Wolf Trap PLC Project | P18AS00645

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Wolf Trap PLC Project (P18AS00645)

What is the Wolf Trap PLC Project (Funding Opportunity Number P18AS00645)?

The Wolf Trap PLC Project (P18AS00645) is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement under the U.S. Department of the Interior. It focuses on short-term, on-the-ground improvements across Wolf Trap National Park to make picnicking and day-use recreation safer, more usable, and more enjoyable, while also protecting park resources.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

This is a National Park Service opportunity under the U.S. Department of the Interior.

What type of funding instrument is this?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement instrument.

When was this opportunity published?

The opportunity was published on September 5, 2018.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project aims to improve visitor safety and the overall day-use/picnicking experience at Wolf Trap National Park while reducing impacts to natural and cultural resources. It does this through targeted repairs/restoration of impacted areas and by producing mapped information that can help guide visitor use to appropriate locations.

How long is the project expected to last?

The project is designed as a six-week field effort.

Where will the work take place within the park?

Work is planned in multiple park locations, concentrated around areas visitors commonly use or pass through. Examples listed include trails, meadows, the farm pond, and other scenic viewing spots.

What kinds of on-the-ground improvements are included?

The description emphasizes repairing or restoring selected target areas tied to picnicking and day-use recreation. The intent is that, by the end of the project, those areas meet acceptable park standards for condition and safety.

What is the mapping deliverable mentioned in the description?

A key deliverable is mapping picnic-related locations and improvements. The crew will identify and map relevant sites and improvements, then provide that information to the park in a digital format.

What is the mapping data intended to be used for?

The digital mapping product is intended for visitor-facing information distribution. In practical terms, it is meant to help the park guide visitors to appropriate sites, communicate where amenities or suitable picnic areas exist, and manage visitor use more effectively.

Why does the project combine recreation improvements with resource protection?

The project is framed as both a visitor experience improvement and a conservation action. By repairing and restoring impacted areas and better directing visitor use through mapped information, the effort is intended to slow or stabilize decline in natural and cultural resources that can result from unmanaged foot traffic, informal picnic sites, erosion, or repeated disturbance in sensitive areas.

How does this project address safety?

The stated goal is to make picnicking and day-use recreation safer. The description also specifies that repaired/restored target areas should meet acceptable park standards for condition and safety by the end of the project.

Is the work limited to picnic sites only?

The work is focused on picnicking and day-use recreation, and it targets areas visitors commonly use or pass through. The listed locations (such as trails, meadows, and scenic viewing spots) suggest the effort may involve surrounding access and use areas associated with picnicking, not just a single designated picnic site.

What is the activity category and CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under the Education, Employment, Labor and Training activity category, with CFDA 15.931.

Does the description suggest a workforce or service component?

Yes. The opportunity is categorized under Education, Employment, Labor and Training (CFDA 15.931), and it is described as a six-week field effort carried out by a crew producing on-the-ground improvements and a digital mapping deliverable. That combination is consistent with a workforce/service-style public lands conservation project.

How many awards were expected?

The expected number of awards was one.

What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?

The award ceiling is listed as $36,549.

Who is eligible to apply?

The eligibility category is broadly labeled as "Others," with additional details referenced in the original posting. However, the notice also states that no applications will be accepted.

Are applications being accepted for this opportunity?

No. The notice states that no applications will be accepted.

What does it mean that "no applications will be accepted"?

Based on the posting language, it suggests the opportunity was not open for competition at the time of posting or may have been intended for a specific partner arrangement under a cooperative agreement, rather than an open call for proposals.

What does "short-term, on-the-ground improvements" mean in this context?

In this description, it refers to a defined, time-limited (six-week) field effort completed in multiple locations in the park, focused on practical repairs/restoration and related improvements that directly affect visitor use areas and their condition and safety.

What are the expected end-of-project outcomes?

The description points to two main outcomes: (1) targeted picnic/day-use areas are repaired or restored so they meet acceptable park standards for condition and safety, and (2) picnic-related locations and improvements are identified and delivered to the park in a digital mapping format suitable for visitor-facing information distribution.