Promote and Enhance Professional River Conservation, Use and Management | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the funding opportunity "Promote and Enhance Professional River Conservation, Use and Management" (P14AS00148)?

This is a National Park Service (NPS) notice of intent to award a cooperative agreement under Funding Opportunity Number P14AS00148. It is not a competitive grant solicitation. The notice serves as a public transparency statement that NPS plans to make a single award without inviting applications.

2) Is this an open, competitive grant that organizations can apply for?

No. The opportunity is explicitly described as a single-source, non-competitive continuation award. NPS is stating its intent to make one award and is not inviting applications through a competitive process.

3) What does "notice of intent to award" mean in this context?

It means NPS is publicly announcing that it intends to fund a specific project through a cooperative agreement with a specific partner, rather than running a competition for applicants.

4) Who is the intended recipient of this cooperative agreement?

The intended recipient is the River Management Society (RMS), a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association that supports people and organizations studying, protecting, and managing rivers across North America.

5) How many awards does NPS expect to make under this notice?

The posting indicates there is one expected award.

6) What is the anticipated funding amount?

The anticipated federal funding amount is $150,000. The posting also lists an award ceiling of $150,000 and an award floor of $1.

7) Is there a cost share or match requirement?

No. The notice states there is no cost share requirement.

8) What is the expected period of performance?

The expected period of performance is five years from the date of award.

9) Is this a new award or a continuation of prior work?

It is structured as a continuation award. NPS cites the "continuation" criterion as the justification for not using competition, explaining that the work continues previously funded activities and that competing it would disrupt continuity and progress.

10) What type of federal assistance instrument is being used?

A cooperative agreement. The notice emphasizes that NPS will have substantial involvement, which is a defining feature of a cooperative agreement (as distinct from a standard grant).

11) What is the overall purpose of the cooperative agreement?

The overall purpose is to strengthen professional river conservation, use, and management. The work places strong emphasis on the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System while also supporting broader river stewardship efforts.

12) Which program or CFDA does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity falls under CFDA 15.921, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance.

13) What legal authorities support this agreement?

The notice cites authorities including 16 USC 1(g) and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 USC 1271 et seq., including Section 11(b)).

14) Which federal partners are expected to collaborate alongside NPS and RMS?

The notice describes collaboration with other federal partners such as the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

15) What kinds of activities and outcomes are emphasized in the work described?

The work centers on practical capacity-building for river professionals, including professional development and training, sharing and promoting best practices, research and tools for managers, volunteer engagement, interagency coordination, technical assistance, and outreach to improve understanding of river protection and management.

16) What are RMS's main responsibilities under the agreement?

RMS responsibilities focus on professional and educational infrastructure, including planning, developing, and producing informational and educational materials; distributing and amplifying resources through RMS channels; providing planning and logistical support for interagency workshops and the RMS Training Symposium series; supporting key coordination bodies; and helping sustain workforce development through internships and early-career opportunities.

17) What kinds of informational and educational materials will RMS develop?

The notice describes materials intended to increase awareness of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, water trails, and general river stewardship topics.

18) How will RMS distribute or share these materials and resources?

The notice states RMS will distribute and amplify resources through its website (river-management.org), the RMS Journal, and a range of virtual and online training and certification offerings, along with other targeted products.

19) What events or training series will RMS support during the agreement?

RMS is expected to provide planning and logistical support for interagency river management workshops and the RMS Training Symposium series during the agreement period.

20) What coordination bodies will RMS help support?

RMS would support the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Management Council and the NPS Wild and Scenic Rivers Steering Committee, including helping them deliver training and maintain visibility for the Wild and Scenic Rivers System as a model for river management nationwide.

21) What workforce development activities are included?

The notice describes workforce development focused on sustaining continuity and leadership in the river management field by supporting internships and other mission-related assignments for students and early-career professionals.

22) What does "substantial involvement" by NPS include?

NPS commitments include encouraging participation across NPS offices, regions, parks, and programs; engaging other federal agencies; collaborating with RMS on developing educational and informational materials; co-organizing and participating in symposia, workshops, and specialized training; and working jointly on river management career pathways and opportunities.

23) Why is this being issued as non-competitive (single-source)?

The Department of the Interior requires a written justification when competition is not used. In this case, NPS cites the "continuation" criterion: the work is part of ongoing, previously funded activities, and competing it would disrupt progress or continuity.

24) What past work is cited to support the continuation justification?

The notice cites a history of successful collaboration between NPS and RMS, including professional development events delivered from 2009 to 2014 that served as the primary training venue for the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council. It also cites management tools produced together, such as guidance for developing sustainable public launch sites, with continued outreach and planned improvements under the new agreement.

25) What is the national river recreation database initiative mentioned in the notice?

The notice describes a national river recreation database initiative started in 2012 intended for both managers and the public. RMS is described as central to sustaining and expanding this effort through volunteer engagement and partnerships.

26) Which partners are mentioned in connection with the river recreation database work?

The notice mentions partnerships with UNC Greensboro, ESRI, and USGS. It also notes geodatabase development, pilot testing, and compilation of preliminary NPS Wild and Scenic Rivers data by a graduate student/intern.

27) Who is eligible according to the posting, and does eligibility mean organizations can apply?

The posting lists eligibility limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education. However, the notice also makes clear the action is not an open competition and is a notice of intent to make a single award rather than inviting applications.

28) What are the posted dates for this notice?

The notice was posted on June 20, 2014. The original and current closing date are both listed as June 30, 2014.

29) Who is the NPS point of contact listed for questions?

The posting lists June Zastrow as the NPS point of contact for questions.

30) How does this agreement relate to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System?

The notice places strong emphasis on strengthening professional practice connected to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It also describes efforts to maintain visibility for the system as a nationwide model for river management and stewardship.

31) What is the basic takeaway for organizations looking for grant opportunities?

Based on the notice language, this is not a competitive funding opportunity where outside organizations submit applications. It is a single-source continuation cooperative agreement intended for RMS, with NPS playing an active collaborative role in the work.