Youth Conservation Activities on Reclamation Lands

Description

OVERVIEW The Bureau of Reclamation is the largest wholesaler of water in the country and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States. Our mission is to assist in meeting the increasing water demands of the West while protecting the environment and the public's investment in our 58 power plants. Reclamation also plays a major role in meeting the increasing public demands for water-based outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities. The 289 recreation areas developed as a result of Reclamation water projects are among the Nation's most popular for water-based outdoor recreation. Reclamation projects include approximately 6.5 million acres of land and water that is, for the most part, available for public outdoor recreation. Reclamation wants to provide opportunities for young people to be involved in conserving Reclamation's natural and cultural resources and recreational opportunities. Reclamation and Recipient entered into Master Cooperative Agreement No. R16AC00052 (MCA) to cost-share employment, education and engagement opportunities for youth ages 16 to 25 (Youth Conservation Crews) to perform, in a cost effective manner, appropriate conservation projects on Reclamation lands where such projects will not or cannot be performed by existing employees. The Projects performed under this Agreement will expose young men and women to public service while furthering their appreciation of the Nation's natural and cultural resources. RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT The Recipient shall carry out the Scope of Work (SOW) in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein and in the MCA. Recipient and Reclamation responsibilities under the MCA are attached as Exhibit B. The Recipient shall adhere to Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. If the SOW contains construction activities, the Recipient is responsible for construction inspection, oversight, and acceptance. If applicable, the Recipient shall also coordinate and obtain approvals from site owners and operators. RECLAMATION INVOLVEMENT Substantial involvement on the part Reclamation is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, Reclamation will be responsible for the following: Reclamation will monitor and provide federal oversight of activities performed under this Agreement. Monitoring and oversight includes review and approval of financial status and performance reports, payment requests, and any other deliverables identified as part of the Scope of Work. Additional monitoring activities may include site visits, conference calls, and other on site and off-site monitoring activities. At Recipient's request, Reclamation may also provide technical assistance to Recipient in support of the Scope of Work and objectives of this Agreement. Substantial involvement by Reclamation is anticipated during the performance of activities funded under this Agreement. SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION Reclamation did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria: (4) UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS Single Source Justification Description: The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications. STATUTORY AUTHORITY Public Land Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1721-1730) and Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1970 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1707), as amended. This Financial Assistance Agreement is issued under the authority of the Public Land Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1721-1730) and Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1970 (16 U.S.C. 16 U.S.C §1723 (c) Qualified youth or conservation corps (1) In general The Secretary is authorized to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with any qualified youth or conservation corps to perform appropriate conservation projects referred to in subsection (d). (d) Projects to be carried out (1)In general The Secretary may utilize the Corps or any qualified youth or conservation corps to carry out appropriate conservation projects which the Secretary is authorized to carry out under other authority of law on public lands. 16 U.S.C §1722 (1) Appropriate conservation project The term "appropriate conservation project" means any project for the conservation, restoration, construction or rehabilitation of natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, or scenic resources. §§ 1701-1707), as amended.

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