Technical Assistance to Develop & Implement Wetland Restoration Plans

The summary for the Technical Assistance to Develop & Implement Wetland Restoration Plans grant is detailed below. This summary states who is eligible for the grant, how much grant money will be awarded, current and past deadlines, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) numbers, and a sampling of similar government grants. Verify the accuracy of the data FederalGrants.com provides by visiting the webpage noted in the Link to Full Announcement section or by contacting the appropriate person listed as the Grant Announcement Contact. If any section is incomplete, please visit the website for the Northern Plains Regional Office, which is the U.S. government agency offering this grant.

Technical Assistance to Develop & Implement Wetland Restoration Plans: The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary wetlands conservation program that promotes the restoration/enhancement/protection of wetland systems and associated uplands. Through WRP, Landowners may receive financial and technical assistance to install or implement structural or vegetative wetland and associated upland restoration practices on eligible land. WRP was authorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 which provides that the Secretary may request the services of, and enter into cooperative agreements with, non-Federal entities to assist in providing technical assistance necessary to develop and implement conservation programs under Title II Conservation. The NRCS administers WRP with funding provided by the Commodity Credit Corporation. The NRCS is requesting proposals of services from qualified individuals and organizations to contribute to the conservation and restoration of wetland resources in various counties in Nebraska. Nebraska NRCS seeks to identify partnering opportunities with other organizations that share a common interest in order to accelerate progress on WRP implementation. The NRCS will accept proposals for projects up to three years in duration. Project Scope: Applicants will be responsible for assisting NRCS by providing technical assistance necessary to develop and implement WRP restoration plans. While at the same time improving and protecting wetland habitat for environmental benefits. Performance of any part or all operations necessary to perform engineering surveys, engineering designs, and construction activities for various wetland restorations, enhancement and creation practices; and other related conservation practices. Surveys required may consist of but are not limited to any part or all of the following activities: topographic surveys, design surveys, construction layout surveys, construction quality assurance surveys, and quantity surveys. Design activities required may consist of but are not limited to any part or all of the following: design wetland restoration, enhancement, and creation and wildlife habitat project features, prepare construction specifications, prepare construction plans (drawings), prepare cost estimates, quantity computation checks and certifications, and prepare final design folders. Construction activities will include construction layout, quality assurance inspections, checkout, and certification. The applicant will be responsible for obtaining any required local, State, or Federal permits prior to construction. Evaluation Criteria: 1. Organizational capabilities (40%). The adequacy of organizational resources and experience to successfully design and install wetland restoration projects. Share in a common mission that supports the natural resource conservation efforts with private landowners. Capable of providing in-kind contributions and other sources of financial support toward meeting the objective of the WRP program. 2. Project personnel (25%). The reasonableness and feasibility of the applicant s approach and expertise for successfully achieving the objectives of the project within the required time frame. 3. Understanding the intent of WRP and other USDA cost-share programs (25%). The applicant s recognition of the value and need of the project and the full understanding of the intent of WRP. 4. Ability to demonstrate past history and credibility of working with private landowners (10%). NRCS will review the proposed project proposals. The basis for selection will be the NRCS determination of which proposal(s) best meet the needs of the NRCS and is able to complete the proposed projects within the proposed time frame. Cooperative agreements will be awarded for a one-year project. It is anticipated that approximately $500,000 will be available for this program in Fiscal Year 2003. The available funding for subsequent years is not fixed and may vary considerably. Amendments to agreement(s) may be developed upon availability of funding in follow-on years (approximately a three-year period). It is the intent of the NRCS to fulfill its obligation under this agreement. Funds may not, however, be committed beyond the period for which Congress has appropriated them. In the event that funds for which the NRCS may fulfill its obligations are not appropriated, the agreement shall automatically terminate. Reimbursement shall be provided to the Award recipient for work completed prior to the termination. Applications for project proposals should include the following: *Completed Standard Form (SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, (including SF-424A and SF-424B); and *Narrative description that clearly describes the total project to be accomplished, methodology, objectives to accomplish, milestone schedule for completion, leverage of non-federal dollars anticipated sub-grant or sub-contracting activities, and desired results. By signing or submitting this application for federal assistance, the applicant is providing a certification set forth in Appendix C to 7 CFR Part 3017; Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements. Project proposals must be submitted to: Timothy J. Bottoms, Contracting Officer Natural Resources Conservation Service 100 Centennial Mall North, Room 152 Lincoln, Nebraska 68508-3866 Each project proposed must be submitted as a separate project proposal. Joint project proposals combined within one application will not be considered. The contract for this notice is Timothy J. Bottoms, Contracting Officer. He may be reached at (402) 437-4092 or email [email protected]