987-6718, JuneZastrow@nps.gov). Although the title references a "Groundwork Feasibility Study for Atlanta, GA and Jacksonville, FL," the detailed scope included in the notice describes a task agreement focused on building capacity for Groundwork San Diego - Chollas Creek (GWSD), particularly around environmental education programming and organizational planning.

Funding is anticipated at about $50,096.49 (the notice also cites $50,069.49 in the task agreement description), with no cost share or matching requirement. The instrument is a cooperative agreement, and the anticipated period of performance runs from the award date through 12/31/2014. The announcement lists one expected award, an award ceiling of $50,096, and an award floor of $1. Eligible applicants are described broadly as nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, but because this is a single-source continuation notice, the practical effect is that the work is intended for the named recipient under an existing relationship rather than through a competitive selection process.

The statutory authorities cited are 16 USC 1g and 16 USC 460.1-1(d). In plain terms, these provisions support NPS entering cooperative agreements and providing assistance to public and nonprofit partners to carry out NPS-related program purposes, including outdoor recreation and conservation assistance. The single-source justification is explicitly based on the Department of the Interior policy criteria for noncompetitive awards, using the "Continuation" rationale. The notice explains that competing the award would have a significant adverse effect on continuity or completion because the activity is necessary to satisfactorily complete or continue work already underway under Cooperative Agreement #H4531110704 (and it references related cooperative agreement numbers in the background section as well).

The project work described centers on two major deliverables for Groundwork San Diego - Chollas Creek. First, the recipient is to design and develop a monthly hands-on environmental service learning program at the Groundwork San Diego EarthLab for local youth and their families living in neighborhoods along Chollas Creek. That includes identifying and engaging stakeholders and partners (such as local schools), researching comparable programs at similar facilities (an example given is the Groundwork Hudson Valley Science Barge), creating a master plan for how the EcoLab/EarthLab site will accommodate activities and participants, and developing curriculum and activity guides. The curriculum topics are framed around practical STEM learning, agricultural production tied to academic enrichment and career pathways (with potential links to community gardening, school food sourcing, and even revenue generation), and native plant/tree propagation for similar education and workforce-development purposes. The program planning component also requires a delivery plan that lays out partner roles, a rollout timeline across the academic year (and possibly summer), and identification of needed supplies, equipment, and implementation resources.

Second, the recipient is to evaluate GWSD projects, programs, and operations and produce a two-year strategic plan to build organizational capacity. The plan is expected to cover core organizational elements such as operations, staffing, projects and programs, finances, governance, board recruitment, and long-term sustainability. The plan must be approved by the GWSD Board of Directors and then submitted to Groundwork USA for review and approval, with Groundwork USA responsible for notifying NPS of the review outcome. Importantly, the notice also states a clear restriction: funds under this agreement cannot be used for construction documents or construction of specific projects, keeping the scope focused on planning, program design, and capacity building rather than capital work.

Reporting and documentation are also a required part of the work. GWSD must track leveraged resources such as funding, in-kind services, volunteer hours, and donated materials/equipment, maintain a photographic record and list of accomplishments for projects undertaken, and submit quarterly narrative progress reports along with required financial reports in accordance with NPS requirements. Because this is a cooperative agreement (rather than a more hands-off grant), NPS anticipates substantial involvement, including providing funding support, linking GWSD with other Groundwork Trusts that can help, and participating especially in the strategic planning work to strengthen organizational capacity.

The posting dates show the notice was published on Dec 12, 2013, with an original and current closing date listed as Dec 26, 2013, which functions more like an administrative posting window than an application deadline since the announcement is not soliciting proposals. Additional information is referenced through Grants.gov, and the contact information repeats June Zastrow as the person to reach if there are issues accessing the announcement.

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