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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Transportation Scholar Opportunity (NPS NOI WASO 2420110205)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a National Park Service (NPS) notice of intent to fund a specific project without competition. It is identified as the Transportation Scholar opportunity under Funding Opportunity Number NPS NOI WASO 2420110205. The notice describes a planned award rather than an open call where multiple applicants compete for funding.

2) Is this an open grant competition?

No. The notice explicitly indicates an intent to fund a particular project non-competitively. It is not structured as an open solicitation for new applications from the general public.

3) What program does this funding support?

The funding supports the Transportation Scholars in the Parks program. This is a collaborative effort involving the National Park Foundation (NPF), National Park Service (NPS), Eno Transportation Foundation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Technical Assistance Center.

4) What is the broader purpose of the Transportation Scholars in the Parks program?

The program is intended to advance sustainable transportation solutions in national parks in ways that protect park resources while improving the visitor experience. It also aims to create a structured career-development and public-service pathway for transportation professionals and graduate students, especially masters and doctoral candidates in transportation, engineering, and planning.

5) What is being funded through this specific notice?

The funded outcome described in the notice is an extension of four scholar placements for an additional six months at four competitively selected park sites. The extension is meant to provide more time for scholars to complete the research and technical work proposed at those locations.

6) What type of award is described?

The action is structured as a cooperative agreement and is listed under the education activity category. A cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial involvement by the federal agency in the project, consistent here with NPS programmatic support and oversight roles described in the notice.

7) How many awards are expected?

One award is expected.

8) What is the total federal funding amount?

The total federal funding amount is $99,000. The notice also lists $99,000 as the award ceiling.

9) Where does the $99,000 come from?

The funding is described as matching support coming from FHWA Parks Roads and Parkways funds routed through NPS. NPS provides these Federal Lands Highway Park Roads and Parkways Program funds to NPF.

10) How will the $99,000 be used?

The notice states the funds are intended to be added into NPF's existing Transportation Scholar program and used specifically to lengthen the duration of the four scholar assignments (an additional six months for each of the four placements).

11) Who is the intended recipient of the award?

The National Park Foundation (NPF) is identified as the primary recipient and program administrator. The eligibility language (nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education) aligns with NPF as the intended recipient.

12) Who administers the program and what responsibilities are described?

NPF is described as the primary recipient and program administrator. Under the agreement, NPF agrees to accept and integrate the $99,000 match into the current program and use it to extend the four scholar assignments. NPF is expected to provide ongoing communication and accountability, including monthly briefings and an annual report required by the agreement.

13) Will the recipient charge overhead or indirect costs on these federal matching funds?

The notice includes a notable condition that NPF will administer the matching funds without charging overhead or indirect cost recovery. In other words, the full $99,000 is intended to support direct program costs rather than administrative markup.

14) What is NPS's role in this cooperative agreement?

NPS has both financial and programmatic roles. Financially, NPS provides the $99,000 and is responsible for stewardship and oversight on behalf of the federal funding source. Programmatically, NPS supports selection processes (for parks and scholars), assigns each scholar an NPS park supervisor, supports mentoring and technical training, assists with communications and press releases, and helps scholars with end-of-project products.

15) How are host parks and scholars selected?

The notice states that host parks and scholars are selected through a nationally competitive process using a multi-faceted selection committee. After placement, each scholar is assigned an NPS park supervisor and receives mentoring from transportation experts across relevant disciplines.

16) What technical training support is mentioned?

The notice references technical training occurring at the Denver Service Center in June 2011 as part of NPS support for the scholars.

17) What communications and public recognition support is included?

NPS commits to helping with communications and press releases, including donor recognition consistent with policy.

18) What end-of-project deliverables are described for scholars?

The notice describes wrap-up deliverables that include a brief narrative report describing benefits and challenges, plus supporting items such as press clippings, photos, and a poster presentation tied to the Transportation Research Board meeting under the National Academy of the Sciences (referenced for January 2012).

19) Are there non-federal or in-kind responsibilities described beyond the $99,000 match?

Yes. In addition to the federal $99,000, host parks are expected to contribute in-kind support necessary for project delivery. Examples listed in the notice include housing, office space, specialized gear, equipment, supplies, materials, and technology needs.

20) Who are the collaborating organizations named in the notice?

The notice describes the Transportation Scholars in the Parks program as a collaborative effort involving the National Park Foundation (NPF), National Park Service (NPS), Eno Transportation Foundation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Technical Assistance Center.

21) What are the posted dates and what do they suggest about the nature of the notice?

The notice lists a posted date of May 26, 2011, a closing date of May 27, 2011, and an archive date of June 26, 2011. The very short window and the stated intent to make a non-competitive award indicate this is a public notice of a planned award rather than a typical open application period.

22) What is the activity category listed for this action?

The action is categorized under education.

23) Does the notice indicate the award is meant to start a brand-new program?

No. The notice states the $99,000 is intended to be added into NPF's existing Transportation Scholar program, specifically to extend already planned scholar placements.

24) What is the connection to FHWA programs mentioned?

The notice ties the funding to FHWA Parks Roads and Parkways resources, routed through NPS as Federal Lands Highway Park Roads and Parkways Program funds, which then support the match added to NPF's Transportation Scholar program.