Natural Resources Training and Education at Dworshak Project | W912EF 24 2 RFP 0002

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Natural Resources Training and Education at Dworshak Project opportunity?

This opportunity is a discretionary cooperative agreement offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District. It is intended to partner with one organization to deliver hands-on outdoor education and job training for young adults while also helping USACE complete needed maintenance and stewardship work on public lands associated with the Dworshak Project.

Who is offering this funding opportunity?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District, is offering the opportunity.

What type of award is this?

This is a discretionary cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement typically involves active participation by the federal agency during the project (for example, coordination, oversight, or shared planning), rather than a standard grant with minimal federal involvement.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project blends workforce development with real-world conservation and recreation-area operations. The goal is for young adults to gain marketable, practical skills through structured training while contributing to the upkeep, safety, and environmental health of federally managed lands tied to the Dworshak Project.

What kinds of activities or services are supported under this agreement?

The supported work focuses on routine and seasonal land management and recreation-site maintenance tasks. Examples listed in the opportunity include park maintenance, vegetation management, prescribed burning, landscaping, and similar services that help keep public areas safe, functional, and environmentally healthy.

Where will the work take place?

The work is associated with public lands connected to the Dworshak Project. The opportunity description emphasizes maintenance and stewardship on federally managed lands tied to that project.

Who is the intended participant group for the training component?

The training and education component is aimed at young adults. The announcement emphasizes workforce and life-skills development for young adults through structured, challenging training experiences.

What outcomes does USACE want for participants?

USACE is looking for programs that build practical competencies, provide education and job-training opportunities, and support participants in developing skills needed for stable, productive adult lives. The opportunity also highlights interest in pathways or support toward formal post-high-school education, connecting field-based training to longer-term educational or credentialing outcomes.

Does the opportunity require a connection to formal education after high school?

The announcement highlights an interest in programs that offer support or a pathway toward formal post-high-school education. Based on the provided information, this is presented as a valued program element.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to non-federal public entities and nonprofit organizations.

Are federal entities eligible?

No. Eligibility is limited to non-federal public entities and nonprofit organizations.

How many awards does USACE expect to make?

The expected number of awards is one. This indicates a single partner is anticipated for this targeted training-and-service effort.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $36,000.

Is this a large or small funding opportunity?

Based on the stated award ceiling of $36,000 and an expected single award, it is a relatively small, targeted cooperative agreement intended to support one partner delivering the combined training and land stewardship work.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA (Assistance Listing) 12.010.

What is the funding activity category?

The opportunity falls within the Natural Resources funding activity category.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is W912EF 24 2 RFP 0002.

What were the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The creation date is May 1, 2024. The original closing date is June 1, 2024.

What legal authority supports this cooperative agreement?

The statutory authority cited is the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, Title 33, Part 2339, Section 213(a), Public Law 106-106-541, 114 Stat. 2593, codified as amended at 33 U.S.C. 2339.

Why does the opportunity cite the Water Resources Development Act authority?

Based on the description, this authority underpins USACE partnerships that pair public works and land stewardship needs with education and training objectives. It aligns conservation-related project delivery with youth or young adult development outcomes.

What does USACE mean by stewardship work in this context?

In this opportunity, stewardship work refers to practical, on-the-ground tasks that support maintenance, land management, and recreation-site operations on public lands associated with the Dworshak Project, such as vegetation management, landscaping, and other routine or seasonal upkeep activities.

How involved will USACE be during the project?

Because this is a cooperative agreement, USACE is expected to have active involvement in the project, such as coordination, oversight, or shared planning, rather than simply providing funds with minimal federal participation.