Biological Assistance to Producers for Implementing Conservation in Kansas

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The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking assistance in administering programs and activities relating to natural resource protection, use, and development in the state of Kansas. The objective of the agreement is to provide technical assistance to producers in planning, designing, and implementing conservation practices that contribute to agricultural viability, water quality improvements, soil and plant health, wildlife habitat improvements and other natural resource enhancements. The NRCS programs assist producers in maintaining and/or enhancing their agricultural viability while protecting farm natural resources. The NRCS anticipates the being substantially involved in carrying out the work covered by resulting cooperative agreement(s). Evaluation Criteria: a. Organizational capabilities (40 percent). The adequacy of organizational resources and experience to successfully manage and perform the project. Share in a common mission that supports the natural resource conservation efforts with agricultural producers. Capable of providing in-kind contributions and other sources of financial support toward meeting the objective of the project. b. Project personnel (25 percent). The reasonableness and feasibility of the applicant’s approach for successfully achieving the objectives of the project within the required time frame. c. Understanding the intent of the NRCS administered USDA programs (25 percent). The applicant’s recognition of the value and need of the project and the full understanding of the intent of conservation programs. d. Ability to demonstrate past history and credibility of working with government agencies and farm clients. e. Ability to be certified by the NRCS to receive clearance for network access as well as client data files. (10 percent) All awards are subject to the availability of funds being appropriated by Congress. Cooperative agreements will be awarded for a one-year project. A cooperative agreement has been determined to be the appropriate funding instrument because of the substantial involvement of the NRCS in providing program and technical oversight, coordination and time frames of projects. It is anticipated that approximately $185,000 will be available for this program in FY2009. The available funding for subsequent years is not fixed and may vary considerably from the current funding level. Amendments to agreement(s) may be developed upon availability of funding in follow-on years (approximately a five-year period).

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