The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity under the Environmental Stewardship Program titled "Natural Resource Management (NRM) Education and Training of Eugene Area Youth Service of Conservation Corps Students." This initiative seeks to partner with a qualified non-Federal public or non-profit organization, youth service, or conservation corps organization. The overarching goal is to support environmental stewardship through youth-focused education and vocational training activities in the Willamette Valley, particularly in Lane County, Oregon.

The purpose of this grant is to offer adjudicated youth from the Lane County Department of Juvenile Justice the opportunity to engage in meaningful conservation and restoration work. These participants will earn restitution, fulfill community service obligations, gain high school or GED credit, and receive job-readiness and vocational training. Primary activities under this cooperative agreement include land stewardship, habitat and campground restoration, dam safety vegetation management, and wildlife habitat improvement. These projects will take place at USACE-managed lands including Fern Ridge, Fall Creek, Dexter, Lookout Point, and Hills Creek Lakes, with limited activities at Dorena and Cottage Grove Lakes.

Funding for the agreement totals an estimated $145,000 over a five-year term, beginning with a $29,000 base year and four option years funded similarly, contingent on performance and fund availability. The agreement emphasizes the recruitment and engagement of adjudicated youth, ensuring that they are supervised, insured, and provided with adequate training, equipment, and transportation. Participants will benefit by acquiring outdoor work skills, environmental ethics, and exposure to public service roles, preparing them for successful reintegration into society.

Eligible applicants must demonstrate experience with similar programs, particularly those involving environmental restoration and adjudicated youth. The application must include a program narrative addressing goals, objectives, management plans, past performance, and a detailed budget. Required submission materials include SF 424 forms, a program narrative, past performance documentation, and certification of appropriation. All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov or email, and applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and possess a Unique Entity Identifier.

The application period opens on April 24, 2025, and closes on May 23, 2025. Any questions regarding the application process must be submitted by May 15, 2025. The estimated award date is May 30, 2025. The grant is 100 percent federally funded, with no cost-sharing required. The selection process includes eligibility screening, merit and budget review, and final selection by the Grants Officer based on alignment with program objectives, management capacity, and past performance.

Questions related to this funding opportunity can be directed to Melanie Barrett at Melanie.A.Barrett@usace.army.mil or by phone at 503-808-4617. Additional contact includes Raymie Briddell at Raymie.L.Briddell@usace.army.mil or 503-808-4428. All project activities will be coordinated between the recipient and USACE, with shared responsibilities for training, supervision, and reporting.