Natural Resources Training and Education at Dworshak Project | W912EF 17 2 RFP 0002

Opportunity Information: Apply for W912EF 17 2 RFP 0002

The Natural Resources Training and Education at Dworshak Project grant opportunity is a discretionary funding announcement from 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 federal agency expects to be meaningfully involved in carrying out the project rather than simply providing funds with minimal oversight. The overall purpose is to pair practical, on-the-ground stewardship work on public lands with structured outdoor education and workforce training, specifically aimed at helping young adults build skills that translate into stable employment and long-term personal development.

At its core, the opportunity supports programs that deliver challenging education and job-training experiences while completing needed maintenance and natural resource management tasks at the Dworshak Project. The work described includes park and facility maintenance, vegetation management, prescribed burning, landscaping, and closely related land management services. These activities suggest the project is meant to simultaneously address operational needs on USACE-managed lands (keeping public areas safe, functional, and environmentally healthy) and provide participants with real work experience in conservation, land stewardship, and potentially entry-level natural resources careers.

A central priority is the youth development and training component. USACE is looking for organizations that can offer young adults hands-on learning experiences that build practical skills, employability, leadership, and habits that support "full and productive lives." The announcement also notes a desire for programs that can offer opportunities for assistance with formal education beyond high school, implying that competitive proposals may include a pathway to credentials, coursework, certifications, stipends tied to education, or other supports that help participants transition into postsecondary education or skilled employment in related fields.

The funding details indicate a relatively small award, with an award ceiling of $24,000 and an expectation of a single awardee. The funding activity category is Natural Resources, and the CFDA number listed is 12.010, tying it to Department of Defense assistance listings. Because only one award is anticipated, the selection process is likely competitive, with a focus on finding one partner capable of delivering both the land management outcomes and the training/education outcomes effectively.

Eligibility is broadly listed as "Others," with the caveat that applicants must refer to the additional eligibility information in the full announcement for clarification. In practice, opportunities like this are often aimed at nonprofits, educational institutions, conservation corps, or workforce development organizations that specialize in outdoor leadership, environmental restoration, or job training for young adults. The cooperative agreement format also implies that the applicant should be comfortable coordinating closely with USACE staff, aligning schedules and work plans with federal land management priorities, and meeting any reporting, safety, or compliance expectations tied to work on public lands and the use of federal assistance.

The legal authority for the program is explicitly cited as the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, specifically 33 U.S.C. 2339 (Title 33, Part 2339, Section 213(a), Public Law 106-106-541). That statutory reference is important because it frames the intent of the partnership: using agreements to support public benefit work and training tied to water resources and related public lands stewardship missions managed by USACE.

Administratively, the opportunity number is W912EF 17 2 RFP 0002. The notice was created on March 27, 2017, and the original closing date for submissions was April 28, 2017. While the dates indicate this particular posting is historical, the summary still captures the structure and goals of the program: a single, small-dollar cooperative agreement designed to deliver tangible maintenance and natural resource management improvements at the Dworshak Project while providing meaningful outdoor education, job training, and advancement opportunities for young adults.

• 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 Mar 27, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 28, 2017. (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 $24,000.00 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 17 2 RFP 0002

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