Notice of Intent to Sole Source – Brazil and Peru Protected Area Training

The Forest Service (USFS), Washington Office intends to award on a sole source basis under the authority of 41 USC 253 (c)(1), a contract for approximately $15,400.00 to Colorado State University of Fort Collins, CO to provide the following services: The Peru training course will focus on a train-the trainer program in Peru and a public use planning workshop in Brazil. The first activity the institution/expert will develop is an annual regional training program for trainers, lasting 10 days and training between 12-15 individuals. By increasing the capacity of these trainers, a multiplier effect is created as these trainers go out and begin to train hundreds of park rangers and others interested in protected area management over the span of their careers. Through a train-the-trainer program, the organization will continue to share its unique experience, skills and knowledge to train individuals within the park system, NGOs and others. Once trained, the trainers will be strategically positioned to support the park system’s training goals and provide cost effective training throughout the Andes and Amazon. The broad goal of the train the trainer program is to increase capacity of key individuals within local organizations who are currently engaged in park ranger training in the region. The specific objectives are to: Bring together trainers from across the Tropical Andes and Amazon region and create a cohort of highly-trained trainers; Assist trainers in designing more effective training programs that build on their own personal strengths as trainers; Demonstrate new techniques and methodologies for working with adult learners and focusing on the unique challenges of working with park rangers; Provide a forum for exchange of ideas and experiences among trainers in the region; Share trainers’ “toolbox” of activities, materials, and resources. The most effective and sustainable way to train the large number of park rangers in the Amazon is to provide train-the-trainer programs for park rangers. The second activity the outside organization/expert will develop is a public use planning track to be presented over 3 days at the Brazilian Protected Area Congress. The track will include: i. Overview presentation on the importance of public use for building social capital, sustainable development, etc.; ii. Planning for Public Use – frameworks and their applications; iii. Infrastructure for Public Use; iv. Visitor Management for Public Use; v. Interpretation and Public Use; Putting the Public Use Planning tools all together. The outside expert / institution selected must have knowledge of the US Forest Service, USAID, and expertise in Protected Areas Management in South American with specific experiences in Peru and Brazil. The outside expert / institution selected will be an integral part of implementing this activity, and will contribute to the final report and action plan developed in this assignment. As described in FAR 6.302-1, there is only one responsible source and no other services will satisfy agency requirements. This notice is not a Request for Proposals, nor does it represent a commitment by the Forest Service to pay for any costs incurred by the preparation and submission of data or any other costs incurred in response to this notification. No solicitation document is available.