None.

Uses and Use Restrictions

For the purpose of sharing costs or services in carrying out authorized functions and responsibilities of the Secretar of Interior with respect to any unit or program of the National Park System through Centennial Challenge projects within the following five areas of emphasis: Stewardship, Environmental Leadership, Recreational Experience, Educational and Professional Excellence.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Non-federal partners may include state agencies, Tribes, local governments, non-governmental organizations, private companies, and private individuals.

Non-federal partners are expected to match NPS Centennial Challenge Cost Share funds at or above 1:1 for their respective projects.

Beneficiary Eligibility

State and local governments, private, public, profit, nonprofit organizations and institutions who are positioned to contribute at least 5 percent of the value of projects included in the list of approved projects and which support the NPS Centennial Challenge.

Credentials/Documentation

Proposals that support the goals of the NPS Centennial Challenge including commitment letters from partners demonstrating ability to contribute the required match and readiness to complete the project. Proposals include description of the project, proposed budget, commitments from recipients.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Proposals are developed in coordination with NPS managers which are then submitted through the NPS Project Management Information System (PMIS) for priority setting by a panel who recommends to Regional Directors and the NPS Director projects for approval in accordance with Centennial Challenge priorities.

The approved projects are placed on an eligible list to receive funding, when available.

The NPS makes the final decisions on funding.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

Upon determination of funded proposals by the NPS, selected applicants will complete SF-424, SF 424B Assurances for Non-Construction.

Award Procedures

Applicants/Proposals selected for funding are notified regarding the next steps to implement a project and are required to submit a project plan that outlines the project objectives and milestones and additional required documentation depending upon the method of project execution. A panel of NPS staff recommend approval to the NPS Director, who makes the final decision on awards.

Deadlines

Determined by NPS management and posted when available on http://www.nps.gov/2016 and www.grants.gov.

Authorization

Challenge Cost Share Provision, Public Law 104-333, 16 U.S.C.; Centennial Challenge Provision (2008), FY 2008 Appropriations Act (December 17, 2007)(see H.R. Rep. No. 110-497, Division F, Title I, to accompany H. Res. 878, at 266).

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Projects eligible for funding are submitted up to 12 months in advance of funding determinations.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

None.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Requested funds shall not exceed 50 percent (50 percent) of eligible projects costs and shall be made on the condition thta non-Federal sources, including in-kind contributions of services or materials, provide the remainder of eligible project costs.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

The project approval, execution and completion period is typically for a time period not to exceed 24 months. Specific requirements for project execution and completion are outlined in detailed project plans and budgets.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

For projects under $100,000 the NPS will require a budget status update and project progress report on an annual basis.

Projects over $100,000 must submit quarterly reports to the Centralized Centennial Acquisitions and Financial Assistance Team.

All projects and activities are monitored for progress and compliance with the use of Quarterly and Final Narrative Reports and the Financial Status Report SF-269.

Recipients are required to submit an SF-270 for reimbursement payments.

Audits

Partners under cooperative agreements with the NPS for centennial projects must adhere to auditing requirements outlined in OMB Circular A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations." Partners who receive more than $500,000 in federal awards in a year are required to have an audit conducted by a third party. The NPS will conduct reviews of a sample of Centennial Challenge projects each year to assess compliance with the program's requirements and the effectiveness of the project in advancing centennial goals. The centennial project reviews will be conducted as part of the Service's annual A-123 programmatic review process and Acquisition Management Reviews.

Records

The recipient must maintain a complete, detailed accounting system to report expenditures of funds and accomplishments achieved under the award. Records, accounts, and supporting documents must be retained three years after submission for final request for reimbursement.

Financial Information

Account Identification

14-2645-0-1-303.

Obigations

FY 07 $0; FY 08 est $25,000,000; and FY 09 est not available.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Varies.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

The Future of America's National Parks, May 2007, a report to the President presenting a bold vision for our National Parks.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Program Manager, Centennial Initiative, Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington DC 20240.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Proposed projects and programs must: Provide for authorized activities to benefit one mor more of the 391 units of the National Park System; Contribute toward at least one of the five centennial overarching goas as stated in The Future of America's National Parks; Be consistent with all Federal, Department of the Interior, and the National Park Service (NPS) management policies; and park planning, compliance, and acquisition/assistance law, regulation and policy; Require little or not additional recurring NPS operating funds to be sustainable; Have a partner(s) willing to contribute at least 50% of the project cost in cash from non-Federal sources as evidenced by a letter of commitment form the partner(s); Are for projects that support specific performance goals. Priority will be given to those identified in the centennial report, such as: address a critical, high priority need of the NPS, have a ready, willing and able partner, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of park management, operations, and employees, imaginative, innovative and collaborative in meeting centennial goals, benefit multiple parks or contribute to national initiatives, produce measurable results, and consistent with Federal assistance regulations and laws.