# National Park Service, Northeast Region

#### Challenge Cost Share Program -- CCSP

**Fiscal Year 2007 Application Guidelines**

REGIONAL CCSP COORDINATOR:

Bonnie Halda, Manager, Preservation Assistance Programs

National Park Service, Northeast Region

U.S. Custom House, 3^rd^ Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone: (215) 597-5028

e-mail: Bonnie_Halda@nps.gov

# [PROGRAM PURPOSE AND SCOPE]{.underline}

The Challenge Cost Share Program (CCSP) seeks to support increased
participation by neighboring communities and qualified partners in the
preservation and improvement of National Park Service natural, cultural,
and recreational resources; and in all other authorized Service programs
and activities\--both outside or inside park lands, and on national
trails as defined under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C.
1241-51).

# [GENERAL INFORMATION]{.underline}

1.  **PROJECT APPLICATION**: The project must be entered into PMIS and a
    hard copy application must be submitted to the Regional CCSP
    Coordinator. The project information must fit within the spaces
    provided on this form -- no continuation sheets will be accepted.
    Please use Times New Roman font, no smaller than 10-point
    (application default font).

> Supporting letter(s) from the potential partner(s) stating a
> commitment to provide the matching funds or in-kind services must
> accompany the application.

2.  **NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS ALLOWED**: Parks may submit no more than
    one (1) application per fiscal year.

3.  **APPLICATION DEADLINE**: The project must be entered into PMIS and
    hard copy applications and letter(s) of support must be
    [received]{.underline} by the Regional CCSP Coordinator via e-mail,
    regular mail, or overnight mail by:

5:00pm, JANUARY 31, 2005

Faxed applications will not be accepted.

4.  **PROJECT SELECTION**: CCSP awards will be made in made in two
    categories: 1) General and 2) National Trails System. Project
    proposals are selected by the Northeast Region CCSP Committee.

5.  **ALLOCATIONS**: In Fiscal Year 2005, it is anticipated that the
    Northeast Region will receive \$223,900 in CCSP funds, to distribute
    to 15 projects for units of the National Park System, National
    Trails, National Heritage Areas, and National Historic Landmarks. It
    is anticipated that future allocations will be similar. Although the
    Federal fiscal year for 2007 begins October 1, 2006, it is
    anticipated that the project funds will be available no sooner than
    February 1, 2007.

######### **APPLICATION CRITERIA** 

1.  **AMOUNT OF CCSP SHARE**: The maximum Federal share request is
    \$30,000; the minimum Federal share is \$3,000. If the proposal is
    part of larger project, the scope of the [CCSP portion]{.underline}
    must be specified. Please note, only the federal share amount should
    be entered into the PMIS funding component.

> Because of the limited amount of funds available for this program, it
> is encouraged that project requests are less than the \$30,000 maximum
> unless a compelling justification is provided for the full funding
> amount. Please note that the committee may choose to fund projects at
> less than the requested amount.

2.  **PARTNER PARTICIPATION**: The proposal must ensure and demonstrate
    active and full support, partnership, sponsorship, and equal
    responsibilities by NPS and non-NPS entities, ensuring a strong
    collaborative effort. [All parties involved in the project must
    benefit]{.underline} from the project's completion and the project
    should potentially strengthen a cooperative relationship between NPS
    and the partner(s).

> Projects that demonstrate innovative partnerships, involve
> coordination among disciplines, take a Region-wide or Cluster-wide
> approach, and/or benefit multiple units of the National Park System,
> National Trails, National Heritage Areas, National Natural Landmarks,
> and/or National Historic Landmarks working together on collaborative
> projects are encouraged.

3.  **COST-EFFECTIVENESS:** The budget narrative must detail sufficient,
    necessary, and reasonably valued costs for materials and services to
    complete proposed work within the scheduled time frame. All work
    elements should have specifically identified associated costs. The
    partner cost share must be clearly identified in the budget
    narrative.

4.  **EQUAL OR GREATER ELIGIBLE NON-FEDERAL CONTRIBUTION**: The
    non-Federal contribution(s) must be at least 50% of the CCSP share.
    All costs detailed in the budget narrative must be directly related,
    necessary, eligible, and properly valued in accordance with 43
    CFR 12. (See ATTACHMENT A, ELIGIBLE COSTS AND VALUATION.) The
    contribution may be cash or in-kind. Total project budget should
    range from \$6,000 to \$100,000.

> CCSP funds should contribute substantially to the success of the
> project. Proposals for which the partner contribution significantly
> exceeds the Federal contribution will be given consideration.

5.  **ABILITY TO COMPLETE PROJECT:** Projects should generally be
    completed within one year. Ideally, the project should be able to
    "stand alone," without future phases or additional components.
    Tangible results must be achieved.

6.  **CCSP PUBLICITY:** Proposals which have a plan for publicity of the
    funded project and the Challenge Cost Share Program will be given
    serious consideration.

7.  **PROJECT COMPLETION FORM FOR PREVIOUSLY FUNDED PROJECTS**: If the
    applicant received funding for a CCSP project in previous years, the
    Northeast Region must receive a Project Completion Form or Project
    Status Form for the previously funded project.

##### Eligibility Requirements for General CCSP Projects

1.  Applications must benefit units of the National Park System,
    National Heritage Areas, designated National Historic Landmarks,
    designated National Natural Landmarks, National Trails, or
    authorized NPS natural, cultural, or recreational programs,
    including the Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program and
    the Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. Applications to nominate
    properties as National Historic Landmarks or National Natural
    Landmarks are also eligible.

> Applications must benefit eligible resources in the Northeast Region
> of the National Park Service, which includes Maine, Vermont, New
> Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New
> Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia,
> and, for the NHL and NNL programs, the District of Columbia.

2.  **CIVIC ENGAGEMENT**: Projects must be consistent with the Northeast
    Region's agenda for Civic Engagement [(please use Section 8.
    "Critical Need" on the application to describe how the project will
    address Civic Engagement).]{.underline} Civic engagement is a formal
    commitment to building long-term, sustained relationships between
    diverse communities, historic sites, and national parks. Through
    interpretation, curriculum-based education, and other public
    programming historic sites can connect the heritage of a park, site,
    or area to its contemporary environmental, social, and cultural
    issues. These intersections between historical and contemporary
    issues are at the heart of civic engagement. Examples of Civic
    Engagement include:

-   Projects that identify heritage resources for resources or sites
    that represent the diversity of the nation.

-   Projects that create or expand interpretation, curriculum-based
    education, or other public programming to connect the heritage of
    the park or site to its contemporary environmental, social, and
    cultural issues. Projects should reach out to students, visitors,
    citizens, and partners in innovative ways to teach the stories at
    the park or site. Projects could include partnerships with academic
    institutions and other educational organizations to incorporate the
    multiple perspectives of current scholarship.

-   Projects that support meetings, workshops, or colloquies on topics
    addressing innovative and inclusive learning, interpretation, and
    education approaches to engaging the public using the park or site.

-   Projects that develop inclusive, comprehensive planning which
    engages stakeholder groups and communities in public discussions
    about the management and preservation of the park or site.

**CCSP projects, with the exception of National Trails System projects,
may [not]{.underline} include physical work on a resource. For example,
restoration, rehabilitation, or preservation maintenance activities are
not eligible.**

## [Eligibility Requirements for National Trails System Projects]{.underline}

The National Trails Systems Act (16 U.S.C. 1241-51), defines four
categories of trails, which together make up the National Trails System:
national scenic trails, national historic trails, national recreation
trails, and side-and-connecting trails. In addition, rails-to-trails
projects are created under this Act. Therefore, projects
[must]{.underline} relate to one of these five types of trails. The
kinds of projects (and program offices) which would qualify include:

-   national scenic and historic trails (trail field offices);

-   NST and NHT segments in parks (park superintendents or trails
    foremen);

-   national recreational trails (RTCA or technical assistance staffs);

-   rail‑trail projects (RTCA).

## [SELECTION CRITERIA]{.underline}

Projects will be ranked on a 100-point basis as follows:

1.  **PROJECT MEETS A CRITICAL NEED**. The proposal must demonstrate
    that, if funded, the project will address a critical civic
    engagement issue or need, as defined in "Eligibility Requirements"
    above, faced by the park, site or program. **(45 points)**

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1.  **PARTNERSHIP PARTICIPATION**. The proposal ensures and demonstrates
    active and full support, partnership, sponsorship and participation
    by non-NPS entities ensuring a strong collaborative effort. All
    parties involved in the project benefit from its completion, with
    work potentially strengthening a cooperative relationship between
    the NPS and the partner(s). New partnerships, innovative/creative
    partnerships and multi-partnership projects are encouraged. **(35
    points)**

2.  **TANGIBLE RESULTS**. The proposal adequately addresses the outcomes
    and products of the project, in addition, the quality and usefulness
    of the products are adequately described. Within reason, the project
    adheres to a one-year time frame. **(10 points)**

3.  **COST EFFECTIVENESS**. The budget is well developed and reflects
    reasonable costs and allocation of funds. **(10 points)**

## 

## [DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS]{.underline}

1\. **CREDIT AND VISIBILITY**: In cases where CCSP funds are awarded to
develop publications, videos, pamphlets, displays, exhibits, and signs
and/or the recipient disseminates the findings or products developed
from the project in professional journals, books, film, videos, or
conferences, a copy must be sent to the Regional CCSP Coordinator as
soon as these become available, even if they appear after completion of
project work. There are no restrictions on these publications other than
the requirement to include the following acknowledgement and disclaimer
in such publications:

This \[research\]\[project\]\[exhibit\] was supported by the National
Park Service\'s Challenge Cost

> Share Program. Points of view are those of the author(s) and do not
> necessarily represent the position of the Department of the Interior.

2\. **AGREEMENT INSTRUMENTS**: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or
the CCSP application can be used as an initial Partnership Agreement to
establish the relationship and the intent of the partnership (i.e., type
of project to be undertaken). But if CCSP funds are transferred to a
partner, a cooperative agreement or a contract must be used. An SF 424
is also required.

> Public Law 104-208, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of
> 1997, gave broad authority to NPS to use cooperative agreements. The
> Act states:
>
> The National Park Service may in fiscal year 1997 and thereafter enter
> into cooperative agreements that involve the transfer of National Park
> Service appropriated funds to State, local and tribal governments,
> other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit
> organizations for the public purpose of carrying out National Park
> Service programs pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 6305 . . . .
>
> Also, under P.L. 104-333 (16 U.S.C. 1f), NPS now has permanent
> authority to enter into challenge cost-share agreements. A \"challenge
> cost-share agreement\" is defined as any agreement entered into . . .
> for the purpose of sharing costs or services in carrying out
> authorized functions and responsibilities of the Secretary . . . with
> any unit or program of the National Park System . . ., any affiliated
> area, or any designated or National Scenic or Historic Trail.
>
> Therefore, in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 6305 and the expanded
> authority provided in P.L. 104-208, if CCSP funds are to be awarded to
> an eligible third party, a cooperative agreement may be used even when
> the project directly benefits the NPS, [provided]{.underline} the
> \"tests\" of: substantial involvement by NPS in the project, and of
> the project involving a \"public purpose\" are met.

a\. **SPECIFYING NPS\' SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT**: If the \"tests\" are
met, both the partner\'s CCSP work and NPS\' substantial involvement are
to be clearly stated in the CCSP application so that, if funds are
transferred to the partner\'s organization, NPS\' substantial
involvement can be stated in the cooperative agreement. The following is
the *minimum* NPS role that may justify substantial involvement:

-   NPS will assign ([name and title]{.underline}) as project manager to
    work with ([name of applicant)]{.underline} to coordinate NPS\' role
    in the project.

-   NPS will assign the following personnel to work on the project:

\[Cite numbers of personnel, titles or relevant skills, and other
details necessary to describe the skills NPS will provide to the
project.)

-   NPS will perform the following activities and tasks:

\[List activities and tasks in measurable terms.\]

> It is recommended that the partner\'s objectives, major work
> activities and schedule be inserted into the agreement; and the
> approved budget be inserted into or attached to the cooperative
> agreement.

b\. **MODEL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT**: Each year the Washington Support
Office (WASO) Contract and Procurement Office issue a model cooperative
agreement for the CCSP program. Contact the Regional CCSP Coordinator
for a copy.

# [PROJECT COMPLETION FORMS]{.underline}

1\. **COMPLETION REPORT FOR COMPLETED PROJECTS**: The one-page Project
Completion Form (Attachment C) is intended to show that funds were
accounted for, spent for planned results, and to give information for
publicizing CCSP results. This form is submitted to the Regional CCSP
Coordinator at the completion of the project.

2\. **STATUS REPORT FOR INCOMPLETE PROJECTS**: For those projects for
which planned work has not been completed at the end of the fiscal year
in which the funds are awarded, and at the end of each fiscal year
thereafter until the project is complete, a one-page \"Project Status
Form\" (Attachment D) is used. A Project Completion Form must be
submitted when work is done.

# 

# 

# [REDISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS]{.underline}

If the park or selected partner(s) are unable to carry out their project
at the time that funds are to be awarded, or if it appears that matching
funds will not be available, the funds will be allocated to the next
priority project that can be accomplished with the available funds.

Attachment A

**[ELIGIBLE COSTS AND VALUATION]{.underline}**

Project costs must be not only reasonable and necessary to complete
project work, but must also be (a) allowable; and (b) valued according
to the appropriate Office of Management and Budget Circular cost
principles (Department of the Interior regulations at 43 CFR 12). Grants
staff in Regional Offices are familiar with these Circulars. The
following are important basic elements:

1\. Allowable in-kind (non-cash) contributions are defined in OMB
Circulars:

A-87 \-- for Agreements with governments;

A-122 \-- for Agreements with non- profits; or

A-21 \-- for Agreements with educational institutions.

Matching share is also covered in OMB Circulars A-110 (administrative
requirements for universities or non-profits) and A-102 (for governments
and Indian tribes).

2.  Non-Federal partner matching share must be cash or goods, volunteer
    labor or services, equipment, or other necessary items that would
    have had to be purchased to carry out the project if it were not
    contributed. For example:

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a.  *Donated supplies or loaned equipment:* If a partner donates
    supplies, the contribution is valued at the market value of the
    supplies at the time of donation. If the partner donates equipment,
    but retains title, the contribution is valued at the fair market
    rental value of the equipment.

b.  *Volunteer services:* In brief, donated services are valued at the
    rate for \"similar work.\" That is:

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(1) In-kind services provided by a government or university partner is
    valued according to rates paid by the partner to its employees for
    performing similar work. If the partner does not have employees
    performing similar work, the applicable rate is that paid by other
    employers for similar work in the labor market in which the partner
    competes for services.

(2) If other organizations other than the partner provides at no cost
    the services of an employee, these services are valued at the
    employee\'s regular rate of pay (except fringe benefits and
    overhead), provided the services are in the same line of work for
    which the employee normally is paid. If the services are in a
    different line of work, then the rules for volunteer work apply.

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3.  Federal funds cannot match Federal funds. To be counted as matching
    funds, the contribution may come from any [non-Federal]{.underline}
    government entity, private individual or organization, charitable
    group, or private business. Funds provided directly from Federal
    sources or Federal agencies are NOT ELIGIBLE to be \"counted\" as
    matching share or cost-sharing, but these contributions
    [may]{.underline} be separately listed to the extent those
    contributions relate to the overall costs of the project.

4.  Generally, CCSP money shall not be used to fund \"regular\" ONPS
    activity. This includes routine maintenance or other normally
    budgeted park operational activity. The following are not to be
    charged to a CCSP project:

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a.  Salaries or wages or day labor of National Park Service staff,
    including supervisory costs;

b.  NPS travel unless part of the project work plan;

c.  Capital equipment; and

d.  Computer equipment purchase unless justified in the application.

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5.  Where CCSP funding is part of a larger project, only the scope of
    work of the CCSP project should be considered in calculating the
    matching share amount to be applied to CCSP.

###