Invasive Treatment Crew for Cultural Landscape Maintenance | NPS 18 NERO 0046

Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS 18 NERO 0046

The National Park Service (NPS), under the Department of the Interior, published this notice titled "Invasive Treatment Crew for Cultural Landscape Maintenance" (Funding Opportunity Number: NPS 18 NERO 0046) to inform the public of its intent to make an award, not to solicit new applications. In other words, this announcement is not a request for proposals and is not an open competition. Instead, NPS planned to issue a task agreement under an existing master cooperative agreement that had already been competed (or otherwise justified as single-source). That master cooperative agreement is P15AC00031, established between NPS and the Student Conservation Association (SCA), and it is centered on youth engagement, conservation workforce development, and building long-term stewardship through hands-on service and training.

The project itself focuses on invasive species control and related deferred maintenance needs within significant historic and cultural landscapes in the Northeast. Work would take place across two park units: the roughly 550-acre historic forest at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and approximately 150 acres of historic landscapes and farmland at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. The intent is to pair on-the-ground resource management work with structured educational experiences so participants gain real-world skills in managing public lands and protecting natural and cultural resources.

Staffing for the project was designed around a small crew with a strong training component: one Conservation Intern serving for a full year and three additional conservation corps members serving three-month terms during the summer. The crew members would receive training on the ecological threats posed by invasive plants, along with instruction on how to identify common invasive species found in the northeastern United States. From there, participants would contribute to a range of invasive plant management projects, giving them exposure to multiple treatment approaches and the practical decision-making that goes into land management across different site conditions and resource priorities at both parks.

From a public purpose standpoint, NPS framed the award as supporting workforce development and civic stewardship outcomes as much as resource protection outcomes. The project is meant to provide paid, hands-on service opportunities that help develop skilled workers and future leaders in conservation and cultural landscape stewardship. It also aligns with broader federal objectives to give youth meaningful opportunities to learn about the environment, build job skills through work in National Parks, and become more engaged in protecting natural, cultural, and historic resources in their communities over the long term.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary cooperative agreement, with an activity focus tied to employment, labor, and training (CFDA 15.931). The notice lists eligibility as nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), consistent with the fact that the work was to be implemented through an established nonprofit partner structure. The planned award amount had an estimated ceiling of $72,090, with one expected award. The notice was created on July 3, 2018, and carried an original closing date of July 13, 2018, which mainly reflects the public notice period rather than an application window, since the award was intended to be made under the pre-existing agreement mechanism.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Invasive Treatment Crew for Cultural Landscape Maintenance" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.931.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 03, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 13, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $72,090.00 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.

Apply for NPS 18 NERO 0046

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