Partnership to Reach and Engage Underrepresented Audiences in a “Fit-for-Purpose” Outdoor Recreation Effort
ID: 356654Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Forest Service (USDA-FS)

Award Range

$0 - $0

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Other

Opportunity Category

Other

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The USDA Forest Service is seeking partnerships to engage underrepresented audiences in outdoor recreation through its initiative titled "Partnership to Reach and Engage Underrepresented Audiences in a 'Fit-for-Purpose' Outdoor Recreation Effort." This opportunity aims to explore collaborative projects that enhance access and inclusion within national forests and grasslands, focusing on demographics currently underrepresented in these recreational spaces. The initiative reflects a commitment to fostering equity and community connections in outdoor environments, with an emphasis on the importance of diverse participation in public lands. Interested organizations, including nonprofits, tribal governments, and educational institutions, must submit their applications by February 7, 2025, through Grants.gov, and can reach out to Robin Taylor-Davenport at opega@usda.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document is an attachment form utilized in grant applications, outlining the process for submitting various necessary files as part of the application. Applicants are instructed to attach specific files in a precise order according to the relevant Agency Guidelines. The form enumerates attachments from 1 to 15, indicating that all files must be in the required document format and named correctly. The document emphasizes the importance of following instructions regarding file attachment for proper application processing. It serves as a checklist to ensure completeness and compliance, which are critical for successful applications for federal or state/local grants and RFPs. The overarching purpose is to facilitate organized submission and adherence to guidelines within the context of government funding opportunities.
    The document outlines a federal request for proposals (RFP) aimed at fostering partnerships to engage underrepresented audiences in outdoor recreation initiatives, administered by the USDA Forest Service. Applicants must specify their organizational type (nonprofit, government, higher education, or for-profit) and provide details on their project's alignment with both the organization's mission and the mutual interests of the Forest Service. Key points include the requirement for applicants to describe their capacity to work in specific geographic regions of the U.S. and the states they serve. Additional focus is placed on how the project will benefit marginalized communities affected by socio-economic challenges. Applicants are also asked to highlight relevant experience in managing personnel, particularly field crews, and in navigating remote locations. The document emphasizes the importance of non-discrimination in USDA programs and encourages feedback on the information collection process, adhering to federal standards under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Overall, the RFP seeks to enhance participation in outdoor activities while promoting equity and inclusion in federally funded initiatives.
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has issued an Outreach of Interest (OOI) to establish partnerships that engage underrepresented audiences in outdoor recreation efforts. The primary goal is to explore collaborative projects that enhance access and inclusion within national forests and grasslands, particularly targeting demographics currently underrepresented in these recreational spaces. This OOI, which has a response deadline of February 7, 2025, is non-funded and seeks to gather feedback and project ideas rather than provide financial support. The USDA Forest Service emphasizes the values of collaboration, diversity, and stewardship in outdoor spaces. Eligible responders include a range of organizations, from nonprofits to tribal governments. Interested parties must submit applications through Grants.gov, and the agency will follow up within a month of submission. The initiative reflects a commitment to building equitable outdoor environments and fostering community connections, with an emphasis on acknowledging and preserving the contributions of diverse communities to public lands. While the OOI does not guarantee funding, it invites innovative concepts that will enhance outdoor recreation for all Americans.
    The document provides guidance for individuals and organizations seeking federal grants through Grants.gov. It outlines necessary pre-registration steps, emphasizing the importance of registering with SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) before applying for funding, as well as creating a Login.gov account for accessing grants. Clear instructions for registering on Grants.gov are detailed, including email validation and assigning roles such as Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) to facilitate application processes. It advises users on searching for specific USDA Forest Service grant opportunities using targeted filters. Additionally, the document describes three methods for completing and submitting application forms: online completion, offline completion, and reusing previous forms, while stressing the need to check for errors and follow file naming guidelines. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive resource to help applicants navigate the grant application process efficiently, ensuring compliance with agency requirements and deadlines.
    The document encountered an access issue, necessitating Adobe Reader 8 or higher for viewing. Users may need to install the software or adjust their environment settings to enable proper display of the information. Guidance for installation and configuration can be found on the Adobe website. The focus of the document pertains to facilitating the accessibility of government files, particularly related to federal and state/local RFPs and grants, which often require specific software compatibility for efficient review and processing. This highlights the importance of technology in enhancing engagement with government documents and ensuring relevant stakeholders can access critical information for proposals and funding opportunities.
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