Increasing Public Awareness of Recreational Opportunities at Reclamation Reservoirs through fishing and Boating Events for Disabled and Disadvantaged Children | Apply Online

FAQs: Reclamation Fishing and Boating Events for Disabled and Disadvantaged Children (R10SF80129)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number R10SF80129) is a Bureau of Reclamation program to increase public awareness of recreation at Reclamation-managed reservoirs by supporting fishing- and boating-related, one-day events specifically for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Which federal agency is offering the award?

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), which manages reservoirs and recreation sites across the Western United States, is the awarding agency.

What is the purpose of the program?

The program is intended to (1) give disabled and disadvantaged children opportunities to use and enjoy public waters and lands; (2) support Reclamation's objective to provide accessible programs, facilities, and activities so all citizens can have a positive outdoor experience; (3) improve awareness among volunteers, parents, caregivers, and partners about the abilities of disabled and disadvantaged children; and (4) provide hands-on educational opportunities related to water, fish, and natural resources while introducing recreational fishing and outdoor enjoyment.

What types of activities are supported?

The supported activities are organized, one-day fishing and boating-related events held at Reclamation reservoirs. Events are designed to be fun and safe and are framed as educational and awareness-building experiences, not just a fishing trip.

Who are the intended participants?

The events are specifically for disabled and disadvantaged children. Families or caregivers are included in the experience as appropriate, and the events are intended to be free for participating children and their families or caregivers.

When would events generally be held?

Events are generally held annually between March and early October, based on the information provided in the opportunity description.

How many events are expected under this program?

The core concept described is a series of one-day events that could total about 20 to 30 events.

Where will the events take place?

Events are to be held at Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs. Reclamation oversees 348 reservoirs across 17 Western states and, with partners, manages 289 recreation sites.

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

The award is structured as a cooperative agreement. This means Reclamation expects substantial involvement during project performance rather than operating as a hands-off grant.

What does "substantial involvement" by Reclamation mean here?

Reclamation will assist with planning, coordination, and implementation through regional and area office event coordinators, provide oversight throughout the project, collaborate in project management, offer field assistance or review as needed, and provide review, input, and approval at key interim stages identified in the recipient's proposal. Reclamation will also conduct its own quarterly and annual reports or reviews of program activities at Reclamation facilities to help ensure alignment with the approved scope and objectives.

What are the main responsibilities of the recipient organization?

The recipient is expected to take the lead on planning and delivery of the events, including providing pre-event information and planning guides; organizing, coordinating, supervising, and leading events; carrying event liability insurance; coordinating event dates, times, and site-specific logistics with Reclamation regional and area office event coordinators; and recruiting and managing additional volunteer support from local communities.

Are there required items that must be provided to each participating child?

Yes. A required cost element is providing each participating child with event items and gear, including a cap, a t-shirt, an award plaque, and fishing equipment (rod, reel, and tackle box).

Do events have to be free for children and families?

The opportunity describes the events as intended to be free for participating children and their families or caregivers.

What role do volunteers play in the events?

The events are described as pairing children with volunteer anglers and boaters, often including professional sport fishing volunteers, for an organized day outdoors on Reclamation waters. The recipient is expected to recruit and manage additional volunteer support from local communities as part of the program benefit.

What education or awareness outcomes are expected from each event?

Events are expected to help children learn about fish and water as natural resources, get an introduction to recreational fishing and outdoor enjoyment, and receive encouragement and skill-building that may help them continue fishing after the event. The program also aims to increase understanding among volunteers, parents, caregivers, and community partners about the capabilities of disabled and disadvantaged children and raise the visibility of Reclamation reservoirs as recreation destinations.

What reporting is required from the recipient?

The recipient must submit quarterly and annual progress reports covering overall program performance and activities.

How does Reclamation support access to sites for the events?

Reclamation's role includes making its reservoirs and lands available for the events, subject to federal and state laws, regulations, tribal trust responsibilities, and internal approvals by the appropriate Reclamation officials.

What is the funding amount available?

The estimated total funding is $650,000, with an award ceiling of $650,000 and an award floor of $130,000.

How many awards does the agency expect to make?

The opportunity indicates the agency anticipated making one award.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the provided information.

What is the CFDA number and activity area for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.524 (Recreation Resources Management) in the Natural Resources activity area, and it is categorized as discretionary funding.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to any type of entity, subject to any additional clarifications in the full announcement.

What are the key posting and closing dates?

The opportunity was posted January 11, 2010. The final closing date listed is February 16, 2010. It was archived February 16, 2011.

Who is the point of contact for questions?

The listed point of contact is Randale Jackson, Contract Specialist/Grants Officer, at 303-445-2432 for access or announcement questions.

What policy or directive does this effort align with?

The effort aligns with Executive Order 12962 on Recreational Fisheries (June 7, 1995), which directs federal agencies to help promote recreational fishing.

How long has Reclamation supported this kind of event-based program?

The description notes that since 1992, Reclamation has used this kind of support to run event-based programs pairing children with volunteer anglers and boaters for an organized day outdoors on Reclamation waters.