Opportunity Information: Apply for P13AS00130
Apply for P13AS00130
- The National Park Service in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Association for Interpretation" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945 Cooperative Research and Training Programs Resources of the National Park System.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 10, 2013 and posted on Jul 10, 2013.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 24, 2013. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $35,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $35,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This opportunity is a National Park Service (NPS) Notice of Intent to Award under Funding Opportunity Number P13AS00130, titled "National Association for Interpretation." It is not an open call for proposals and not a request for applications. Instead, it serves as public notice that NPS intends to make a single, non-competitive cooperative agreement award to the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The anticipated award amount is $35,000 with no cost share required, and the agreement is expected to run for five years from the date of award. The award is made under statutory authority 16 U.S.C. 1g and falls under CFDA 15.945 (Cooperative Research and Training Programs, Resources of the National Park System). The NPS point of contact listed is June Zastrow (303-987-6718, junezastrow@nps.gov), and the NAI principal investigator/program manager is Margo Carlock.
The core purpose of the project is to strengthen and modernize interpretive training and evaluation so that NPS and NAI can deliver more holistic, natural-environment-focused interpretation to the public and to K-12 educators. The work emphasizes coordinated training delivered through multiple formats, including distance learning, webinars, place-based learning, and workshops. A major focus is integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into interpretive and educational programming in ways that align with Common Core State Standards, while also creating a more objective method for assessing the quality and competency of interpretive products and programs. In practice, this means the partnership is meant to support "outdoor classroom" style learning opportunities and to improve how interpretive programming is developed, taught, and evaluated across NPS settings.
NAI's role under the cooperative agreement centers on collaborating closely with NPS staff at park, regional, and national levels. NAI will help assess and refine components of the NPS Interpretive Development Program (IDP), with particular attention to how NPS staff are currently certified. NAI will also work with NPS to formalize the certification process used to determine whether NPS interpretive products meet competency expectations, contributing technical and subject matter expertise. In addition, NAI will support the development and implementation of natural resource-based training delivered both in-person (place-based) and remotely, helping expand access to professional development and consistent instructional approaches.
NPS is expected to have substantial involvement, which is a defining feature of a cooperative agreement. NPS will provide IDP content and detailed information about how competency decisions are made for interpretive products, and it will participate in refining that process with NAI. NPS will also contribute technical expertise to co-develop webinars, place-based courses, and distance learning offerings, and will supply case studies and examples of effective STEM-focused, place-based interpretive programs that can be used as models. The intent is for both organizations to jointly shape training content and establish clearer, more consistent standards for evaluating interpretive work tied to STEM and education outcomes.
The award is being issued without full and open competition under the Department of the Interior single-source policy (505 DM 2), citing the "Unique Qualifications" justification criterion. The announcement argues that NAI is uniquely positioned to carry out this work because it is the only professional organization dedicated specifically to advancing interpretive and heritage program research, publication, and training. It also highlights NAI's capacity to design evaluative tools, provide examples of strong STEM-based educational programs, and leverage a network of certified interpreters and best practices drawn from related institutions such as zoos, aquariums, and museums. The overall rationale is that these specialized capabilities make competition impracticable for achieving the project goals as intended.
Key administrative details included in the notice are that only one award is expected, the funding activity category is Education, and the posted date was July 10, 2013, with an original/current closing date of July 24, 2013 (reflecting the notice period rather than an application deadline, since applications are not being solicited). The award ceiling is $35,000 and the award floor is listed as $1, reinforcing that the planned funding level is modest and targeted toward collaboration, training development, and creation of competency/evaluation mechanisms rather than large-scale program delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this an open grant competition or can organizations apply?
No. This is a National Park Service (NPS) Notice of Intent to Award, not an open call for proposals and not a request for applications. It serves as public notice that NPS intends to make a single, non-competitive award.
Who is the intended recipient of the award?
NPS intends to make a single cooperative agreement award to the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
How many awards will be made under this notice?
Only one award is expected.
What type of award is being used?
The planned award is a cooperative agreement, which means NPS is expected to have substantial involvement in the work during the agreement period.
What is the funding opportunity number and title?
The notice references Funding Opportunity Number P13AS00130, titled "National Association for Interpretation."
What is the anticipated funding amount?
The anticipated award amount is $35,000.
Is there a required cost share or match?
No cost share is required.
What is the expected period of performance?
The agreement is expected to run for five years from the date of award.
What is the purpose of this cooperative agreement?
The purpose is to strengthen and modernize interpretive training and evaluation so that NPS and NAI can deliver more holistic, natural-environment-focused interpretation to the public and to K-12 educators.
What kinds of training formats are included in the project?
The work emphasizes coordinated training delivered through multiple formats, including distance learning, webinars, place-based learning, and workshops.
How does STEM fit into the project?
A major focus is integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into interpretive and educational programming, including alignment with Common Core State Standards.
What does the notice mean by improving evaluation or competency assessment?
The project includes creating a more objective method for assessing the quality and competency of interpretive products and programs, and formalizing how certification decisions are made to determine whether interpretive products meet competency expectations.
What is the NPS Interpretive Development Program (IDP) and how is it involved?
NAI is expected to collaborate with NPS to assess and refine components of the NPS Interpretive Development Program (IDP), with particular attention to how NPS staff are currently certified.
What is NAI expected to do under the agreement?
NAI will collaborate closely with NPS staff at park, regional, and national levels; help assess and refine IDP components; work with NPS to formalize certification processes tied to competency expectations; and support development and implementation of natural resource-based training delivered both in-person (place-based) and remotely.
What is NPS expected to do under the cooperative agreement?
NPS is expected to have substantial involvement, including providing IDP content and detailed information about how competency decisions are made for interpretive products; participating with NAI in refining that process; contributing technical expertise to co-develop webinars, place-based courses, and distance learning offerings; and supplying case studies/examples of effective STEM-focused, place-based interpretive programs.
Why is this award being made without full and open competition?
The notice states the award is being issued without full and open competition under the Department of the Interior single-source policy (505 DM 2), using the "Unique Qualifications" justification criterion.
What "unique qualifications" are cited for selecting NAI?
The notice argues NAI is uniquely positioned because it is described as the only professional organization dedicated specifically to advancing interpretive and heritage program research, publication, and training. It also highlights NAI's capacity to design evaluative tools, provide examples of strong STEM-based educational programs, and leverage a network of certified interpreters and best practices from related institutions (such as zoos, aquariums, and museums).
What is the funding activity category?
The funding activity category listed is Education.
What statutory authority supports this award?
The notice cites statutory authority 16 U.S.C. 1g.
What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity falls under CFDA 15.945, described as Cooperative Research and Training Programs, Resources of the National Park System.
What are the posted date and closing date, and do they represent an application deadline?
The posted date is July 10, 2013, with an original/current closing date of July 24, 2013. In this context, the dates reflect the notice period rather than an application deadline, since applications are not being solicited.
What are the award ceiling and award floor?
The award ceiling is $35,000. The award floor is listed as $1, indicating the planned funding level is modest and targeted.
What kinds of outcomes is this partnership meant to support?
The notice emphasizes "outdoor classroom" style learning opportunities and improvements in how interpretive programming is developed, taught, and evaluated across NPS settings, particularly for STEM-focused and place-based interpretation aligned to education outcomes.
Who is the NPS point of contact for this notice?
The NPS point of contact listed is June Zastrow, reachable at 303-987-6718 and junezastrow@nps.gov.
Who is the principal investigator/program manager for NAI?
The notice identifies Margo Carlock as the NAI principal investigator/program manager.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: DoD Gulf War Illness Clinical Trial Award with Multiple PI Option
Previous opportunity: Inventory of Unique Plant Communities SCNP in advance of Cliamte Change
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for P13AS00130
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (P13AS00130) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Career Academies Web Development Apply for P13AS00164 Funding Number: P13AS00164 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $145,000 |
| Office of the Deputy Secretary, Department of Education Race to the Top District CFDA Number 84.416 Apply for ED GRANTS 080613 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 080613 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Interns for Midwest Archeological Center Apply for P13AS00190 Funding Number: P13AS00190 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $41,280 |
| Groundwork Milwaukee Apply for P13AS00213 Funding Number: P13AS00213 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Interns for Yosemite National Park Apply for P13AS00217 Funding Number: P13AS00217 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $42,312 |
| Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge CFDA Number 84.412A Apply for ED GRANTS 083013 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 083013 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| OSERS NIDRR Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects Centers Program Minority Serving Institution Field Initiated Projects Program CFDA Number 84.133G 4 (Research) Apply for ED GRANTS 111913 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111913 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| OSERS NIDRR Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects Centers Program Minority Serving Institution Field Initiated Projects Program CFDA Number 84.133G 5 (Development) Apply for ED GRANTS 111913 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111913 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) Community Living and Participation of Individuals with Disabilities CFDA Number 84.133A 4 (Research) Apply for ED GRANTS 112913 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 112913 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) Community Living and Participation of Individuals with Disabilities CFDA Number 84.133A 9 (Development) Apply for ED GRANTS 112913 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 112913 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) Health and Function of Individuals with Disabilities CFDA Number 84.133A 3 (Research) Apply for ED GRANTS 112913 003 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 112913 003 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) Health and Function of Individuals with Disabilities CFDA Number 84.133A 8 (Development) Apply for ED GRANTS 112913 004 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 112913 004 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) Employment of Individuals with Disabilities CFDA Number 84.133A 1 (Research) Apply for ED GRANTS 112913 005 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 112913 005 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) Employment of Individuals with Disabilities CFDA Number 84.133A 7 (Development) Apply for ED GRANTS 112913 006 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 112913 006 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Business Plan Interns Apply for P14AS00010 Funding Number: P14AS00010 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $82,262 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) Information and Communication Technologies Access CFDA Number 84.133E 1 Apply for ED GRANTS 121613 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121613 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) Rehabilitation Strategies, Techniques, and Interventions CFDA Number 84.133E 3 Apply for ED GRANTS 121613 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121613 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| OSERS National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Field Initiated Projects Program CFDA Number 84.133G 1 (Research) Apply for ED GRANTS 123013 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 123013 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| OSERS National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Field Initiated Projects Program CFDA Number 84.133G 2 (Development) Apply for ED GRANTS 123013 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 123013 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Office of Indian Education (OIE) Indian Education Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number 84.060A Apply for ED GRANTS 012114 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 012114 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "P13AS00130", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.