Natural Resources Training and Education at Dworshak Project | W912EF 23 2 RFP 0002

Opportunity Information: Apply for W912EF 23 2 RFP 0002

The Natural Resources Training and Education at Dworshak Project opportunity is a discretionary federal funding program issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District, within the Department of Defense. It is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the selected organization would not just receive funding and operate independently, but would be expected to work in coordination with USACE to carry out the project. The focus is on pairing hands-on public lands stewardship work with structured outdoor education and job training for young adults, with the broader goal of helping participants build practical skills, personal development, and pathways toward productive employment and continued education.

At its core, the project is designed to accomplish needed maintenance and natural resource work on public lands associated with the Dworshak Project, while simultaneously serving as a training and development platform. The on-the-ground activities described include park maintenance, vegetation management, prescribed burns, landscaping, and related services typical of managing and maintaining recreation areas and natural resource lands. These tasks suggest the work may range from routine upkeep (such as facility and grounds maintenance) to more technical land management activities (such as fuels reduction or habitat-oriented vegetation work) that can be used as real-world training opportunities under appropriate supervision and safety standards.

USACE is specifically looking for organizations that can provide a challenging educational and job-training experience for young adults. The program intent goes beyond short-term labor support; it emphasizes development of skills needed for participants to "lead full and productive lives." In practical terms, that typically implies a combination of employability skills (work habits, teamwork, communication, reliability), technical field skills (tools, safety practices, land management methods), and leadership growth. The notice also highlights offering opportunities for aid with formal post-high school education, signaling that the preferred partner is likely one that can connect participants to education benefits, scholarships, stipends, or other structured support that helps them move into college, technical school, certifications, or similar next steps after completing the program.

The total funding available is modest and tightly scoped. The award ceiling is listed as $32,000, and the agency anticipates making a single award. That indicates a small project with defined deliverables, likely intended either as a targeted local effort or a pilot-scale engagement rather than a large multi-site program. The opportunity is categorized under Natural Resources, with a CFDA (now often referred to as Assistance Listing) number of 12.010, which aligns with Department of Defense assistance programming.

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with direction to consult an additional eligibility section in the full announcement for specifics. In practice, "Others" in federal opportunities can include certain nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, tribal entities, youth conservation corps-type organizations, or other qualifying entities that fit the statutory authority and program goals. Because the goal is youth-focused training tied to land management work, applicants are typically expected to demonstrate capacity to recruit and supervise participants, deliver an education and training framework, manage field operations safely (including any required certifications or compliance for activities like prescribed burning), and coordinate closely with USACE staff and site requirements.

The legal authority for the program is the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, specifically Title 33, Part 2339, Section 213(a), Public Law 106-106-541, codified at 33 U.S.C. 2339. This authority supports USACE partnerships that combine public works or natural resource needs with youth training and education outcomes, which matches the dual-purpose structure described in the announcement.

Key administrative details in the source data include the funding opportunity title and number (W912EF 23 2 RFP 0002), a creation date of April 17, 2023, and an original closing date of May 17, 2023. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a small, single-award cooperative agreement intended to bring in a partner organization capable of delivering youth-oriented outdoor training while completing tangible maintenance and natural resource management work at or associated with the Dworshak Project.

• The Department of Defense, Walla Walla District in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Natural Resources Training and Education at Dworshak Project" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.010.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 17, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 17, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $32,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for W912EF 23 2 RFP 0002

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