Collaborative Interpretation Partnership for Nicodemus National Historic Site

Description

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this agreement is to collaboratively provide visitor services focused on orientation and interpretation of Nicodemus history to the public both at Nicodemus, Kansas and through outreach in other locations and through various media to meet the mission and purpose directed by Public Law 104-333 § 512. That purpose being to: (1) Preserve, protect, and interpret for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations, the remaining structures and locations that represent the history (including the settlement and growth) of the town of Nicodemus, Kansas; and (2) Interpret the historical role of the town of Nicodemus in the Reconstruction period in the context of the experience of westward expansion in the United States. As designated by Congress, Nicodemus National Historic Site consists of five properties, only one of which is owned by the Federal government. STATEMENT OF WORK: This statement of work primarily focuses on the collaboration to interpret the significant history of Nicodemus, Kansas to public visitors. However, because the Recipient will be occupying a Federally controlled facility and providing access to other NPS-owned properties the statement of work also addresses operational issues. Sustain active and balanced participation between both parties in this partnership. Keep a long-term focus on a productive partnership that meets the mission of Nicodemus NHS. Annually evaluate interpretive and informational services to ensure appropriateness, accuracy, quality, and relationship to the mission as defined in the Nicodemus NHS’ enabling legislation (Public Law 106-291§145). Effectively and frequently, communicate with one another to accomplish mission related success. Consider and collaborate on areas of common interest/mission, developing operational efficiencies, and strengthening capacity for both partners. Use project work, investigation of resource management issues, and other opportunities to provide developmental cross training for each other’s staff, as feasible. Provide notification of and review of public news releases relating to the Nicodemus NHS and prepare joint press releases as appropriate. Coordinate planning of visitor services of the Nicodemus NHS, including but not limited to tour offerings, educational services, and special events. Consider opportunities to collaborate on special events, programs, exhibits, etc. to benefit both partners. Consider exchange of technical assistance between staff to promote enhanced quality of interpretive offerings and to provide opportunities for developmental training for staff of both partners. Seek opportunities to coordinate training for volunteers and staff to promote efficiencies that benefit both partners. RECIPIENT AGREES TO: Provide and supervise staff (and potentially volunteers) to meet good customer service principles and meet the mission. Meet with and collaboratively develop an Annual Operational Work Plan (AOWP) with the NPS-NICO Superintendent by October 31st of each year. The AOWP will discuss planned interpretive programs and events, planned exhibits, facility changes, and anticipated deviations from normal management. Keep accurate records of public visitation to Nicodemus NHS and provide this information to the NPS-NICO Superintendent on a monthly basis. Collaboratively assist NPS-NICO in recruiting and using docents and volunteers. All marketing and promotion materials will be developed collaboratively and pre-approved by NPS and will meet NPS graphics standards. Submit requests for reprinting and/or updating the Nicodemus NHS brochure to the NPS-NICO Superintendent. Provide interpretive and educational services to the visiting public on a year-round schedule. Manage and operate the Nicodemus NHS in partnership with the NPS. Provide a safe and healthful environment for all public visitors, Recipient employees, and NPS staff. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AGREES TO: Provide the educational outreach, distance learning, lesson plans, and teacher workshops, and social media and digital outreach to virtual visitors to further visitor engagement at a distance from the park location. Maintain the NPS Nicodemus website presence for Nicodemus NHS. Provide technical assistance and regular training in interpretive techniques and program media development to Recipient. Receive input from Recipient, compile and submit all visitation and interpretive reporting to the NICO Superintendent or designated staff. Seek opportunities to develop complimentary programming for use by Nicodemus NHS, other National Parks, and related sites. Review and approve/disapprove requested special uses from Recipient and/or other parties. Serve as primary point of contact for questions from the media, public visitors, public officials, and others regarding the Nicodemus NHS as a unit of the NPS. Provide access for Recipient staff and NPS technical experts. SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION: Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) and National Park Service Policy FAP&P 1443-2015-06 requires a written justification, which explains why competition is not practicable for each single-source award. The justification must address one or more of the following criteria as well as discussion of the program legislative history, unique capabilities of the proposed recipient, and cost-sharing contribution offered by the proposed recipient, as applicable. NPS did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria: Unique Qualifications – The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based on members of the partnering organization are direct descendants and residents of the community, providing the authentic community perspective and knowledge. Partnership continues a long-standing collaboration with NPS in interpreting the history to public visitors with unique and exclusive documentation and photographs and diaries needed to inform interpretive materials and orientation.

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